One of the region’s oldest footy clubs is battling with, of all things, the prosperity of its home town.
Lorne Football Club, established in 1896, has been struggling to maintain an committee in recent years.
It’s understandable given the effect of coastal Lorne’s sky-high property prices on the permanent population. Even the local traders struggle for staff who can afford to live in town.
Luckily a reasonable crowd turned out for the club’s annual general meeting last weekend to fill various positions. But more help is needed, with the club urging members to join sub-committees to be formed in the next few weeks.
“It takes a community to build a club,” said the Dolphins in a statement.
Hopefully what’s left of the community hears the call.
He might be on the nose with some of Geelong’s self-appointed gatekeepers but two events this week demonstrated the popular appeal of colourful Mayor Darryn Lyons.
First he swanned in late to Monday night’s Golden Plate Awards only to be swarmed at any break in proceedings by guests seeking selfies with the mayor.
Next day brought a very different crowd but a similar reception when Lara schoolkids clapped and cheered widly as he visited with bright mohawk and ’Giddy-ups’ aplenty.
Mangle council procedures? Sometimes. Infuritate the old-guard? Usually.
Amuse the masses? Always.
Newtown’s Robert Costa is a class act.
Fresh from a successful campaign to secure funding for the next stage of redeveloping Geelong Performing Arts Centre, the multi-millionaire businessman and GPAC trust director wasn’t about to forget anyone who helped.
His gracious and generous acknowledgements even extended to personally writing to the Indy, among others, with thanks for its “wonderful support”.
Such a change to the usual tone of letters from Geelong’s elite!
Robert Costa, take a bow.
