Surf Coast Shire, like most municipalities in Victoria, is holding elections for the next four year period. Voting will be by postal vote closing on 23 October and results will be declared in 13 November. Nominations by prospective candidates closed on 22 September. Gary Allen was the only candidate who nominated for the Lorne Ward and as such, will be elected unopposed.
Over the past eight years, Committee for Lorne worked closely with our Councillor, Clive Goldsworthy. We intend to build a similar alliance with Gary Allen after he and the other eight Councillors are sworn in on November 14. In the interests of introducing Gary to our community we spoke to him recently.
Gary for those who do not know you, can you briefly give your background?
I was born and raised in Lorne in the 1940s and 50s. Both sides of my family (Allen and Anderson) came to Lorne in the 1870s, the Allens as orchardists and the Andersons as brickmakers. I was so fortunate to have parents, who although not wealthy, were loving and sacrificed much for their three children. After attending the Lorne School, I travelled daily on the school bus to Belmont High School in Geelong. I then studied economics and education at Melbourne University and I started my teaching career at Balmoral High School.
You returned to Lorne in the 1990s?
Yes, my first principal appointment was at the Lorne P-12 College in 1990. The school had grown from Prep to Year 8 in my time, to include studies through to Year 12. It was wonderful to see that students and parents had the choice to stay in Lorne to complete secondary schooling. Classes were small and the students received personalised learning from a committed and skilled staff. For me, these were very happy years.
Retiring to Lorne eight years ago, what is the main change that you see?
I think the most significant change has been the changing demographic of the population. There are more retired people from business and professional backgrounds. Whilst Lorne residents have always been community-minded and committed to each other, I believe there are more people who have networks and influence beyond the township.
Why did you decide to stand for Council?
I think that my record shows that I have been invested in the Lorne and district communities. I love its people, natural beauty and heritage and I believe I offer commitment and advocacy experience. I know the outstanding contributions made to the Shire and Lorne Ward by Clive Goldsworthy and his encouragement to me was an important factor in my decision.
What are the first steps after the election?
Councillors will be sworn-in on November the 14th, then a six-day intensive induction program follows. There will be several briefings and two council meetings before Christmas. At the start of the year work begins on the new Four-Year Plan for the Shire and the 2021/2022 budget will be framed. The Council will also continue to work on the implementation of the 2020 Local Government Act.
How do you plan to represent the views of residents in Council?
I have experience in advocacy, working for the educational needs of rural communities in our ward, state and nationally. I have a proven record leading three organisations in Lorne to each having a plan for growth and increased community relevance. I will hold meetings on specific matters, when appropriate and residents will have access to me through the traditional ways.
I will trial being available at a set time at the Lorne Community Connect and at the Deans Marsh Cottage to talk to residents about their issues and I will use electronic survey tools and face-to-face surveys to assess the consensus view. I also have the benefit of two community-based plans – The Committee for Lorne’s “Achieving Lorne’s Aspirations” and the “Marsh and District Community Action Plan”, both were developed after extensive community consultation.
What do you see as the important short and long-term issues facing the Ward?
In the short-term recovery from the effects of the pandemic, both economically and emotionally. The Deans Marsh community faces the loss of significant businesses that are important to their economy and sense of belonging. They wish to hold onto the rural village focus. To attract and develop cottage style businesses, is I believe important and well documented in their action plan. Lorne’s economic recovery is inextricably linked to the hospitality and tourist industries and I will work closely with the Lorne Business and Tourism Association to revitalize these sectors.
In the long-term the question of affordable housing and accommodation in Lorne is a long-running issue, but it has become increasingly more urgent to implement workable solutions. In Lorne, but more urgently in Deans Marsh, access to services providing equity to the residents and most importantly that will allow those who wish to age-in-place, I see as an important long-term issue.
In both communities I believe that we must look to industries that both protect and utilise our beautiful environment for the benefit of all. The hinterland, forest and coast all offer amazing opportunities for people to stay, to walk, to observe and experience leisure that is not crowded and is very individual. Perfect in a post pandemic world.
There are naturally many issues important to residents. I am committed to listening to people and to represent the consensus view and not my personal beliefs – they obviously shape my personality, but I am here to represent and engage with the community.
