| Status: | Life Member 2022 |
| Roles held: | Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Representative 2021 – 2024 |
| Member / Non Operational 2020 – 2021 | |
| Secretary / Treasurer 2012 – 2020 | |
| Member / Non Operational 2011 – 2012 | |
| Secretary / Treasurer 2001 – 2010 | |
| Member / Non Operational 1999 – 2001 | |
| Years of service: | 25 years |
| Awards: | Shoreham Life Member Award 2022 |
John Lorkin – A quiet backroom CFA Volunteer by Ann Lorkin, 2024.
The Lorkin families were given the gift of a “beach house” in December 1982, at Cliff Rd Shoreham by their father Mr Jim Lorkin – formerly a Ballan farmer who had learnt the importance of the CFA volunteers.
Every year he would send John down to the station to make a donation in acknowledgement of the value of a rural fire service.
The messenger became a non – operational member upon his retirement to Shoreham in December 1999.
John attended the Sunday morning working bees / gatherings and monthly meetings as religiously as Ann, his partner, attended St Peters Catholic church. In addition, he spent countless hours of his own time attending to accounts and activities supporting the brigade. He appreciated the leadership of Bill Kleiss. John gained knowledge of the Brigade through his work as Secretary and Treasurer from 2001- 2010 and 2011-2012. John was also the VFBV rep 2021 – 2024. He also worked with the Women’s Auxiliary in helping organise the yearly Christmas Community BBQ party – a highlight in the Shoreham Community’s social calendar. Similarly raising funds for the new Shoreham Fire Station with events like Shoreham Secrets Raffle and Donations.
John was also willing to help out with providing food and assistance to the firefighters whenever he could.
A memorable moment for us as a couple was in January 2003. The general store had closed which had always been the site of the Auxiliary to prepare food for the brigade. So, without hesitation our new kitchen was turned into the catering headquarters for the Women’s Auxiliary to prepare food and drinks for the firefighters at the Shoreham Beach fire. A real learning experience for me.
Together we have enjoyed the company and friendship of members / families. In particular we hold fond memories of the community at the Dinner Dances, performances of Dimboola. The Shoreham CFA has been a keen part of our rewarding and fulfilled retirement in Shoreham. We have been truly blessed in our lives here.
In 2022, John became the first fully non–operational brigade member to become a Shoreham Life Member – voted unanimously by the brigade for his outstanding service in support of the brigade including his leadership and hard work in the Secretary and Treasurer roles, also recognising his general outstanding service in support of brigade and facilities and including his work within the Auxiliary (note: for a short time, called the Shoreham Support Group recognising the contribution of members such as John and Peter Renkin).