07/07/2026
The man, myth and legend! Dr Peter Atkinson, a true Lorne local legend whose dedication to the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club spans over 50 years. From his early days sitting on the beach offering medical advice during the Pier to Pub to his ongoing commitment today, Dr Pete has witnessed the club's growth and created lifelong connections with its community. With his unwavering commitment and passion for the club's mission, Dr Pete is a cherished figure in Lorne, embodying the spirit of service and community that the surf lifesaving club represents.
How are you connected to the Lorne SLSC?
Initially I got involved in the mid 1970’s because my children joined the nippers program. For many years we would sit and observe the lifesavers from the club, but it wasn’t until the nippers came on board that I was involved with the club. Initially I just joined as a parent, and as there weren’t that many parents around the club in those days and they knew I was a medico, I used to get asked about any ailments that people had, and gradually became a bit more involved.
When Pier to Pub started in 1981 they asked if I’d like to be involved a bit more. I used to just sit on the beach, and someone would call me over the loudspeaker system if they needed me. As time went on, they said: “We’ll give you a T-shirt and you can come and actually be at the surf club for anything that’s needed”, so it was just me sitting outside the surf club for a while.
They called me during patrols and things too if they needed to talk to me. They don’t as much these days, but still every now and then!
What is your favourite event at the club?
I suppose I’d have to say the Pier to Pub.
What makes the community within the club so special?
It’s a very friendly place with like-minded people, and I enjoy it because it’s a service to the community and anybody who gets involved can help out in that situation. I have met some wonderful people through the club, and some of them have become my very good friends.
What is your favourite memory that you've had as a member of the club?
I think my favourite memory would have to be watching my five grandchildren do nippers. They all enjoyed it very much and were well involved with it all for many years from Under 7’s through to SRC. Beyond that they are all Bronze Medallion holders, some with Silver and Gold Medallions too, one being a lifeguard!
What about the Lorne SLSC inspires you?
That it’s a service organisation performing an essential service, and if the club wasn’t there to patrol and educate, there would be a lot more casualties on the beach.
What is the easiest way to get more involved within the community?
The easiest way for people to get more involved in the community of the club is to volunteer. If it’s your kids involved, you can volunteer with nippers, and otherwise just get involved with the events that the club puts on! There are of course the Mountain to Surf and the Pier to Pub, but there are other events too that anyone can be involved with. What I’m liking to see now is how many of the parents are getting their Bronze Medallion and patrolling and all sorts of things, so they are really getting much more involved in the club.
Interview By Angel Atkinson
