This past week marked a couple of personal milestones for me—a mid-life birthday and 21 years with Great Ocean Road Real Estate. Both have given me pause to reflect on my journey so far.

One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to say I’ve worked with the same Lorne core team for over two decades. In an industry known for its fast pace and frequent turnover, that kind of consistency is rare. But it’s also what sets GORRE apart from a lot of our Surfcoast competitors.

There’s a special kind of trust, understanding and a lot of humour that comes from working alongside people for so long. We know each other’s strengths, we support each other in challenges, and we celebrate the wins—big and small—together. To me GORRE is more than a workplace; it really is a second family.

But none of it would mean as much without the community around us.

Having lived in this beautiful part of the world for 46 years, I can honestly say there’s no place quite like it. The connection to the land, the lifestyle, and—most importantly—the people, makes working in real estate here incredibly rewarding. Whether we’re helping a young family find their first home, a family buying their coastal dream, or a long-time local make a move, the relationships we build along the way are what drive us.

Real estate is so much more than property. It’s about people, timing, trust, and local knowledge. After 21 years in the industry—and all of them spent right here—I’m more committed than ever to providing service that reflects not just experience, but genuine care for our clients and community.

So, thank you to every client, colleague, and community member who’s been part of the journey so far. Here’s to many more years doing what I love, in the place I love, with the team I love.