Claire Roberts was a keen environmentalist, and with the late Ted Faggetter was the co-founder of the now named Friends of the Eastern Otways (FEO), and also a long time member of Angair.

She died in 2012, and in recognition to her work and vision in Aireys Inlet, a memorial seat was commissioned by the FEO, built by the Anglesea Men’s Shed (Geoff Giles), and was recently sited along the Currawong Falls Track by Parks Victoria.

Installing the seat in November 2014

Friends' team who helped install seat

Sat April 18 was the date to officially unveil the seat, which has a panoramic view of Aireys Inlet, the sea and surrounding hills along the track about 2km from the Distillery Creek Picnic Ground.

Views across to Aireys Inlet taken in November

 

Three walks took place by a combined FEO/ANGAIR group, all designed to meet at 2pm at the seat. Other than some residual smoke from a nearby burn off, the weather was perfect. One walk was the entire ten km circuit led by Joe Bolza involving 8 walkers. 

Walkers at start of track

 

It is a great walk with some good views of the vegetation and local geology.

Another six walkers did a circuit of the Distillery Creek Nature trail, followed by the uphill trek to the seat site, led by Lachlan Richardson. Another contingent of about 25 people drove by 4WD along Loves Track, and walked in from the Trig Point, carrying with them a superb cake by Ros Gibson, sandwiches, biscuits and drinks.

Claire's cake

Very appropriately, several descendants (and generations) of Claire’s family were able to attend. We all met at the appointed hour, the seat was unveiled and many photographs were taken. 

Family on seat

 

Rachel Faggetter talked about Claire’s achievements and the family expressed their appreciation.

Rachel talks

Family say thank-you

The panorama was admired by the many newcomers to the area, even with the recent burn-off smoke softening the view. After a toast in dappled sunshine, all returned home before the arrival of the cold, windy front.

Wendy and Matilda

Margaret MacDonald