Learn to Swim
1927 - The Herald "Learn to
Swim" drive was held, continuing until 1931. Many major swimming carnivals were organised by the Blackburn Swim Club to
be held at the Lake.
Protecting the area
Since the Lake was owned by the
Adult Deaf and Dumb Society, its immediate surrounds were protected from development for many years after the Society ceased
to use the property as a flower farm.
1938 - Residents feared the loss of this environment. The Blackburn
Progress Association was keen to acquire the lake and surrounding land for development as a public reserve. The government
of the day promised to assist with "improvements, construction of baths, etc." While ownership of the entire 75 acre site
remained in the hands of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society, the area continued to be popular with the general public.
1954
- The Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) Planning Scheme zoned the area around the Lake as public open space
but it was still owned by the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society.
During the 1960's, high intensity and often incompatible
uses of the Lake, including speed-boating, water-skiing, illegal rubbish dumping, canoeing, yachting, fishing and open-fired
barbecuing began to threaten the fragile environment. Sensitive vegetation along the lake fringe, which provides vitally
important habitat for wildlife, was destroyed in many parts.
1964 - The Adult Deaf Society sold 13.4 ha,
including the lake and some surrounding bushland, to the MMBW; and Camberwell Grammar purchased 6.5ha of land east of the
Lake.
Becomes a Sanctuary
1965 - A Committee of Management, comprising local
residents, was formed to preserve the flora and fauna in the reserve. Blackburn Lake was declared a "Sanctuary" by Council
in response to concern over motor boating on the Lake.
Early 1970s – The Adult Deaf Society demolished
their premises and constructed a new complex further west, at the corner of Central and Lake Roads. Today, during summer
months, when the grass dries, the foundations of the old home, dormitories and out-sheds are clearly visible on the lawn
between the playground and the Visitor Centre.
1975 - Following extensive efforts by local residents, the
City of Nunawading purchased 14.3 acres (5.8 ha).
1976 - A further 33.1 acres (13.4 ha) was purchased by
the City of Nunawading. An environmental assessment and master plan was prepared by the Committee of Management and Nunawading
Council's Parks and Recreation Department.
First Management Plan
1980 - Land
owned by Camberwell Grammar, south of the Lake, came under threat of subdivision. Following a report on the land prepared
by the Committee of Management, the area was acquired by the City of Nunawading, bringing the total area of Blackburn Lake
Sanctuary to 63.8 acres (25.8 ha). Deliberate measures were introduced to reduce visitor impact and encourage regeneration.
The network of walking tracks was established, reducing access to the Lake's edge. Along with landscaping to reduce erosion,
such measures help to stabilise the lake’s edge. Several areas were fenced off, including the old picnic site (now
relocated to the present area).
Education Program
1985 - Friends of the Lake
Education Program was initiated.
1986 - A revised Blackburn Lake Master Plan was prepared.
1991
- The Visitor Centre was extended to accommodate the expanding Education Program. Jointly funded by Nunawading Rotary
Club, the State Government Eastern Area Scheme and Council, the project cost $143,000. A hexagonal activity room, storage
areas, and landscaping including pond and enclosed courtyard were built.
1992 - Land for Wildlife status
was achieved. Council purchased 0.5 ha along Central Road, at the north east corner of the Sanctuary, from the MMBW.
1994
- Fire burnt 8 ha of bush to the east of the Lake, and reburns 4 ha of bush in 1997.
1995 - A major
playground upgrade and extensive lake-edge revegetation works begin. The Committee of Management became the Advisory Committee.
Community Ownership
1998 - Final payment made on the Camberwell Grammar land.
