History of the The Friends of Perry Lakes

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In 2021, the Town of Cambridge published it's 10 year management plan and masterplan for Perry Lakes Reserve for 2021-2031. The plans were endorsed by Council in November 2021. Included in the management plan was an objective to 'Encourage community stewardship of the site through the establishment of a Friends of Perry Lakes group'. 

Members of a Friends Groups share the common goal of conserving and protecting a natural area. The type of activities undertaken by a group depends on the level of expertise of its members, the goals of the group and the management requirements of a reserve. There are a range of activities that Friends Groups may undertake to improve the conservation value of a reserve. Further information on the purpose and management of Friends groups within the Town of Cambridge is available here.

In October and November 2021, the Town hosted two community meetings to seek interest in forming the group. Around 30 people attended each meeting and an acting committee was appointed to consider what steps needed to be taken to formalise the group.

By February 2022, the acting committee had completed their deliberations and called an Annual General Meeting where it was agreed the group should become incorporated and voting for a new, permanent committee took place.

Since the AGM, the committee has been busy finalising incorporation, setting up a bank account, soliciting members, developing the group's logo, procuring equipment and clothing, developing this website and hosting several weeding days and educational walks around the lakes.

We look forward to continuing this momentum over the coming years and growing the group into a friendly, active, effective and respected community organisation.