Years after the initial idea came about, the Ouyen Lake officially opened 12 months ago. Caitlyn Morgan chats with locals about the impact the lake has had on the community in its first year. Pictures: Carmel Zaccone
IT took two decades for the Ouyen community to receive a recreational and environmental water place.
The idea initially was to re-establish the lake out near Walpeup but after many years it was determined that the site at Walpeup was not a viable option for a lake and, as a result, the project was moved to Ouyen.
The dedicated committee members and members of the community worked tirelessly, volunteering thousands of hours to the project and on October 5, 2018, the Ouyen Lake was declared officially open to the public.
Committee member Tracey Lawson says since day one, the community has embraced the new asset and made the most of what has been established.
“It’s been unreal, even in September there were people still swimming and canoeing,” she says.
“It’s being used all of the time, the walking track has been particularly popular and many have been using it to paddle-board and kayak.
“There are also many people coming down with fish and chips for dinner or bringing down their barbecues and picnics.”
Tracey says while the lake has provided people will plenty to do, it has also become a place where new friendships have formed.
“One of the nicest things to have seen is the different generations interacting with one another,” she says.
“There is one lady that told me how she often felt isolated and alone but the lake has seen her build relationships with others in the community.”
Since the opening, the community has witnessed the development of many additions to the lake including a pontoon jetty, walking track, Dementia Community Garden and boat ramp, which will open in the coming days.
“The committee members are all very proud to be involved and proud of our community for getting behind us to get this project up and running,” Tracey says.
Tracey says the project is ongoing and plans are in the place to see the development of a toilet block and barbecue area in the near future.
Sailing in the right direction
OUYEN’S John Plozza had always wanted his own sailboat, but never expected he would be able to sail one locally.
With the Ouyen Lake now open, John’s dream quickly became a reality and his sail boat has often been the talk of the town.
“It’s the first boat I ever purchased and it was after sailing in Daydream Island a long time ago that I thought I would like to buy one,” John says.
“I have sailed a few times on the lake, but it did kick me off one day and I went straight through the sail.
“There was a bit of a whirl wind, I lost my balance and I was off, I couldn’t believe it.
“Thankfully I had a life-jacket on.”
With his boat currently needing to be restored, John has enjoyed watching the bird life.
“The bird life that has come in has been unreal,” he says.
“The lake is just fantastic.
“You can sail and there are lots of other activities you can do on the lake – it’s a great asset for the town.
“It really is just a great thing, it’s a place to unwind and forget about your problems.
“It’s one of the best things that have happened for our town.”
John hopes to have the boat restored shortly, with plans to utilise the lake in summer.
Loved by all members of the family
FINDING something that all five of your children want to do is no easy task.
But the Shine family have found a winner with the Ouyen Lake, a place that keeps every member of the family satisfied.
“It’s just an enjoyable place to visit,” Mum Sam says.
“Over summer we would spend at least three nights a week there and this coming summer we expect to come even more often.
“It’s a lot cheaper then any other activity and it’s a place the kids can just have fun.”
Sam says the whole community has embraced the new asset to the town.
“The community love it,” she says.
“Even when it’s cold they can still use it for a picnic, barbecue or to exercise on the walking track. It gives people something to do. I am expecting it will be very popular as it gets warmer.”
Eldest son John, 13 says the lake is the “perfect” place to spend time with his family.
“It’s big enough for all different activities without having to share sections of the lake,” he says.
“Before we had the lake, dad never had time to take us fishing on the river but now we can be here within a few minutes.
“It’s just a good place to spend time together.”
‘Finally’ a place to fish
THERE has been no shortage of fishing at the Ouyen Lake since it first opened last year.
One of the most popular attractions of the recreational lake is the opportunity for locals to fish in their “own backyard”.
“It’s so important for us to have this lake,” Ouyen Anglers Club secretary Paul Dean says.
“Instead of having to only being able to travel to fish on weekends, we can now just head down here after work.”
The Ouyen Anglers Club was formed five years ago with the anticipation of the Ouyen Lake looming.
In March the club hosted their first annual fishing competition, attracting more than 50 entries.
“Previously we would have to travel for any competition, so it’s great to be able to host a competition in our backyard,” Paul says.
Ouyen Anglers Club members Lorraine and her husband Barry Dean says it’s a rare occasion when there isn’t someone fishing on the lake.
“There is always people here, no matter the time, there is never not people here,” Lorraine says. “It’s just beautiful, it’s peaceful and it’s a real credit to the lake committee.”
Tomorrow the Ouyen Anglers Club will host its second fishing competition, which will coincide with the Ouyen Lake Family Fun Day, aimed to celebrate 12 months since the official opening.
A place for the whole community
THE Ouyen Lake is quickly becoming a place for all members of the community, particular with one of the most recent additions a Dementia Community Garden.
More than 100 members of the community worked with Mallee Track Health & Community Service to create the garden during national Dementia Action Week in September.
Mallee Track Health & Community Service activities worker Vanessa Marks says the all-abilities community garden is one initiative that aims to help make Ouyen a dementia friendly community.
“The families and the carers of someone with dementia think it is wonderful to have a nice, peaceful place they can go and sit,” she says.
“Our aim is to break down discrimination around dementia, we are trying to make out community dementia friendly, so that people caring for others with dementia or those with dementia themselves don’t feel isolated or alone.
“This is a small step towards making a big difference to the lives of those living with dementia.”
The Dementia Community Garden features more than 100 native plants, all in the shade of purple.
“While the colour of dementia is teal, it is difficult to find a teal native plant so we went with purple as we all wear purple on a Wednesday, which is our dementia day,” Ms Marks says.
Now that the garden has been established, it has been left in the hands of the community to ensure it is continued to be watered, weeded and cared for.
“We expect this to be here for many years to come and is an ongoing project,” Vanessa says.
A memorable location
THE Ouyen Lake will always be a memorable place for one local couple.
On March 9 of this year, Danielle and James Shaddock became husband and wife with the picturesque Ouyen Lake the “perfect” backdrop for their very special day.
“We always knew we wanted to get married in Ouyen with James a local farmer, we know Ouyen is where we are going to be forever,” Danielle says.
“We decided on the lake because we thought it was pretty special that the community got together and made something so beautiful, we wanted to celebrate that, while also keeping money local.”
Danielle admits the wedding did draw some interest from the rest of the community.
“We had so many sticky noses on the night, I think most of Ouyen knew about our wedding,” she says.
“Most people had been down and checked it out before we even got there.”
With the weather still warm in March, Danielle says the lake not only provided a “beautiful” view but was great entertainment for many of the guests.
“There was quite a few who went swimming on the night,” she says.
While the pair have not yet decided how they will spend their first anniversary next year, a visit to the lake will most likely be on the cards.
THE Ouyen community will tomorrow celebrate 12 months since the officially opening with a Family Fun Day. Registration for the fishing competition is from 9.30am and activities for the whole family from 10am. The event will conclude with fireworks.
