The re-opening of the Bluff Falls tourist area on Sunday after restoration works is a huge feather in the cap for the ‘Friends of Murray Mountain Parks’ group, which is celebrating 25 years of volunteerism.

The occasion was marked in December when Parks Victoria Ranger, Scott Thompson, presented several members with a 25 Years Recognition of Service pin and a cake adorned with gum nuts and leaves was duly served with a cup of billy tea.

From humble beginnings, the ‘Friends of Mount Lawson State Park’ was incorporated in September 1999. Working alongside the local Parks Victoria staff, the group’s early volunteering efforts and application for grant funding saw the installation of the information board and trestle bridge viewing platform at the entrance to the park and the production of a bushwalkers guide widely available through information outlets.

In November 2013, at a special general meeting it was decided to change their name to ‘Friends of Murray Mountain Parks’ to more accurately reflect the extent of Parks Victoria’s responsibilities in the North East. It was hoped to attract the interest of like minded people living nearby that now included areas of The Kurrajongs, Burrowye Reserve, Burrowa Pine Mountain and Mount Mittamitite.

Coming together every few months, many working bees have taken place in the endeavour to develop and enhance the visitor experience of these unique local natural assets. Clearing and maintaining walking tracks, camping sites and picnic settings is an ongoing activity; and with successful funding applications and group initiatives many achievements have been realised.

New walking tracks, picnic settings, information boards and signposts have been installed. Other works included removal of invasive plants, native tree planting, landscaping for erosion control and rehabilitation projects at sites depleted by natural causes – particularly the Black Summer bushfires of early 2020 and by human usage.

However, the group’s activities are not always about effort. Many field trips to historic sites and locations of special interest and spectacular views have taken place.

Members have also regularly taken part in the area’s many flora and fauna surveys, often informed by leading experts in their field. Several ‘torch light’ walks have been held and members also meet for the rare ‘purely social’ occasion.

The name of the group says it all. Many lasting friendships have been forged across the years. There is always a barbecue on the go with a good spread of tucker at hand along with a cup or two of billy tea; and it is always a joy when families come along – children and young adults always adding something special to the day.

It is the group’s hope that through supporting Parks Victoria’s official re-opening of Bluff Falls, more people will see the enjoyment of getting outdoors and involved in the process of creating and maintaining a healthy and user-friendly parks’ experience.

This article appeared in Corryong Courier, 22 May 2025.