Tchum Lake

Tchum Lake is a popular spot for locals to enjoy the surrounds of the Mallee and cool off in the summer heat, as well as being a habitat for wildlife. It took many years, and countless hours of work from volunteers, to make Tchum Lake a reality. Read below to find out more about the history:

1939: When there was enough rainfall to fill Tchum Lake North, it was a popular recreational area for locals and visitors from the late 1880s until the 1930s. A public meeting for plans to deepen the lake and build a bank across a narrow portion of the lake was held in the summer of 1939.

1940: Tchum Lake North was very busy in the summer of 1940 with the Tchum Lake Aquatic Carnival held on Boxing Day. The swimming area was opened by Shire President W.H. Rickard, and novelty events such as catching the goose and greasy pole fights were held. Dressing sheds, shelters and picnic facilities were built and for a decade, Tchum Lake North was a popular recreational facility dependent on rainfall. The Birchip Swimming Pool was opened in 1956 and this caused less use of the lake over time before it eventually became a haven for water birds and wildlife.

1956-1973: In 1956 and 1973 flood waters covered the lake and damaged roads, with the cost of $40,000 to cut and restore the Birchip-Wycheproof Rd. A committee was formed to apply for funding to excavate Tchum Lake South, remove trees and build banks from the excavated sand to lower the area by 80cm. This would provide 80 acres of lake area and Cr. A.D. Hillgrove was the most determined to complete the project.

1979: In 1979 the local community came together to raise funds to open Tchum Lake South. This included $1500 from the Apex Club, $6000 from a door knock and public appeal and $1500 from the Lions Club. The Tchum Lake South Committee raised considerable funds as well as the schools which held walk-a-thons, raffles, and competitions. Government assistance was sought and Victorian Premier, Mr Rupert Hamer, promised $30,000 on a $ for $ basis in April 1979.

A $49,000 grant from the ministry of State Development, Decentralisation and Tourism for the boat ramp and toilets was received as well as $10,000 from the Lands Development Grant for picnic facilities. This left $52,400 to be raised by the local community. Donations of wheat and grain by farmers, other fundraising ventures and the contribution of individuals and clubs as well as the in-kind donations of time, equipment and services eventually saw the project come to fruition.

After much negotiation in 1980, the surplus flood water from the state rivers and after supply commission channels was made available. Don Cozens cut the embankment while Robert Cozens drove the dozer and the first channel of water came in. In September, the first official Tchum Lake Development Committee was formed with President Jim Rickard, Secretary Lorraine Cunnington and Treasurer Ted Stannard.

On November 9, 1980, Tchum Lake South had its official opening.

2000 fish were released into the lake in 1982 and the Centenary Committee recognised the wonderful work of A.D. Hillgrove by unveiling the memorial at the lake to him.

In 1987 a sigma car valued at $7300 was raffled. Further facilities, extra water, picnic tables, fencing, access roads, powered sites, the development of a camping area constantly called for fundraising and membership fees were looked into.

Unfortunately, the 1996 droughts took place which saw a generation of children grow up without the joy of Summer at Tchum Lake.

In 2006 the Committee once again worked hard to ensure the renewal of Tchum Lake South.

After much lobbying of government, pipeline management, local government, shire, and every other source of funding imagined, Tchum lake was once again a possibility and in 2009 the lake was to be filled again. Fundraising was on again in earnest as the old facilities were in bad disrepair. 2009 was a big year with the Mallee Bull Roundup Committee donating $10,000, shire donating new playground equipment and surrounds, a new Tchum Lake Aquatic Committee being formed and an estimated $215,784 needing to be raised to provide a community building, upgrades to toilets and picnic areas, a floating jetty and extensions to the boat ramp.

The Helen McPherson Charitable Trust donated $51,000 towards the multipurpose room, Charlton and District Community Bank donated a tractor for mowing worth $4950, a FRRR grant raised a further $4750, the Australian Government Department of Housing and Families a further $4750 and continued fund raising, memberships and camping fees have upgraded all facilities.

2011 saw the fishing contest reintroduced and New Year Eve celebrations held.

In 2012, the A.D. Hillgrove Pavilion was opened by his descendants, a testament to his foresight in the completion of Tchum Lake South. The pavilion is used by campers and lake users as well as hosting weddings, reunions, and birthday celebrations.

Tchum Lake continues to be a very popular spot for locals to enjoy the surrounds of the Mallee and cool off in the Summer heat, as well as being used for recreational water activities and wildlife.