Find The Lake. Discover Your Story.

By Nancy Makepeace, Special Correspondent

The lake was where generations of locals learned to swim, caught their first fish, stole their first kiss and discovered that country sunsets really do live up to the postcards. Ask almost anyone in town, and they'll have a story that begins with the words: "We were down at the lake..."

On a warm summer afternoon, you'll find children jumping from the old timber jetty while their parents pretend not to notice. Picnic rugs stretch beneath towering river gums, anglers patiently wait for fish that somehow always seem bigger in yesterday's stories, and couples wander the foreshore convinced they've discovered the most peaceful place on Earth.

Morning walkers share greetings along the winding paths while ducks paddle lazily through the reeds. By evening, the rotunda becomes the perfect place to watch the last light disappear across the water.

For many, Lake Lamerton isn't simply somewhere to visit. It's a part of their story. For Senior Sergeant Charlie Ross, the lake carries a meaning that reaches back generations: "This place belonged to my people long before there was a township here," he said. "Gran always told me that water remembers. Every footprint, every laugh, every bit of sadness—it all becomes part of the place." Charlie admitted that there were times growing up when the lake became a refuge. "Whenever life got a bit noisy, I'd come down here. Sit on the jetty. Watch the sun come up." He laughed softly. "Didn't always find the answers I was looking for... but I usually found enough peace to keep asking the questions. I reckon everyone in Dabney Meadows has had that conversation with the lake at least once."

Not every Lake Lamerton story is quite so reflective. Brothers Felix and Ashton Lawson remain adamant they once encountered the district's legendary black panther while sneaking down to the lake one winter's night.

"It wasn't a dog," Felix insists.

"Definitely not," Ashton agrees.

"Big black cat. Standing on the eastern bank. Just lapping up water like it owned the place." Neither brother thought to take a photograph. "We were too busy running," Felix explained.

The Historical Society continues to list the panther among its "unconfirmed wildlife observations." Everyone else simply enjoys hearing the latest encounter.

When he's not leading Tai Chi sessions in King's Park or welcoming guests to The Golden Lotus, Herbert Lom occasionally finds himself drawn to Lake Lamerton,"Some mornings the park is exactly where I need to be," Herbert explained. "Other mornings I come here." Standing barefoot near the shoreline as the first rays of sunlight reach across the lake, Herbert slowly moves through his Tai Chi forms."Water has a way of settling the spirit. Whenever life becomes a little unbalanced, this is where I come to recalibrate."

Whether the tranquillity comes from centuries of natural beauty or simply watching the sunrise over still water remains a matter of spirited debate.

Lake Lamerton has also played host to some of Dabney Meadows' biggest celebrations.

One year, the Agricultural Show was held beside the lake, where families wandered between livestock displays, sideshow alleys and amusement rides with the water providing the perfect backdrop. It was, according to lifelong resident Dot Martin, "a wonderful idea... until Wally got involved." Dot still shakes her head at the memory."Wally Driscoll had enjoyed far too many beers that afternoon," she recalled. "Next thing we know, he'd convinced his mate Norm McDonald that it'd be a terrific idea to take one of the dodgem cars for a spin after the show packed up."

Somehow, the pair managed to bounce through the temporary fencing, career down the embankment and drive the dodgem car straight into Lake Lamerton.

"Absolutely disgraceful," Dot declared. She paused."Mind you..." A smile crept across her face. "I've never laughed so hard in all my life."

Not long afterwards, organisers agreed the Agricultural Show should perhaps move back to the showgrounds permanently, far away from the shoreline. Most locals still reckon it was probably for the best.

Throughout the year, the lake continues to bring the town together. Families gather beneath the stars for Christmas carols. Children compete in raft races every Australia Day.

The Lamerton Classic Fishing Competition remains fiercely contested, despite no two anglers agreeing on who caught the biggest Murray cod.

The Footlight Follies have rehearsed beneath the rotunda. Marriage proposals have been accepted on the jetty. Friendships have been forged on the walking tracks. And more than a few broken hearts have found comfort watching the sun disappear beyond the western hills.

Of course, no discussion of Lake Lamerton would be complete without mentioning its more mysterious reputation. Locals have long whispered about strange lights drifting silently across the water after dark. Teenagers claim they've heard voices echoing across the lake when no one else was around. Older residents smile knowingly before changing the subject altogether. Perhaps every country town needs a few stories that are better left unexplained.

For visitors, Lake Lamerton offers everything you'd hope to find in an Australian country town. Peaceful walking trails. Shady picnic spots. Excellent fishing. Native birdlife. Beautiful sunsets. And enough quiet corners to make the rest of the world feel wonderfully far away.

Just don't be surprised if someone points across the water and begins with,"Now this probably sounds ridiculous...but do you see what I'm seeing?" Around here, that's usually how the best stories begin. After all, if Charlie Ross is right and water really does remember...who knows what stories lie waiting beneath the surface?

#Storytelling #LGBT #QueerFiction #ImmersiveExperience #SmallTownMystery #AustralianFiction #SerialStory #ArchivalJourney

Daz James

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