Lake Hamilton to Celebrate 50 Year Anniversary
Published on 14 October 2026
Southern Grampians Shire Council will begin planning celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Lake Hamilton in November 2027, recognising one of the town's most iconic community assets.
The anniversary plans were considered following a Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Jayne Manning at the August Council Meeting, with Council receiving a report outlining potential opportunities to commemorate the milestone.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said Lake Hamilton is one of the Shire’s most recognisable recreational locations with Council looking forward to celebrating with community.
“The Lake has become synonymous with Hamilton and the Southern Grampians and this is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything it means to our community,” said Cr Heslin.
"For generations, Lake Hamilton has been a place where people have come together to walk, exercise, picnic, fish, celebrate special occasions and enjoy the environment. It's a feature that locals are incredibly proud of and one that many visitors remember long after leaving our region.
“Council will now start planning the festivities with a number of family-friendly activities and ideas being discussed from live music, food trucks and BBQs, markets, and activations like light displays or fireworks. We've also been in discussions with user groups to establish how they can be included in the celebrations.”
The Lake was originally created through the construction of a clay embankment across the Grange Burn River following more than a decade of community discussions and advocacy, particularly by former Councillor and Mayor Kevin Thomas that started back in the 1960s.
From 1967-1970 extensive planning, consultation and costings were completed with community support secured in 1972, enabling Council to proceed with the project with assistance from a $128,000 grant from the Hamer Government.
Construction of the retaining wall was completed in May 1977, when the Mayor turned off the outlet valve to commence the filling of the Lake with the facility officially opening on 12 November 1977.
The 50th celebration will aim to highlight Lake Hamilton's enduring importance as a destination for recreation, community connection and tourism, and recognise its contribution to the social and cultural life of Hamilton over the past five decades.
Further details about the anniversary celebrations will be announced as planning progresses ahead of the 2027 milestone.