Established more than a decade ago, the group maintains and enhances the Steep St Domain to preserve its history and ensure a safe, pleasant environment by clearing weeds, maintaining tracks, and protecting historic elements including water races and trees planted on Arbor Day 1892.
"I think the satisfaction comes from resurrecting a neglected and overlooked part of Lawrence’s history, and the feedback that comes from the people — locals and visitors — that enjoy using the space," volunteer spokesman Mark Robbie said.
"It’s a rare privilege for a small towns to have such a large public space and creek in its centre."
The group’s working bees over the last year uncovered and cleared the original Lawrence township water supply dam, constructed a stone retaining wall and picnic table overlooking Wetherston Creek, and extended a new scenic track over the golf course.
"Core volunteers Stevie Robertson, Ali McCraw, Mark Robbie, and Roger Anderson, have dedicated countless hours to transforming the Domain into a beautiful, well-maintained space for walking and picnicking," a council spokesperson said.
"The work of the Lawrence Domain Volunteer Group ... provides a welcoming environment for new residents ... the community and visitors."
The Domain is the tree-covered hill directly to the north of Lawrence’s main street, Ross Pl, a short walk from the entrance to Gabriel’s Gully, past a billboard displaying local history and old gold-mining equipment.
Its walking and cycling tracks cover different routes of anywhere between an easy 200m to 300m to a 1.5km circuit.
