Lake Tyers

In the 1960s, the uncertain future of aboriginal reserves was highlighted in Victoria.

The Lake Tyers mission reserve was established in Gippsland in 1861; a century later, it was one of only two reserves remaining in the state. But after the Victorian Government adopted an assimilation policy, Lake Tyers' residents were given their marching orders. They were expected to relocate to towns, cities and farms to find work, and in 1962, the government announced that all residents would have to leave Lake Tyers within three years.

However, after a long campaign, the government gave into pressure and passed the Aboriginal Land Act in 1970. This gave the residents of Lake Tyers security of tenure which was also extended to the residents of the other Victorian reserve, at Framlingham in the state's west.