By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A NEW gateway at Cannibal Creek Reserve was unveiled over the weekend.
The Bill Parish Gateway was officially opened to members of the Cannibal Creek Reserve Committee of Management (CCRCoM) volunteers and members of the local pony club.
The gateway is dedicated to four men who secured the Garfield North reserve for community use.
Mr George Fry spoke about the history of the Cannibal Creek Reserve and the inspired work of the original men to obtain the reserve for use by future generations.
The land was secured in 1953 by Bill Parish, George Fry Senior, Reg Sykes and Fred Cox.
At the time, the Tarago District Scouts held regular activities at the reserve to fulfill the usage requirements for it to remain pubic land.
Mr Parish was the inaugural secretary, a position he held for many years and left a legacy of funds to the CCRCCoM which was increased by committee funds.
The gateway has been constructed out of locally sourced granite.
Currently, the reserve has registered user groups of Cardinia Scouting Group, Cannibal Creek Pony Club, Mt Cannibal Adult Riding Club, West Gippsland Quarter Horses Association and the West Gippsland Branch of the Australian Stock Horse Association.
It is also used by horse riders and bushwalkers.
