The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group marked a significant milestone on Sunday 23rd November, holding its Annual General Meeting at the newly restored Butts Pavilion alongside a celebration of the group’s twentieth anniversary. It was a day that combined well-deserved recognition of long-serving volunteers, an efficient meeting, delicious catered lunch, and some party games to encourage social interaction and provide some fun. President Lee Mead stepped down after a decade of leadership, and long-time committee member Cheryl Kane was warmly farewelled for her remarkable service.
AGM Highlights
The day began with the AGM, where Lee Mead, President for the past ten years, officially stepped aside. Helen Evans was elected to the position, with Lee taking on the role of Vice President to support continuity and ensure her knowledge and experience remain available to the group. The meeting also marked the departure of Cheryl Kane, a committee member who has served since 2009.
A Decade of Leadership: Lee Mead
Lee has provided an extraordinary decade of leadership to the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group. From her first Field Day in 2008 through to her ten years as President, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment, enormous energy, and a genuine passion for protecting the local landscape. Lee has championed the work of the TCCG across the region and beyond, attending conferences, forging strong partnerships with agencies, supporting landholders, and organising over a hundred Field Days. She has been a tireless cactus warrior, a steady and respected voice in the environmental space, and an inspiring advocate for community action. The group extends its sincere thanks to Lee for her outstanding service and her willingness to continue contributing as Vice President.
Farewell and Thanks: Cheryl Kane
Cheryl Kane has been an integral part of the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group for fifteen years. As the group’s first official Secretary in 2009, she helped establish the systems, identity, and promotional materials that shaped the organisation in its early years. Known for her efficiency, organisation, and calm capability, Cheryl continued on the committee after stepping down as Secretary in 2017, becoming the much-appreciated coordinator of catering for Field Days and events, complete with her legendary homemade cakes. She has personally destroyed thousands of wheel cactus plants, contributed to countless projects, and supported the group in every imaginable way. After twenty years of involvement in the war on wheel cactus, Cheryl is hanging up her injector, and the TCCG thanks her sincerely for her enormous contribution.
Celebrating 20 Years of Cactus Warriors
The twenty-year celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on how far the TCCG has come since its beginnings in the early 2000s, when wheel cactus infestations were spreading across the region.
Early Beginnings
In 2005, a small group of concerned locals—Barrie McKnight, Ian Grenda, and the late Wendy French—submitted a proposal to the Victorian Government to address the alarming spread of wheel cactus. Their advocacy resulted in a significant grant of $30,000, funding three years of collaboration with Parks Victoria and local ranger Noel Muller to treat infestations on Mt Tarrangower and educate local landholders.
This initiative triggered the formation of a dedicated committee focused solely on wheel cactus control. Founding members included Barrie and Ian from Nuggetty Landcare, Wendy from Maldon Urban Landcare, Caroline Lovel and Judy Bromage from Baringhup Landcare, and Noel from Parks Victoria.
By 2009, the committee formalised as the Tarrangower Cactus Control Committee, joined by Cheryl and Tony Kane as Secretary and Treasurer. Tony has served as Treasurer since then; an exceptional contribution.
Growing Community Action
With three clear objectives: supporting Parks Victoria, educating landowners, and determining the most effective control methods, the group began hosting community Information Days, starting in October 2005. These evolved into regular monthly Field Days, rotating between the Maldon Historic Reserve and private properties, and attracting 30–50 volunteers at each event. Over fifteen years, these gatherings built the highly respected “Cactus Warrior” volunteer army.
Beyond Field Days, the TCCG has driven numerous projects, promotional stalls at public events, partnerships, and community campaigns. Volunteers, landowners and Parks Victoria staff have worked together to reduce infestations and raise awareness.
Twenty Years of Impact
Across two decades, the group has shared knowledge, empowered landholders, built community, and importantly, killed an enormous number of wheel cactus plants. The TCCG has earned several awards along the way and continues to be recognised as a model of community-led environmental action.
