The Balyang Sanctuary was established on 9 hectares of mainly swamp-land in 1972. The riverside land was originally bought by Captain Foster Fyans. (1790-1870), Geelong`s first Police Magistrate, who built a home ` Ballyang` there. The house was demolished long ago and in the early 1970`s work began on transforming the unsightly area into a beautiful sanctuary. Water for the lake comes from storm-water drains and is supplemented from the river by a series of small cascades and fountains