Life membership at arboretum

The committee of the Crommelin Native Arboretum in Pearl Beach has awarded long serving member Mr Phil Westlake life membership at a special presentation on September 21.

Mr Westlake has been a member of the Crommelin Native Arboretum for more than 24 years and president for 15 years.

Publicity officer Mr David Singleton said Mr Westlake was involved with many projects and issues including the incorporation of an additional hectare of land into the Arboretum to form a wildlife corridor between Brisbane Water National Park and the original Arboretum.

"He also instigated and assisted in the erection of Crommelin Cottage and a shade house to propagate indigenous trees and shrubs for the local community, as well as generally overseeing the development and maintenance of this unique area of native vegetation," Mr Singleton said.

"The arboretum has areas of rare sandplain forest with banksias, grass trees, geebungs and Sydney Red Gums, open grassed areas, creeks and wetlands, natural bushland, as well as "The Pleasance", a small, enclosed amphitheatre.

"Phil will continue to be involved with the Arboretum, but has said it was time for someone else to have a go."

Press release, 22 Sep 2008 David Singleton, Crommelin Native Arboretum