Arboretum celebrates 34 years

More than 120 community members and government representatives gathered at the Pearl Beach arboretum to celebrate the 34th anniversary on August 22.

Guests included Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein, Cr Peter Freewater, Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews and Arboretum life members Mr Bill Hawthorne and Ms Yvonne Stanger.

Representatives from the Australian Native Plant Society, Sydney University, Sustainable Natives, local area bushcare groups, Samaritans Foundation in Newcastle volunteers and community members were also in attendance.

Crommelin Native Arboretum president Mr David Singleton said the celebration gathering was a great opportunity for key community stakeholders to gain a greater appreciation of the unique setting while enjoying guided walks and a barbecue lunch.

"Life membership was awarded to Geoff Miller, one of the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly year in and year out to keep this native botanical garden looking so good," Mr Singleton said.

"Geoff has been involved with the Arboretum for over 16 years, spending 13 years on the management committee.

"His most significant contribution has been his work on the wildlife corridor where he was a founding member and was in charge of the small group commissioned to revegetate this burnt out area some 10 years ago.

"He was involved with the initial landscape design with the University of NSW, the plant selection with botany students from University of Sydney and offcourse the big task of planting trees and shrubs.

"He trialled new planting concepts like long stem planting and could often be seen on an early summer mornings carting buckets of water to his thirsty trees

"In later years, he adopted more of a mentoring role, advising new volunteers on the best (and usually proven) methods of tree planting and care.

"Some of his trees have grown to 25 feet in five years, so I think he knew what he was talking about."

Mr Miller said: "The Arboretum became an important part of my life and I really liked working with like minded people and the social interaction that flowed from those occasions".

The Crommelin Native Arboretum is a reserve in Pearl Beach that covers an area of four-and-a-half hectares.

The area was set aside by Gosford Council in 1976 at the request of the Pearl Beach Progress Association for the development of a native botanic garden.

The Arboretum was developed and is maintained on a voluntary basis by a management committee elected annually by the members of the Arboretum, together with the help of many members of the Pearl Beach community.

Press release, 23 Aug 2010 David Singleton, Crommelin Native Arboretum