LONG-TIME Hastings residents Cath Le Page was farewelled at the arboretum in Kooloonbung Nature Park recently, and it was only fitting that the function was attended by both mayor Peter Besseling and Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams.
Both paid considerable attention to Cath’s long years of community service, which has included being a friend of the Koala Hospital, library and Kooloonbung Nature Park.
Cath was instrumental in getting KNP established in 1988.
Along with her husband Cam, ecologist John Wrigley and a group of very enthusiastic volunteers, it took many years of clearing weeds, especially lantana, privet and cassia in the 50-hectare park.
The very spot where the arboretum is today was a rubbish dump – now it is a lovely picnic area. The paths on the western side have been sealed, and it is a comfortable walk all round the park. The area now attracts many species of birds, native plants and is full of animals both small and large.
In more recent years as she has become a little less mobile, she has still wielded the broom on areas of the paths and boardwalk and joined in the regular Monday working bee with her famous biscuits.
Cath is moving to Sydney to live with her daughter. She will be missed by all her friends and fellow volunteers.
