Martin Oldfield (son of Barrie and Sallie) and Sallie Oldfield, seen here with a framed picture of Barrie and his published book of the wildflowers located in Willoughby Park. Photo: David Baylis
Camera IconMartin Oldfield (son of Barrie and Sallie) and Sallie Oldfield, seen here with a framed picture of Barrie and his published book of the wildflowers located in Willoughby Park. Photo: David Baylis Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Lesmurdie: feedback wanted on proposal to rename Willoughby Park to honour Barrie Oldfield

Sarah BrookesMidland Kalamunda Reporter

COMMUNITY feedback is being sought over a proposal to rename Willoughby Park in Lesmurdie to honour the work of the late WA Men of the Trees founder, Barrie Oldfield.

The reserve in Sanderson Road, Lesmurdie was suggested for thename change by the former Lesmurdie and Districts Community Association.

Mr Oldfield took particular interest in the park as it is a remnant of native bushland and over the years he documented and photographed 87 wildflowers and plant species that he published in a book for the interest of local residents.

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He was awarded the highest civic award possible in the then Shire of Kalamunda, as an Honorary Freeman in 1998 for his contribution to the environment and he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 1999. He was also awarded a Centenary

Medal in 2001 from the Federal Government.

Mr Oldfield, who died in 2015, was responsible for planting more than 3.5 million trees in his lifetime.

His son Martin Oldfield said renaming the park would be a fitting way to celebrate his dad’s life.

“Dad had a definite calling to be an advocate for the voiceless yet mighty natural environment,” he said.

“It was his passion and he poured his talents into making people aware of the importance of preserving what is left and having great respect for it.

“He was fascinated by the wondrous variety and beauty of trees, plants and flowers and their role in providing for us. “Renaming the park would be recognition for his work and a reminder that we all have a responsibility to care for and take notice of our natural environment.”

To have your say visit engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au

Submissions close on July 2.

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