At Araluen Botanic Park, countless women have left their mark, yet none quite as profoundly as Noelene Drage.
In honour of her recent passing and significant contributions to the park, the Araluen Botanic Park Committee has endorsed the naming of the park’s Rose collection to her memory.
Noelene Drage was a local resident whose profound love for nature and heritage preservation catalysed a crucial turning point for Araluen Botanic Park. Her journey began in earnest in 1989, a time when the park faced imminent threats from property developers. Recognising the danger, Noelene courageously placed a financial deposit to temporarily secure the land, effectively shielding it from the market while she rallied support from the government and community.
Her initial efforts sparked a broader conservation movement. In May 1990, Noelene’s initiative culminated in a pivotal public meeting attended by 170 individuals dedicated to the park’s future. This meeting led to the formation of a steering committee that played a crucial role in safeguarding the park.
Thanks to their relentless advocacy, the Minister for Planning and the Arts at the time, Kay Hallahan, announced government plans to negotiate the acquisition of Araluen, ensuring its preservation.
Thanks to Noelene’s vision and activism, the Araluen Botanic Park Foundation was established. This not-for-profit organisation assumed responsibility for managing, restoring, and developing the park, roles it proudly upholds to this day.
Under the foundation’s care, Araluen Botanic Park has blossomed into a cherished public site and a pivotal element of Western Australia’s cultural and natural heritage.
Noelene Drage, along with contemporaries such as Mary Hargreaves, epitomises the profound impact of community-driven conservation.
Today, visitors strolling through Araluen’s thriving gardens witness a living legacy—a testament to the power of dedicated individuals like Noelene who committed themselves to preserving the beauty of nature for future generations.
Noelene’s story is more than a narrative of environmental conservation; it is a powerful tale of empowerment, leadership, and the enduring human spirit that seeks to protect and enhance our world.
As Araluen Botanic Park stands as a beacon of community heritage and natural splendor, it is a tribute to visionaries like Noelene Drage.
As we approach Mother’s Day, we invite all to reflect on her legacy by visiting the Noelene Drage Rose Collection—an ideal setting to appreciate the impact of her work and the beauty she helped preserve.
May she rest in peace.
