by Janice Calcei, from 2008 notes by Tom Cross
Updated: 4 April 2026
In 2008, the Crooked Brook Forest committee celebrated the opening of the opening of the CBF lookout. The ceremony was attended by special guests Andy Van Dijk representing Worsley Alumina, Leon Price and Drew Griffiths representing Department of Environment and Conservation and Mark Chester representing the Dardanup Shire Council.
The lookout opening was a milestone in Crooked Brook Forests 14-year history to that time and one of many achievements which culminated to form unique walk and bike trails for able-bodied and disabled people.
Use the side arrows below to step through the images of the 2008 opening of the Crooked Brook Forest lookout.
The Crooked Brook Forest Community Group worked in conjunction with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (formerly the Department of Environment & Conservation) from 1994 to develop “A Forest for All People”.
In 1994 there was a lot of bush and not much else. To make the forest accessible to the general public was no easy task. In the first 5 years of development the Committee, a group of forest lovers, would tackle projects such as trail clearing, construction of car parks, dam building, bridge construction, rammed earth footpaths, drainage and even drop toilets or thunderboxes. Nearly all of these decisions on how to do this were made by the CBF group itself. It was thanks to those early years of hard work that the Crooked Brook Forest exists today.
As well as creating a forest for all people, it also brought the local community together. Fundraisers, general meetings and busy bees all contributed to local families getting involved and helping out in one way or another.
As the years progressed more people visited the forest and more projects were undertaken. A second toilet was installed, the 2nd half of the rammed earth path was completed including a large bridge across the gully, gravel pits were cleaned up and rehabilitated, enlarging of the carpark, new trail markers, construction of the 10 km trail, a barbecue with tables and chairs, signage for trails and new car parks, construction of a picnic shelter, information bays and information plaques placed along the trails, inclusion of the Mundi Biddi Trail and not to mention the ongoing maintenance which includes a continuous toilet and barby roster and regular security check to try and control rogue trail bike riders, fire bugs and vandals.
Over time the Committee had massive support from Department of Enviornment and Conservationa and it’s successor ……. and the Dardanup Shire Council. Without their support CBF would certainly not have grown as quickly as it did.
Over the years Crooked Brook Forest has been frequently used as an education tool for primary school students. These students will also eventually bring their families to enjoy the forest.
To celebrate the outstanding efforts of volunteers a barbecue social “Thank You” night was held at Crooked Brook Forest on 9 March 2025. This was a wonderful evening and a great success. Everyone appreciated being recognised for their commitment and dedication to make the forest what it is today.
Members who were unable to attend the event, together with members that have passed away, were acknowledged for their contribution in the speech made by Chairperson, Brian Barrett.
References:
- Speech notes by Tom Cross to celebrate the opening of the Crooked Brook Forest lookout in 2008.
Images:
- All images provided by Jill Cross in 2026.
Dardanup Heritage Collective 