TEN years ago, local conservationist Sallie Coulson captured headlines around the State when she spent 15 days on a 1mx2m platform 30m up the King Jarrah Tree.

Her action was part of protests to halt logging in the area and put in motion the development of the Wellington National Park.

On Australia Day, she gathered with other conservationists to celebrate the anniversary of the win.

Sallie said it was an amazing experience, with other protesters creating a vigil at the base of the tree and sending up food via a pulley system.

Hundreds of people from throughout the State turned out to support her stand.

And on Australia Day 1998 she enjoyed one of the most spectacular views of the fireworks from her platform and was sent up icecream and champagne to celebrate.

“It was quite amazing,” she said.

“The support was overwhelming and it gave me a great deal of strength and incredible hope.”

Her protest ended when Tactical Response Group officers plucked her from the tree using a cherry picker before issuing her with a $2000 fine.

Almost immediately the State Government bowed to public pressure, buying 400 hectares of forest to put under protection, and the national park was announced at the next State election.

Now there are plans to continue the fight.

Preston Environment Group spokesperson Peter Murphy said conservationists originally wanted 30,000 hectares put aside as national park and they would now push to see the remaining 13,000 added.

Australia Day also marked the launch of a new campaign to fight a 2004 decision to remove the 700 hectare Wellington Discovery Forest from the national park.