Lighthouses of Australia Inc

Welcome everyone to the July/August 2006 edition of the Lighthouses of Australia Inc Bulletin

As some of you will know, Denise Shultz, the regular editor of Prism (the LoA magazine for members), is currently overseas. Somewhat foolishly I offered to put together the July/August Prism in Denise’s absence – at the same time as the July/August Bulletin!

It has been a real challenge juggling both publications at once, especially with International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend (ILLW) coming up, and the need to ensure that it too was properly promoted on the website. However, they are now both completed, and I hope you enjoy reading both of them.

Features
This Bulletin begins with a profile of the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, a magnificent light which hopefully will again be participating in ILLW. Next we have two historical stories from Mike Pitcher, a former employee of the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service. Mike tells us the story of the covert Operation Cape Bowling Green, and the lighting of the Hydrographers Passage, both of which occurred in the 1980s. Denise continues our lessons in Pharology 101 - this time in acetylene, and how it was the breakthrough in lighthouse automation.

News
The Commonwealth Lighthouse Service held its annual reunion again in Brisbane, celebrating the CLS's 91 anniversary. Restoration of the Breaksea Island Lighthouse has officially been launched, and the redevelopment plans for Nobbys Head Lighthouse have been passed by the local council. John Ibbotson brings us news on a number of recent upgrades and changes to lighthouses around the country.

Notices
Two important notices – the Annual General Meeting of Lighthouses of Australia Inc has been scheduled for 20 September 2006; and International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is next weekend - 19-20 August 2006. Over 20 Australian lighthouses are participating this year, with special activities planned at some lighthouses. Check with your local lighthouse to find out what's on for the weekend. The Beacons of the Sea exhibition is still travelling around Queensland - moving onto Gladstone next.

International News
The Dennis Head beacon on North Ronaldsay in the remote Scottish Orkney Islands, is slowly deteriorating and faces an uncertain future, whilst in Italy, the Italian Navy is selling off some of the lighthouses in its care, to ensure their preservation.

Letters
Lastly, we have a number of letters - the most amazing armchair knitted by a lighthouse keeper, an enquiry as to where to purchase lighthouse postcards, and a report on the tours at the newly opened Norah Head lighthouse.

Enjoy it, and I welcome your feedback - send your comments or suggestion to me via feedback@lighthouse.net.au. 

We also hope that as ongoing Bulletin subscribers, those of you who are not members will take up the opportunity to join LoA Inc, and assist us the preservation of Australia's lighthouses.

Regards,

Kristie Eggleston
LoA Inc Webmaster & Bulletin Editor

Email Bulletin Editor	Contents > Next