THE power of co-operation was demonstrated in spectacular fashion on Wednesday morning, when the lantern was lifted off the historic Crookhaven Lighthouse by a navy Sea King helicopter and transported to the South Coast Correctional Centre, where it will be restored by prisoners.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This was the first milestone in the long road ahead for the lighthouse, which despite its historical significance had been abandoned and left to the destructive whims of vandals and the weather.
And it was a fitting farewell gesture of goodwill from 817 Squadron and its mighty Sea King, both of which will step into the pages of history when they are decommissioned next week. It was also a great show of military co-ordination, with the navy, air force and army all contributing.
They say from little things big things grow – and that is exactly how the lighthouse project has evolved. From a call for community projects from the new correctional centre, to a suggestion on radio, a campaign in this paper, the formation of a steering committee, which had to cut through much green and red tape with invaluable help from Shoalhaven City Council, the Department of Lands, the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (to name just a few), to yesterday’s historic moment.
In coming months, a friends of the lighthouse group will be formed, making it possible for all in the Shoalhaven – and even international lighthouse enthusiasts – to roll up their sleeves and get involved in this exciting project.
