One group of prisoners from the South Coast Correctional Centre has been clearing masses of lantana and other weeds from around the historic headland site.

At the jail itself another group has taken on the painstaking task of cleaning and repairing the steel and copper lantern.

As part of a campaign to restore the lighthouse Corrective Services offered manpower to help with the restoration and work on the grounds.

Last year a navy helicopter was used to lift the lantern and transport it to the jail for refurbishment.

South Coast Correctional Centre acting senior overseer Andrew Robertson is a boilermaker by trade and runs the jail’s engineering workshop.

He has been amazed at the original workmanship that went into the lantern.

“It is because it was made so well that it has lasted this long,” he said.

“We have carefully dismantled the lantern. The next step is to have is lightly sandblasted. Then we will repair any damage and paint it with a high zinc product to help protect it in the future.

“We’re going to be putting this back in a really good condition.

“What we do to repair it will not be permanently attached, so we won’t be affecting the original structure.

“I’d like to be able to say I’ve played a part in helping make it last for another 100 years,” he said.

Lighthouses Australia vice president Ian Clifford said there was nothing he wanted ds.

“This campaign is certainly making more headway than ever before and the more you can involve the community the better the chance of success.”