The City of Coffs Harbour Council’s efforts to resurrect the historic South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic to a place of prominence in the city has been highly commended at the National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.
The kerosene-fuelled light stood sentry at Coffs Harbour from 1880 until 1975 when the lighthouse was automated and the optic decommissioned.
‘Old faithful’ then fell into a dark period, being stored in a Harbour Drive building for decades until a plan was hatched to restore it to a stage of glory. This involved a complex procedure which required a partial roof removal as the large and heavy jewel was craned from the table tennis centre.
The project saw many roll-up their sleeves for the prized piece in the Yarrila Arts and Museum Collection.
“The expertise of North Coast Cranes came to the fore while there was funding support through Property and Development NSW, and the building acumen of Lahey Constructions,” said City Planning and Communities Director, Chris Chapman.
“And hats off to International Conservation Services and International Art Services who did the bulk of the work and all of the planning.”
Around 400 people attended the official opening of the optic by Mayor Paul Amos in March.
The optic wasn’t the only shining star at the National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards, with Council’s restoration of the Sawtell Reserve Hall and the Yaamanga Around Here permanent exhibition at YAM both short-listed.
“Recognition in these awards is an honour for the community. It’s also a bow to the vision of setting the bar high and getting it right in the delivery,” said Council General Manager, Natalia Cowley.
“The optic, Yaamanga and Sawtell Reserve Hall were all ambitious projects and it’s a credit to the City and its partners for seeing these through and not shying from a task just because it’s demanding.”
