LIGHTHOUSE enthusiasts from across Australia will converge on Coffs Harbour from 3-6 September for the Annual General Meeting of Lighthouses of Australia (LOA).
They will visit South Solitary Island Lighthouse and other local areas of historical interest.
“It’s a fantastic privilege to have so many lighthouse history buffs come and see the great place we live in,” Friends of South Solitary Island Lighthouse (FOSSIL) president Dr Grant Cairncross said.
“This will be a great chance to highlight some of our important maritime history, and the adjacent Jetty area.”
The AGM will be held at Park Beach Bowling Club on Saturday, 5 September.
Keynote speaker will be Senior Curator at The Australian Maritime Museum in Sydney, Ms Inger Sheil, a Titanic researcher and author.
In addition to her book Titanic Valour: The Life of Fifth Officer Harold Lowe Inger, Ms Inger has published her research in The Commutator, The Atlantic Daily Bulletin, The White Star Journal, Encyclopedia Titanica and Signals Magazine.
“It’s the first time LOA has held its annual gathering on the Coffs Coast,” Dr Cairncross said.
‘Because it is rotated around the many places with lighthouses across our States and Territories, it could also be 50 years before it returns.”
A full agenda for the weekend includes a helicopter trip to South Solitary Island with a lighthouse tour, or boat trip around the island, together with a Whale Watch Experience on Friday, 4 September.
Guests will also be encouraged to take self-guided tours of the Coffs Harbour Museum Tour at Yarrila Art and Museum.
On Friday, 4 September, a drinks and canapés event around the Jetty Optic, which will be lit for the occasion, will be held at Mie Mies Restaurant, adjacent to the jetty. The Sea Shanty Singers will entertain guests.
The events are open to the public.
More details can be found on the Friends of South Solitary Island Lighthouse Facebook page.
By Andrea FERRARI
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