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 Norah
Head Lighthouse Centenary 2003
The crucial role played by lighthouses
in Australia's maritime history is again under the spotlight
because of the centenary of the Norah Head light station.
Busy shipping lanes between Newcastle and Sydney are
guarded by the Norah Head light, which started operating
on 15 November 1903.
The Norah Head centenary has also served to reinforce
the historical importance of the lighthouses scattered
along Australia’s coastline.
For example, the NSW Central Coast around Norah Head
has been the scene of at least 50 shipwrecks.
Waters in the area also feature in Australia's defence
history, with the torpedoing of the BHP ship, Iron Chieftain,
during World War II and the loss of the Danish-built
ship, 'Nimbin', which struck a mine about two years
earlier.
Norah Head lighthouse also boasts links to Edward Hargraves,
the man credited with discovering the first payable
gold in Australia. Hargraves, who lived nearby, lobbied
colonial authorities for a warning station to reduce
the number of shipping disasters along that stretch
of coast.
An interesting feature of the Norah Head lighthouse
is the fact that the lens floats in a bed of mercury,
to reduce friction. These days, the light is turned
by electricity, but, in its early years, it revolved
by means of a long chain and a set of weights - just
like a grandfather clock.
Wyong Shire Council has worked in partnership with
the Norah Head Light House Trust, chaired by former
local federal member and Federal Transport Minister,
Peter Morris, to ensure that centenary is widely promoted.
Mr Morris is hoping that the event will help generate
greater interest and awareness of local maritime history.
View a poster
that outlines the community celebration held to mark
the centenary of the Norah Head lighthouse. (PDF File
- 239 KB)
For additional lighthouse information visit:
Wyong Shire Council is keen to hear from individuals
or organisations that would like to help with the celebrations.
For additional information, contact the Council on (02)
4350 5203.
 Community
Annual Report
Each year, Wyong Shire Council distributes a broad
summary of the Council's activities, achievements and
aspirations.
This year, the Community Report features the centenary
of Norah Head lighthouse.
<../archive/about/community_annual_report01.htmlt01.html" class="bodytext">Click
here to view the report.
Page last updated: 12/11/2003
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