Before the Pine Islet Lighthouse found its current home, it lived its life guiding ships through the passage between the Australian mainland and Pine Islet, a part of the Percy Group approximately 120 km southeast of Mackay.
Now, it overlooks the Mackay Marina, and a passionate group of locals are working to restore it to its former glory as the only operational kerosene powered light in the world.
The lighthouse was originally pre fabricated and erected on the island in 1885.
Many lighthouse keepers and their families called the island home throughout its history, with some family members who lived on the island still in the Mackay area.
After over 100 years of service, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1985 and replaced with an automatic solar-powered light.
The lighthouse was then dismantled and transported by helicopter off the island to Mackay where it was reassembled at the Port of Mackay.
It was returned to full operational status and was reopened in 1996, making it the last operational kerosene powered light in the world, before it was again moved to where it now rests when the Mackay Marina precinct was opened in 2002.
Many attempts have been made to ensure the lighthouse’s preservation, with a group of locals forming last year to reignite the mission.
President of Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society Inc Brian Osborn is passionate about preserving and telling the history of the lighthouse for generations to come.
“We learn from history,” Mr Osborn said.
“I think we should preserve our history as accurately as we possibly can so future generations can hear the stories of somebody who lived on the island and that is really exciting.”
Mr Osborn said the lighthouse requires some general maintenance, including sealing it from the elements, removing rust, repainting and restoring the mechanism, and is seeking people who may be able to assist.
“As important as that is being able to tell the story of all the people who were involved in it,” Mr Osborn said.
“Technology now gives us the opportunity to tell that story in an interesting and involving way.
“I believe if we do that, it will bring people to Mackay, it will bring people to the harbour, the businesses at the harbour will benefit, many people will benefit.”
To find out more about how you can get involved or to share your story, find Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society on Facebook.
President of Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society Inc Brian Osborn at the current site of the lighthouse at Mackay Marina. Photo supplied
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