Camden Head Pilot Station is a treasure to be protected for the benefit of the next generation, according to manager Hayley Proudfoot.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The station is a community managed heritage listed facility located at Dunbogan, overlooking Pilot and Washhouse beaches and adjoining the Kattang Nature Reserve.
It once housed pilots and boatmen who could assist ships to navigate the bar and provided navigational assistance at the Camden Haven River inlet between 1890 to 1990.
Mrs Proudfoot, who has been the manager for two years, said the site should be preserved for the next generation and allow all parties to have a seat at the table for it.
"The pilot station is a heritage listed venue with three buildings, I manage the heritage upkeep, events, accommodation and community outreach," she said.
"We have our own landcare group and volunteers who help with history research.
"I grew up on a heritage listed property called Alne Bank at Gerringong and I have a little boy, Fynn, so I wanted to make sure that his history had both worlds in it.
"I wanted to make sure that this piece of history was around us, was protected and as he grew up he would know about it.
"It's an intact remnant so it's history as it was, you can see the views or history from the lawn. You can still see the old foundations and for the community to be able to access that is a wonderful opportunity."
The site comprises a 1950s style three bedroom timber cottage, historic signal shed and former boatshed, in a bushland recreation reserve.
"I don't think there is a strong understanding of the pilot station (in the community), but it's getting better," Mrs Proudfoot said.
"It draws a lot of locals but in my generation it was known as a derelict house that people squatted in. It didn't have a great reputation and was a neglected Crown Lands property before the Camden Haven Community College became the trustee in 2002.
"For the newer generations it's our job to pull it back in for the benefit of the community. Obviously the accommodation part helps maintain the property and keeps it afloat financially, but we'd like to push it back into the community space and artist residence."
What else is making news?
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- You can support us with a subscription
- Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Google News