Lights off after 25 years at landmark

Staff of the Cape Otway Lighthouse have said goodbye to the famous building, which will be government-managed from next month. Photo: GREAT OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

CUSTODIANS of the Cape Otway Lightstation have farewelled the landmark after 25 years ahead of a handover of management to the state government.

Tourism Great Ocean Road managers and staff were able to send-off the coastal icon earlier this month with a social get-together, music event, a raising of glasses and a fireworks display.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will become managers of the site starting July 1.

Outgoing business owner Matt Bowker said there were mixed emotions waving goodbye to the Lightstaion after first taking over a lease from state agencies in 1997.

“We invited local staff, managers and tradies as a thank you to all the people that helped us grow and improve over the past 25 years,” he said.

“It was really nice to see everyone that’s made it as a success.”

GORCAPA has committed to retaining existing staff and their decades of knowledge of the site as part of the changeover and complete upgrades of existing facilities in time for summer.

The Lightstation closed on Wednesday (June 15) for essential maintenance, with the Authority expecting to reopen its doors by late July.