Reflections Holiday Parks is the new manager of Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve and is inviting expressions of interest from the public to become members of the Community Liaison Group that will help ensure it continues to be nurtured for future generations to enjoy.
From September, Reflections, a Crown Land Manager, will work alongside the local Norah Head Reserve volunteers to protect and maintain the much-loved headland.
Reflections CEO Nick Baker said Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve is one of the most prominent Crown Land reserves on the Central Coast and in the state.
“Located on Darkinjung Country, the architecturally significant Norah Head Lighthouse and its three accommodation cottages are located on almost 20 hectares of coastal nature reserve making it a significant landmark and a highly popular tourist attraction,” Baker said.
“Reflections manages public (Crown) reserves and reinvests any profits back into the land it manages, so the appointment will help maintain Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve as a shining jewel for the Central Coast.”
Reflections is inviting residents to apply for membership of the Community Liaison Group, which will have representation from a cross-section of the community to ensure it has a voice in the ongoing efforts to nurture the reserve.
Reflections was appointed as an ex-officio board member by Crown Lands in late 2022 after some of the existing members of the Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve board decided to retire or step down.
Baker said Reflections, the only holiday park group in Australia which is a certified social enterprise, will be guided by the Management Plan for the site and continue to work with the dedicated local volunteers who care for the site in roles ranging from gardeners to tour guides.
“The Board and many passionate volunteers have done a magnificent job in maintaining and protecting this special site, which is evident to anyone who visits,” he said.
“Our appointment is a privilege and, together with the reserve’s volunteers, we are committed to maintaining free public access to the reserve, helping volunteers deliver on the reserve’s future plans and building a strong relationship with the community, which is why we also encourage the public to be involved in the Community Liaison Group.”
Reflections Group Operations Manager Cameron Tynan paid tribute to the many hours that volunteers and the previous Board have dedicated to preserve the reserve.
“Having visited the site many times, we know first-hand how much work they dedicate to it, and how precious a resource it is to the community,” he said.
“We are committed to working with the community to protect and preserve the environmental, cultural and heritage values of this important community asset.”
Outgoing Board Chair Neil Rose, who will continue to volunteer his time to maintain the reserve, said Reflections’ appointment to manage the lighthouse and reserve came at the right time.
“We are a voluntary board and the business is getting very demanding as the number of visitors coming to the reserve increases every year,” he said.
“It’s appropriate to bring the operations of this iconic site under increased corporate governance with a greater focus on the management of the reserve – it’s an exceptional site that should be maintained.”
The Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve offers three guest cottages which are popular accommodation destinations for wedding groups and families.
For more information on the Community Liaison Group and how to apply, go to norahheadlighthouse.com.au/norah-head-community-liaison-group/
Source:
Reflections Holiday Parks