Programs
Since 2000 the Camden Head Pilot Station has conducted a number of key programs as part of its continuing role in the community of the Camden Haven.
Community Information Program
Earlier this year the Pilot Station successfully applied to the Kendall OP Shop for receive a grant with the purpose of placing interpretive signs around the Pilot Station and along the breakwall at Camden Head at point of historical and cultural significance. For more detailed information about the grant and it's purpose, please click on the following document here.
Environmental Programs
Following its involvement in assisting the nomination of Wash House Beach as meeting the criteria for an Aquatic Reserve the Pilot Station has worked with Camden Haven High School and in particular Dr Debbie Geronimi in further investigative study of the area. This study revealed that Wash House Beach is one of the most diverse rock platforms in NSW. The study identified and measured some 128 species of organisms living on the platform. An interpretative sign was unveiled by the Federal Member for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott, on Friday 14th November 2008.
Each year as part of the marine studies program at the school research work is carried out assessing any changes in marine diversity and human impact of the area in the form of waste washed ashore.
This year the focus has shifted to comparison studies of other marine environments in NSW. A field trip to Port Stephens studied differences and similarities to the local areas as well as studying the sand dunes. Work also commenced on studying Indigenous middens in Port Stephens area with a view to finding and comparing middens in our area.
Earlier this year students from Camden Haven High School accompanied by Dr Deb Geronimi visited Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier reef. A report on the trip can be found here.
Landcare
Since 2000 the Pilot Station has been involved in managing weeds and increasing the site’s biodiversity. The Camden Head Pilot Station Vegetation Management Plan (Terrence F. Rolls – Forest Regen May 2000) describes six different vegetation communities occurring on the reserve and outlines strategies to manage weeds and increase the site’s biodiversity. The regeneration work includes spraying with Roundup biactive, hand treatment of weeds and selective planting and is undertaken by contract Bush Regenerators and volunteers using Bush Regeneration principles and practices. The Pilot Station has also been utilised for a training and education site.
We are very proud of the work completed and the management of the site. Landcare organiser Ian Butlin has done an incredible job and is always on the lookout for people to join his team. Please contact the Pilot Station if you are able to assist.
History
Part of the charter for the Pilot Station is to preserve and to educate the community of the history of the Camden Head Pilot Station. The Pilot Station has held a number of open days and tours.
- The Manager is also available to come and talk to your group about the history of the Pilot Station and its importance to the local area.
- Private tours can also be arranged.
- Please contact us for more information
The Pilot Station has worked with local schools – Camden Haven High School, Laurieton Public School and Wauchope High School on historical and photographic interpretation projects.
Seminars
The Pilot Station has held an occasional series of seminars from interesting persons in our community from Uncle Bill O’Brien, the Mayor Peter Besseling, Insect loving, Densey Clyne to ABC radio presenters.