The iconic Point Gellibrand Pile Light has returned to its former glory, with restoration works now complete.
Partnering with Hobsons Bay council and the Australian National Maritime Museum, Seaworks officially unveiled the new and improved display on Wednesday, December 7.
The new display included new signage and a new augmented reality three-dimensional model created by Melbourne-based production company Ignition Immersive using 4000 individual images.
Seaworks executive officer Glenn Jones said thousands of residents and tourists would enjoy visiting the newly restored pile light.
“Of all the iconic structures that Williamstown’s history has produced, the Point Gellibrand Pile Light must be the most cherished and best known,” he said.
Built in 1906, the pile light guarded Williamstown’s Point Gellibrand until it was struck by the ship Melbourne Trader in 1976, on the morning of June 21.
The fog horn on the pile light wasn’t operating when it was hit by the 7000-tonne vessel and left hanging precariously.
The harbourmaster of the day ordered the pile light be set on fire to reduce the risk to his men.
The lantern and dome were salvaged and donated to the National Trust by the Victorian Public Works Department in 1978.
For many years, the reconstructed pile light was on show at the Polly Woodside Melbourne Maritime Museum in Port Melbourne.
The National Trust Victoria gifted the pile light to Seaworks in 2019.
The augmented reality technology allows anyone to access the 3-D model and place the model in any location by scanning a unique QR code.
Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, Seaport Sails and Canvas and Seaworks Maritime Museum volunteers were involved in the restoration works.
Details: seaworks.com.au
Matthew Sims
