This photo was taken from the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse to commemorate its opening. The gentlemen on the gallery are Marine Board members; those on the stairs are the first head keeper and his assistants. (Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW).
The strong community connection, especially for local families, to Myall Lakes, north of Newcastle, is celebrated in a new book, Myall Lakes National Park: A people's history.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Region Manager, Robert Quirk, said the book, written by historian Rosemary Broomham, is a compilation of the recollections of local and former residents, visiting scientists and conservationists.
"The book also gives a rare insight into the history of the area prior to it being protected as national park in 1972," Mr Quirk said.
"It's this history, interwoven with the personal stories and photographs from many generous local residents that bring the book to life," he said.
"Myall Lakes National Park has a rich social and historic fabric with many layers and this book highlights many of those, and records them for future generations.
Timber cutters used planks to avoid cutting through the broader base of the trunk, which often had inferior wood that they would not be paid for. They were paid for each superficial foot of unblemished timber they delivered to the mill (Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW)
"It is both the natural and cultural features of Myall Lakes National Park that make it such a special place.
"Conserving its historic heritage is equally as important as managing the landscape to conserve its natural and recreational values," Mr Quirk said.
Myall Lakes National Park: A people's history was recently launched to a small gathering of local residents, past residents, park neighbours and historians, many of who had generously shared their personal stories, historical information and photographs, to be shared with future generations.
More information
Copies of the book can be purchased for $20 at the NPWS Great Lakes Area office at Booti Booti National Park, Pacific Palms. Telephone 02 6591 0300.
The NPWS Hunter Region office at Nelson Bay. Call 02 4984 8200 or visit the NSW Government on-line bookshop.