Paul Sofilas, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Paul Sofilas Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

As a guide at Cape Leeuwin for over ten years, Paul Sofilas has experienced many memorable and rewarding interactions with visitors who have joined his tours or just visited the Cape.

His positive attitude and passion to share the unique history of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse was acknowledged when Paul received the 2009 FACET Golden Guide Award at the Tourism Awards Gala Dinner in November.

Whilst there can be many challenges in dealing with people from a wide range of backgrounds and with varying expectations, Paul always finds a way to have a great time with his visitors.

In addition to his role as tour guide, Paul has researched extensively and played a major role in the content and development of the interpretive aspects of recent restoration works at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and its surrounds. He feels that his job as a tour guide also provides him with the opportunity to be an ambassador for his workplace, employer, community and the tourism industry in Western Australia. He achieves this by establishing links with the community, assisting people or community groups wherever possible and being a role model for persons who may wish to enter, or be part of, the tourism industry.

In 2001 and 2003 Paul was part of a group that organised celebrations marking Matthew Flinders circumnavigation of Australia. Also in 2001, Paul was a member of the ‘French Connection’ group that highlighted the voyages of Nicholas Baudin in the region. In the same year he rode a bicycle from Cape Leeuwin to Perth, and then from Sydney to Canberra as part of the ‘Links in the Chain’ Centenary of Federation event, highlighting the role of Cape Leeuwin in developing Australian maritime history and the role of Sir John Forrest – who was the Premier responsible for building the lighthouse – in the Federation process. This ride also raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Paul found the ride extremely interesting, as one of his fellow riders in the second stage was the current leader of the Federal Opposition, Tony Abbott.

Paul also initiated and played a major role in the following community and fundraising events at the Cape:

  • three International Lighthouse Days;
  • a performance of the play ‘The Lightkeeper’ as a fundraiser for the Augusta Telecentre (2005);
  • the annual celebrations of Australia Day and Anzac Day;
  • the annual Birthday of the Lighthouse;
  • two launches for books relating to the history of the Cape – ‘Man Overboard’ (2006) and ‘Very Much on Watch’ (2004);
  • and the Augusta Telecentre Tsunami Vigil (2005).

Paul SofilasOutside of his workplace Paul has given talks about Cape Leeuwin at the Augusta Community Development Assoc. Australia Day ceremony, Leeuwin Lions Club Dinner, Augusta Frail Aged Lodge, Margaret River Silver Chain Hostel, Augusta Primary School Open Day and during the two Bike Victoria ‘Great Escapade’ bike rides in 2006 & 2009.

During the first 2006 ‘Big Ride’ Paul experienced his most physically demanding day at work. Riding the 100kms from Nannup to Cape Leeuwin in the morning then conducting a total of 7 tours of the lighthouse that afternoon until sunset, enabling as many of those riders to share the Lighthouse experience.

Paul sees his role at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse as the custodian of an iconic site of national significance. He does his upmost to ensure that all visitors, regardless of their level of ability, can appreciate the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse experience. ‘Being a guide at Cape Leeuwin is quite a challenge. However, it is the challenge, which makes the task all the more interesting and rewarding, to Paul – “Life is a Rich Tapestry”.

A visit to the Lighthouse in 1999 sparked an interest in working there, which led him to apply for a position that was advertised a few weeks later. With no prior experience in tourism but a very keen interest in history and environment he took to the job with gusto and has never looked back.

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