Lighthouse in the middle of Australia

Known as a very big island nation, at the geographic centre of Australia and 1,500 kilometres from the coast is Alice Springs, which hosts the famous Henley-On-Todd Regatta each August - albeit on a usually dry river bed.

The Northern Territorians and many visitors take the annual iconic event very seriously with up to 3,000 witnessing the regatta, which began in 1962. There is an interesting story of how this location, in one of the driest parts of Australia, deserves a registration this year in the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.

Greg Mair VK8GM explains that with the help of the Henley-On-Todd team, a lighthouse has been built to promote the spirit of amateur radio and lighthouses. The Alice Springs lighthouse joining nearly 500 others around the world this year and is certain to attract the attention of local, national and international news media.

Australia on 62 and Germany 61 remain the leaders, followed by the USA (46), England (34), Argentina (24), Malaysia, Sweden and Netherlands (15), Scotland and South Africa (14), Canada (13) and Ireland (10). Organisers expect many more registrations in the annual fun event that publicises both the old sea-going navigation methods and portable amateur radio.

If you want to register a lighthouse, lightship or marine beacon in this year's event on August the 17th and 18th then visit the website www.illw.net or via this Link

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