Leeuwin Lighthouse keeper Paul Sofilas celebrates 25 years in ‘top job’

One of the region’s best-known faces is celebrating a quarter century in his dream job.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse keeper and all-around tourism maestro Paul Sofilas recently chalked up 25 years living and working at the Augusta attraction.

The anniversary coincided with his employers, the Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association and its Capes Foundation, last week opening a new interpretive centre at Cape Naturaliste dedicated to the history of workers just like Mr Sofilas.

Enjoying the rare title of lighthouse keeper, Mr Sofilas has seen huge changes in Augusta, the tourism group that administers the region’s lighthouses, and in the industry itself.

Yet a willingness to learn, a can-do attitude, and an encyclopaedic knowledge of his patch has stood him in good stead throughout.

As Mr Sofilas tells it, becoming a professional lighthouse keeper and guide was never part of his vision.

“Getting the job at the lighthouse is something I would have never expected in the earlier part of my life,” he said.

“When I was a little kid, my godmother gave me a book called The Adventures of Black Island which was a Tin Tin book set at a Scottish lighthouse. I loved it.

“I have always loved adventure,” Mr Sofilas said.

“I never thought years ago that I would be a caretaker and tour guide at a lighthouse, but I’m so glad it’s worked out the way it has.”

The custodian estimated he had climbed the lighthouse itself more than 18,000 times which he equated to three million steps measuring several hundred kilometres.

“Lots of good cardio,” he laughed.

“I get to climb steps, breathe fresh air and meet lots of people – all the attributes that will help me live a long healthy life.

“It’s like I’m travelling, but I don’t have to go anywhere, because people from all over the world come to visit me.”

Visitors to the precinct were a big part of what made his job so enjoyable, whereas the guide’s lessons and lectures for visiting school groups were also well known.

“When I see the joy on peoples’ faces, I think ‘wow, what a job’,” he said.

“I can work in an amazing place and help make someone’s day really memorable.”

Mr Sofilas said he also remained invested in his job knowing the tourism association’s ongoing commitment to protecting the region’s environment was staunch, with the establishment of the Capes Foundation several years ago cementing that intention.

“The Capes Foundation is in the tourism industry, but we’re also focused on protecting the environment and educating people about the importance of this area,” he said.

“Visitors help us to protect and preserve these very special sites.”

MRBTA chief executive Sharna Kearney said the golden guide was a valued stalwart within the organisation.

“Paul’s passion for sharing the unique environment and history of Cape Leeuwin is infectious, as any one of the countless locals and visitors who have crossed his path over the last 25 years will well know,” Ms Kearney said.

“We are enormously grateful for his dedication to our organisation and our community.”

For more information about Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and to book a tour, visit www.capesfoundation.org.au