PEOPLE
A Legacy of Light: Silas and Stu at Sandy Bay, Tasmania
Words by: Elise Blight
As WE-EF celebrates 30 years of excellence, we reflect on our 2009 project at Sandy Bay foreshore, Tasmania – where our luminaires have truly stood the test of time. This project exemplifies the durability and performance that define WE-EF’s commitment to ‘quality that stands the test of time.’
In 2009, WE-EF installed PFL240 luminaires at Sandy Bay, built to withstand harsh coastal environments. Made from marine-grade materials and treated with our 5CE corrosion protection system, these luminaires were designed for longevity in extreme conditions, such as saltwater exposure.
A photograph from that time captures a young Silas – son of Southern Lighting’s recently retired Stu Hamilton – standing at the edge of the foreshore at age 11 as waves crash against it. Despite the tough conditions, the luminaires have remained resilient, a testament to WE-EF’s renowned craftsmanship and long warranty. Key features like PCS hardware prevent galvanic corrosion, protecting the luminaires from the extreme marine climate.
Fast forward to 2024, and Silas, now 26 and a doctor working in Tasmania’s north-west, returns to Sandy Bay with his dad Stu. A new photo captures them standing in the same spot, and despite more than 15 years of exposure to the coastal elements, the luminaires continue to perform as reliably as they did on day one. Over the years, the luminaires were also retrofitted with energy-efficient LEDs, reducing energy consumption while maintaining high lighting performance. With WE-EF’s precision optics, the PFL240s have long been directing light exactly where it’s needed, reducing light spill into the water and minimising the impact on local wildlife.
While time moves forward, PFL240s remain steadfast – continuing to illuminate Sandy Bay with the same reliability, now with even greater sustainability.
This project at Sandy Bay highlights why investing in WE-EF lighting is a smart, long-term solution. Built to last with robust materials and thoughtful design, our products provide sustainable, high-performance lighting, meeting the demands of even the harshest environments. Just as Silas has grown, so too have WE-EF’s luminaires – continuing to shine bright after more than 15 years – a true testament to the enduring quality WE-EF is known for.
