A LIGHT tower on Clontarf Hill once shone over Freo, illuminating the harbour and scaring off any enemy ships trying to sneak in at night.

The tower has long been destroyed, but its story will live on thanks to a local community group and a $13,500 grant.

The Friends of Clontarf Hill is asking the public to share stories, photos and other memorabilia relating to the 10ha Beaconsfield reserve so it can string together a timeline of events. It will be published online and on signs peppered along walking tracks.

• Christiane Martin and Christine Duckham from Friends of Clontarf Hill. Photo by Matthew Dwyer

Group coordinator Christine Duckham is determined to unravel the mysteries shrouding the reserve, one of the few remnant bushlands left in the area. The project is part of the group’s plan to revive the area and comes after the hill was saved from the bulldozer in 2003 by the abolition of the eastern bypass. The site’s future is unclear again, however, as it remains under the auspices of the WA planning commission and WA Main Roads.

Clontarf Hill is known as a ceremonial, camping and hunting place to Whadjuk Nyoongar Moort people.

To donate memorabilia, call Christine Duckham on 0408 931 633.

by EMMIE DOWLING