But for how long, civic authorities are unsure.

The beacon malfunctioned eight weeks ago and has undergone repairs by Stephen Yeadon Electrical, a council spokesman said.

The work, including replacement of two lamp seats, cost $3000. A spokesperson said they had to be sourced from France and while waiting for them to arrive, the beacon motor was rebuilt and lighting rewired.

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Last year, the council bought the other 16 lamp bulbs in Australia for the lighting system.

The beacon's temporary outage sparked social media comment and prompted the community and Goulburn RSL Sub Branch to contact the council to enquire about its re-start.

It was installed on the Rocky Hill tower in 1936 by the Commonwealth Department of Aviation, according to museum volunteers' research. Erected by the Department of Defence, it was designed to guide night flying planes to the airport.

"It was the first of its kind to be installed in Australia. Although owned and operated by the Department, the beacon was managed and maintained by the council as part of the War Memorial and Museum caretaker's duties, with a small funding contribution from the Department," the research stated.

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The beacon stopped operating briefly in 1953, given the advent of more sophisticated navigation, but the community agitated for its recommencement.

The council purchased the beacon in 1955, following community outcry and a request from the Chamber of Commerce.

Ownership was transferred in 1956 and the War Memorial and museum's caretaker was enlisted to "maintain its nightly presence."

"As noted in a 1959 letter from the Town Clerk, the beacon was now in use to signify the presence of the war memorial. This connection between the beacon and its memorial function has continued to the present day," volunteers said.

More beacon restoration was undertaken in the 1990s. At the same time, the council asked the federal government's assistance for its eventual replacement.

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Hume MP of the day, John Sharp, wrote that he hadn't had any success in locating a replacement beacon.

"(However) it is fitting that the local community continue to maintain the memorial as a mark of its respect," Mr Sharp stated.

Volunteers believed the current beacon light was installed in 1936.

While the repairs are expected to hold for now, the council is already planning for a long-term solution for the beacon.

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"The lighting infrastructure at Rocky Hill is nearing its end," a spokesman said.

"We are in the process of working towards a stable, suitable long-term solution. This has begun with identification of companies who can provide quotations on similar beacons that use conventional lamps which will be easier to source parts for."

At least for now, the protective light around Goulburn will continue.

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