Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00060:front:0:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00060
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 31522–34362

silvered mirrors. The tower was originally painted red and white, red for the upper half and white for the lower half, which was the typical colour scheme for early Tasmanian lighthouses.[17]

3.6 Lightkeeping on Goose Island
Initially, the light was maintained by a superintendent accompanied by convict assistants. These convicts were assigned to the Island for a pre-determined period of time before obtaining a 'Ticket of Leave'. Replacement convicts were sent in each time such a ticket was awarded.[18]

Owing to its isolated position, life on Goose Island was as tedious as it was dangerous.
Whilst activity on the island was restricted to lightkeeping duties with little interaction with the outside world, one incident of an unusual nature broke the monotony of life at the lightstation. In March 1857, the lightstation was ransacked by pirates:

    The cutter Lucy reports that Goose Island Lighthouse was plundered by four bushrangers, on the 31st March, in a square-sterned boat; left the island steering north-west, supposed bound for the Promontory. Those marauders are supposed to be George Lawrence, James Smith, Dennis Callahan and John Cosgrove, who absconded from Hobart Town about the 2nd March.[19]

The lightstation was later staffed by free men who were often accompanied by their families. However, the isolation often proved tragic for its inhabitants. By the early 1900's, some supplies for Goose Island would arrive via mail steamer. These steamers were not required to dock at the Island, but rather sit in the surrounding waters and wait for the lightkeepers to row out to meet them and collect mail and provisions.

On the 22nd of March 1922, two lightkeepers made the journey to the steamer Calliboi despite the adverse weather conditions.
They had been expecting the vital delivery of a baby bottle on board the steamer to replace one broken at the lighthouse. Unfortunately, due to the strong westerly wind, both men were drowned in the Strait upon attempting to return to Goose Island. Their bodies and the boat were later located washed up on two separate islands within Flinders Group. The men were transported back to the lighthouse where they were buried in a cemetery onsite.[20]

These incidents at Goose Island reinforced the reality of dangers associated with isolated lighthouse keeping in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The last keeper of Goose Island Lighthouse was RE Bridgen who, in 1931 following the light's upgrade to a 5th Order AGA revolving lens, was transferred to Swan Island Lighthouse. It is believed that the cottages and jetty were demolished shortly afterwards.[21]

  3.7 Chronology of major events
The table below details the major events to have occurred at Goose Island Lightstation site and environs.

Date          Event
1841-1846     Lightstation constructed.

31 Mar 1857