Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01287:reg:2023:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01287
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2023 (pt 17/17)
Character Range: 43747–46071

unnatural, and they lie awake listening in vain for the wild lullaby of the breaker.[31]
The station remained staffed until 1977 when on 20 May, the last inhabitants of Tasman Island—David Ingram, his family and Lyndon Webb—departed.
Figure 13. (Left) Tasman Island Lighthouse landing, showing the method used to unload supplies and personnel destined for the lighthouse, 1948. Image courtesy of NAA: A1200, L11284. (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
Figure 14. (Right) Lighthouse landing and incline tramway, Tasman Island, off the south-east corner of Tasmania, 1948. Image courtesy of NAA: A1200, L11285. (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
Second World War
Throughout the duration of the Second World War, Royal Australian Navy personnel were stationed on Tasman Island. Tasked with managing radio transmissions and signals, the personnel were noted to maintain good relations with the lightkeepers. Radio communications during this time was restricted, and instead 'silent' codes, such as semaphore, International Flag Code and Morse, were practiced.[32]
Lighthouse keepers were forbidden from enlisting due to their essential service to the country. During a supply ship visit, a ceremony took place wherein the keepers were brought on board, and the ship's captain appointed them as Special Commonwealth Peace Officers.[33]
  3.7 Chronology of major events
The following table outlines the major events to have occurred over the course of Tasman Island's Lighthouse history.

Date             Event
2 Apr 1906       Light first lit. Ceremony held with lightkeepers, Master Warden, and members of the Marine Board.

28 Apr 1906      Keepers' woodshed and cottages' fences blown away by strong winds.[34]

Oct–Nov 1906     Lighthouse tower flooded twice due to intense storms.[35]

20 Mar 1907      Mantles in the lighthouse split due to the tower vibrating in the strong winds — substituted with a wick-burner.[36]

Oct 1911         Commander C.R.W. Brewis visits Tasman Island to inspect and report on the lighthouse prior to the Commonwealth takeover.[37]

1912–13          Pigeon Post service started as means of communication at lighthouse.[38]

7–8 Nov 1915     SS Nord observed by keepers foundering in nearby waters — lightstation pigeons sent to Hobart.[39]