FoTI working bee 4-11 March 2013

http://www.wildcaretas.org.au/groups_details/tasman_island

FRIENDS OF TASMAN ISLAND WORKING BEE - MARCH 4 - 11 2013

After a lot of planning changes, FoTI's first working bee for 2013 finally got off to a start on Monday 4 March.  All ten volunteers flew from Cambridge in Helicopter Resources' 12-seater Sikorsky helicopter.  After our supplies and materials had arrived from Safety Cove, we settled into our accommodation, split between Quarters 3 & 2, and were soon able to start our programme of work.

Elaine & Gary watch the Sikorsky take off

Like most lightstations, there is plenty of grass on Tasman Island which needs mowing.  Our last working bee had been 6 months previously - August 2012.  A familiarisation walk around the lightstation precinct was hampered by long grass so it wasn't long before the rumble of the mower and whine of both brushcutters filled the air. 

Nick & Gary confer as they clear the track

Gary, Sue & Greg rake grass on the main track

Greg & Tony clear cut grass from near Tasman's helipad

Tony touches up the weeds

Chris mows the grass at the back of Q3

FoTI's dedicated works supervisor, Chris Creese, had a number of other jobs on our schedule. 

• Formulating a mowing plan to prevent encroachment on the habitat of the Lewins Rail
• Q1:  Removal of old tank;  repair door;  repair & refit vents to bathroom
• Q2:  Free up windows & instal new sash cords;  repair leaking water tank;  install roof tie downs
• Q3:  Wash down inside walls;  replace window latches;  paint inside front verandah; remove old heater and sealed opening with Masonite sheeting
• Oil Store:  Fit new bench vice;  tidy up & dispose of rubbish
• Weeding:  Continue programmed weeding, including spraying Californian thistles and check out the WONs blackberry patch discovered on previous working bee.
• Electrical work to all three houses 
•  

Andrew checking wiring

Tony , Sue & Gary cut up & remove an old tank at Q1

   

 

Sue painting front verandah Q3

Chris & Gary replacing sash cords Q2

Chris & Greg replacing fence Q2

 

Greg ready to work in the roof

However, it was not all work and no play!  During excursions around the island we saw a number of birds, including Black Cockatoo, New Holland Honeyeater, Silvereye, Forest Raven, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, quail and occasionally heard a Lewins Rail.

Brothers, Nick & Chris Creese at the top of the Haulage

Sign with name of former keeper  D Ingram

Looking after the well-being of our 10 volunteers is a huge job and it was thanks to Glenda Fehlberg and her off-sider, Elaine Bell, that we were all more than well fed.  Hooters 5-star restaurant lived up to its reputation!  Elaine's mother, Eileen, grand-daughter of Tasman's first lighthouse superintendent George Johnston, was born on Tasman Island on 6 March 1920 - a good reason for a celebratory cake!

Glenda & Elaine prepare lunch

Gary, Sue & Elaine with her mother's 93rd birthday cake

 

A BBQ tea - Andrew, Chris & Greg

The busy week culminated with the March Long weekend.   The numbers of people on the island increased dramatically with the arrival of five canoists.  By this time the weather had changed - thick fog rolling in from Cape Pillar and visibility down to just a few metres.

Canoeist, Veronica Steane & FoTI's Erika Shankley

 © Jean Jackson

Organising each working bee takes a lot of time and effort.  As usual we appreciated the assistance of our partners, the Parks & Wildlife Service, particularly Stuart Dudgeon, Mike Copping & Nick Whitely.  Thanks also to Helicopter Resources chief pilot, Simon Taylor & his offsiders for getting us safely on and off Tasman Island and to Ron Fehlberg who delivered our fresh supplies to Taranna.

Fog delayed our departure by 24 hours!  The effort put into the restoration and rehabilitation of Tasman Island and its lightstation is tremendous.  A big thank you to the team of volunteers - the success of the working bee was due to your support and enthusiasm!

Erika Shankley, working bee co-ordinator

FoTI volunteers:  Chris Creese, Nick Creese, Greg Bell, Andrew Boon

                                     Gary Gay, Glenda Fehlberg, Tony Thiele, Sue Walker, Elaine Bell, Erika Shankley