Spectacular
2015
Lighthouses of Tasmania Calendar
an all Tasmanian production
Sentinel it stands upon projecting cape,
And guards the reefs along the ocean’s verge.
Starts into life a dim, gigantic shape,
Holding its lantern o’er the restless surge.
Arthur Frederick King, lightkeeper
Building lighthouses around Tasmania’s precipitous and isolated coastline must have been a daunting prospect. Indeed, one newspaper correspondent wrote in 1891 that “the person who had suggested the construction of a light on the top [of Tasman Island] was not altogether compos mentis...”
The difficulty of access to Tasman Island continued to cause comment when two members of the Hobart Marine Board ... slipped and got a good ducking ... when attempting to make a site inspection. Later, prospective building contractors also discovered the problems they might encounter when “Some members of the party were unable to land, while those who succeeded ... were most forcibly impressed by the natural difficulties to be overcome in carrying out the contract.
Modern-day occupational health and safety legislators would, no doubt, cringe at some of the conditions workers endured.
These unique and spectacular structures are once again celebrated along with the people who built them. The latest edition of the Lighthouses of Tasmania calendar features stunning photographs of some of our iconic lighthouses. Images include lighthouses at Maatsuyker and Tasman Islands, Cape Bruny, Iron Pot, Eddystone Point, Low Head, Table Cape, Bluff Hill Point, Rocky Cape, Highfield Point and Cape Sorell. The historic lighthouse at Blinking Billy Point in Hobart and its replacement, the John Garrow light, are also featured.
Working in partnership with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, the dedicated Friends of Tasman Island volunteers carry out many hundreds of hours of work each year towards the conservation and preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Tasman Island.
The 2015 calendar, the 9th in the series produced by the Friends of Tasman Island, is an all Tasmanian production. Thanks to sponsorship from the Cascade Brewery Company, Australian Maritime Systems and Wildcare Inc., the Lighthouses of Tasmania calendar is a major fundraiser.
Now a collectors’ item, the 2015 calendar is available in selected book shops, newsagents and other local stores round the State. Or you can secure your copy of this unique limited-edition calendar by emailing friendsoftasmanisland@gmail.com. For only $20 + postage you will be helping to support ongoing work on Tasman Island.
Erika Shankley
Friends of Tasman Island
