THE South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic at Coffs Harbour Jetty was lit from sundown to midnight on Thursday, 22 January, the National Day of Mourning, as one of 15 Pillars of Light across the country.
The National Day of Mourning honours the 15 people who lost their lives in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
The request to light up monuments was made to the nation by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, under the theme “Light Will Win”.
It emphasizes the strength of communities coming together in remembrance and respect.
Across Australia, and outside Yarrila Place, flags were flown at half-mast on Commonwealth and State buildings.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said the City was proud to join councils and communities nationwide in this collective gesture of remembrance by lighting the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic.
“The City stands with all Australians in remembering those who were lost and in reaffirming our shared commitment to unity, compassion and peace.”
The Optic was switched on at sunset after a vigil and one minute’s silence at 7.01pm, the time the Bondi shooting started.
Members of Friends of South Solitary Island Lighthouse (FOSSIL) made the arrangements at very short notice due to maritime safety requirements.
Members of the Coffs Harbour Jewish community attended and offered prayers.
Former lighthouse keeper on South Solitary Island, Rob Trezise, who founded FOSSIL 15 years ago, shared a few of his personal recollections with News Of The Area.
“It’s now 50 years since I was a Lighthouse Keeper, [but] the memories haven’t faded too much.
“I can say without a doubt, the highlights included arriving at the island and my wife and I being lifted about 30 metres into the air in a basket as the crane lifted us and supplies onto the island.
“Then there was learning to light the kerosene to turn the lighthouse on at sunset.
“This was new to me, and it took a few blown mantles, much to the annoyance of the head keeper who had to replace them each time.
“Learning to read the weather and the state of the sea, all reported to the Met Bureau six times a day, were a highlight.
“The fishing was pretty good too, all hand lines, no rods due to the difficult access to the safer fishing spots.”
Mr Trezise said that living isolated on an island was very healthy, “like being quarantined for the duration, and it was only when we came to the mainland that we caught colds and flu.”
Since being retrenched from the lighthouse in 1976, his family has lived in Coffs Harbour for most of that time.
During COVID restrictions, the FOSSIL volunteers’ trips to the island for restoration works were put on hold.
“However, it is expected that these trips will recommence with NPWS receiving exceptional and valuable help from our FOSSIL volunteers,” Mr Trezise said.
The community was delighted in the Optic being installed at the Jetty in 2023.
For 15 years, FOSSIL lobbied to have the Optic relocated from the former museum in Harbour Drive.
“Finally, two years ago it was switched on for the first time at what is now hoped to be its permanent location at the entrance to the Jetty.”
The Optic has been lit for previous special events, such as World Maritime Day and South Solitary Island’s birthday each year.
Today, FOSSIL has around 100 members and welcomes new members.
By Andrea FERRARI
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