Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Station
Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Station (FOBIQS) was formed in 2011 to “support the management, conservation and public appreciation of the Bruny Island Quarantine Station.”
A meeting of about 20 interested people, including Bruny Islanders, non-residents, and staff of Tasmania Parks & Wildlife (PWS) and Wildcare, was held on site at the Quarantine Station.
FOBIQS is a Wildcare Inc. Group that works cooperatively with PWS to manage and care for the Quarantine Station State Reserve.
Since our formation we have had several Open Days during which tours of the site have given visitors an insight to the various eras of the station's history over 150 years.
During 2013 we saw two of our visions for the future of the quarantine station come to fruition, and others progressing steadily.
Firstly, we completed the self guided Heritage Interpretive Walk officially opened in December 2013 by Dr. Dianne Snowden, Chair of the Tasmanian Heritage Council. 16 signs have been installed which form an informative walk around the site, along with several directional signs to guide and complete the circuit. The interpretive Heritage Walk was made possible by a Commonwealth Community Heritage Grant (Tell a Story) and works by Parks and Wildlife staff and the Friends of the Quarantine station.
Secondly, PWS and FOBIQS established a 'volunteer caretaker" program over the summer period starting early December 2013 and this has proved most successful. We initially trialled 'Open Sundays' but response was good and after many requests from people that could not make the Sunday we had discussion with Parks stafff and were able to open Saturday and Sunday. This has now progressed to having volunteer caretakers all year round.
This form of management is operating successfully on a number of other sites including Cape Bruny Island Lighthouse. The caretakers undertake tasks that are assigned by PWS in accordance with approved management plans.
Enquiries to FBIQS@wildcare.org.au
About us - 5 Year Vision
To attract a lot of interest/visitation from local residents, tourists, speciality groups i.e. Artists, writers, photographers, school groups, walkers, bird watchers, nature lovers.
Site used to educate young people. Opportunity to widen the school groups that visit beyond the Channel.
Enhanced interpretation. Ability for self guided walks.
Interpretative material on the website.
Perhaps the establishment of a plant nursery – possums willing! Also use the site for training young people in useful skills.
The site held in high regard with a sense of ownership and appreciation of the values. The site to become part of Bruny – not a separate area not to be visited Public come as times other than Open Days – more Open Days. Historical connection with D’entrecastreaux made. Connection with Germany.
Site open every Sunday on summer weekends. Buildings made safe, repaired/maintained. Interpretation enhanced and supported by volunteer caretakers.
Having a program of volunteer caretakers leads to more stories about the site being heard. Objects from the site come forward that add to the interest/publicity for the site.
Like to see the place well known, loved and appreciated by the public. An enthusiastic public support base will ensure the ongoing protection of the site. Apathy is the danger.