Friends of Maatsuyker Island

On a cold winter's night on 11 June 2003 a group of 20 people gathered in West Hobart to mark the official launch of Wildcare's newest volunteer group, the Friends of Maatsuyker Island (FOMI).

Fast forward 20 years, on another cold night, a group of 40 people gathered at the Maritime Museum in Hobart to celebrate another milestone: FOMI's two decades of dedicated efforts in preserving and conserving the natural and historic values of Maatsuyker Island.

The evening began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of country by FOMI Committee member Penni Rockliff, followed by brief speeches from Jeremy Hood, PWS Parks and Reserves Manager, and Donna Burton, Chair of the Wildcare Board. Both expressed thanks to FOMI volunteers for their commitment and invaluable contribution to the island's stewardship over the past 20 years.

FOMI President, Marina Campbell, spoke about FOMI’s achievements and the lasting friendships that have formed among FOMI members, former lightkeepers and their families, volunteer caretakers, working bee participants, day trip attendees, and PWS staff.

FOMI's accomplishments are numerous, including the restoration of the Maatsuyker Island lighthouse, ongoing preservation efforts for the lightkeepers' quarters, progress in reducing environmental weeds (with eradication of the four target weeks now foreseeable), cataloguing historic objects, successful fundraising events, and the annual shearwater survey, now in its 11th year.

Looking ahead, FOMI is excited to be undertaking new projects, such as the conservation of the Whim Shed and the restoration of the wheel to its originallocation.

Happy 20th birthday FOMI!

To commemorate this special occasion, FOMI has an exhibition at the Maritime Museum until 30 June 2023.

The exhibition showcases the highlights and impact of FOMI's conservation efforts.