OLIVE Tulk loved life on the Outer Light.

“Very busy with many things to do”, Olive always found time to go for a swim in the crystal-clear water at the Grit Hole.
When a young Olive Easton joined the Air Force in 1942 there was absolutely no thought of her spending her married life as the wife of a lighthouse keeper.

That was until she met Wilfred Tulk, who had been a keeper since 1930.

Once married, life for Olive became a journey from one lighthouse to another.

Starting at Norah Head, she ventured to Montague Island followed by Smoky Cape and then to Point Stephens, Fingal.

Wilfred’s appointment to Port Stephens followed previous keepers Clifford Smith and Harry Slocombe.

The island was to become home for the couple from 1951 – 56. During this period two keepers were assigned to the Outer Light and the assistants were Jack Mundy, Bill Southern, Arthur Jones and the Hickey family, Bernie, Milly and their kids.

Prior to their appointment, the light was powered by kerosene and there needed to be three families on the island to work the rostered shift through the night.

With the change to acetylene gas, which was delivered to the island in huge gas bottles and ferried to the light by a small tractor, only two families were needed.

Olive loved the lifestyle and learned to adapt to the isolation and loneliness that lighthouses bring.

Always busy, Olive had chores to do, gardening, chasing Steve Blanch’s cows out of the garden, sewing, helping with the light and preparing meals.

For their troubles Steve Blanch left a “milker” on the island. Then there was “Dobbin” the island horse, who was vital in carrying stores in the cart, from the beach or the landing jetty to the light.

At the beginning of 1957 the Tulks made one last move, this time to Seal Rocks.

This was to be their final appointment before retiring in Nelson Bay.

“A wonderful life” was Olive’s summary.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE