From left to right, back: Beryl Duncan; Mrs Ella Duncan; Heather Duncan; Mrs McKinnon, wife of 2nd assistant lightkeeper; Mr Mick (Jim) Duncan, headkeeper;

front: Jim Duncan; visitor Verdi Schwinghammer; Mr Val Gordon, 1st assistant lightkeeper; his son Trevor Gordon; Mr Tom McKinnon, 2nd assistant lightkeeper. 

The photo was taken by my youngest brother, Tom Duncan who was still at home at the time. My brother Jim Duncan and sister Heather Duncan were both working away from home and were visiting. Trevor Gordon mostly lived on the mainland with his mother but occasionally visited the Island. The Gordon family had also bee with us at a previous posting at Smoky Cape lighthouse.

Mr Verdi Schwinghammer was well known in the Grafton area where he often write articles for local papers. He had a great interest in lighthouses and had asked permission to visit Sth Solitary. As the supply launch from Coffs Harbour was only a weekly service, Mr Schwinghammer stayed a week with us the first time he visited and on subsequent occasions. The contract for taking provisions, mail etc to the Island was held by Mr Harry Fanning during the (3 -4 ) years we were there. 

Details provided by Beryl Royal, older sister of Tom Duncan. 

Inscription on reverse: Easter Group 1947, South Solitary Island.

FAR FROM IT ALL, THEY TEND A LIGHT (1946, August 31). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 18.

Ben Holder, The history of the coastal strip known as "Look-at-me-now", Moonee Creek Settlement 100 years : the Skinner family and descendants (1994).