 In June 1942, the shelling of Newcastle by the Japanese caused panic in NSW and action was quickly taken by the Australian armed services to establish the 131 Radar Station which was to serve and protect Newcastle from aircraft attack for several years.In 1995, there was a reunion for the officers that served at the station during World War II and a plaque to commemorate these efforts was unveiled for the event.The igloos are now used as a display centre for the history of the island and an educational centre and for the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project that is working towards restoring the environment of the surrounding Hunter River estuary.