21 January
2008 - Narelle Campbell's keen sense of
adventure has taken her all around the world,
but she never imagined that it would one
day take her to the coldest, windiest place
at the end of the earth.
Her current job as Station
Leader for Australia's Mawson station in
Antarctica brings challenge and adventure
every day. From supporting scientific and
maintenance projects based at the station,
to administration responsibilities, liaising
with media and schools, general community
and safety management, Narelle says that
one day is never like the next.
"My background
is in print media management, though my
most recent job was working for a welfare
organisation in Sydney. I love the great
outdoors and have climbed, kayaked and walked
all over the world including in Nepal, Africa
and Chile," Narelle said.
"Applying to work in Antarctica appealed
to me because of the interesting people
it attracts as well as the community life
and the awesome environment.
"There are not
too many jobs where for six to 12 months
of the year you work and live closely with
such a caring, tolerant, dynamic and energetic
bunch of individuals. Mawson is our place
of work and our home all rolled into one,
and we have a lot of laughs," she said.
The Australian Antarctic
Division (AAD) is looking for skilled and
highly competent men and women like Narelle
to support Australia's science program in
Antarctica in 2009.
A wide range of working
opportunities is available at stations in
Antarctica and on Macquarie Island.
The AAD is looking for
Station Leaders, doctors, chefs, tradespeople
(building supervisors, engineering supervisors,
electricians, instrument electricians, carpenters,
mechanics, plumbers, plant inspectors, plant
operators) and telecommunications specialists
(supervisors, technical officers) to assist
in the smooth running of Australia's Antarctic
stations.
Antarctica is a challenging
environment to work in, but the rewards
are second to none. All positions are now
being advertised in national and state/territory
capital newspapers.
Details are available
at jobs.antarctica.gov.au
Media contact: Patti Lucas
+ More
Governor-General officially
opens ice runway
24 January 2008 - His
Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery
has officially opened Wilkins Runway in
Antarctica, describing it as a remarkable
feat of ice engineering.
The Governor-General
spoke to Wilkins crew via telephone link
from Australian Antarctic Division headquarters
near Hobart, after his visit to the runway
was cancelled due to bad weather.
General Jeffery said
that the opening of the runway, near Casey
station, marked an important development
in Australia's engagement with Antarctica.
"It is fitting
that it is named after Sir George Hubert
Wilkins, one of the great pioneers of polar
exploration and aviation. He encountered
many of the same perils that face our Antarctic
aviators today – ferocious wind, ice and
snow blizzards and absolute isolation,"
he said.
General Jeffery applauded
the work of scientists and support staff
working in Antarctica, and said that the
ease and speed with which many could now
reach Antarctica do their work would have
major benefits.
"The Antarctic,
as you would all well understand, offers
us great insights into climate, particularly
as we strive to understand the drivers and
impacts of climate change.
"You are doing
great work, on behalf of the nation, with
far reaching implications for the survival
of the planet. A sincere thank you to you
all," he said.
Link: Message to Casey Station from His
Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery
Media contact: Patti Lucas
