Newsletter – November 2026
From Your National Council75th Gala Weekend a huge success!The focus of the event-filled weekend was the Gala Dinner. MC Greg Jennett introduced our President Rebecca Jeffcoat who welcomed attendees, tracing the origins of our Club to the vibrant, inclusive organisation celebrating its 75th year. Rebecca officially launched the The ANARE Spirit book. Events of the evening included presentation of the medals of John King Davis and John Ellis Jelbart to the Nation, keynote address presented by Professor Nerilie Abram, AAD Chief Scientist, presentation of the 2026 Phillip Law medal to Mike Craven and spotlight interviews, facilitated by Greg Jennett, with Ben Patrick – SL Casey 2023 (modern era); Diana Patterson – SL M89, D95 (consolidation era) and George Cresswell, M60 (pioneering era). For a full coverage, photos and details of other weekend activites, see December edition of Aurora! |
From aboard Nuyina2026-27 Shipping Season underwayVoyage 1 commenced as RSV Nuyina departed Hobart to the first stop around 80 nautical miles from Casey research station – where critical cargo was flown off by helicopter. The ship continued to Davis research station, breaking ice to reach its static position about one kilometre from station buildings where it is currently unloading. Look out for special reports from Nuyina on our ANARE Club Facebook pages HERE. Remember that you can view Nuyina’s webcams HERE! . |
From NSW BranchIncoming NSW Branch PresidentNew South Wales Branch farewells its long-time Branch President Dr David Ellyard, and welcomes Ben Patrick who has stepped up to the NSW Branch President role. |
From SA BranchSA’s successful Spring Equinox lunchWednesday 23rd September was a perfect day to celebrate the Spring Equinox lunch. Following a private pilgrimage to the grave of Sir Douglas Mawson lunch as held in Charlie’s restaurant. Conversation flowed freely and reminiscence carried on till mid afternoon. Suggestions were made to repeated this event holding an annual Mid Winter Dinner and a Summer Lunch. Phillip Tickett attended from Melbourne along with locals Richard Willing, Gavin Day, Neil Moffatt and Chris Blair, Graham Kelly, Ron and Jan Hann, Graham Holt, Neil Mac Donald, Duncan Mackenzie, Bob and Deidre Schahinger, Gil Barton, Terry and Kaz Hobbs, Ron and Therese. |
From Vic BranchInformal December lunchRalph “Noddy” Fletcher extends an informal invitation – “not an official ANARE Club function, but who knows who might come in from the cold on the day”. Tuesday 1st December is Noddy’s next ANARE Spirit Lunch. A chance to catch up and tell big ones and whoppers from those great days down South. Arrive 12 midday for a 12.30pm meal at the Emerald Hotel, 415 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne – trams run right past the door and there is free 2 hour parking in the street nearby. To assist with seating numbers Ralph would appreciate knowing that you will be attending. |
From Vic BranchCommunity OutreachOn Saturday 7th November several members participated in a panel session on Antarctica at the Bacchus Marsh library for the local community. The event was organised by Ian Cabrie and panel participants were Chris Gamgee, Tim Feetham, Denise Allen & Ralph (Noddy) Fletcher. |
From your National Council and Tas BranchOnline Talks – Bikes on IceOur Online Talk series returns in January 2027, commencing with George Cresswell who will present ‘Motorbikes in Antarctica’ – Fri 22 Jan 2027 at 2 pm AEDT. Velocette, Triumph Tiger Cub, BSA Bantam, Ariel, Rokon,Yamaha. George will reflect on his own experiences, along with information collected from fellow expeditioners including Ted Giddings, Des Lugg, John McKenzie, Ian Allison, Mark Forecast. Register to attend. |
From your National CouncilOnline Talks – UAPThe ANARE Club would like to hear from Upper Air physicists willing to become participants in an online members talk/webinar proposed for a March 2027 equinox scheduling. The proposed title is “Bouncing from Pole to Pole – Upper atmosphere physicists follow the magnetic field lines from Mawson- Fairbanks Alaska.” Contact treasurer / webmaster |
From our Editor and Sales TeamThe ANARE SpiritThe ANARE Spirit was officially launched in grand style at the 75th Gala Dinner, in Canberra, do you have your copy of the ANARE Club’s 75th anniversary book yet? Quoting Phil Silvestro: “What a fantastic book! Full of wonderful photographs and stories about the people who have been part of Australia’s Antarctic expeditions.” We have priced The ANARE Spirit to cover costs of production, which means (a) you get a real bargain and (b) ideally, we need to sell them to cover costs. For just $35 (+ $20 P&P) you will receive a handsome book that will stand proud on your bookshelf (or coffee table). A4 in size, just short of 300 pages and 600 photos printed on photo quality paper. As a special deal, purchase the 50th anniversary book (2002) for an extra $10 (no extra postage), giving the complete 75-year history of your Club. Visit our ANARE Club shop page. |
From your Sales TeamOur Anniversary Merchandise!Our black crew neck T-shirt, celebrating 75 years of ANARE Club, has been incredibly popular. The T-shirt is short sleeved with the front featuring the ANARE Club 75th bar logo and the back, has a beautiful rendition of Nel Law’s original ANARE logo. Order now through our online shop. |
From The Antarctic Womens NetworkYILMA – First Women Down SouthThe ANARE Club is a proud sponsor of the Antarctic Womens Networks current exhibition YILMA [Arrived safely, love to all] First Women Down South. The exhibition is open at the Howard Hadley Gallery inside Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart, 27 October – 27 November 2026, The exhibition is open from 10am to 4pm daily. Admission is free. |
From new member Kate MeyerWomen of AntarcticaHave you lived and worked in Antarctica, or know an Australian woman who has? Kate Meyer is collecting women’s stories for Women of Antarctica, exploring what drew women south, their experiences, and what Antarctica has meant in their lives. Kate is very keen to speak with Australian women from all roles and eras, regardless of how long they spent in Antarctica – brief summer placement, winter or multiple expeditions. You don’t need to have held a prominent role or consider your story extraordinary. Participation involves an informal interview, with info about the project and consent provided beforehand. Contact Kate at kate.meyer@hotmail.com.au or 0408 056 071. Further details: www.katemeyer.com.au. |
From your Membership TeamSupport the Spirit of ANAREBehind the many 75th anniversary events was a full year of unseen work — administration, compliance, planning and the ongoing costs of keeping your club running. Your annual subscription sustains all of this, and your renewal truly matters. The quickest way to renew is online (see Fast Track). Never miss an edition of Aurora! Get the latest News and Events! Be notified about our 75th anniversary events! Stay in Touch! Support your hard working Branch! |
What’s OnRemember to regularly check the Club’s Online Calendar for upcoming events. Have we missed something? Let us know what’s on!
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From our 75th anniversary sponsorsCelebrating milestones –
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From our 75th anniversary sponsorsMont Adventure EquipmentAn independent Australian adventure equipment company fiercely committed to better gear for the wildAfter years of frustrations with the poor quality of adventure clothing and equipment available, Monty had enough and made something better, something he could rely on. In 1978, using a borrowed sewing machine, he made himself a sleeping bag, down jacket and tent. A reputation for quality gear quickly spread and in 1981 Mont Adventure Equipment was founded. Mont Adventure Equipment was a gold sponsor at the ANARE Club 75th dinner in 2026 |
From our 75th anniversary sponsorsHelicopter ResourcesIn 2026 Helicopter Resources celebrates 50 years since our first Antarctic season — recognising an extraordinary aviation contribution across 38,259 flying hours, 367 deployments, and operations supporting seven national Antarctic programs. What a year to celebrate Helicopter Resources’ long-standing connection with the Antarctic community, 75 years for ANARE Club and 50 years for HeliRes. Helicopter Resources was a gold sponsor at the ANARE Club 75th dinner in 2026 |
From our 75th anniversary sponsorsAustralian Academy of ScienceThe Australian Academy of Science is an independent Australian learned academy, championing science for the benefit of all. Our mission is to advance Australia as a nation that embraces scientific knowledge and whose people enjoy the benefits of science. The Australian Academy of Science was a gold sponsor at the ANARE Club 75th dinner in 2026 |
Barend Becker