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ANARE Club Qld Branch Mid Winter Dinner

Friday 19 June 2026

At the Tattersall’s Club, Brisbane


[Click to Zoom. Also see more photos further below]

Queensland Branch 2026 Midwinter Dinner

By Richard Unwin (Qld Secretary)

The Queensland ANARE Midwinter Dinner on Friday night the 19th of June 2026 was a tremendous success, bringing together 53 attendees for an evening of fellowship, memories, and Antarctic camaraderie. The gathering included special reunions of expeditioners from 1955 and the 2016 Casey Station season, highlighting the remarkable span of ANARE history represented in the room.

Our guest speaker, Ian Douglas KC, captivated the audience with stories of the historic Antarctic flights undertaken by his father, Gilbert Eric Douglas, including the missions associated with the rescue of Lincoln Ellsworth. Ian also shared entertaining recollections from his own Antarctic experiences, including his time as the youngest Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of an Australian Antarctic station.

Following the presentation, we continued the cherished tradition of the “Calling the Years”, with expeditioners from across the decades sharing memories from their time down south. A recurring theme emerged throughout the evening: how fortunate we all were to have experienced life and work in Antarctica, the enduring friendships formed there, and the recognition that while Antarctic operations may have changed over the years, the character and spirit of the people who venture south remain much the same.

Trevor Luff, as usual, did the honours drawing the winning raffle tickets. To celebrate the Club’s 75th anniversary year, we had a very special first prize which brought a frenzy of ticket buying, particularly from the Casey 2016 table. Olds Engineering, Maryborough Qld, had cast some 1/3 replica hand bells of the RSV Nuyina ship’s bell. The prize went to a delighted Jimmy Hendersen (C16). The Nella Dan print and lots of Antarctic books and memorabilia followed with subsequent draws.

It was a wonderful evening celebrating our shared Antarctic heritage and the bonds that continue to unite the ANARE community.