Barend Becker
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! Stay in Touch! Support our ANARE community! 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 |
ANARE Club Message to Macquarie Island Expeditioners 2026
To the expeditioners of Macquarie Island,
Members of the ANARE Club send you our warmest good wishes and support as you prepare to leave Macquarie Island earlier than expected. We recognise that this is not how you envisaged your season ending. In April you set out with plans, ambitions and a commitment to contribute to one of Australia’s most remarkable stations. Since then, you have lived and worked in a place few people will ever experience, shared the challenges and rewards of station life, and become part of the long and proud history of Macquarie Island.
As events unfold around you, there is a risk that the circumstances of your departure may overshadow everything that came before it. We hope they do not.
By the time you return home, you will have spent many months serving on the island, carrying out important work, supporting one another, and contributing to Australia’s ongoing presence in the Southern Ocean. You will have accumulated experiences, friendships and memories that will remain with you for a lifetime. Those achievements deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
The value of an expedition is not measured solely by whether every project reaches its intended conclusion or whether every plan unfolds as expected. Success is found in commitment, professionalism, adaptability, teamwork and service. In all these respects, you have much to be proud of.
Those who have gone south before you understand the strong connection that develops with a station, its people and its surroundings. We know that leaving before you are ready can bring a sense of unfinished business. Yet we also know that no early departure can diminish what you have contributed or what you have gained from your time there.
You are now part of a community that extends well beyond a single season. The friendships, shared experiences and sense of belonging that come with being an expeditioner endure long after the journey home. Macquarie Island will remain part of your lives, and your place in its story is assured.
In years to come, we hope you will look back not on an early departure, but on a remarkable winter amongst an extraordinary community in one of the world’s most special places. That reflection resonates among all of us as the ‘Spirit of ANARE’. May the achievements of your season be remembered first and foremost and may the friendships and memories it created stay with you always.
With friendship, respect and best wishes,
Rebecca Jeffcoat
President, ANARE Club Inc.
On behalf the National Council and Members of the ANARE Club
Brisbane Midwinter Dinner 2020
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have had to cancel our Mid-Winter dinner this year. We trust everyone is safe and we’ll see you next year.
- Date: Cancelled
- Price: $95
- Venue: Tattersall’s Club, 215 Queen Street, Brisbane
Program:
- 6:00 PM AGM
- 6:30 PM Pre-Dinner Drinks
- 7:00 PM Dinner
Mail:
- ANARE Club (Qld), PO Box 80 Tewantin QLD 4565
Guest Speakers:
- Dean Campbell: National Council Representative
- Victor Watt: ANARE Club Berth Representative recently returned from RT to Casey
Reunions:
- Mawson 1970 (50 Years)
- Casey 1980 (40 Years)
Car Parking
Parking is available at the Queens Plaza Car Park, where the entry is off Edward St (a one-way street). Parking is also available at the Winter Garden Car Park, off Elizabeth St, next to the Hilton Brisbane (also a one-way street). Regarding both car parks, take your car park entry ticket and present it to the Concierge in reception at Tattersall’s for validation. This will give you a discount when departing the car park.
Members in North Queensland should contact:
- Andrew Hucker
- 2 Musa Court, Annandale, Townsville, Queensland 4814
- Phone number
- Andrew
Recent News
ANARE Club Phil Law Medal 2020 Recipient – Sydney (Syd) Lorrimar Kirkby
In recognition of his outstanding Contribution to Antarctic affairs and the Antarctic Community, particularly for his Leadership and Achievement in the field of Exploration Surveying and Mapping of Australian Antarctic Territory.
To be presented at the AGM
Brisbane 15 August 2020
Antarctic Explorer, Syd Kirkby, Receives Queens Birthday Honours
Veteran Antarctic explorer and surveyor, and Queensland resident, Syd Kirkby, has been honoured with an Order of Australia medal in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours. The award is in recognition of his service particularly to Antarctic surveying, mapping, and polar exploration.
The ANARE Club Queensland congratulates Syd for this well-deserved recognition. His outstanding achievements are an inspiration to all. (19/8/18)
ANARE Club Spring Gathering 2018 at Noosaville QLD
We regret to advise that there will be no Queensland ANARE Club Spring Gathering organised for September 2018. Watch this space for a possible Spring Gathering next year.
Queensland ANARE Club Newsletter – May 2018
BRISBANE MIDWINTER DINNER 2017. Last year’s Midwinter Dinner was very successful with the attendance by some of our more senior members of ANARE. At 97 years old John Russell attended, along with his daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Keith Morgan. John first wintered at Macquarie Island in 1949 and continued with Heard Island 1952, Mawson 1954, and just to finish he spent a year with the Americans on the IGY (International Geophysical Year) in 1957. Also in attendance was Judith Burnett, wife of the late Hedley Burnett.
ANARE QLD SPRING BBQ 2017. David and Kathryn Carstens ran the regular Noosa River BBQ in September with a good roll up, including many interstate members to swell the numbers. Keen interest is always shown in the memorabilia on display, along with the many stories told each year.
70th HEARD ISLAND ANNIVERSARY. A very successful 70th Heard Island Anniversary Commemoration was held in Melbourne on 13th December 2017, attended by Trevor Luff, as well as our guests Sue Morgan and Judith Burnett. We could not persuade John Russell, who will be 98 on 20th June this year (2018) to make the journey to Melbourne. 120 people attended the celebrations.
BRISBANE MIDWINTER DINNER 2018. This year’s Midwinter Dinner is being held at Tattersall’s Club, 215 Queen St (Cnr Queen & Edward St), Brisbane City Mall. We are there as a guest of a Tattersall’s member, Mr Richard Unwin, who is also our Qld ANARE Club President. Please note, the entry is via the inside of Tattersall’s Arcade. Accommodation is also available at the club. Dress code is Jacket and tie.
Car Parking. Parking is available at the Queens Plaza Car Park, where the entry is off Edward St (one-way street). Parking is also available at The Winter Garden Car Park, off Elizabeth St next to the Hilton Brisbane, also a one-way street. Regarding both car parks, take your car park entry ticket and present it to the Concierge in reception at Tattersall’s for validation. This will give you a discount when departing the car park.
70th MACQUARIE ISLAND ANNIVERSARY. There will be another 70th milestone anniversary this year for Macquarie Island, which is being celebrated in Hobart on August 6th 2018. This event ties in with the ANARE AGM, along with the Australian Antarctic Festival, which runs from 2nd to 5th August. All are welcome to attend, and details can be found on the National ANARE Club website. Trevor Luff will be attending the festival, where he will also be working on the ANARE Club stand.
Brisbane Midwinter Dinner 2020 Is Cancelled. Keep up to date on the next years event.
