Former Antarctic scientist and explorer, Dr Jon Stephenson, was awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia on Australia Day.

A message from the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has been read at a commemorative event at Commonwealth Bay in Antarctica to honour the men of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, led by Douglas Mawson 100 years ago.

Douglas Mawson's scientific Australasian Antarctic Expedition laid the foundations of the Australian Antarctic Division's modern science program.

One hundred years since the first Australian-led Antarctic expedition set foot on the frozen continent, a new group of modern-day expeditioners will honour their momentous achievements.