This week our newly renovated harbour-side chalet gets a test run, we suit up to save Barney Rubble in a fire drill and the picture gallery is brought to you by Andy.

Harbour-side chalet

One of the projects that a couple of the tradies had been working on over the past few weeks came to fruition over the Easter break with the new harbour-side chalet being installed complete with covered verandah and BBQ on the deck.

The project started with the refurbishment of an old “donga” building that was previously used as a summer accommodation block prior to the west wing being added to Casey. This donga was earmarked for RTA (return to Australia) as it was no longer being used.

The interior was refurbished by head Dieso Gavin during his spare time including the installation of a kitchen in one half of the building that had been removed from the new hobby hut and modified to suit its new location. The building then was electrically brought up to standard before being moved down to the wharf.

Once down at the wharf, first the verandah was added and then it was fitted with a BBQ on the decking. The BBQ was previously the gas grill plate that had been removed from the kitchen. Once this was installed, the chalet was ready to be put to the test with all the tradies that were involved along the way enjoying a Sunday afternoon barbie overlooking the wharf.

The tradies are currently working on another of these old donga buildings that will be used as an addition to this donga. It will be installed alongside the current donga once complete and provide short stay accommodation for up to six expeditioners at a time when they want to get away for a night or two and still be within extended station limits.

Casey fire drills

It was time to do another fire exercise this week at Casey. Everyone on station is involved in the emergency response team so it’s a good chance to show the other stations how to do things properly.

This time we staged a fire in the green store with, I’m afraid, poor old Barney Rubble as the victim. Luckily for him he was rescued on multiple occasions. It did take a while for the smoke to dissipate so thanks to Aaron for his understanding as we were almost going to have to give him a BA (breathing apparatus) set just to return to work. All in all, another good job by the best Antarctic fire team there is.

Picture gallery of the week

This week’s picture gallery features photos taken by Andy Ballinger.

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