This week at Casey: 22 March 2019

In many places the phrase ‘winter is here’ would mean the cold weather has arrived. Here at Casey, it means the transition to our winter team of 29, including our four members based at Wilkins who have joined us after finishing the big task of winterising the Aerodrome facilities. We are also in the process of starting winter projects including finishing off the Red Shed, winterising Casey facilities and commencing the mechanical maintenance program of all station and Wilkins machinery.

The team has enjoyed a couple of long weekends and have been out and about seeing more of the area before the shorter, colder winter days are upon us. The sights enjoyed by many include the area’s amazing wildlife and the changing features of the landscape.

Chris (Station Leader)

Name: Marissa

Nicknames: Riss, M

From: Cairns, North Queensland

Previous seasons? This is my first.

Job title: Antarctic Medical Practitioner

Describe your role in two sentences:

I’m responsible for maintaining a comprehensive medical facility and providing medical care (hopefully more preventive over the winter months) for a team of expeditioners swelling to in excess of 100 over summer. I’ve also taken it upon myself to ensure quality control of the caffeinated beverages each morning to keep the station ticking over.

What did you do before your joined the AAD?

I work as a rural and remote GP in the real world.

What is your favourite part of your job here at Casey?

Everything — the scenery, wildlife and general sense of peace. But most of all the people, it’s been a privilege to meet so many interesting and inspirational people and learn about their lives.

If you were not a doctor what would be your dream job?

Astronaut

How does this season at Casey compare to your previous seasons down south?

N/A

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy dabbling in some photography which lends itself well to many walks around and off station. Also reading, relaxing with fellow expeditioners over a cup of tea, and being defeated in various board games.

What song sums up your Casey experience so far?

Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

Favourite piece of Australian Antarctic Division kit?

My Icebreaker thermals — I wear them every day.

What is your favourite book / movie (or both) and why?

I enjoy reading autobiographies, people’s lives are so interesting.

What is your typical ‘Slushy FM’ genre? Do you have a particular favourite?

A good Triple J mix always goes down well, but I’ll listen to just about anything.

Describe your Casey experience with: a sight, a smell, a sound, a feeling and a taste.

Sight — The many panoramic views that take your breath away.

Smell — The smell of nothing.

Sound — The raucous cries of an Adélie penguin colony.

Feeling — Feeling so peaceful and content sitting on the Bailey Peninsula or Reeve Hill taking in the views.

Taste — The amazing food our chefs prepare every day. Especially Sunday brunches, and the cake… oh the cake!

Do you have a favourite quote that you’d like to leave us with?

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did” — Mark Twain.

Something people may not know about you:

I’m a qualified dive master… being in the ocean is one of the few activities I’ve missed since being down here.