This week at Casey: 30 August 2019

The week has seen some of Casey’s sunniest winter days, although cold and crisp. This has been great for the team getting out on the sea ice, although after a two day blizzard the week before, the sea ice has proven a changing feast.

The station also enjoyed a fantastic cooking class this week; with Beef Wellington, Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli and Cheesecake all on the menu. Jordan our chef, oversaw her 9 apprentices of different experience level and talent to produce a fine meal. We also really enjoyed the class, a little taste sampling along the way and our dinner.

The week also say the departure of our Wilkins Aerodrome team members. The team of 4 headed up the hill for start-up with the support of five station members. Lots has been accomplished in the first week but it has been tough going with really cold temperatures and lots of wind. We look forward to seeing the guys back on station when they have the opportunity and have really enjoyed their presence on station over the last four months.

Chris (SL) 

Name: Christine MacMillian

Nicknames: Chris

From: Noosa, originally from California

Previous seasons? First one

Job title: Station Leader

Describe your role in two sentences:

The role focuses on the overall management of the station; including facilitating science projects, coordinating operations and leading and working with an extraordinary group of people in an amazing place.  

What did you do before your joined the AAD? I worked in Australia’s Search and Rescue program for 15 years and before that in the United States Coast guard in many operational positions both on ships and ashore. 

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

Working with great people

If you were not a Search and Rescue specialist, what would be your dream job?

I think I had it

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?

Being outside but if I have to be inside; running on the treadmill, yoga, using the gym, reading, playing scrabble, darts, eating…

What song sums up your Casey experience so far?

These Are Days — 10,000 Maniacs

What actor would play you in a film version of our 72nd ANARE season here at Casey?

Cate Blanchett — an Australian — with ties to the USA and a great actress

Favourite piece of Australian Antarctic Division kit?

My goose down jacket

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

I am an avid reader — but the book that I recommend the most is probably Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth. Its a great story, well written.

Movie — Sound of Music - it brings back wonderful family memories

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

I really like almost any music and particularly enjoy being introduced to new artists

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

Sight — the view out my window over iceberg ally

Smell — most everything that Jordan cooks

Sound — the ice cracking and ice cliffs falling

Feeling — the sun on my face as I sit outside

Taste — fresh salad from hydroponics

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

Let’s go to the beach, housework can always wait (my mother, all her life)

Something people may not know about you:

The opening scene in the movie Clear & Present Danger — was based on me when I was Commanding Officer of a US Coast Guard Patrol Boat.