Participating in the Australian Antarctic Program is only possible for our expeditioners with the support of the important people in their lives – notably family and friends.

This page is designed to enhance your understanding of the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) and to share some useful resources. Importantly it also provides information on the support services that are available to you as family and friends of expeditioners (regardless of their affiliated agency).

Upcoming Webinar - Managing separation associated with Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) participation.

Managing an extended period of separation can be one of the more challenging aspects of participation in the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) - for both our expeditioners as well as their family & friends back home. Before deciding to accept a role, it's important that you consider and plan for this.

With that in mind, we'd like to invite you to join us for our Managing Separation webinar on Tuesday 27th May from 7.30 - 8.30pm (AEST). Hosted by Maree Riley (AAD's Organisational Psychologist) we'll talk about some of the challenges that expeditioners often speak about and share some practical tips and strategies that you might find useful.

You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from some current expeditioners and family members who will talk about their experience, and strategies they've been using to help manage the period of separation. And of course, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

You can register to attend the webinar here and we’ll provide you with information on how to join.

Please feel free to share information about the webinar with any family & friends that you think might be interested in attending.

If you're unable to attend the webinar but would like to learn more about managing separation during AAP participation, our Separation Guide contains some useful information. You're also welcome to reach out to our Family & Friends Liaison Officer who can be contacted via FFLO@aad.gov.au or 1800 030 680.

Staying connected

There are a variety of ways that you can stay connected with your expeditioner while they are in the Antarctic, the sub Antarctic or on a voyage.

Experience has shown that our expeditioners differ in how they stay connected with the important people in their lives at home, and the frequency of that contact. There are no rules around this, it’s simply what works best for you and your expeditioner.

Mail and gifts

There may be opportunities for you to send gifts and mail to your expeditioner, however there are some restrictions on what can be sent and when.

While it’s easy to maintain connection in this modern world through email, video conferencing, instant messaging, phone calls etc, something handwritten or perhaps a child’s drawing, or a gift from home are always well received.

Useful resources

The Australian Antarctic Program Separation Guide is a resource designed for both our expeditioners and their family and friends to support you in preparing for, and managing the period of separation. The Separation Guide also includes information, suggestions and resources to support our expeditioners and their family and friends through the process of returning home.

While the Expeditioner Handbook is primarily designed for preparing our expeditioners to head south, as family and friends you might find it useful in understanding more about what AAP participation involves.

This Australian Antarctic Program website is a great source of information about our stations, shipping and flight schedules, and the science we are undertaking in Antarctica, the sub Antarctic and Southern Ocean. You can also have a look at our webcams for a live view of what’s happening at each of our station, from RSV Nuyina or even in our krill lab in Head Office in Kingston.

Other ways that you can stay connected with the Australian Antarctic Program is through our news items, social media feeds (Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram) and weekly station updates. You can also subscribe to our e-Newsletter Antarctic Insider.

Support for family & friends

We understand that separation associated with AAP participation is not without challenges for both expeditioners and those remaining at home. If you require further information about the Program, your expeditioner’s experience, or are seeking support as a family member or friend please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Support is available to immediate family members through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider Telus Health. The EAP is a free, professional and confidential support service available 24/7. It offers expert advice, support, practical resources and referrals to help manage life’s issues and challenges – whether personal or professional. You can access this service by calling 1300 360 364 (International +61 2 8295 2292). You are able to access the EAP from the time your expeditioner commences with the AAP (including during their pre-departure training period) until up to 6 months after their return to Australia.

As a family or friend of an expeditioner you can also connect with our Family & Friends Liaison Officer (FFLO). The FFLO is available 24/7 and can provide information and answer questions you might have and connect you to support services. The FFLO can be contacted by calling 1800 030 680 or emailing FFLO@aad.gov.au

Please note that the Family & Friends Liaison Officer does not provide individual counselling but will assist in triaging you to the most appropriate support.

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