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 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. Towards the end May/early June (dates to be advised), the Australian Antarctic Division's Organisational Psychologist (Maree Riley) will be hosting a series of webinars talking about separation associated with AAP participation. In these webinars Maree will talk about some of the things that you might want to consider in preparing for separation associated with AAP participation, as well as sharing some practical tips and suggestions to support you through the period of separation. These webinars are open to both applicants, as well as their family and friends.

You can register your interest in attending one of the webinars at FFLO@aad.gov.au and we'll send you some more information, including the dates and times once finalised.

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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