For 40 years now, the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) has attracted world-class experts from science to policy, polar medicine to operations to work here in Tasmania.

To mark this anniversary, celebrations were held at the Tasmanian Museum and Art in recognition of the role AAD and generations of Antarctic families play in the local Hobart community.

three women smiling at the camera
L-R: Anne Hellie, Cath King, Alison Johannes Photo: Alastair Bett Photography

The Antarctic Division was established in Melbourne in 1948 as a part of the Federal Government Department of External Affairs.

In 1973, in a move aimed at promoting regional development and decentralisation, it was proposed the Division be relocated to Hobart.

In April 1981, the newly built AAD headquarters in Kingston, was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles.

A new era for the AAD and the broader Australian Antarctic Program will begin in just two weeks, when the nation’s new icebreaker RSV Nuyina, arrives in Hobart for the first time.

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Three people smiling at the camera
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