Nominations are open for the 2025 Antarctic Medal, which recognises outstanding service to the Australian Antarctic Program.

To be eligible, a nominee has to have accumulated 12 months of service (this can be over multiple seasons) and have made a significant contribution to any aspect of the program.

They can be from any country, but they can’t know they’ve been nominated.

Three women in yellow Antarctic gear standing on a snowy slope
Alison Dean (right) was a recipient of the Antarctic Medal in 2020. Photo: Tyson Langer

Mawson Station Leader Ali Dean was awarded the Antarctic Medal in 2020 and says it came as a complete surprise to learn her name had been put forward.

“Initially I couldn’t believe it and I kept thinking they must have the wrong person,” Ms Dean said.

“After realising it wasn’t a hoax I felt honoured and overwhelmed by the thought that others I work with felt strongly enough to actually consider me for this award. The thought of this made me feel valued and appreciated more than anything.”

Ms Dean, who comes from New Zealand, started her polar career with the British Antarctic Survey and is now one of the AAP’s most experienced operators, wintering more than a dozen times.

She has been station leader at all Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations and was celebrating Midwinter at Casey when she learned she’d won the Antarctic Medal.

“There was a barrage of congratulations from all over Antarctica, Australia and New Zealand,” Ms Dean said.

“It all seemed slightly surreal but I thought it was an appropriate place to get such amazing news.

“I am incredibly proud and pleased to be counted among such illustrious company when I read who received the award at the same time as me, and those that have gone before."

Her family were excited for her too "especially my Dad who is in his nineties.”

An ‘outstanding contribution’ may include demonstrating exceptional commitment, persistence and initiative; going above and beyond prescribed duties or inspiring others and fostering a positive Antarctic community.

The Australian Antarctic Program is particularly keen to see nominations that reflect the full diversity of our Antarctic community.

Previous winners include Dr. Patti Virtue, for her ground-breaking research on Southern Ocean ecosystems; Donna Wightman, for her outstanding contributions to station management; and Field Training Officer Simon Cross, who is currently Field Leader for the Denman Terrestrial Campaign at the Bunger Hills.

Nominations close 28 February. For any questions about the nomination process, please contact antarcticmedal@aad.gov.au.

For full details on the nomination process, please visit: https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/australia-in-antarctica/australian-antarctic-medal/process-for-nominations/

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A woman with red hair and blue suit on the left, Alison dean in a black top and skirt, holding the Antarctic Medal.
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