Wilkins Aerodrome is a self-supporting community of dedicated people operating the Antarctic flight program over summer by creating a blue ice runway of sufficient quality to land a passenger jet on. Wilkins infrastructure comprises several buildings mounted on sleds that are towed into place each season providing the necessary accommodation to support living and working in this remote location. Casey station provides trades to Wilkins mostly over summer to support and maintain the infrastructure and to make improvements as required.
This year’s programme undertaken by the infrastructure team was to complete several important projects between flights. Tasks included installing a fire escape stair and exit to the new Living Quarters (LQ) building, a new cold porch to the Sleeping Quarters, a toilet exhaust system in the LQ and ventilation system. The ambitious program also allowed for various repairs to buildings, maintenance and electrical inspections and installations.
With two plumbers, two carpenters and an electrician aboard, the tradie express (a Hagg with roof racks) left Casey for the trek to Wilkins for a four day working blitz. It is a credit to the professionalism and dedication of the trades team and the assistance of the Wilkins crew that all work was completed in the four days allowed without any issues. Their quest was made a little easier due to the hospitality of the Wilkins team and the fine food served up by Kim the chef. My thanks goes to my crew consisting of Joe A, Scott C, Dan J, Michael B and Vas (B3) for making this happen in such a tight time-frame.
Joe Briguglio
