This week, we sit down with Andrew Lewis, the multi-talented electrician from Cloncurry, northwest QLD, who’s not just keeping the lights on at Casey station but also sparking life into the social scene as the self-proclaimed chairman of the social committee. Born in the UK, Andrew’s journey has taken him across continents, settling in Australia with his family in 2017—and now, he's made Antarctica his latest adventure.

Impromptu talks

Name? Andy

Where do you consider home? Cloncurry, northwest QLD. However, I was born in the UK. When I return to Australia, I will spend six months on the road.

Family? My family moved to Australia at the end of 2017, that being my mum, dad, and sister and got settled in Brisbane. However my extended family is still in the UK.

What is your role on station? I’m an electrician, but I consider my primary role to be the chairman of the social committee, of which there is one formal member.

What is your favourite thing about being down south? Heading off station to huts, experiencing incredible scenery daily, working whilst watching seals and penguins do their thing, and sharing it all with the people of the 77th. 

What has been your most memorable moment of the season so far? 

Exploring the Browning Peninsula for the first time, seeing the Vanderford Glacier in all its glory during peak summer sun. Walking down to see the elephant seals and being overcome with their beauty and aroma…. 

Complete the sentence: How do you unplug during the hustle and bustle of the workplace? 

An after-work gym session, followed by a sauna and spa. In that order.

What is one thing you wish you brought from home?

I would have loved to bring Hank my dog down. He is a big softy and would have fit in well around station.

What is your hidden talent?  

I am undefeated at goanna pull! 

What is some of your best advice in general? 

Don’t sweat the small things. 

How would your friends / colleagues describe you? 

Inclusive, funny looking, easy going, always up for a laugh. 

What has been one thing you have learnt since your stay down south:

I’ve learnt how to wood carve, I’ve made a seal, Inuit goggles, a bull, and a manta ray. I got some wood carving knives sent down on the last mail bag flight after a recommendation from a previous winterer. And during the dark afternoons of winter I found myself in the hobby hut carving. Although they’re not perfect I’ve enjoyed doing them. 

Andrew Lewis - Casey electrician 23/24 

an expeditioner sits atop a rocky outcrop capturing the sunset through his camera
a close up portrait of Andrew with a frosty covered face after prolonged outside work in cold temperature
two expeditioners stand on a gradient ice slope before reaching the shoreline onto the sea ice
an expeditioner vacates out of the open sea ice cold water plunge during the mid-winters swim
two expeditioners stand in suits with facial expressions of joy, arms around each other in a sign of camaraderie
a self captured image of two expeditioners in a vehicle before departing out to retrieve fuel
andrew is photographer with his field survival bag strapped to sled used for pulling gear onto of snow with a backdrop sunsetting silhouetted escarpments
A man in hi vis stands on a snowy slope, holding an ice core to his face like a telescope
two expeditioners stand in the foreground of a view of a vibrant sunset, with facial expressions of joy
5 expeditioners proudly sit at the wharf where a crane hook plunging into the foreground of the image, the Resupply vessel postures in the bay in the backround
an image of Andrews dog where it lay relaxed on the floor gazing past the camera
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