Name? Billy Wallace, Billy is short for something, but you have to work out what?
Where do you consider home? I am a Kiwi, and I live in the South Island by the big mountains in a place called Methven. There is skiing, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, jet boating, tramping right on my doorstep I am super fortunate.
Family? I'm married to Rob. He is coming down to join the Traverse as a mechanic. He arrives on the flight I leave on! Key to a happy marriage?
We have a beautiful fur child called Tui.
What is your role on station? I have been coming down to Antarctica for 25 years working as a field training officer. My job is to teach people how to work and recreate safely in the outdoors, this means what to wear, what to take, how the weather works, how to manage in the cold, what to do if there's an accident, how to not have an accident. We are our own SAR team (Search & Rescue) so I run part of the station through technical rope rescue and sea ice management.
What is your favourite thing about working down south? 'He tangata, He tangata, He tangata' - This is a maori proverb that translates to 'It is people, It is people, It is people' and also, the incredible landscapes.
What has been your most memorable moment of the season so far? Having a whale of a time filming the 48hr film festival. And we won!!! 'Tu meke' (too much!)
Complete the sentence: What I love most about my colleagues is … Although people come from a vast variety of backgrounds, this winter’s team has had the most amazing ability to look out and care for one another. There has been a lot of laughter and that goes along way when times get tough.
How do you unplug during the hustle and bustle of the workplace? I get dressed up and pretend I am going to the Saturday markets at home, I even have a handbag!
What is your hidden talent? Can recite Vanilla Ice's 'Ice Ice baby' verbatim
What is some of your best advice in general? Do what you can to remain present, you will be home soon enough. Enjoy the people around you, we are a unique family who will never be in this configuration ever again. Laughter is a powerful drug, don't sweat the small stuff. Step back and look at what is happening in the world - we are some of the luckiest folks on earth - and don't slam the goddamn doors.
How would your friends / colleagues describe you? I am hoping as a positive wise old bird, with a cutting-edge sense of humour and a decidedly 'on point' sense of fashion. Also, as someone who is easily disgusted by a sink full of floaties and hair and toenails that are not connected (insert gagging noise here).
What has been one thing you have learnt since your stay down south: Time is elastic, appreciate opportunities and the people around you for these experiences are ultimately fleeting.
Billy Wallace - Field Training Officer 2024
