ANZAC Day holds a deep and enduring significance for Australians and New Zealanders — and even at the far reaches of the world, on the frozen frontier of Antarctica, the spirit of remembrance and mateship remains unshaken. At Casey Station, the entire community came together to honour the legacy of the ANZACs in a way that blended timeless tradition with the unique rhythm of life on the icy continent.
While dawn services across Australia and New Zealand take place in the early morning darkness, the Antarctic light offered a different kind of dawn. With the sun rising just after 8:00am, the Casey team marked the occasion at first light. Beneath a sky slowly warming with daybreak, the commemorative service unfolded with all the solemnity the moment deserved — a flag ceremony, reflective readings, the Ode, the haunting sound of the Last Post, and a minute’s silence shared by all. Despite the thousands of kilometres from home, the connection to country, history, and each other was deeply felt.
No ANZAC Day is complete without a gunfire breakfast, and Casey upheld this proud tradition with a hearty morning meal following the service — and for those so inclined, the classic mix of coffee and a splash of rum. The spirit of the day continued later with a game of Two Up, filling the Red Shed with laughter and friendly rivalry as the crew kept alive the larrikin essence that’s always been part of the ANZAC story.
What made this year’s commemoration especially meaningful was the shared effort from across the station. In the days leading up to the 25th, team members contributed to a powerful slideshow, each slide offering personal reflections on what ANZAC Day means to them. Some honoured family members who had served in past wars; others reflected on sacrifice, service, and legacy. The result was a moving tribute — photographs, stories, and heartfelt words that drew a line between generations, continents, and the shared commitment of those now serving in their own way on the icy edge of the world.
Though far from home, ANZAC Day at Casey Station was anything but distant. In standing together, sharing stories, and reflecting on history, the team carried the spirit of the ANZACs from the cliffs of Gallipoli all the way to the South Pole. Lest we forget.
James Murphy
Station Supply Officer
Casey Station
