Wow, what a continent. When I first heard about the job opportunities down here I didnt know much about Antarctica. I knew it was big, and cold, I knew the Sun doesn't play by the rules and that contrary to popular assumption it isnt home to any polar bears.
I first put my name in the ring back in late 2023, not thinking I'd get a go but low and behold they kept calling me back for more interviews and assessments. It was a weird year of being in limbo, never knowing if and when I'd get a call to disappear down to the south pole for a whole year of my life.
Luckily my partner Holly was super supportive and encouraged me to take the job (only once!). She would use the opportunity to do the Great Alpine Walk, 700ks through the hills of Vic and NSW that I'm not quite tough enough for.
Then head back home to Darwin to take care of the chooks (Celeste, Pauline and Minty) and further her remote nursing studies. I was recruited a bit later than the rest of my Davis winterers, so missed the chance to jump on the big boat in October.
I instead headed to Hobart around then for some trade specific training, luckily it lined up well with the rag tag crew of misfits heading to Mawson station for their Winter. They adopted me into their group with open arms and there were some threats of keeping me as an extra Sparky for themselves, but I managed to escape.
We had about 6 weeks at sea with scientists, watercraft operators, and other various skilled legends.
It was such an epic journey with lots of unique experiences only the Southern Ocean can provide.
After helping complete a successful over water re supply of Casey station with 1 million litres of fuel and shirt loads of tim tams, I arrived at Davis station in mid Jan.
Our voyage was to relieve dozens of expeditioners who were here to upgrade and run the station over the sunny summer.
Again, arms were wide open from my new family for the year, 25 of us were left stuck in a little frozen village for 10 months.
I'd heard rumours that they were a great bunch and I can now officially confirm. I'm part of team Sparky with Kayne and Cam, as the apex trade we are responsible for all the electrical services throughout the stations 40+ buildings.
Often found making sure the coffee machine is in good working order.
It's usually fine but could be one of the hardest working pieces of equipment here, other than Kanye's cereal spoon.
So far so good down here. It's kind of like a big share house but with way better food.
We have a full time chef that goes above and beyond, thanks Claude! Luckily there's 2 well equipped gyms to counteract the second helpings and sneaky chocolates.
Between penguin and seal watching, golf simulator, movie theatre, pool/darts comps and weekends hiking through to Vestfold hills and glaciers, it never gets old.
When I look up and see giant icebergs locked into a frozen ocean while walking to work and auroras lighting up the sky I don't have to remind myself how lucky I am, it's obvious.
It's been a year of so many new first experiences and i'm not even halfway through yet. Bring on the winter.
Greg Mitchell - Electrician
