I’m one of two carpenters here at Davis Station this winter. This is my third trip down south and after a busy summer assembling a series of precast concrete slabs, a steel deck and stairs around the new Reverse Osmosis plant, my winter trade role here is fortunately indoors in the Operations building project, rather than the maintenance side of the infrastructure trades team.
I was recruited to continue the refurbishment of the Operations building. Being in the third year of the project, it has had many varied people involved which is never ideal to pick up and carry on another’s work. To say the least, this was definitely no exception. Though it is simply a part of what we must anticipate and adapt to the challenge of this unique work environment.
My first task was learning a new trade and a new language of sorts - installing commercial air conditioning ducting. I have supervised many systems being installed in my time but to be stepping in with a shipping container of metal boxes in all shapes and sizes, a set of drawings and a building partially completed, I needed to simply go back to basics. Pause. Read the drawings and work it out from scratch. Importantly, back checking everything installed preceding me that I was reasonably capable. Adding to the challenge, I discovered several critical items where supplied incorrectly by the fabricators.
The “A” factor was alive and well. It’s always to be expected down here.
Pause again. Remind myself…... This is why they got me here. Let’s make it work.
Adaptability & Patience.
Many conversations were had and instructions confirmed with Tom D (my supervising engineer back in Hobart). Almost daily I was in touch trouble shooting, problem solving and navigating a wide variety of technical, and at times quite complex, issues.
Most importantly the valued and ever reliable support from my wife back home on the South Coast reminding me I actually enjoy this sort of stuff and I do always rise to these challenges.
Between myself and a variety of other highly skilled tradesmen this element of the works is now nearly complete.
For the rest of the year we will be plaster sheeting, painting the bedrooms, installing carpet & cabinets potentially ready for accommodating expeditioners over the coming 2025/26 Summer.
I’ll be back home before I know it. Looking back on another challenging but extremely satisfying Antarctic expedition.
Mark Green - Carpenter
Leading Hand Trades
78th ANARE
Davis Station
