A surprise delivery with a 24-year story
Mysteriously, when we arrived in December, the last thing the Comms office expected to receive was mail, especially a parcel addressed simply to CCTO (Communications Technical Officer), Macquarie Island. The unexpected package immediately sparked curiosity. Something about it felt … historic.
Arriving at the Comms office doorstep, the parcel contained three well‑worn tools and a handwritten note. The sender, Dale Main, explained that the tools had been accidentally taken from the island many years ago and that he was finally returning them, along with his phone number should we wish to know more.
Carefully studying the note, I turned to the wall of previous expeditioners with only a name, a role, and a rough estimate of the tools’ age. After scanning countless group photos, I eventually found him — Dale served as the Radio Technician in 1994, and again as the CCTO in 1999.
Calling him later over our recreational network, I found Dale over the moon to be receiving a call from Macca—a place he still describes as “paradise on earth.” He shared how the tools had inadvertently ended up at home and how he had always intended to return them. After 24 years away, the tools have now been cleaned, restored, and returned to service.
As I searched the photo wall, I was struck by the sheer number of faces looking back. As part of the 78th expedition, I’m one of a small number who have stood where I now stand — people who have experienced living and working on this remarkable island that so few ever will.
Scott Roadnight - CTO 78th ANARE
