The man with "many hats"
Macquarie Island is a magical place, a truly once in a lifetime experience.
To be offered a position and a chance to work and live here for a year, is something only a few of us dream about and get a chance to experience.
I feel very privileged and honoured to work and live on this remote sub-Antarctic Island we commonly call the “Green Sponge”. My first year was in the 2021-2022 season as the Building Services Supervisor and Deputy Station Leader. To come back again and see how the island is transforming is very special.
It’s like living in a David Attenborough documentary and Jurassic Park movie, with wildlife on our doorsteps and the ever-changing scenery of this amazing island.
The weather changes so fast here and its not uncommon to have four seasons in one hour. Rain, hail, snow and glimpses of sunshine, misty rain and the constant wind blowing from multiple directions.
Much like the weather here on Macca, we change between different roles on station. As an expeditioner we wear many hats and perform different tasks throughout the year. From fire training, Lay Surgical Assistant, search and rescue, community duties, kitchen slushy and other roles.
My role this year for the 78th ANARE has seen me wear many hats and I enjoy the challenges that each different role comes with. Makes for an interesting work week and never a dull moment on station. From carpenter to leading hands of trades, to Engineering Services Supervisor, to Fire Chief, to Lay Surgical Assistant and Deputy Station Leader.
Working and living in a small, isolated community, we all depend on each other as one big family, helping out fellow expeditioners and learning new skills along the way. From cooking in the kitchen to helping the rangers with a seal survey count, all in a day’s work for an Antarctic expeditioner.
Conrad Willersdorf, 78th ANARE, Macquarie Island
