Name: James Terrett.
Nicknames: Terry.
From: Queanbeyan, NSW (2619 for life), now residing in Brisbane.
Previous seasons? This is my first season.
Job title: Plumber.
Describe your role in two sentences: As a winter Plumber at Mawson Station, the work is quite varied and unique. I work on infrastructure maintenance and minor new works, water production, and waste management. I’m also a part of the technical Search and Rescue team.
What did you do before your joined the AAD? I was working as a Plumber in the Army posted to Brisbane.
What is your favourite part of your job here at Mawson? The overall experience, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to live and work in such a unique place. The work is interesting, and the small community that we live in all makes for a great experience.
If you were not a Plumber what would be your dream job? I think it would be interesting working in the merchant marine.
How does this season at Mawson compare to your previous seasons down south? First season.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Back home go to live music gigs, renovating the house, heading to the coast. Down here I like to be social — I’m often found losing at darts and getting out to the field huts.
What song sums up your Mawson experience so far? Smoko…The Chats.
What actor would play you in a film version of our 72nd ANARE season here at Mawson? Hugh Jackman, because we look so similar.
Favourite piece of Australian Antarctic Division kit? Carhartt jacket and beanie.
What is your favourite book / movie (or both) and why? Book AS/NZS3500 National Plumbing and Drainage code. Movie: probably something silly that doesn’t get old like Happy Gilmore or Billy Madison.
What is your typical ‘Slushy FM’ genre? Do you have a particular favourite? Little bit of everything, pretty much all the big rock/metal bands from over the years, mixed in with a bit of Ian Moss, Milli Vanilli and Daryl Braithwaite.
Describe your Mawson experience with: a sight, a smell, a sound, a feeling and a taste.
Sight: Unless there is a blizzard we are treated to exceptional sunrises and sunsets.
Smell: I’m lucky enough to work on occasion in the wastewater treatment plant.
Sound: The rumble of the quad bikes and Hägglunds.
Taste: The food everyday — it is exceptional!
Do you have a favourite quote that you’d like to leave us with? ‘Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle” Helen Keller
Something people may not know about you: I’m related to the guy who founded the Mars bar company, but I still prefer Snickers.
