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RECENT NEWS 2008 Midwinter Dinner
We had another good turn up to the Qld MWDinner again this year. Numbers were slightly down on previous years, but that may have been a blessing, as we could not get the "Panorama" room ( the venue for our last few dinners) this year due to a prior booking. Instead we had the "Parkside" room, which while not quite as spacious, was still very comfortable and a good night was had by those that could make it. (16/06/08) Art Exhibition Here are the proposed dates and venues for Judy Parrotts' art exhibition. 2007/08 Noosa Regional Gallery 14 December – 3 February
2008
Warwick Art Gallery 8 February – 16 March
Australian Catholic University, Banyo 31 Mar – 2 May
Texas Regional Art Gallery 13 May – 21 June
Gladstone Regional Art Gallery* 13 December –15 February & Museum
2009 Outback Regional Gallery, Winton March – 19 April
Mornington Peninsula* 29 April – 21 June Regional Gallery
Horsham Regional 7 July – 30 August Art Gallery
Maitland Regional Art Gallery* 27 November – 16 January
2010
Bundaberg Arts Centre* 27 January – 7 March (07/01/08)
David Sharpe It is with great
regret that we inform members and guests that David Sharpe was killed
recently in a motor accident on his way north to Queensland where he
planned to attend the 2007 Mid-Winter Dinner. The members of the Qld ANARE Club would like to pass on our Condolences to David's Family and Friends. (13/07/07)
FNQ Midwinter Dinner
We received a report from Andrew Hucker up in Townsville to say that the FNQ Midwinter dinner had been a success this year, with 12 expeditioners and 6 partners comming along for an enjoyable evening. (03/07/07)
New Qld Committee
There was a "changing of the guard" of sorts at this years Mid-winter dinner. For many years we have had the same few familliar faces filling the important roles of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. But this year, after some impassioned requests for some new blood to have a go, we now have some more recent expeditioners filling these roles, with only one "old timer" (sorry Graham), carrying on as Treasurer. On behalf of all of our members, we would like to extend our thanks to the outgoing Office holders for all the fantastic work they have done over the years, and extend our congratulations to the new Office holders. All of that experience is not lost to us however, with many familliar faces on the extended committee. The new commitee can be viewed here at Qld Committee (24/06/07)
Alf Howard turns 101 !!
News has just come through via Dr Anna Bemrose and Graham Pryde that Dr Alf Howard AM will be celebrating his 101st birthday on the 30th of April this year! What a Grand achievement ! If anybody would like to visit Alf , or to send him a card to congratulate him, his contact details are as follows: via email: postal address: his street address is: Please remember that for visits, it may be wise at present to check first with Amity (tel: 33582944) as there has been a virus running through some of the wings for the last couple of weeks. Alf is ok. (23/04/07)
Mawson's Hut INFORMATION ON
MAWSON’S HUTS Compiled 20 January 2007
His letter has been reproduced to provide access to Tom’s thoughts. There has been much Club involvement in the debate and action concerning the Huts over many years. The various ideas and proposals have probably not amounted to a Policy. At the meeting of the Club Council in Melbourne on 21 October 2006, the following discussion was based on a Paper submitted by Bill Burch and David Ellyard, and the policy outlined was adopted. The Paper and Tom Harwood’s letter are appended. 1. General –
Miscellaneous Items: Motion: Moved by David Ellyard, Seconded by Doug Twigg. That the Club adopts the Two Huts Strategy for the preservation of Mawson’s Commonwealth Bay huts, as well as a policy of preservation of all the old ANARE huts at Mawson Base, through cooperative arrangements with the Australian Government Antarctic Division. Carried.
The preservation of the historic "Mawson's Hut at Commonwealth Bay has been a matter of discussion for many years, and in recent decades significant efforts have been made to secure these iconic buildings from apparently imminent destruction in the hostile environment. However, we are still lacking a long-term strategy for this enterprise, the measures taken so far being in essence a "holding exercise" to buy time. There are two positions being taken on the future of the Hut. The first is that all of the buildings on the site must remain where they are in their historic location, since it is their associations with the landscape and with the activities undertaken there nearly a century ago that give them their significance. That would be the position taken by many heritage experts. There are two major drawbacks to this position. The first is that an ongoing conservation and maintenance effort will be required, at considerable expense, to preserve the main Hut from destruction. The second is that the remoteness of the location and the well-known difficulties with the weather will ensure that only a very few people are able to visit the site. The second position is “RTA”. This would involve the total dismantling of the Hut and the removal for re-erection at a suitable site within Australia. This would ensure its long-term survival, and enable many more people to interact. For example, the Huts could become the centre-piece of a significant display and celebration of Australia’s Antarctic heritage, such as being developed at the Museum of Tasmania. The difficulties with this latter position are firstly that it is likely to be strongly opposed by those who see it as at variance with Australia's international treaty obligations regarding heritage buildings (although there is a clear let out for this action under the Madrid Protocol of the Treaty covering “items under threat of imminent destruction”), secondly there may be substantial difficulties in a total removal of the Hut; the framing timbers may well be immovably frozen into the rock. The third, and for many the most significant, is that will leave an empty space where the Hut currently stands. There is however a third position, already under discussion and enjoying some support. This both secures the advantages of the two positions discussed earlier and addresses their shortcomings. Called the "Two Huts" strategy for convenience, this will result in effect in the duplication of Mawson's main Hut, so that it can both remain at Commonwealth Bay and be returned to Australia. In summary, the strategy would involve the total removal and replacement of the external cladding timbers on the Hut, which are in places ice-blasted to paper thinness, with new timbers of the same type, as has already been done as an over-cladding patchwork job so far. This would amount to a complete restoration so that the Hut would look externally as it did soon after erection, and be made secure against incursion by snow and wind. This would both preserve the Hut for an additional time at least as long as it has already stood, and satisfy the heritage lobby. There can surely be no objection to such a restoration, as the space at Commonwealth Bay would remain appropriately filled. The timber frame with the poignant reminders of the past occupants, including the graffiti carved into the bunk posts and the missing planks from Ninnis’ and Mertz’ bunks from which the original memorial cross was fashioned, would remain for the occasional future visitor to inspect and be inspired. The contents should be RTA’d for proper conservation and re-presentation in the Museum setting wherever that might be selected. The other main surviving out-building, Webb’s magnetic observatory, may well be able to be over-clad and largely left as it is, well sheltered under a rock ledge. The cladding timbers would be returned to Australia, and after suitable conservation, re-erected around a new frame, to create a second “Mawson's Hut”, which will look like the original at the time the restoration takes place. The Hut would initially only have the few conserved contents inside but subject to resources being available could be fitted out to resemble the interior at the time the AAE party was in residence, with fully made up bunks, festoons of clothing hanging from the rafters and so on. Though glibly stated here, this would of course be a major enterprise. The details can be worked out by appropriate experts, but nothing is impossible, and technological solutions can be found to the many issues. The present goal is an ‘in principle’ endorsement of this position by the Club without getting bogged down in technicalities as this stage. There are obviously a great many issues to be addressed, such as the seeking of public and private sector funding, the drawing in of all relevant stakeholders, indeed the securing of a majority support among interested parties for this approach. A starting point would be the endorsement of the strategy by the ANARE Club as strongly representative of the Australian "Antarctic community", followed by action to secure the support of the current Mawson’s Huts Foundation group as they are already set up as a registered charity with tax deductibility and Governor-General patronage. There are several reasons for action sooner rather than later. Although the imminent destruction of the Hut has been prophesied a number of times, and has not yet occurred, it is prudent to seek to secure the future of the Hut as soon as possible. Public interest in Antarctica is currently high, and that is likely to help promotion and fundraising. Perhaps most importantly a significant anniversary is looming. If this project could be completed by late in 2011, it would be ready in time to mark the Centenary of the Huts’ first occupation on 30 January 1912. That would give us five years, enough time to act but only if we begin soon. David Ellyard
and Bill Burch Letter Received
from Tom Harwood Secretary Thank you very much for keeping in touch via the recent Newsletter (October) with the most interesting and sad news of Charlie Gibbs life. I know from previous Newsletters that the Club has kept in touch with him and I presume his unusual and unique contribution to Australian Antarctic history etcetera will be included in the Aurora. Regarding the maintenance of Mawson’s Huts. Congratulations to the Qld. ANARE for launching a Foundation in Queensland. Has ANARE Club developed a national policy on this issue? I’m unclear, although I presume a majority of Members would vote to preserve the huts in situ as tribute to our first endeavor. Increasing tourist visits and photographic technology put the huts in lounge rooms, schools and libraries throughout the world, thus making inaccessibility a non-issue. With maintenance the key problem, perhaps those who benefit directly, i.e. the tourists, could be levied with the lion’s share of donations necessary. Alternatively, as we lay claim to the region, perhaps the Government could be lobbied for responsible upkeep under the War Graves Commission or similar. Otherwise, why cannot Antarctic Division establish a permanent station, manned or unmanned, or a caretaker made with the French. Re the
Christmas Barbeque. I regret that Julie and I will be unable to attend.
Please accept our apologies and wish all Members a Happy Christmas and
a successful New Year. Thanks again for the Newsletter. (27/01/07)
Alf Howard Update Here is an update from Graham Pryde and Anna Bemrose. From Graham Hello
everyone
And from Anna. Alf has been back at his unit in Moore Street for just two weeks after his release from Wesley. Tomorrow he is moving over to the Amity Group nursing home at New Farm. I believe it was formerly known as Le Chateau. He has had three shifts of carers these past two weeks and what with all the new faces in hospital he is understandably a little confused. However, I had lunch with him yesterday and he was in good spirits. Maybe taking over a plate with gorgonzola (his favourite) and some grapes and crackers helped a little. Also the lady he always eats with at lunch time opened a very nice bottle of WA shiraz. I gather that his new address in New Farm has very pleasant surroundings and have only heard good reports about it. I've let him know that I have already checked out how I can get over there with a change of bus in the city and that brought a smile to his face. I thought I might try to go over next Tuesday or Wednesday. If anyone is interested in visiting Alf, please contact his carers first to arrange a suitable time. The nursing home (Amity Group) is at
193 Moray Street New Farm Qld 4005 Tel: 3358 2944 (22/11/06) QUEENSLAND END-OF-YEAR BARBECUE
The Queensland Club gathering at Noosa
on the 19/11/06 was very pleasant. Good weather and venue, but the parking
was a problem. Sixteen attended. We had expected more. And here is Robyn's take also. Hey guys, though you'd like to know - we might have been small in numbers yesterday but we did well in the raffle. Last year we made $38, but this year we took $100 exactly. That puts our bank balance over $1,000. (22/11/06) Peter Orbansen Commemorative Service The director of the AAD has annouced that a Commemorative service will be held for Peter Orbansen on the 21/06/06. Please see a copy of his announcement below. (31/03/06)
I would like
to invite you all to participate in a short commemorative As part of
the service a plaque for placing on our memorial rock will be Further details
will be provided next week but the service will be held I would also
like to make this an open invitation to all members of the Unfortunately
I will be attending the Antarctic Treaty Consultative If you have
any queries regarding the service please contact Rob Bryson Tony Press
Mawson 1985 Reunion
Casey 96 - 10 year Reunion
QUEENSLAND END-OF-YEAR BARBECUE
Visiting Dr Alf Howard AM At the recent Mid-winter dinner, Anna Bemrose, who is workinng on a biograpy of Dr Alf Howard AM. attended, and gave a breif account of Alf's acheivements. Anna mentioned that Alf is now living in a retirement villiage, and due to his age, can not get out very much. She also mentioned that he is missing a bit of male company, as most of his fellow residents are female, and that he would love to have some visitors. If you would like to visit Alf, mornings are the best time. He is staying at Forest Place, 1 More Street, Taringa. Anna asked that you please call reception first on 07 38702925, to make sure it is ok, and to tell them you are from the ANARE Club. Alf is the last surviving member of Mawson's last expedition, and has some wonderful memories to share.
Members we've lost touch with After the recent mailout of the club newsletter, there are a few members who we have lost touch with. So if anyone knows the whereabouts of John Caswell, David Cesar, Eddie Davern, Glen Duncan, Leo Farrell, Richard Graney, Geoff Groves, R N (Bob) Jones, Peter McKenzie, Robert Nicholson, Steve Owen, or Steve Symonds, could you please ask them to get in touch with the club secretary Richard Unwin., so we can update their contact details. - Thanks
Griffith University - Antarctic Midwinter Presentation and Lunch
Parking - See the Griffith University website (www.griffith.edu.au) All are welcome.
Well known Antarctic, and now it must also be said, Arctic recidivist, John Hoelscher is off to the Polar regions again. John will travel the arctic regions in support of an expedition aimed at completing the first summer crossing of the Arctic Ocean, via the North Pole. In his role as Logistic Support Manager, John will handle the travel arrangements, technical and communications support, and keep a watchful eye on the expedition team of Americans Lonnie Dupre and Eric Larsen, who will travel unsupported, each pulling a specially designed canoe with sled runners containing all their food and survival equipment on the planned 2250km crossing from the Russian Siberian coast at Cape Arctichesky, to the shore of Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic. The expedition is due to start in early May, and be completed by early September. The expedition titled “One World Expedition” has three objectives: - To become the first expedition in history to complete a summer crossing of the Arctic Ocean. - To create awareness of global climate change and collect relevant scientific data. - To produce a documentary film and book that focuses on global climate change, teamwork and the spirit of adventure. John was due to leave Australia on 03/04/05, returning on 12/09/05. To find out more and to track the expeditions progress, please go to www.oneworldexpedition.com (14/04/05)
QUEENSLAND END-OF-YEAR BARBECUE The annual End-of-Year get together is on again on Saturday 13 November. It will be held at "The Point" resort at Coolum. "The Point" is managed by expeditioner Mike Heap (C.72 & M.74) and he is offering Mates Rates on accommodation. A past get-together held at that location was very successful. A function room and swimming pool are available and an enjoyable day is promised. There will be the usual raffle and people are asked to contribute a bottle of wine, or something else suitable to raffle. For full details keep an eye out for the October/November Newsletter, to be published on this site in the next week or two. (23/10/04) GREENLAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION A documentary made about the first circumnavigation of Greeland, titled "Arctic Challenge - The Last Arctic Mystery" will be featured on National Geographic TV on 22 July at 9.30am and 2pm (AEST). The circumnavigation was completed by Queensland ANARE expeditioner John Hoelscher and his travelling companion Lonnie Dupre from the USA during the years 1997 to 2001, travelling 8500km around the coast of Greenland, by dog team and kayak (traditional arctic transport). The program will run for about 1 hour. (11/7/04) ARCTIC OCEAN CROSSING And Lonnie Dupre is about to embark on another major expedition next May. Along with Eric Larsen the two-man team will travel upsupported across the Arctic Ocean from the Russian coast via the North Pole to the Canadian coast. The team will be utilising small kayaks as sleds and boats as there will be many open water leads to paddle across. No one has previously completed this journey in the northern summer months. Lonnie hopes to bring public awareness to the diminishing arctic sea ice and global warming. The website documenting their journey is www.oneworldexpedition.com (11/7/04) MAWSON JUBILEE MEDALLIONS To celebrate the Jubilee of the founding of Mawson Station on 13th February 1954, a Jubilee Medallion has been struck to mark the event. The medallion will soon be available to members to obtain as a souvenir keep-sake, and it is hoped that some will be available at the Brisbane Midwinter Dinner. Designed by Vice President Ivan Hawthorn with art assistance from John Gillies,a limited run of 400 will be produced. For more information click here. (8/6/04)   MIDWINTER DINNER 2004 The annual Brisbane Midwinter Dinner is on again. On June 25 expeditioners will gather at the Good Earth Hotel in Brisbane to celebrate the shortest day of the year in traditional style. For those expeditioners wishing to come, cost is $60 and the event will start at 6pm with the AGM and election of officers. Drinks commence at 6.30pm and dinner at 7pm. The dinner is again expected to reach the superb style offered by the Good Earth duirng previous years. For more information click here. (5/5/04) ite ODYSSEY 2004 The annual outback trek - Odyssey - is on again during 2004. While final details are still in progress, at this stage it is expected to depart Deniliquin on Saturday July 17th, then to Tibooburra, Cameron's Corner and Broken Hill. For further details click here. (7/3/04) i SEARCH FOR SHACKLETON'S 'ENDURANCE' Plans are underway by two separate syndicates to search for Sir Ernest Shackleton's famous expedition ship 'Endurance' which sank in the Weddell Sea. Both teams face formidable challenges in locating the vessel as the ships involved in any operation are likely to have to contend with heavy pack ice in the area where the 87 year old wreck lies. For further details see Search for Endurance. (9/7/03) CHARLIE GIBBS RECEIVES CITATION Congratulations to Charlie Gibbs on receiving recognition for his involvement in the 1936 Ellsworth Relief Expedition. As there had been no recognition for Australians who took part in this expedition in 1936, the Committee raised the matter with appropriate authorities and the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Antarctic affairs arranged for this service to be acknowledged. It was determined that no medal or medallion could be awarded. Charlie received a formal letter and a framed photograph with citation in recognition of his service. (28/5/03) TREKKERS REACH NORTH POLE Australian Jon Muir, with comrade Eric Philips, finished an unassisted trek to the North Pole yesterday. A support team was planned to retrieve the pair and fly them to a base camp at 89 degrees north. Click here for full story. (2/5/02) |
