ANARE Club Newsletter

February 2025

Aurora Journal – March 2025

The March (autumn) edition of Aurora is ready to be posted in the next week. We hope you enjoy the memories of Heard and McDonald Islands that contributors have shared. They will no doubt bring back many memories. Of course, it’s not just about H & McD, there is lots more to read.

Our Editor does not rest between editions though. Already Dale is looking towards the next one, so if you have something you would like to share, from the past, the present or the future, please contact her: editor@anareclub.org.au

Meanwhile, put the kettle on, put your feet up, and get lost in ‘our’ Antarctic world, as soon as yours arrives in the post.

Midwinter Dates all set for June 2025!

With Midwinter falling on a weekend, this year, Club Branches have met to coordinate Midwinter Lunch and Dinner dates:

  • Friday 20 June 2025: Canberra (Dinner) and Brisbane (Dinner).
  • Saturday 21 June 2025: Sydney (Lunch), Melbourne (Lunch), Adelaide (Dinner), Hobart (Dinner).

For further details see the March edition of Aurora, or visit our Midwinter Events web page.

Report on the Inquiry into the Importance of Antarctica to Australia’s National Interests

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories tabled its report, Australia’s Antarctic Territory: Report on the Inquiry into the Importance of Antarctica to Australia’s National Interests, to which the ANARE Club was a contributor.

The full report is available on the Committee’s inquiry web page.

Phillip Law Medal

The Phillip Law Medal is awarded annually outstanding contribution to Antarctic Affairs and the Antarctic community.  The winner’s name is announced at Midwinter. For further information and to download nomination form visit: https://www.anareclub.org/phillip-law-medal/

Membership Survey Results

The Survey, open for five weeks between April and May 2024, has four sections (1) Club Purpose (2) ANARE Club Membership (3) Antarctic Heritage and (4) Miscellaneous matters.  A summary of the survey results can be viewed in the March edition of Aurora.  The full report is available on our web site.

National Council Elections

National Council elections are on the horizon once more! We’re a vibrant and bustling community, and we’d be thrilled to have you contribute your energy and ideas by joining us! If you’re interested, it’s a good idea to speak with current council members to learn more about their roles and activities.

  • Nominations will open on Monday 2 June & close Sunday 29 June 2025.
  • Elections (if required) will be held between Monday 7 July & Sunday 3 August 2025.
  • The new National Council will be announced on Monday 11 August 2025.

The 2025 Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 23 August 2025 (save the date!)

Whale Watch

The Great White Whale, ANARE Club Member Michael Dillon’s multi-award winning documentary, continues to tour Australia’s cinemas.  It’s a must see if you love music, outdoor adventure, sailing or all three, but it’s much loved by everyone of all backgrounds and ages. It’s an incredible tale, full of amazing characters.  Winner of eight International Awards.

Check Michael’s website regularly for new screening locations, dates and times.

“The best documentary I have ever seen!” – Dick Smith
” Wonderful! Just Wonderful!” – Jack Thompson

Some of you may be contemplating significant reunions, making contact with your network of ANARE comrades. Your Club is here to help establish and maintain those contacts. If you need advice or assistance we can often help, please reach out to our Membership Team (membership@anareclub.org.au).

National Council Meeting Invitation

A reminder that ANARE Club members are always welcome to join National Council meetings as observers. We had one attend last Saturday and he says he was very impressed (though maybe he was just being nice!). Most Council meetings are held by Zoom on a Saturday afternoon & last around 2 hours, though you can slip out when it suits you. The final 2 NC meetings for this term are as below, please contact the Secretary if you’d like to attend.

  • Saturday 5 April 2025
  • Saturday 26 July 2025

What’s On?