Spotlight Conversation
Join us for a thought-provoking evening of ideas in this panel conversation on the experiences of Australian women in Antarctica.
Guest speakers include Dr Diana Patterson OAM, the first woman to lead an Antarctic station and Captain Rebecca Jeffcoat, scheduled to deploy as Davis Station leader later this year, in a conversation facilitated by curator Dr Laura Cook.
Our panel will reflect on the experiences of the first women in the region – from early sealing and whaling days – to those participating in 20th century Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions.
Hear the captivating story of accomplished artist Nel Law, smuggled on a ship to Antarctica, and the contribution of early female scientists who worked on subantarctic Macquarie Island.
Learn about the admittance of female expeditioners, following International Women’s Year in 1975, which marked a slow change to Australian Antarctic station culture. Many women encountered an ingrained masculine culture of bullying and sexual harassment.
Meet our expert speakers
Date
Wednesday 12 August
Time
6 to 7.30pm
Location
Visions Theatre
Cost
Adult (16+) $15
Concession $12.50
Friends $10
Live captions and hearing loop available
Dr Diana Patterson OAM was the first woman to lead an Australian Antarctic research station. After a summer at Casey, Diana overwintered at Mawson in 1989 and Davis in 1995. She also worked as Field Leader of a Mawson Historical Huts conservation team in 2002. Diana was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to conservation and the environment, and a doctorate for her research on the relationship between the first Antarctic explorers and their sledge dogs.
Rebecca Jeffcoat is set to deploy as Station Leader at Davis later this year, after previously leading stations at Casey, Mawson and Macquarie Island. Rebecca is Director of Expeditioner Training and Capability at the Australian Antarctic Division. A former senior Navy officer with specialisations in meteorology and oceanography, Rebecca is also President of the ANARE Club.
Spotlight Conversations is a regular series of Museum events, bringing together passionate expert speakers, inspired by exhibitions and collections.
Banner image: Preparing to embark for Macquarie Island on the MV Thala Dan in 1959 are Isobel Bennett, Mary Gillham, Hope Macpherson and Susan Ingham (detail). Unknown photographer. Museums Victoria