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, Dr Patricia Miloslavich, leader of the Antarctic Monitoring Program 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 8pm
Location
Gandel Atrium
Cost
Adult (16+) $15
Concession $12.50
Friends $10
Livestream $7.50
Includes entry in the draw to win a signed copy of the stunning Way Down South book, plus access to the Antarctica exhibition and shop before and after the event.
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.
Dr Patricia Miloslavich is a marine biologist and oceanographer who leads the Antarctic Monitoring Program at the Australian Antarctic Division, coordinating long-term research into environmental change in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Patricia was based in Venezuela for many years, where her research focused on marine snails. She has held senior leadership roles in global ocean science and contributed to major international conferences and United Nations events.
Win a signed copy of Way Down South
By purchasing a ticket for this event, you automatically go in the draw to win a copy of Way Down South from documentary travel photographer Richard I’Anson.
Featuring colour photographs of the wildlife and landscape of Antarctica and the South Polar region, this stunning book includes text from experienced polar adventurers Greg Mortimer OAM and Howard Whelan. It is signed by the author and contributors.
Please ensure your name and email address are provided at time of ticket purchase. If you do not wish to enter the draw, please email programs@nma.gov.au. The competition will be drawn at the event. See competition terms and conditions.
Antarctica exhibition and shop
To complete your evening, visit our Antarctica exhibition and shop, open from 5.45 to 6.30pm and 8 to 8.45pm.
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