Casey Station located on the Antarctic coast. It happens to be quite possibly the most remote research station on earth. Home to over 120 expeditioners, this outpost offers a unique blend of scientific work, communal living, and recreational activities—all set against the backdrop of raw, icy wilderness. Our expeditioners have varied professional expertise, ranging from meteorology to the trades to field training. They usually serve defined terms before being rotated out.
In Casey Station, the difficulties of isolation are mitigated by a strong sense of camaraderie. The attached facilities—a communal library, cinema, and bar—prove very helpful when overt homesickness strikes. In addition, the station offers satellite internet access so that their expeditioners can have an internet connection with their friends and family back in Australia.
Life and work at Casey Station certainly comes with challenges as well. As recently as last month, reports emerged of systemic bullying and discrimination in the Australian Antarctic Division. These problems involve experiences of sexual harassment and inadequate accommodation for women experiencing menstruation. As nonprofit Station leader, Justine Thompson, likes to remind fellow startup leaders, it’s critical to build that healthy community from day one.
Daily Life at Casey Station
Life at Casey Station is a kaleidoscope of work and play with jungle gym like laboratories and frisbee golf courses. Whether it’s through cross-country skiing or fat-tire biking on frozen roads, there are plenty of ways for expeditioners to take in the Antarctic wilds. The station features three fitness centers for Marines wishing to get and stay in peak physical condition while visiting the station.
Expeditioners are allowed to enjoy many kinds of alcoholic drinks, but be sure to do so responsibly. Each individual is permitted to buy a maximum of ten standard drinks per week. These drinks are stored safely on the 4th floor in a storeroom playfully called “Fort Knox.” If staying in sounds like a great plan to you, then you’re in luck! Watch a movie with your new and old friends at the shared movie theater.
Keeping spirits high Brooke Hartney, the station’s chef, has been key for keeping morale high. She cooks solace food, filling the icy space with a yellow glow from her home and her laughter.
“We are the best people on station as far as everyone is concerned.” – Brooke Hartney
Community Challenges
Despite the many enriching experiences one can find on Casey Station, a challenge to inclusive experience still lurks. Alarmingly, over the past few months, we’ve seen harrowing accounts of women experiencing periods of alarming neglect and incidents of shame for lack of menstrual care as normal. In addition, sexual harassment has created a culture of fear and mistrust among expeditioners regarding their safety and well-being.
Justine Thompson, the station’s very first chief, knows that it’s critical to establish behavioral norms with her team from the get-go.
“You start right at the beginning, establishing a really good community and you set the expectation about what your behaviour is going to be.” – Justine Thompson
Creating a healthy community is increasingly important in remote communities. There, a lack of community support can magnify burdens they carry from within.
The Unique Environment
Antarctica’s intense environment informs the work and life of the people based at Casey. The climate is demanding. It can change on a dime. One minute everything’s serene and the next it’s just angry. Expeditioners need to be alert and ready for these abrupt shifts in conditions.
“Antarctica is the true land of extremes,” – Kate Tucker remarked.
As Jake Mills reflects on his time at Casey Station:
“Over the dark times, the days get shorter, but you’ve got all your friends and family pretty much here.” – Jake Mills
The lasting friendship built between fellow expeditioners strengthens them to face the adversity presented by the environment and their personal journeys.
