Cold Case Adventures and how to Survive Them

Send us Fan Mail

Zane Hacker - chef at Mawson, describes his Antarctic experiences, impressions and living conditions while being interviewed by another Antarctic veteran, Denise Allen as they returned from Casey Base on the Aurora Australis in 2014. 

Zane has been south a number of times over 6 years, beginning in late 2007 at Mawson Base as the station chef.

Send us Fan Mail

To fulfill a lifelong dream, Jenna Kelley persisted for years aiming to gain a position on the Antarctic Continent. In the year 2000 her determination paid off when she was employed in Hospitality at the New Zealand Antarctic Base - Scott Base.
In that year she organised the merchandise back in New Zealand and ran the shop, along with all the other duties as an Antarctic expeditioner to keep the base running smoothly and efficiently.

Send us Fan Mail

Peter Stickland returned to Casey Base, Antarctica in 1983 - responsible for communications. A senior radio operator, previously in 1980 he left Australia to spend more than a year in the frozen continent at Mawson Base, and the next summer at Davis.

In this podcast we feature his time at Casey Base 2 years later. 
Peter is interviewed by fellow Antarctic veterans Philip Wolter and Dave Willis.

Send us Fan Mail

In the summer of 1980 Peter Stickland, RAF trained radio operator, journeyed to Mawson, Antarctica to maintain vital communications for the base. His adventures throughout the year are related to Phil, including his transfer to Davis Base the following summer to rescue their radio communications. This is a snapshot of the times living at two Australian Antarctic bases.

Send us Fan Mail

Sir Douglas Mawson - scientist, Antarctic explorer, author and grandfather.
Emlyn Thomas, the grandson, tells of Mawson the man as seen through a child's eyes.

Send us Fan Mail

In 1985 a young builder named Dave Willis arrived at Davis Antarctic Base to take part in an extensive building program.

Here he describes the tribulations and the great privilege of travelling to the coldest continent and living and working through an Antarctic summer.

Send us Fan Mail

Jim Brooks is one of the very early Australian Antarctic expeditioners.
He was the geophysicist at Heard Island in 1973 and was present at the founding of Mawson Base in 1954, helping in the planning and establishment of the new base.
Jim gives a first-hand account of some of his amazing Antarctic experiences of those early years to Phil Wolter And Gil Barton.

Send us Fan Mail

Living in Antarctica 49 years ago was a special experience.
This account describes that experience from three different perspectives.
In August 2025 Phil met with Gil Barton and Neil MacDonald to revive memories of the year they spent at Mawson Base, Antarctica throughout 1976 and the summer of 1977.

Send us Fan Mail

Around September to October as spring begins, life returns to the Antarctic continent.  Adelie Penguins appear on the islands, seal holes appear on the fast decaying sea ice.

The wildlife returns.

Phil discusses witnessing this annual transformation in 1976 with Peter Niblett. This experience inspired the production of a children’s book based around the Antarctic wildlife. The book, published in 2025, is described at the end of the video and is intended to be the first of a three part series.

Send us Fan Mail

There is no doubt that a woman’s perspective of life in the Antarctic is unique.

An adventurous spirit adds extra colour to the Antarctic woman’s story.

Lyn Irvine is definitely such a woman. Listen to Lyn as she relates some of her remarkable Antarctic adventures and achievements during the years 1998 to 2002 at Mawson and Casey Australian Antarctic Bases.