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Antarctic adventure for Bunbury sparky

Ailish DelaneyBunbury Herald
Bunbury’s Peter Boyle is encouraging others to take a chance and become an Antarctic expeditioner.
Camera IconBunbury’s Peter Boyle is encouraging others to take a chance and become an Antarctic expeditioner. Credit: Daniel Dyer

When most people say they are going to work “down south”, they tend to mean somewhere in the South West region, but one Bunbury resident has taken that to new levels.

Peter Boyle is working at the Davis Station in Antarctica.

Embracing the snow and the ice, Mr Boyle works as an electrician at the site and is encouraging others to take the leap and join the adventure.

What started as a year-long stint has led Mr Boyle to extend his trip for another summer.

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The Australian Antarctic Program is on the hunt for the next group of skilled people to become Antarctic expeditioners for the 2021-22 season.
Camera IconThe Australian Antarctic Program is on the hunt for the next group of skilled people to become Antarctic expeditioners for the 2021-22 season. Credit: Daniel Dyer

“Antarctica still feels like an untamed wilderness, and the idea of being able to reach out and touch that was very alluring,” he said.

“I’m extremely fortunate and grateful to have the opportunity to do all these things.”

Mr Boyle said picking the best thing about living and working in Antarctica was a struggle because he had met many great people, picked up new skills, and overcome unique challenges.

“Really it’s some of the experiences in the field that are quite unlike anything else,” he said.

Witnessing auroras on the backdrop of a perpetual winter’s night sky, camping out in remote huts, and having some close encounters with seals and penguins definitely tops the list for me.

The Australian Antarctic Program is on the hunt for the next group of skilled people to become Antarctic expeditioners for the 2021-22 season.

More than 150 tradespeople are needed to support the four Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations.

Mr Boyle said working in Antarctica was an experience he would never regret.

“I don’t think there’s anything that could have truly prepared me for what it’s like to live and work down south — it’s a unique and amazing experience,” he said.

Visit https://jobs.antarctica.gov.au/jobs-in-antarctica/ for more information.

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