Celebrating the remarkable qualities and achievements of Australia’s great polar explorer

To help mark this year’s centenary of the Aurora’s return from the landmark Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE), this special presentation will bring to life the AAE’s legendary leader, Sir Douglas Mawson.

Despite brutal conditions, very basic equipment, extreme privation and the tragic loss of key crew members, Mawson’s AAE (1911-1914) famously still managed to deliver significant scientific research in geology, glaciology and terrestrial biology.

This incredible accomplishment, the historical context in which it was achieved and its continuing scientific legacy will be highlighted and celebrated, along with Mawson’s later contribution to the University of Adelaide as creator of our Geology Department.

We will also reveal his human side. Drawing on Mawson’s childhood experiences and the reflections of his family, his inspirational qualities as a person and leader will be explored, as will the lasting personal influence of the hardship he endured.

When: Tues 11 February, 5.30-6.45pm
Where: North Terrace Campus, The Braggs Lecture Theatre

The presenters

Emma McEwin B.A. (Hons) is currently undertaking a PhD in Creative Writing at the University of Adelaide, for which her thesis is a biographical history of the Mawson family. Emma is the author of An Antarctic Affair, published in 2008.

Mark Pharaoh B.A. (Hons), M.A., is a Senior Collection Manager at the SA Museum and head of the Mawson Centre. The Centre houses the Australian Polar Collection, which includes the extensive personal collection of Sir Douglas Mawson. Mark has worked on numerous Mawson-related exhibitions and related publications.