Vice-Regal reception for The Antarctic Science Foundation at Admiralty House, Kirribilli - Tuesday, 18th May, 2021.
Tuesday 18th May was the occasion of a Vice-Regal reception for The Antarctic Science Foundation with Their Excellencies, the Governor-General, and Mrs Linda Hurley at Admiralty House, Kirribilli.
An important moment in the life of The Antarctic Science Foundation, we joined with our Patron to celebrate the work and achievements of the Foundation.
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia said:
“The Foundation meeting here tonight is absolutely critical to our knowledge of Antarctica and what it means to us as Australians in particular, but also across the globe.
We’re really delighted to have you here, to say thank you on behalf of your fellow Australians, for what you’re doing for their present and their future and our next generations.
If you think the work you are doing makes you feel good, then that’s good. And if you think the work you’re doing and the support you are providing is groundbreaking, and it’s going to make us a better world, then you are right - you’re spot on!”
Our Chair, Katherine Woodthorpe, spoke of the vital role philanthropy has played in Antarctic science from the very beginning:
“Philanthropy has a proud history of supporting Antarctic scientific endeavour.
From the Heroic Age of adventurers like Shackleton to the age of the scientists like Sir Douglas Mawson, philanthropy has been an important partner in enabling such expeditions to be undertaken.
Mawson’s 1911-14 expedition was supported with contributions from a range of industrialists.
His expedition in 1930-31, which led to the territorial claim of the Australian Antarctic Territory, was funded by Sir MacPherson MacRobertson, a Victorian industrialist who had a large confectionery company and who, incidentally, and very importantly, brought us the Freddo Frog and Cherry Ripes.
Mawson named MacRobertson Land in Antarctica to honour his support.”
Our Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Kelly, spoke of the present opportunity in frontier research below 60o South:
“Antarctica is both a bottomless paradox and a solution.
The secrets of the icy continent represent both a gateway of historical discovery but also a forge with the immense potential to cast a sustainable trajectory for human life on Earth.
A few years ago, Charles Kettering said, 'My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.'
And so the pressing need to ensure we understand Antarctica’s impact on Australia as nothing short of profound.
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are global shock absorbers, which at the very minimum have accepted and returned heat and carbon over tens of millions of years.
In all of history, there has been a no better nor opportune moment to research Antarctica.
Governments cannot do all. Nor do they always have the acuity of vision possessed by their citizens.
This is the powerful role of philanthropy.
The Antarctic Science Foundation fills a fundamental gap, producing a tangible impact for the people of Australia.
But none of this can be realised without you, our committed supporters. I thank you for your vision and commitment.
Before us is the opportunity, this season, to bring the “wonderworking fire” to those projects our researchers dream of doing.
Before us is the moment to ensure a cleaner, safer, healthier future for all humans, for all people.”
Her Excellency, Mrs Hurley penned a beautiful song for the occasion and dedicated it to the work of The Antarctic Science Foundation, in part:
?? “Antarctica the engine room of global climate now
its atmosphere and oceans, climate science may show how
We need our oceans healthy so that we will be healthy too
A place of so much beauty. Thanks for what you do. ??
?? So many projects: penguins, fish and a bird’s eye view
The risk of losing krill, keep Antarctica clean as new
A place that’s like no other, a place truly divine
The Antarctic Science Foundation, your passion truly shines.” ??
With all said (and sung), there remained the delight of celebrating with our supporters in gratitude.
Thank you to your Excellencies for your encouragement and the prestige you confer on the Foundation and our supporters in our work.
To our firm and loyal supporters, the Board and staff of The Antarctic Science Foundation extend our sincere thanks.
The essential and worthy work of the Foundation has only ever been possible through your thoughtful generosity and sacrifice.
We cannot do this work without you, and we are so glad to have you on our team!
We look forward to the new season ahead: the needs we will satisfy and the questions we will answer together.
The Antarctic Science Foundation
Experienced innovation-focussed Chair and NED. Especially in climate risk, renewable energy & healthcare
3 年It was such a good evening. Thanks to all that came and especially to Their Excellencies for their kind hospitality