Toowoomba man Allan Cooney will manage Casey Station for the Australian Antarctic Diversion from December 12 to January, 2014. Dave Noonan TOOWOOMBA man Allan Cooney will trade a hot Australian summer for Antarctic sub-zero temperatures this week.
Mr Cooney will be stationed at the Australian Antarctic Division's Casey station for a one-year stint.
The 54-year-old will take up the most senior appointment at the station.
He will be charge of overseeing the work and well-being of more than 80 staff members during summer, and 20 in winter.
"There are a number of things that are going on at the station," Mr Cooney said.
"There are ongoing science programs being conducted by the Australian Antarctic Division which is funded by the Australian Government.
"(that's) As well as the operation and maintenance of the base which are significant."
It is an adventure he is looking forward to with nervous excitement.
"I went down earlier in the year for a familiarisation," Mr Cooney said.
"We went to Mawson station which is the most westerly point.
"Mawson was just amazing.
"No photograph or film can do it justice.
"That goes for the whole Antarctic region.
"When we were travelling in that big ship across the southern seas, hitting those waves like we were on a giant surfboard, it was the most exhilarating thing ever.
"The penguins, seals and whales were really amazing.
"It really is a special part of the world that you can't appreciate until you see it."
Mr Cooney's Antarctic adventure was inspired by a close friend who had previously worked in the region.
"A friend of mine was a doctor at Casey in 1988 and he used to talk about his experiences a lot," he said.
Mr Cooney was appointed to the role nearly two years ago.
He and his wife, Jacki, moved back to their home town of Toowoomba after working in the Northern Territory.
"We moved from Alice Springs towards the end of last year so Jacki could be closer to family," he said.
"She has reservations about it, but she realises it is a great thing I am able to do.
"The most challenging thing will be being away from the family for the year."
Mr Cooney expects the temperatures to dip to minus 30 in the winter, and remain below zero across the summer.
However, the wind-chill factor could take the temperature down to minus 50.
"We are supplied with the appropriate clothing," he said.
"We receive training on layering (clothing) and how to control our body temperature.
"You have a thermal layer which is wool, followed by a fleece layer that generates warmth.
"The over layer traps the heat in and keeps the wind out.
"You can get frost bite without even knowing it.
"But it is about being aware of the risks and managing them."
Mr Cooney will travel by plane on Wednesday, December 22 to Casey Station.
It is a four-and-a-half hour trip.
He will be stationed at the base until January, 2014.
Christmas Day will be spent unloading an arriving shipping vessel.
"I am excited and nervous about being away from the family for a year.
"But I am excited about what professional challenges will arise.
"An opportunity like this doesn't come along too often."
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