What it's like to live and work in Antarctica

A couple's experience living and working in Antarctica

The full report

Winnie Yum and Nelson Athanasiou have been living and working at Davis Research Station in Antarctica for the past year. Winnie, a 32-year-old doctor, chose to complete her medical internship in a remote area to gain a broad range of experiences. She previously lived in Mount Isa, where she met her partner, electrician Nelson Athanasiou, through the local rock-climbing community.

Winnie Yum attended school in Brisbane and studied medicine at the University of Queensland, completing a six-year degree. She also spent time at rural clinical schools in Bundaberg and Toowoomba. Winnie wanted to do her internship in a rural area and chose Mount Isa due to its remote location and strong community.

The couple's experience in Mount Isa was positive, with Winnie enjoying the small-town charm and Nelson appreciating the community's outdoor activities. Winnie had rock climbing as a hobby and was surprised to find a reasonably active outdoor rock-climbing community in Mount Isa.

Winnie and Nelson applied to spend a year at Davis Research Station in Antarctica, with Winnie applying as a doctor and Nelson as an electrician. The application process was scary, but they were both successful and have been living and working in Antarctica for the past year. Winnie says living in Antarctica allows adults to 'remember how to play'.

Reporting status

This original NewNWS report was drafted from the cited source material and passed a second evidence check. Claims that remain the account of one publisher are attributed in the source disclosure below.