21/06/2005 - A Tasmanian
biologist who helped eradicate cats from
Macquarie Island and a Victorian chef with
extensive Antarctic experience have been
honoured with the 2005 Australian Antarctic
Medal.
The awards to Geoffrey Copson and Andrew
Tink were announced today by His Excellency
the Governor-General, Major General Michael
Jeffrey, AC CVO MC (Retd).
The Australian Minister for the Environment
and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, today
congratulated Mr Copson and Mr Tink, saying
their awards were well deserved.
Geoffrey Copson is a wildlife management
officer with the Tasmanian Department of
Primary Industries, Water and Environment.
“Mr Copson was responsible for the initiation,
planning and implementation of the pest
control program that has seen the eradication
of cats and the New Zealand Weka bird from
sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island,” Senator
Campbell said.
“His 30-year association with Australian
Antarctic expeditions includes numerous
tours of duty to Antarctica and Macquarie
Island and he is a prolific contributor
to scientific publications on sub- Antarctic
flora and fauna.”
Senator Campbell said Casey Station chef
Andrew Tink had spent long periods in Antarctica
since 1997 – nine summers and four winters
looking after the nutritional needs of expeditioners
– with time at each of Australia’s other
stations, Davis, Mawson and Macquarie Island.
“Mr Tink has served in a variety of roles,
including search and rescue leader, deputy
fire chief, hospital theatre nurse and boat
driver providing logistic support to field
science,” he said.
“However, he is best known for his culinary
talents. Mr Tink is renowned for his contribution
to station harmony and his involvement and
dedication to community duties.”
Senator Campbell said the contributions
of both men, above and beyond their day-to-day
Antarctic service, made them deserving recipients
of the 2005 Australian Antarctic Medal.
