https://mediarelease.co/au/ Media releases including government announcements from Australia. en https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01164-preliminary-magnitude-4-8-earthquake-recorded-near-melbourne-victoria-03102026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01164-preliminary-magnitude-4-8-earthquake-recorded-near-melbourne-victoria-03102026.html Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. Geoscience Australia’s National Earthquake Alerts Centre recorded a preliminary magnitude 4.8 earthquake near Leongatha, south-east of Melbourne, at 2:01 am AEST on Saturday 3 October 2026. A magnitude 3.1 aftershock followed shortly afterw https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01098-honeybee-silk-could-power-smarter-wound-dressings-30092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01098-honeybee-silk-could-power-smarter-wound-dressings-30092026.html Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 CSIRO and Adelaide University researchers say biodegradable films made from engineered honeybee silk could underpin smarter wound dressings. Lab tests published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B found the recombinant silk film was well tolerated and largely broke down during healing, which may reduce disturbance of new tissue. With Medical Research Future Fund support, the team will develop infection-sensing dressings amid Australia’s estimated 450,000 chronic wound cases costing more than $6 billion a year. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01144-ansto-announces-board-appointments-29092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01144-ansto-announces-board-appointments-29092026.html Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 ANSTO has welcomed the appointment of Peter Harris AO and the reappointment of Professor Sze Ting Lee as part-time members of its board. The agency says the appointments broaden board expertise as it continues nuclear science, technology and research work for Australia. Both members will serve on the board that oversees ANSTO’s national nuclear capabilities. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01118-fsanz-board-communique-14-15-september-2026-meeting-29092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01118-fsanz-board-communique-14-15-september-2026-meeting-29092026.html Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Food Standards Australia New Zealand has published the communique from its Board meeting on 14–15 September 2026. The Board, as FSANZ’s accountable authority, considered food standards matters on the agency agenda. The note summarises the standards issues discussed for stakeholders following the session. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01078-four-names-to-be-added-to-national-police-29092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01078-four-names-to-be-added-to-national-police-29092026.html Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 On National Police Remembrance Day (29 September 2026), four fallen officers will be added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra, bringing engraved names to 836. Those honoured are WA Detective Senior Constable Maxine Bembridge, NSW Sergeant Mark Bransgrove, and Victoria Police Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart. The Australian Federal Police marks the memorial’s 20th anniversary; a public service starts at 5pm after a 4.20pm march over Kings Avenue Bridge. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01117-public-call-for-research-proposals-for-afma-funding-in-2027-28-28092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01117-public-call-for-research-proposals-for-afma-funding-in-2027-28-28092026.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is inviting research proposals for potential funding in 2027/28 against priorities set with its advisory groups. Universities, consultants and other providers can apply to work on fisheries science and management needs identified through AFMA’s Resource Assessment Groups and committees. The call outlines how proposals will be assessed against those published priorities. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01059-community-invited-to-shape-future-of-nsws-oldest-timber-28092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01059-community-invited-to-shape-future-of-nsws-oldest-timber-28092026.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Transport for NSW is reviewing its Timber Truss Bridge Strategy and inviting regional communities, councils, heritage groups and road users to comment from 28 September to 30 October 2026. It manages 27 historic timber truss bridges dating from 1880 to 1930, including Clarence Town Bridge, NSW’s oldest surviving example. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said feedback will help balance heritage and modern transport needs; an updated strategy is expected in late 2027. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01046-backing-private-practices-to-grow-tasmanias-nurse-practitioner-27092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01046-backing-private-practices-to-grow-tasmanias-nurse-practitioner-27092026.html Sun, 27 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The Tasmanian Government is offering private practices $150,000 to $300,000 a year for up to two years to establish, expand or enhance nurse practitioner positions under a new Private Practice Incentive Program. Health Minister Bridget Archer said priority will go to proposals that improve access to care in communities with workforce shortages. Applications are open; successful projects must show sustainability beyond the funding period. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01026-remarks-new-york-25092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01026-remarks-new-york-25092026.html Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told investors in New York that Australia is open for business, citing strong growth, job creation and AAA credit ratings. He highlighted booming business investment and recent steps to streamline foreign investment and environmental approvals. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01145-arena-backs-lightspeed-project-to-accelerate-innovation-in-large-scale-23092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01145-arena-backs-lightspeed-project-to-accelerate-innovation-in-large-scale-23092026.html Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is providing $25 million to Equans Solar & Storage for the Lightspeed project, a three-year trial of innovations aimed at cutting the cost of building and operating large-scale solar. The first technology to be tested is the Nextpower Ranger autonomous inspection robot, in its first use at an Australian solar farm. ARENA says the portfolio approach is intended to trial technologies faster in real-world settings as renewable deployment scales. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01013-follow-the-fish-how-marine-life-is-helping-reveal-hidden-shipw-22092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01013-follow-the-fish-how-marine-life-is-helping-reveal-hidden-shipw-22092026.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 CSIRO students mapped fish schools that gather around shipwrecks on RV Investigator. The work helps locate and study hidden wrecks. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00966-doorstop-new-york-22092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00966-doorstop-new-york-22092026.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Prime Minister Albanese said AI must keep humans in control while unlocking science and productivity gains. He spoke in New York inviting other countries to join an AI statement. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00965-research-to-support-children-with-inherited-22092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00965-research-to-support-children-with-inherited-22092026.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Three NSW cancer research projects will share more than $700,000 in Minns Government funding. A UNSW nursing study on children with inherited cancer risk receives $250,000. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00964-australia-eu-meeting-2026-22092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00964-australia-eu-meeting-2026-22092026.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Australia and EU leaders met in New York on the UNGA margins to review cooperation. They discussed progress since the Commission President's March 2026 Australia visit. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01014-australian-growers-find-fresh-opportunities-at-asian-fruit-sho-21092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01014-australian-growers-find-fresh-opportunities-at-asian-fruit-sho-21092026.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Australian fruit exporters showcased produce at trade shows in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Austrade support helped open new Asian market leads. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01012-help-count-one-of-the-world-s-rarest-owls-21092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01012-help-count-one-of-the-world-s-rarest-owls-21092026.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Norfolk Island is seeking volunteers for its annual morepork owl survey. About 25 of the rare owls remain in the national park. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00981-nsw-leads-australia-with-new-solar-panel-recycling-mandate-21092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00981-nsw-leads-australia-with-new-solar-panel-recycling-mandate-21092026.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 NSW is consulting on Australia's first mandatory solar panel recycling scheme. The plan aims to recover materials and cut panels going to landfill. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00947-west-australian-man-charged-with-21092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00947-west-australian-man-charged-with-21092026.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Australian Federal Police say a West Australian man will appear in Perth Magistrates Court charged with possessing child exploitation material after an alleged online detection. Investigators continue related enquiries. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00982-delamerian-project-reveals-new-mineral-and-groundwater-insight-18092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00982-delamerian-project-reveals-new-mineral-and-groundwater-insight-18092026.html Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Geoscience Australia mapped new mineral and groundwater potential across south-east Australia. The Delamerian study is the first deep dive under Resourcing Australia's Prosperity. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00922-queensland-teenager-charged-for-allegedly-18092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00922-queensland-teenager-charged-for-allegedly-18092026.html Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 A Queensland teenager is due back in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court today charged with allegedly possessing violent extremist material and promoting it online. The Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged the 18-year-old after an FBI report about an Australian user posting extremist content advocating violence. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00921-visit-to-california-and-new-york-18092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00921-visit-to-california-and-new-york-18092026.html Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit the United States from 18 to 24 September 2026, including Apple's California headquarters, and will lead Australia's delegation for high-level meetings in New York. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00902-transport-for-nsw-and-the-transport-accident-com-16092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00902-transport-for-nsw-and-the-transport-accident-com-16092026.html Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Transport for NSW and Victoria's Transport Accident Commission are partnering on the Helmet STAR bicycle helmet rating programme, sharing safety research to help consumers compare helmet protection. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00903-maternity-services-return-to-biloela-and-cooktow-15092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00903-maternity-services-return-to-biloela-and-cooktow-15092026.html Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. Less than 24 hours after the Biloela Hospital birthing service reopened, baby Arlie Mae was the first to be born in the upgraded unit and welcomed by the delighted maternity team. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00874-foundations-laid-for-finley-hospital-redevelopment-15092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00874-foundations-laid-for-finley-hospital-redevelopment-15092026.html Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The $25 million Finley Hospital Redevelopment has reached a significant milestone, with major foundation works now complete following two concrete pours. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00847-all-aboard-for-our-furry-friends-15092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00847-all-aboard-for-our-furry-friends-15092026.html Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Tasmania's new Spirits of Tasmania ferries will offer expanded pet travel, including climate-controlled kennels, pet-friendly cabins and an outdoor deck. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the upgrades support the visitor economy under the 2030 Strong Plan, with pet cabin tickets on sale from 16 September. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00846-a-renewed-conversation-about-impacts-of-organised-crime-and-15092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00846-a-renewed-conversation-about-impacts-of-organised-crime-and-15092026.html Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett calls for a renewed national conversation linking illicit drug demand to organised crime violence and national security. She points to recent mistaken-identity shootings and urges Australians to confront the country's high illicit drug consumption. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00873-aec-calls-for-input-on-the-regulation-of-electoral-14092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00873-aec-calls-for-input-on-the-regulation-of-electoral-14092026.html Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The rules governing authorisation requirements for electoral communications may change ahead of the next federal election, with the AEC opening public consultation on the Authorisation Determination. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00831-townsville-man-charged-over-alleged-possession-of-child-abus-14092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00831-townsville-man-charged-over-alleged-possession-of-child-abus-14092026.html Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police and Border Force charged a Townsville man after alleged child abuse material was found on a phone at Cairns Airport. He is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00825-west-tarneit-station-opens-to-passengers-13092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00825-west-tarneit-station-opens-to-passengers-13092026.html Sun, 13 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Victoria’s West Tarneit Station opened to passengers with a 400-space car park, bus interchange and accessible platforms. New and more frequent bus routes connect the growing western Melbourne suburb to the rail network. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00821-incat-named-2026-tasmanian-exporter-of-the-year-12092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00821-incat-named-2026-tasmanian-exporter-of-the-year-12092026.html Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Incat Tasmania was named 2026 Tasmanian Exporter of the Year for battery-electric and hybrid vessel builds. Minister Guy Barnett highlighted Hull 096, described as the world’s largest electric ship, and its export profile. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00983-pair-jailed-as-ndis-integrity-systems-protect-participants-11092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00983-pair-jailed-as-ndis-integrity-systems-protect-participants-11092026.html Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 A Sydney woman received seven and a half years' jail for NDIS fraud and money laundering. Twenty offenders have been jailed since the Fraud Fusion Taskforce began. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00806-australian-man-imprisoned-following-conviction-over-reckless-foreign-i-10092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00806-australian-man-imprisoned-following-conviction-over-reckless-foreign-i-10092026.html Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. A NSW man has been sentenced to up to three and a half years’ imprisonment for knowingly compiling reports for a foreign intelligence service. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00764-have-your-say-on-expanding-dryland-oval-use-10092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00764-have-your-say-on-expanding-dryland-oval-use-10092026.html Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The ACT Government is seeking community feedback on reactivating several dryland ovals to increase sports ground capacity across Canberra. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00756-boosting-sport-and-active-recreation-infrastructure-09092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00756-boosting-sport-and-active-recreation-infrastructure-09092026.html Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. Nick Duigan, Minister for Sport https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00694-public-transport-the-ticket-to-nfl-history-09092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00694-public-transport-the-ticket-to-nfl-history-09092026.html Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. Labor is pulling out all the stops to get fans to the MCG for Australia’s first-ever NFL game. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00872-value-of-dwellings-falls-0-3-08092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00872-value-of-dwellings-falls-0-3-08092026.html Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The total value of Australia’s residential dwellings fell $34.1 billion or 0.3 per cent to $12.7 trillion in June quarter 2026, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00808-pisa-results-show-why-the-reforms-we-are-rolling-out-are-so-important-08092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00808-pisa-results-show-why-the-reforms-we-are-rolling-out-are-so-important-08092026.html Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The 2025 PISA results released today show Australian students continue to perform above the OECD average in all three domains of reading, maths and science. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00695-procurement-review-to-support-jobs-industries-that-are-made-08092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00695-procurement-review-to-support-jobs-industries-that-are-made-08092026.html Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The Cook Labor Government is reviewing the State's procurement framework to create more local jobs, strengthen local industry and support its Made in WA plan. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00675-working-together-to-help-protect-our-threatened-species-07092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00675-working-together-to-help-protect-our-threatened-species-07092026.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. 7 September 2026 https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00651-riverfront-transformation-to-unlock-2200-homes-for-queenslanders-06092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00651-riverfront-transformation-to-unlock-2200-homes-for-queenslanders-06092026.html Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. Northshore Hamilton riverfront transformation to deliver nearly 2,200 homes in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00807-appointment-to-the-federal-circuit-and-family-court-of-australia-divis-04092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00807-appointment-to-the-federal-circuit-and-family-court-of-australia-divis-04092026.html Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief Judge Patrizia Mercuri to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1). https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00670-four-inspiring-leaders-win-act-women-s-awards-04092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00670-four-inspiring-leaders-win-act-women-s-awards-04092026.html Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. Four outstanding women working in fields as diverse as gendered violence, gerontology or the science of ageing, inherited cancer risk and the property sector have won this year’s ACT Women’s Awards. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00650-defence-strategic-policy-research-program-grants-now-open-04092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00650-defence-strategic-policy-research-program-grants-now-open-04092026.html Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The Government is strengthening its support to Australia’s strategic policy sector through the Defence Strategic Policy Research Program. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00649-first-refurbished-tangara-returns-to-passenger-service-04092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00649-first-refurbished-tangara-returns-to-passenger-service-04092026.html Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. Almost 40 years since the first Tangara trains rolled out of the factory in Newcastle, they are now re-entering timetable service after an extensive refurbishment, extending their lifespan by over a decade and boosting reliability on the ne https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00676-designation-of-linfox-armaguard-pty-ltd-under-the-cash-03092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00676-designation-of-linfox-armaguard-pty-ltd-under-the-cash-03092026.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The RBA has today designated Linfox Armaguard Pty Ltd (Armaguard) (ACN 099 701 872) under the Cash Distribution Framework Act 2026 (the Act). https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00669-pacific-collaboration-on-climate-and-renewable-energy-powers-ahead-03092026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00669-pacific-collaboration-on-climate-and-renewable-energy-powers-ahead-03092026.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. Australia and Palau are working together to super-charge the Pacific’s renewable energy transition, massively reducing reliance on diesel fuel. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01119-card-payment-surcharge-changes-are-coming-31082026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01119-card-payment-surcharge-changes-are-coming-31082026.html Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Australian businesses that add card payment surcharges face new rules from 1 October 2026 after an RBA review found surcharging was no longer working as intended. Operators may need to update pricing, payment methods or provider arrangements to stay compliant. business.gov.au outlines what is changing and practical steps for small businesses. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00448-joint-statement-tenth-australia-indonesia-foreign-and-defence-ministers-22-meeting-26082026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00448-joint-statement-tenth-australia-indonesia-foreign-and-defence-ministers-22-meeting-26082026.html Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Australian and Indonesian Foreign and Defence Ministers met for the Tenth Australia-Indonesia Foreign and Defence Ministers 2+2 Meeting on 26 August 2026 in Melbourne. Australia and Indonesia share a longstanding and constructive relationship as neighbours, partners and friends. Ministers agreed the Australia-Indonesia relationship is at a high point, and acknowledged the importance of our partnership in a deteriorating geostrategic environment. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00447-statement-to-mark-the-ninth-anniversary-of-the-myanmar-militarys-attack-against-rohingyas-25082026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00447-statement-to-mark-the-ninth-anniversary-of-the-myanmar-militarys-attack-against-rohingyas-25082026.html Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. Today marks nine years since the Myanmar military launched targeted attacks against Rohingya communities in Rakhine State, causing mass displacement, widespread human rights violations and abuses, and enduring suffering. More than 1.2 milli https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00696-building-safer-futures-implementation-plan-released-18082026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00696-building-safer-futures-implementation-plan-released-18082026.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. The Government of South Australia has released a 5-year plan to implement recommendations of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00904-oaic-review-highlights-opportunities-to-strength-07082026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr00904-oaic-review-highlights-opportunities-to-strength-07082026.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Media release on MediaRelease.co. A review by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has found that while Australian Government agencies are generally meeting their Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure log obligations, many are not publishing inform https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01146-national-museum-of-australia-s-winter-extravaganza-antarctica-opens-30062026.html https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01146-national-museum-of-australia-s-winter-extravaganza-antarctica-opens-30062026.html Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The National Museum of Australia has opened Antarctica, a winter exhibition drawn from the National Antarctic Heritage Collection donated by the Australian Antarctic Division. The display features more than 200 objects and stories of Australian expeditioners, scientists and others connected to the continent, including the aurora australis and early exploration. Most of the objects are on public display for the first time as the museum becomes custodian of one of the world’s major Antarctic collections.