Governor-General on second attempt to visit Antarctica

The Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright and Mr Peter Cartwright will make a second attempt at travelling to Antarctica next week.

Dame Silvia is scheduled to depart for Scott Base on 15 December and is due to return on 18 December.

This will be Dame Silvia's second attempt to visit Antarctica. In early 2002, the plane carrying the Governor-General had to turn back three times after weather conditions at Scott Base deteriorated to such a degree that a landing attempt would have been unsafe.

Dame Silvia said she was delighted to be given another opportunity to visit Antarctica. "I am particularly looking forward to visiting the old explorer huts of Scott and Shackleton," she said. The Antarctic Heritage Trust is in the process of raising funds to restore the rapidly deteriorating huts.

During the absence of the Governor-General from 15-18 December, the Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, will act as Administrator of Government.

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