LOVE FOR ADVENTURE: NEW STATION LEADER FOR DAVIS RESEARCH STATION 9 November 2021

Australian Antarctic Division

This season’s Station Leader for Davis research station is Dani Yannopoulos.

It will be the first time Dani has stepped foot onto the frozen continent.

She has spent the last 21 years working in Customs and Australian Border Force in roles spanning corporate, commercial and frontline operations.

“I particularly enjoy frontline operations, so when I saw the Australian Antarctic Division role, I thought it was the perfect combination for me working with new people, my sense of adventure, my love to travel and to do new things,” Dani said.

Originally from Canberra, the incoming Station Leader has lived in Sydney, Melbourne and Malaysia.

“It will be a real change of temperature from 33 degrees every day in Malaysia to the minus 30,” she said.

She says supporting science and protecting the environment is a key aim alongside fostering a strong station community.

“My job is to make sure that everybody has the environment they need to deliver on their projects, keep the station running, harmonious and have a great time.”

“I love having a team of people that think differently. This will be the first time that I’ve worked with tradies and scientists so that will be challenging for me.”

Dani and the incoming Davis team have spent months training in preparation for the exciting year ahead.

While looking forward to new challenges and Antarctica’s incredible wildlife, there are a few comforts she will miss from home.

“I’m obviously going to miss my family and friends but I’m absolutely going to miss my hairdresser,” she said.

Dani and other incoming team members arrived at Wilkins Aerodrome on Sunday ahead of a Basler DC3 flight to Davis research station.

/Public Release. View in full here.