Resignation of David Jensen AM

David established the Foundation in 1997 to conserve the Historic Huts at Cape Denison, East Antarctica which served as the main base for two years of the 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) led by Dr (later Sir) Douglas Mawson. David was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2001 for his work on conserving the Huts.

During his time with Foundation David organised 14 expeditions to Cape Denison.  These expeditions, funded by the Foundation and the Australian Government, with the assistance of the Australian Antarctic Division, saved Mawson’s Huts from collapsing and being blown into the Southern Ocean. A further expedition is planned for this summer.

David also organised the building of the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum in Hobart. The Museum opened in 2013 on the 102^nd anniversary of the departure of the AAE from Hobart.  The Museum is now recognised as a major tourist attraction. David also inaugurated the biennial Australian Antarctic Festival in Hobart in 2016 and which will be held again in August 2022. 

The Foundation’s CEO Greg Carter, who is also a Director, said his resignation was accepted with sadness.

“David’s determination and persistence in achieving these goals was remarkable and his contribution to Australian heritage and the legacy of Douglas Mawson will never be forgotten.

“The Board regrets his decision to resign and wishes him and his wife Lindsie, who provided extraordinary support for his work, well in their retirement.”

David said, “It’s been a privilege and an honour to be involved with this part of Australia’s Antarctic heritage and I greatly value the many friendships I and the Foundation have made during the past two decades.

“I’m very proud of what the Foundation has achieved under my Chairmanship. It has been a long and rewarding journey but there is still a lot of work to do.”