June 12, 2017
When the United Kingdom held a public vote last year to name the country’s new icebreaker, the winner was “Boaty McBoatface” … not surprisingly, the British Government opted instead for the more sedate “Sir David Attenborough”.
Now the Australian Antarctic Division has a similar problem. What should it call its own new icebreaker?
And they don’t want “Icebreaker McIceface” …
Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said school students had been invited to name the ship and have the chance to win a trip to Antarctica.
Entries close on July 7.
Up to 12 students will be flown to Antarctica for a day and become the first children to set foot on the continent under the Australian Antarctic Division program.
Mr O’Brien said he felt sure local students could come up with a clever name for the icebreaker that reflected the importance of Australia’s long involvement with Antarctica.
“This competition is an opportunity for students to learn about the links between Australia and Antarctica, and to put their creativity to the test in coming up with a smart name that demonstrates their knowledge about Antarctica,” Mr O’Brien said.
The “Name our Icebreaker” competition has two categories: Primary (Years 5-6) and Secondary (Years 7-8), with classes able to enter their suggested name in a written or video format.
More information on the competition can be found on the Australian Antarctic Division’s website
Construction of Australia’s new icebreaker started recently with the first pieces of steel cut for the 160m vessel.
