Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L00160:body:0:p30
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L00160
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 88017–91128

had distinctive characteristics, they all closely followed the style of Mawson. Many building designs were initially trialled at Mawson before being considered for use at other stations.

Rarity Value (Some Significance)
The distinctive (and essentially similar) way of life that evolved at Australia's original Antarctic stations is best demonstrated at Mawson and Davis where significant numbers of old station buildings remain. This lifestyle has changed significantly with the introduction of modern technology and improved communications which have accompanied the station rebuilding program.

Educational Value (Little Significance)
Although the station as a whole has limited educational or research value, scope does exist to use individual buildings and objects to teach expeditioner populations about characteristic facets of early station life at Mawson. Appropriately displayed and interpreted artefacts associated with bygone features of the station, such as sledge dogs and early aviation, can act as powerful educational tools and be used to enhance expeditioner appreciation of ANARE heritage. The provision of directed historical information at individual station buildings and field refuges could be used to similar effect.

Representative Value (Exceptional Significance)
Mawson retains more completely than either Davis or Casey, many of the features that were common to Australia's continental stations prior to the commencement of the rebuilding program. The collection of old station building types present at Mawson typify the structures used at Australia's early stations. The incremental, apparently ad hoc growth of Mawson and the resultant unplanned appearance of the old station core are also characteristic of early settlements on the continent. As illustrated at Mawson, this type of station development is typically reflected in the recycling of individual buildings for different uses.

Aesthetic Value (Some Significance)
Mawson is considered by many expeditioners to be the most picturesque of Australia's Antarctic stations. The visual quality of the site stems from the physical appearance of the old station precinct, with its huddle of small, tightly-spaced buildings, juxtaposed against the dramatic backdrop of the Antarctic ice plateau and the striking mountains of the hinterland.
The visual appearance of the old station core is that of a clearly defined and discrete entity, which has often been referred to as a "village". A distinctive streetscape has evolved amongst these buildings, all of which are of a human scale. Against the enormity of the Antarctic landscape, this cluster of small buildings is a subordinate visual feature when viewed at a distance. By contrast, the new Australian stations consist of large, brightly coloured, isolated buildings dispersed over relatively large areas in which the buildings themselves are visually dominant landscape elements.

Technical/Creative Value (Exceptional Value)
Mawson is the only Australian Antarctic station where, with the exception of the polygonal Heard Island buildings, all of the main station building