Tim Ealey interviewed by Bruce Watson in the Australian Antarctic culture oral history project [sound recording]

Tim Ealey, born in Wentworthville, Sydney (1927), discusses his parents and family background; his schooling and early interest in zoology and biology; studying Marine Biology at Sydney University; working as a biologist on Heard Island (1948-1950); that expedition’s scientific achievements, work schedules and equipment; food, clothes and living conditions; dangers and narrow escapes; expedition members and their social interactions; recreational activities; the nearby French settlement on Kerguelen Island; subsequent expeditions to Heard Island; working at the Antarctic Division in Melbourne (1950-); living in Perth; working on the Royal Research Ship Discovery II to circumnavigate Antarctica and undertake marine biology research; marriage and children; working with CSIRO Wildlife and living in Woodstock, Western Australia; his interactions with Aboriginal people in the Pilbara; his PhD thesis; working for Monash University (Melbourne) and setting up the Zoology department (1960).

Ealey discusses setting up Australia’s first Environmental Science course (1973); studies he was involved in in Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Thailand; various international conferences and meetings that he attended; a hill, a glacier and a marsupial mouse that are named after him; establishing the Little Desert National Park, Victoria (1960s); his work with the Warlpiri people and their land rights claim; establishing an Environmental Living Zone and community co-operative at Bend of Islands (Melbourne); building a mud brick house; his artistic career and painting; his friendships with various prominent Australian artists, performers and writers; other friends and colleagues; working for Hamersley Iron in the Pilbara (early 1990s); teaching art at the University of the Third Age; working on a children’s television show; primal therapy and rebirthing; working as a marine biologist at Coronet Bay, Victoria; joining the Seagrass Partnership; receiving an Order of Australia Medal; other awards received throughout his career.