LOCAL PEOPLE: Lara Colrain

by Stephanie Williams

As CEO of the Mawson’s Huts Foundation, Lara wears many hats – that of a storyteller, problem solver, educator, curator, writer, archivist and occasionally an event manager. We spoke to her ahead of the Australian Antarctic Festival in Hobart this month.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I was born at Calvary Hospital in Lenah Valley and grew up in Lindisfarne, so I’ve always called Hobart, Tasmania home. Funnily enough, I now live back in Lenah Valley — I’ve come full circle.

What do you do for work? I am the CEO of the Mawson’s Huts Foundation, which supports the conservation of the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site in East Antarctica, operates the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum on Hobart’s waterfront, runs the Mobile Antarctic Classroom to educate Tasmanian students about Antarctic and Southern Ocean science, and delivers the Australian Antarctic Festival. I also serve as Archives Officer for the Archdiocese of Hobart and Curator of the Channel Museum in Margate.

Have you visited Mawson’s Huts in Antarctica, and if so, what was that experience like? Unfortunately, I haven’t — yet! I attempted to visit last summer, but the pack ice had other plans and we couldn’t reach the site. Ask me again in two years!

What’s the hardest part of trying to conserve buildings that are literally at the end of the earth? The logistics are incredibly challenging, but that is also what makes the work so rewarding. Knowing you’re helping preserve one of the world’s most significant historic sites in such an extraordinary environment is a privilege.

What do you want someone to feel after they’ve walked through the Replica Museum on the waterfront? I hope they leave seeing Antarctica differently. Not just as a remote continent at the bottom of the world, but as a place of extraordinary courage, discovery, science and human endeavour that continues to shape Tasmania’s story today. If they walk away curious enough to ask another question, then we’ve succeeded.

What can people expect from the Antarctic Festival this year? Hobart will come alive with inspiring speakers, fascinating science, rich history, conservation, art, films, family activities, Antarctic food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to meet the people who live and work on the frozen continent. I hope people leave with a genuine connection to Antarctica. We want the Festival to be more than just a fun day out — we want it to be something people remember.

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? People might assume being a CEO means sitting behind a desk all day. In reality, I’m a storyteller, problem solver, educator, curator, writer, archivist and occasionally an event manager — all rolled into one. The variety is what I love most because every part of my jobs help connect people with our shared heritage.

Who do you admire? Sir Douglas Mawson. The more I’ve studied his life, the more I’ve come to admire his resilience, integrity and vision. He wasn’t interested in fame — he was driven by discovery, service and leaving something meaningful behind. That’s something I find incredibly inspiring.

Favourite podcast or tv show? I’m a bit of a true crime addict, so ABC’s The Case Of has been a recent favourite. As for TV, I would have to say Loki. Tom Hiddleston is an incredibly talented actor, and I love how the series balances humour, mythology and clever storytelling.

Secret vice? I can untie almost any knot. Seriously. Give me enough time and I haven’t met one I couldn’t undo.

What are you reading now? I always have multiple books on the go! At the moment I’m reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni, and Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History by Tracy Borman. It’s a fairly eclectic mix of classic literature, fantasy and history — which probably sums me up quite well.

What was your first job? Packing apricots at Qew Orchards when I was 17.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Island Espresso – the Eggs Benedict is chef’s kiss.

Lunch: Thai Veggie Hut – the BBQ tofu is out of this world.

Dinner: It’s a three-way tie between Banh Mi Bites, Saigon Express and Pancho Villa. I could happily live on Vietnamese rice paper rolls and Mexican food for the rest of my life!

Dream holiday destination? Iceland. Between the glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and Viking history, it feels like my kind of place.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? Tasmania’s small local museums. They’re full of remarkable stories, passionate volunteers and hidden treasures that many people drive straight past.

Parting words? Be curious, be kind, and never underestimate where following your passion might lead.

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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Bits and Pieces- May 2026

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