An Antarctic snow transport will carry expeditioners and positive messages as part of an initiative to spread mental health awareness to the icy continent.
A dual-cabin Hagglunds vehicle, emblazoned with words from a Hobart charity, was unveiled on Wednesday during Mental Health Week.
Winter expeditioners from the Australian Antarctic Division can spend up to 13 months posted at Davis research station, where they're physically isolated on the continent for months on end.
Jeff Ayton, the organisation's chief medical officer, said people who make the trip have to pass extensive screening beforehand but mental health problems don't discriminate.
"We work in an isolated, confined, extreme environment," he said.
"Things can go wrong in Antarctica with the isolation, separation from loved ones back home or crises happening on the station."
Expeditioners' mental wellbeing was often effected by sleeping troubles in the Antarctic's long days or long nights, Dr Ayton said.
The new Hagglands transport, described as the "workhorse" of the snow fleet, will be shipped on ice breaker Aurora Australis in October and is scheduled to arrive at Davis station next month.
It carries the message of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, which was founded by Mitch McPherson after his younger brother Ty committed suicide in 2015.
"We hope that it achieves ongoing conversation and always be a reminder that they can speak to a friend," he said.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
Multicultural Mental Health Australia www.mmha.org.au
