Biggzie,

Here is what Keith says about removing the compass:

The easiest way we've found is to remove the string from the plug, then insert a small diameter curved piece of wire and gently push close to the edge of the compass. Pushing in the center will sometimes break the back of the capsule.

I hope you can locally find a compass that fits that is balanced for your part of the earth.

I appreciate your willingness to see if these would work down under.