Mittagundi Winter Newsletter 2010 by Tom Hay

Mittagundi

Capable beyond our imagination

capable than they think. We see this so

have an opportunity here to find their

keenly in the Mittagundi team as they

own capability within.

learn and grow on their year long

journey as incredible leaders as the

Our community at large also reflects

true heart of our operations and work

this capability of people in their

with young people. They are all so

support and connection to Mittagundi.

capable and continue to have a whole

We have all been amazed and warmed

hearted go in challenging times.

by the massive amount of ongoing

Times that are a real and important

support and help that has poured into

We experience the brisk change in

part of this place. Challenge indeed

Mittagundi over our first 6 courses of

temperature and season as the

does bring the capability out of us all.

Summer and Autumn. All of this

amazing Mittagundi team and I are

Now able to do things we would have

assistance, it comes in many vital

well settled into the Glen. Now very

never considered possible before this

forms, is so important and greatly

familiar with the rhythm of young

time at Mittagundi.

appreciated. Community support

Winter approaches Mittagundi with frosty mornings and the crisp air draining from the Bogong High Plains.

people on programs that bring their

directly flows into the significant

energy and new perspective into the

experiences of young people on our

place.

programs.

I imagine this to be true with any fresh

Your support and connection, whether

beginning, that naturally, times are

your a supporter, young person or

often quite chaotic to start with as you

past staff is what really helps us with

find your feet and way within a

out work up here and we warmly invite

position, a place and a community.

you to take part in whatever way you

Mittagundi holds such a purpose and

Capability is also constantly evident in

can this year and in the future. Come

meaning. Both have guided us all well

young people as they take on

be part of the Garden Party, visit us in

at the start of our journey and

challenges ranging from porridge in

the Glen Valley, write to us as we want

continue to be a force as we make final

the mornings, physical work and

to know you and your stories of this

preparations for the busy and fun

working things out at Mittagundi and,

place.

winter ahead.

the end of the time, their big long walk

back up Track 107. They revel in their

We hope to meet you soon at

On reflection, the biggest impression

shared successes and newfound

Mittagundi or out and about in the

that strikes me from my initial months

abilities. At Mittagundi young people

community. Jac Semmler and the

at Mittagundi is that people are more

Mittagundi Team

CALENDAR 2010

✴ Program dates 10 DAY PROGRAMS

Boys 375 19th Sept - 28th Sept Girls 376 8th Oct- 17th Oct Boys 377 22nd Oct - 31st Oct Girls 378 5th Nov- 14th Nov Girls 379 29th Dec- 7th Jan 2011

Follow up programs Garden Party 19th - 23rd of September

Enterprise week 21st - 25th November

Woodchop 12th - 17th December

CES CHECK PLA AND INE AT BOOK ONL RG.AU AGUNDI.O T T I .M W WW

Farm News

Great Young Folk Letter Excerpts

Autumn has now set in with frosty early morning starts and chilly evenings. In the veggie patch, it’s time for taking stock and planting seeds. With bumper crops of pumpkins, potatoes, tomatoes and zucchinis we’re ready for the winter. Special thanks goes out to the young people on courses 369 and 370, Dougie, Kate and Wira for making wonderful spicy pickles and bottled whole tomatoes for us to enjoy.

“I can’t wait to get back to Mittagundi, just the atmosphere is amazing!” Our bird population has been boosted thanks to Bob, generously donating two colourful Bantam roosters (no names yet). Plans for a new chicken shed are in the works so for all you designer types out there, please feel free to send in your ideas or drawings of your ultimate “chook nook”.

The farm has also had a a face lift: • Caz and boys on course 372 had a great time re-mudding (as well as mud all over themselves) the young peoples’ cabins. • Drainage around buildings such as the leaders’ cabins, the salvage yard and the dairy shed was sorted by the In addition to weeding poly tunnels, extraordinary Gordy and young building hot composts and sprucing people on courses 369, 370 and 371. up existing raised garden beds, • A new pit toilet was we’ve found time to practice our enthusiastically dug and constructed super ninja/warrior gardener skills as near the showers by young people on inspired by team leader, Daniel-San. courses 372 and 373. Bystanders have witnessed some • Chemicals can now be safely stored very impressive commando rolls and in a new chemical cupboard built by zucchini slicing action going on in young people on courses 370 & 371. the garden, especially from the boys • The “Weekender”/rafting shed now on course 372. have another hand rail for the stairway, courtesy of Thomas and In the pastures, our cows Sambo, Lil girls on course 369. and Bruce are now proud mothers of Meza, Hylke and Matty, respectively. With the guidance of the amazing All are doing well and the babies are Fallsy and people power from boys thriving on the super creamy milk on course 370, a new sturdy slab from their mums - very cute. During bench proudly graces one side of the winter, our cows will be sent out to dining/kitchen building. the Batty’s place to be loved up again for next year. Good luck ladies.

“When I came home I felt different. Like, I know I didn’t need all this technology. I also feel different about myself. Before I came to Mittagundi, I didn’t have the best self confidence, and when I left, I felt so good about myself. And it was Mittagundi that made me feel better.”

JOIN THE MITTAGUNDI TEAM : BE A LEADER IN 2011 Each year Mittagundi has unique opportunities for people join our team as leaders and have the experience of a life time.It is rare chance to be a crucial and valued part of a team delivering life changing experiences for young people on our classic outdoor programs and be an active part in running a unique organisation and place. Leaders are at the heart of Mittagundi’s large community, share a simple and purposeful life and experience a year of professional development and personal learning through training, skills and group work that is invaluable. It is both

It is hard to aptly capture the experience of a Mittagundi leader but this is how this years team describe it: ‘Genuine and so fulfilling’ - Thomas ‘An experience of extremes in every direction’ - Caz ‘Rich, real and a laugh a minute’ - Lizzy Visit Mittagundi to see the magic for yourself during this Winter ‘An amazing experience shared with a team and and Spring or call Jac Semmler (Director) for a chat and info (03) young people’ - Daniel 5159 7238. More info and position description at www.mittagundi.org.au ‘You wont regret it’ - Cindy ‘Sharing a life of real purpose and To Apply? Post a CV and letter with ‘What you can offer Mittagundi’ growth’ Jac meaningful and challenging.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

and ‘What Mittagundi can offer you’ to Mittagundi, Omeo Hwy Glen Valley VIC 3898 or email to Tom Hay (our Council Chair) at tom@mittagundi.org.au

Graham Falls visits for the boys course Although it was April, there was no fooling around when we realized there would be 23 young fellas coming to Mittagundi in a quirk of the booking system during its transition phase.

Imagine our surprise when not 23 but 26 turned up at Albury train station, bright eyed and ready for adventure. In the back of our minds was at least one comfort – Fallsy was coming this week! Graeme had agreed long before to come up and re-build the outdoor bench that ran the length of the Dining room building, taken down during the big kitchen renovation of ’09. He arrived and

in our first morning check-in announced with characteristic confidence, “Ah, it wont take too long.” That first morning he met up with the young fellas and picked out some solid looking wood blocks to form the base. They got to work digging the holes, checking the blocks with the spirit level and getting the site ready for the wood to go on top. Meanwhile the sound of the chainsaw could be heard away in the bush behind the Gear shed. The result was 2 beautiful bits of peppermint, ready to be split in half to form the tops of the benches. Once they were split the boys worked together to bring the impressive sized pieces over to the blocks. Holes were cut out so the logs would fit onto the blocks and the hand tools were fetched for the next stage – wedges and dowels! Graeme showed the

method of drilling a hole with a hand augur, making a dowel to fit the hole and putting wedges in each end that would hold the wood in “rock-solid” once tapped in properly. Some serious tips were making sure your wedge ran across the grain and using very dry wood for your dowel. In one morning I think I learned more than I had ever before about wood and it was inspiring to see the young guys getting into it with hand tools. Over the next 2 days Fallsy worked with many of the boys and the leaders in this way to place, fix, drawknife and adze a beautiful piece of work for Mittagundi. Thankyou Graeme for your work, your quiet way of teaching, your stories and for all your support for Mittagundi over the years – see you at Enterprise week!

Sylvia Wilson

Friends of

Many supporters and early staff members at Mittagundi will be saddened to learn of the recent passing of Sylvia Wilson, a truly committed Mittagundi pioneer if ever there was one.

Mittagundi &

Sylvia was the secretary to our council for over a decade, but that was only a very small part of her contribution. She was also a tireless worker for virtually every single fundraising function that we ran in those early years, to help pay off the land and all sorts of other things. Dances, raffles, trivia nights, bush picnics, car rallies – you name it, and Sylvia was in it, up to her neck. No MG function was complete without gales of her distinctive laughter in the background! Hardly a work party in the first ten years escaped her dulcit tones either, and despite her serious misgivings about most of my catering techniques, she just kept on endlessly turning up and putting in. She also organized and led many of the fundraising ski-touring trips on the high plains that we ran each winter, also to help pay off the land. She was a skilled barber too, and the staff would often be hanging on her visits, to line up for our turn sitting on the dining room rubbish bin as she gave us our long overdue “severe prune”. Despite being a struggling single mum to her two daughters (whilst she was also playing a huge role in the bush walking world through her involvement with “The Melbourne Bushies”), she still found time to endlessly pour her energy and enthusiasm into Mittagundi, through all its trials and tribulations, year after year, never once losing faith in what we were trying to achieve. Although she faded from the MG scene many years ago now, I’m sure she would be delighted to see what it has turned into. She was a fine example of the many long forgotten supporters, without whose tireless efforts MG could never have survived.

Thank you Sylvia, for a longago job, really well done. Our very best wishes go to her two fine grown up daughters, Emily and Belinda, MG Pioneers in their own right, and both of them great examples of Sylvia’s wellknown ability to “get things done”. Ian Stapleton.

Wangaratta Lions visit Mittagundi On the day before the first young people arrived all was quiet at base for Cindy, Kev McGennan and I . We were getting the stoves nice and hot, ready to cook up a feed for some very special visitors expected for lunch. We got quite a shock when we saw a bus trundling up the drive and the vegies still in the garden – a long way from the pot! To our pleasant surprise we found it was the back-up crew for the Friends of Mittagundi, who had dropped off their team up in the high plains and come to set up a feed and a welcome later that night. For the last 8 of their 12 years of amazing support the “F.o.M.” have walked the same path along the high plains and down track 107 as all the young people, to the gates of Mittagundi for their annual stay-over. We met Len the cook, Richard the bus driver, the lovely Tracy, Karen and Dennis and the super helpers for the day: Bonny, Gracie, Amber and Ashley. When they heard we were expecting a different busload of guests for lunch there was no stopping them – launching into the kitchen with gusto to help us whip up a super soup and salad for: the Wangaratta Lions Club! The big bus brought in all the visitors with just enough time for a tour before lunch to get tummies rumbling. For some it was the first time at Mittagundi but there were more than a few remarks that they had seen some of the old hand tools, equipment and building styles “back in my day, or my grandfather’s”. Also seen on the tour were some past donations from the club– some still up and running like the mixer, some retired like the white ute near the Rafting shed. Proving themselves more than up to the steep paths around the base the tour was soon completed from Barn to Dairy and the call of the lunch bell brought them all together around the table.

The spread was mighty and the chat was merry around the table but we were not prepared for what came next. There was a clearing of throats and a hush as the thankyous began. We were thanked for the warm welcome and lovely lunch, told the club would like to show their support for Mittagundi and working with young people and handed a little white envelope. We were nearly knocked on our feet and certainly rendered speechless by the piece of paper inside, a generous donation of $1000. On top of this someone had found an old biscuit tin on the tour and was passing this around as they went. It was handed to us with a smile and a ‘take care’ as the bus loaded up again – a flying visit from some super supporters of Mittagundi. On behalf of all the Mittagundi team I would like to thank the Lions club for their knockout generosity and long –time support, its thanks to folks like you that Mittagundi keeps on going! Taking a deep breath the base team prepared for arrival of the Walkers. The showers were lit and just in time as the Friends of Mittagundi made their way up the driveway – very much ready for a rest. The wood stove was put to the test with a huge roast and the pizza oven was called in for support roasting vegies. It was a lovely evening round the table and fantastic to meet the members of F.o.M. and hear their stories surrounding the place. Over the years they have self-organised and provided massive support for all things Mittagundi, from donations, to gear, to making those “big days” in the calander work, like Pioneer Skills and Enterprise.I want to say a big thankyou to all the Friends of Mittagundi for their support this weekend, past and present. After a good nights sleep and a bumper breakfast the “F.o.M.” prepared to load up the bus and head home. As the bus rolled out amid goodbyes and thankyous we reflected on the whirlwind of positive energy and support that surrounds this place, that we had witnessed first hand. It was a fanatastic boost to the team, nervous and excited about the first group of young people, arriving later that afternoon. A big thankyou also to Kev Mcgennan for base support on a big weekend!

Summer Courses As we’re writing this our final summer program is in top gear with a great group of young fellas getting into the swing of things with woodsplitting, filling up our woodstores for winter, finalising the construction of our new ‘loo with a view’ and unleashing their inner garden warriors as we get ready to batten down the hatches for winter.

We’ve had some ripper great adventures with the great groups of young people coming through. We’ve been walking through the mountains and experiencing their glory and their fury, from golden sunshine to misty grey days to wild thunderstorms and even some hail in there. And yes, there’s been some snow up top already too! All has been met with brimming enthusiasm, sharp wits and plenty of singing and joking going around too. Abseiling has been a rock solid (!) part of the MG courses from the early days and continues to be a memorable part of the experience for all our groups this year – its consistently inspiring to see people challenge themselves and conquer that rock and the fears that can be associated

with it, with big grins the whole way. Or at least at the bottom! Way to go everyone! With such a lush and wet season the river has been running so high that only a lucky few of our groups got onto the mighty Mitta Mitta; a sure change from last year when there wasn’t enough water at all! Although the bonus farm days have been put to good use and have meant some great times have been had by all, whilst accomplishing some great tasks around the MG. Wonderful work in the garden has been delivering some delicious meals to the dining room table, our woodpiles are neater than ever with plenty to get us through winter, and we have a new pit toilet dug deep, with a resurrected seat being put on top. The dining room is now graced with a beautiful new benchseat (thanks Fallsy and fellas), and we’ve been able to go out and about to give our treasured locals some winter warmth in the form of wood collecting and stacking. The courses have flown by and winter is well on the way, so as the 2010 team Jac, Lizzy, Daniel, Caz, Thomas and Cindy would like to thank all the young folk that we’ve had the pleasure of working with over these six stellar courses; your keen enthusiasm to have a go at everything MG has to offer is wonderfully exciting to us and each group of you superbly capable folks reignites our passion and joy. Thank You!

Throughout these courses we’ve also felt the strength of the greater MG community in the (much appreciated) offer of time, knowledge and sheer hard work from our many helpers, who have been more abundant than zucchinis (and that’s saying something). We’ve had fantastic folk holding the fort at the farm while we trek up and down Track 107 with yet more experienced, knowledgeable and fun people. The sharing of skills and experiences has made our work (and play) enjoyable, rewarding and possible. So a great big thankyou to Ian Arbie Arbuckle, Kev McGennan and Helen Collins, Jen Sainsbury, Mike Heffernan and Teri O’Neale, Muss Richards, Doug Suter, Mezza Shaw, Denno Bainger, Graeme Falls, Sonja Patterson and Nikita Striberc!

Do you have a magic Mittagundi photo from 2009? Send them in to the team with a name, a date and a story, for the 2009 photo album!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? We all know the story of the beloved buses that Ian Stapelton dragged up the mountain and into the valley to help begin Mittagundi. There were eight buses altogether that provided much needed facilities in the early days.

We’re calling on your support for ‘The Spring Clean!’ Do you want to escape the daily grind? Are you tired of the city bustle? Do you want a taste of the city life? Has it been a while since you had your fix of the Mittagundi magic? Are you hungry for more? Or just want to know what on earth everyone is talking about over in the Glen Valley? Well, come on over the hills to The ‘Gundi Getaway’!

Only one now lives up here at ‘the gundi’ tucked up next to Sean’s hut. One also retired to Kath McCoy’s property, which is nestled not too far away in the Bundara valley. Caz and Thomas recently came across two set up at Hinnomunjie Bridge as a camp site.

and have a crack at being a farmer for a day. Following Winter we will need the help of willing hands for our Super Spring Clean and so we are extending an official invitation: Let us host you for a weekend or a visit. Our gate is always open, the kettle is on the boil and we’re keen to meet more of the Mittagundi Family.

All this has got us wondering, where are the rest of the buses and Give us a call or send us a letter to talk dates and details. what are their stories? If anyone (03) 5159 7238 knows of where the other buses are and how they came to be there (or if you have any good Mittagundi bus stories to share) we’d love to here from you. It’d be great to share the stories in the next newsletter addition too so get the old letter writing kit out or give us a buzz, we look forward to hearing from you! Beep Beep

Wish List A-Frame step ladder Green manure seeds Vege seeds Leather hiking boots (ankle high, esp size 13 or 44) Tents (alpine style) Single bed sheets and pillow cases Mantle gaslight head; for connection to gas bottles A set of trailer lights with connectors Garbage wheelie bins Stainless steel 12L bucket Polypropylene or woolen thermals, tops and bottoms Wool or explorer type socks (no cotton thankyou) Sunhats

Gloves (woolen or ski type) Woolen or polar fleece jumpers and beanies Tent pegs for spares Gortex rain jackets and overpants Sunglasses Batteries (AA, AAA and D) Hessian sacks 100% wool pants Watering cans (metal if possible) Gumboots More young people for great 10 day courses Galvanized roofing iron, 4m lengths Paints; assorted colours and brushes And fabric paint for screenprinting Ring binder folders (lots!) Garden/work gloves

Protective glasses/goggles Coffee, and mint slices (fuel our winter!) Straw for garden Dancing partners for The Hop Sponsorships for young people Arborists (any donation of time) Cement and lime (concrete) Old grader blades for restumping XC ski boots (NNNBC bindings) Yowie style snow shoes (clip binding, no Velcro)

Thankyou! We are always so appreciative of all generosity towards Mittagundi.

Thankyous As usual we have a whopper list of thank yous and would like to extend our continually grateful and ever appreciative handshake and bear hug of a THANKYOU to all the following wonderful supporters of MG. If we’ve left anyone out we apologise! Please let us know so we can add them to the next newsletter; cheers.

Bloggs; veterinary advice. Kate and Wirra Gilson; farm help and group training. Herbie and Mallice; vanilla slice. Ryan Todd; Alpine Walk, chocolate, cheese. Lisa Strain; Alpine Walk. Suz Mackaya; Alpine Walk. Dave and Sue Armstrong: treats. Kev and Helen Mcgennan; course backup (multiple occasions) Gordy; chauffeur, chef and champion property maintenance. John the Butcher: rallying local support, butchering. Sarah and Justin: Bread.

Arbie: staff training, abseil and river guiding, thermals donation… too much to list! Conrad Mckee; shoes. Jen Sainsbury; Course backup Mike and Teri Heffernan; course backup. Jane Miller; coffee. Kath McCoy; stockcrate. Penny Bates; mittens. Clare Easton; runners and chocs. The Woods; treats and love and Cindy’s doorstep. Allan Semmler; pigeonhole and more, and a home away. Sue Martin; sneakers. Pete the postman Muss Richards; course backup. Damien at Omeo Hardware; the gas mission. Gary Pendergast; hay. Russell White; chainsaw training. Suz and Pete Christison; love, support and training. Murray Tucker Mezza’s hiking crew; cake Simmo and Thommo; help and visit. Lucy Vardy Elaine Chaece; visit, cake, love. Colpoes; visit. Jac’s family; help. Daniel’s family; help.

Dan and Ant; help and AW food drop. The beautiful weather. Doug Suter; course help. Mez Shaw; help on course. Mysterious mailbox donor; thermos and soaps. Graeme Falls; benchwork with young fellas. Harry’s Mum; batteries and honey. Ross and crew at Tangam store; our massive onslaughts of lunch orders. Omeo nurses; medical advice. Fran and John

Stacey: hay stacking mission Carol Ruhanelse; gloves, gator, headband. Denno Bainger; course help(s) Nikita Striberc; course help. Stacey- Hay stacking mission The influx of winterhelp offers.

Lucy Armstrong; lantern, batteries, woolies and slide show. Robby and Tony Ford; woollies. Shelia Murray; knitting needles and book. Dan Abikhair; manual mincer. Sonja Patterson; course help. Teri; lovely mail package. Peter Roper; bush poles. Brendan, Karen and Tim Collins; having us over for a lovely night. The Fuchsons Andy Hooke and family; hay donation and delivery. Giff Crossthwaite and family; hay. Colin Douglas; hay.

Deidre Marshall Mansfield Lions Club Stanhope Lions Club Bonnie Doon & District Services Club Henry Partners Chartered Accountants Mansfield Amcal Pharmacy Earth Structures- Rick Lindsay O’Grady Bobcat & Tip Truck Hire Mansfield Parts & 4WD Eisner Pharmacy Mansfield Printing Alpine Butchery Mansfield District Hospital Carpets R Us

Donations Dalene and Bob Andrew Michelle Chan and Bridesmaids Judy Phillips Don and crew Sponsorships

HI Save a tree? Get this newsletter via email and save a tree or two. Simply email tom@mittagundi.org.au and let him know. You can see the full newsletter online and in colour - www.mittagundi.org.au

{THE HOP!} Thanks to all of you who braved one of the coldest and wettest nights in June to trek to the Collingwood Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm for the Hop. We managed to raise a whopping big $4500 from the night that is split between Mittagundi and Wollangarra. Big thanks to all the helpers on the night especially Ross Richards, Tess Macrae and Nick Procter. MITTAGUNDI Mittagundi 4385 Omeo Hwy Glen Valley, Vic 3898

WINTER 2010