A
U
T
U
M
N
N
E
W
S
L
E
T
T
E
R
Mittagundi “We are the champions” There is a bunch of Girls (404), outside the office door as I write this, singing ‘We Are The Champions’ (Queen). They are fixing a broken step, no power tools, no time, no technology and loads of FUN. There are fences being rebuilt, wood collected, old tables sanded & oiled, dinner cooked, metal being forged, and a million and one other projects going on with young people all over the property. This is all happening because the new staff have settled in so well. After undertaking some of the most intense training, over 35 days, that encompassed Wilderness First Aid, Defensive Driving and Swift water rescue with our brother and sisters at Wollangarra. they have also done chainsaw, 4WD, horse handling, hike training as well as conflict resolution training. These have given them formal qualifications however their personal strengths that they brought to Mittagundi are all ready shining through the Autumn mornings. We are now into our third 10 day program as well as having completed a 3 day taster program that we ran for a local School. Looking back on the last 3 months, the new staff
Know a young person who would be interested in a Summer Program?
have settled in so well that it feels like they have been here for years.
Girls 408 20th September - 29th September
The staff are giving the young people the best experience
Boys 409 29th September - 8th October
that any outdoor education centre could only possibly hope
Girls 410 1st November -10th November
to achieve. I am proud to work alongside Foss (Program
Boys 411 15th November - 21st November
Manager), and the new leaders. By Sam the director
Girls 412 29th November - 8th December Book online today to secure a place
THE HOP - Sat June 29th Fitzroy Town Hall
www.mittagundi.org.au
M
I
T
T
A
G
U
N
D
I
Mittagundi Festival 2013...What an incredible weekend it was! Thank you to all that turned up in droves; to dance, sing, eat, drink and be merry. Most of all for playing your part in helping Mittagundi to raise over $10,000 in much needed funds.
For those who were lucky to wake up early enough in the morning Arby was ready and waiting firing blobs of leftover dough from the kitchen as people walked past.
The weather seemed to be getting hotter and hotter as the days drew nearer to the Mittagundi festival. There was new energy on the property as the new staff tried to absorb as much information from the outgoing staff as possible all the while preparing for the busy days ahead. After a long hot windy day running around setting up tents and preparing the property, people started to arrive with the evenings bush dance in their sights. At the Glen Valley town hall, more and more people arrived some by car, some by the Mittagundi Troopy shuttle service, and some even on a big bus organised by Mark Gilligan from M e l b o u r n e. T h e ‘ Fr i e n d s o f Mittagundi’ (FOM) fed our hungry bellies with a fine BBQ. And then… the music began and everyone danced the night away! Laughing at the way we all stood on each other’s toes and missed our turn to twirl through the centre of the dance. Ross Richards and the band did a fantastic job ensuring an enjoyable night for all. For those who stayed up late enough – Spatch (Kirrin) and Scurvy (Lucy) went tops-turvy finishing the night off with a few more beats. As a new staff member it was such a joy to watch a community be reunited at the bush dance that evening and I was eager to see what the next day would bring. While everyone rested their eye’s and bodies after the bush dance, one impressive man by the name of Ian Arbuckle, stayed up all hours of the night mixing the dough for his famous Mittagundi pizza in preparation for lunch the next day. www.mittagundi.org.au
The day began with milking Bucca the cow, followed by a traditional porridge breakfast. The Alpine Walk crew were also on hand, frying up bacon and egg sandwiches, as a fundraiser for their hike in April. The demonstrators started early with big welcoming smiles on all their faces, as they shared their knowledge of pioneer skills and trades. There were workshops such as wood working, black smithing, cheese making, fly fishing, fire lighters, shingle making, wool spinning and felting, plus many others. We would like to make special mention of Jack Gilbert and Graham Falls for their commitment and long standing support to Mittagundi. This weekend signified their respective 21st and 20th year anniversaries.
Jack Gilbert and the “Sheaf Toss”
The Auction was of course highly entertaining, as people battled it out for a foot stool, beanie or picture frame! Thanks Suz and Sam for an amusing auction, and to all the impassioned bidders who ran up prices and gave Mittagundi’s funds a healthy boost. Then we got stuck into the serious business of the day. The games began with the sheaf toss, the cross cut saw and the tractor pulls (no one really knew whether Jack Gilbert had his foot on the break, or was it just really hard to pull!).
This year’s Festival also gave punters the opportunity to experience life as a staff member, with the debut of a new game; candidates donned steel capped shoes, and waited by the dam for the RING RING… RING RING…let the race begin.
Run for the phone
As the sun began to lower in the sky, music began to play on the trailer stage down by the dam. A time to relax and catch up with friends, all the while a busy team of cooks under the brilliant guidance of Helen Bainger, kept busy in the kitchen to produce a delicious spit roast dinner and scrumptious dessert to finish a magical day at Mittagundi. Music and speeches followed dinner with the farewell of 2012’s exceptional staff team – Patto, Kirrin, Lucy, Alena, Caillan, Danni and Denno. And the introduction to a new and excited team for 2013. For myself the Mittagundi festival was an exciting time, it exposed me to the extent and warmth that the Mittagundi community has embedded in it. It was so great to see so many people willing to help out especially the young people, whether that was helping make pizzas, doing dishes or demonstrating. The festival was a beautiful weekend for both the incoming and outgoing staff to feel the love and commitment of the Mittagundi community. Thank you to all who were part of the weekend.
by Anneke Autumn 2013 Newsletter page 2.
S
E
Q
U
O
I
A
C
L
U
B
2013 at Mittagundi
T
he year is already flying past and
life at Mittagundi is busy and fulfilling as always. The new team have settled in well and have undergone a plethora of training to get them started.
The
With the team this year comes a wide array of skills and life force of energy and enthusiasm and a deisre to make sure all young people have a good time. They have already run 6 successful programs and have many more busy and fun times ahead. Come and meet the team at “The Hop” on Saturday 29th June at Fitzroy Town Hall
Seeking a Melbourne based intern to help with some of the Administration of Mittagundi There is always plenty to do at Mittagundi and never enough hours in the day to get it all done. Are you interested in learning about the inner workings of a well established not for profit organisation? Are you looking for some work experience opportunities? Are you good company? If you answered ‘Yes’ to these get in touch to discuss with me further. Sarah 0467 678 818 or info@mittagundi.org.au
The team chainsaw training
www.mittagundi.org.au
Autumn 2013 Newsletter page 3
M
I
T
T
A
G
U
N
D
I
Talk of the Farm Chickens
Sally, the goat,
Cows
Sally, the Goat, is being cute as always. She is loving her new found freedom when she is let off her high line and is able to roam the property of her own free will. Sally loves to eat grass all day long, as well as Tanny’s flowers!
C’moooooonnnn….the cows rush to the dairy to greet us. Milking is the perfect way to wake up and chill out before another crazy day at Mittagundi. The cows have been an absolute joy to work with, each cow has their own individual personality, sometimes we get a bit sad as we see them fighting and head butting each other away in the hope of an extra mouthful of hay, but all is forgiven when we see them giving each other a kiss or hanging out in the paddock chewing grass together. Lucy the little calf is now growing up, realising she has horns and is enjoying testing the boundaries with her new found independence from bucca (mum).
The chickens have had quite the adventure this year. Going through stages of two dozen eggs per day right through to zero eggs. They’ve had quite the scare when a fox or a wild animal came and took four of them including our rooster. But hopefully with lots of love they’ll be on the mend soon.
Pigs Since arriving at Mittagundi the four pigs have grown and grown and become more and more beautiful except for the one male pig, who has become more handsome. We branded the pigs last week and sadly we will have to send Rob (the male) to ‘meat his maker’ soon. Every morning they are taken for a walk and upon returning to their pen, where they are fed, one of them will bark and then they will all start sprinting back. The past week they have gotten so fast that they beat me back every morning!
Horses Philip and Samson are going really well, apart from kicking down the stable doors at the beginning of the year and hence getting stuck in a small space with the hay all night!
The new addition...
They are big and gorgeous but we have all come to realise that we are not allowed to be duped by their soft, doeyeyes! We have been firm with them and we believe that they are now realising that the new Mittagundi leaders are the ‘top horses’. They have been completing their pack saddle job really well apart from a mishap and a scare with the saddle being caught in a tree not so long ago!
www.mittagundi.org.au
The newest member of the 2013 team has four legs, likes to sniff poo and has an obsession with chasing sticks. His name is Max and he is Sam’s new best friend! Max is a very playful, loveable, cute and a very loyal dog. He continuously provides entertainment and is loved by everyone! When Max is around, you will never have a dull moment, your throwing arm will gain a lot of strength and you will never feel lonely. Come visit and meet Max for yourself !
Autumn Newsletter page 4.
M
I
T
T
A
G
U
N
D
I
From the Young People…. “ It was the best experience of a life time I met so many great people, and will hopefully be coming back on a follow up! The staff were also AMAZING and so fun to be around. The girls I met have become my best friends and I am sure we will keep in contact and stay that way. Thank you so much mittagundi and everyone who made it possible I truly loved it!” Lily
Girls 404 songs: Oh Mitta, what you do to me? Oh Mitta, you make me pee behind a tree. Oh Mitta, you make me want seconds of porridge. Oh Mitta, you make me lick my plate clean. Oh Mitta, you make me eat flowers for afternoon tea. Oh Mitta, you make me hike through a hail storm.
HI Save a tree? Get this newsletter via email and save a tree or two. Simply email info@mittagundi.org.au and let me know. You can see the full newsletter online and in colour
visit www.mittagundi.org.au
www.mittagundi.org.au
Autumn 2013 Newsletter page 5
M
I
T
T
A
G
U
N
D
I
Winter helpers and care takers! Its that time of year again! Winter is approaching and we need some help! Winter at Mittagundi means crazy programs, lots of enthusiastic young people, cold mornings, snow fights, cross country skiing and a load of fun to be had! Winter helpers are very important to us, if you would like to volunteer during the busy winter please do not hesitate to give us a call on 03 51597238. The dates we’re looking for helpers are: 2nd- 6th July 8th- 16th July 18th- 26th July 29th July- 4th August 9th- 15th August 18th- 23rd August 26th August- 1st September Also we’re looking for some helpful workers to assist Bob Vincent over the month of June. If you’d like to pop into the farm and lend a hand please get in touch at info@mittagundi.org.au
The Dining Room without our kitchen table Stay tuned to see the incredible replacement Guntram and Heidi have been working on
Mittagundi doesn’t run itself and it is only through our tireless and wonderful supporters that we can continue to do what we do. Here they are and good karma they shall have! Helen and Bill Bainger – being a huge support and giving a helping hand. 2012 staff team: showing us newbies the tricks of the trades around Mittagundi. Russell (Whitey) White: sharing knowledge about chainsaws and 4WD’s Gary Bridge at seed world: For all the seeds Murray Tucker: generously donating his time for Swift Water rescue training. Bob Vincent: being so flexible and looking after Mittagundi throughout training. Arby: being a legend. Providing accommodation for First Aid and giving raft training. David and Libby Ellis: making preserves and chutneys Sarah Cantwell + Keira: Amazing kitchen skills at First Aid. Dan, Mezza and Brenny: giving a helping hand during the MEGA course. Wollangarra: Sharing training with us and being beautiful people. Pete Christison: having a funky Hawaiian shirt and supporting us in the MEGA course. Caz Mudford: being a massive support and always wearing a smile. Suz & Kate: staff training and sharing their wisdom Guntram and Heidi (The Alpine Wood Pecker): the amazing effort involved in building our new dining room table. THANKYOU! Graham Blanch (Bloggs): handy animal advice www.mittagundi.org.au
Donations & Sponsorships Jessie Mawson Robyn Kay Mawson Richard Kjar Peter Hay Martin Clydesdale Prue Griffiths John Purtell Alistair Drummond Mark Knight George Batsakis Bruce Parncutt Graeme Lord Robin Young The Happy Larry's Bruce Wright Peter Wetherall Lionel McFadyen Greg Marks Brian Beasley Dr John Grahame Sloman & Isabel Sloman Ararat College The MG Car Club Geelong Diedre & Bob Andrew David Nguyen Timothy Fraser Kasey Crestani
Autumn 2013 Newsletter page 6
M
I
T
T
A
G
U
N
D
I
Mittagundi is a non-profit organisation that receives no funding from the Government. Our programs are heavily subsidised and we are reliant on a fantastic community of supporters for about 30% of our costs.
If you would like to help Mittagundi here is how you can Help us out with a tank of Fuel for our trips to pick up/drop off groups in Albury..................................$75 Help us print some information packs to give to schools............................................................................$100 Sponsor a young person to come on one of our Programs............................................................................$425 Sign up as a Mittagundi supporter on our website for either $20/$30/$50 or $100 per month Help us buy a new set of Snow Boots for our Winter Programs.......................................................................... ........................................................................................................$6000 (for a full set) or approx $150 per pair Chip in to help feed our animals for a week......................................................................................................$60 Contribute to our Building Fund for much needed repairs (eligible for a tax deductible receipt)...............$50
All donations will receive a Mittagundi Bumper Sticker and a unique and highly regarded Mittagundi Cookbook! Name: Address:
Post Code:
Email: CASH $:
CHEQUE ATTACHED FOR $
I have made an electronic deposit to your Westpac Account $ ACCOUNT DETAILS:
Westpac Bairnsdale BSB 033653 A/C 630000
Please debit my: Visa
Mastercard
Name on Card:
Card Number:
Expiry Date:
CCV Number:
Signature: Donations can also be made on the website via our secure payments page: https://mittagundi.worldsecuresystems.com/Donate.html#all Contact: Sarah Yeates 0467 678 818 info@mittagundi.org.au Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre, 4385 Omeo Highway, Glen Valley VIC 3898
www.mittagundi.org.au
Autumn 2013 Newsletter page 7
M
I
T
T
A
G
U
N
D
I
N
E
W
S
L
E
T
T
E
R
OUR WISH LIST Safety glasses
Hose fittings
Gardening gloves
40mm joiners and taps
Splitters
Swimming pool filter
Thermals
Thermos
Different colors of paint
Plastic for poly tunnels
Kitchen knives
Bridle (horse)
Mugs
Gaiters for hiking
Teaspoons
Hiking boots (especially size 9 Men’s)
Canvas bags to store food on hikes
Hessian material
Sprinkler heads
Old rubbish bins (for toilets)
What is Mittagundi? An independent, non-profit organisation with outdoor programs available to all young people aged 14-17. It was established over thirty years ago with a commitment to provide opportunities for young people from all walks of life to live and enjoy the challenges of a remote and simple lifestyle. On our classic outdoor program each group of boys or girls, will spend ten days in a beautiful part of Victoria’s high country; bushwalking, camping and abseiling from nearby cliffs, rafting the Mitta Mitta river and work alongside leaders to operate a pioneer style farm. During winter school groups cross country ski and explore the alpine environment of the Bogong High Plains. The atmosphere at Mittagundi is simple, honest and happy. There are no watches, no timetables and no money. Instead there is an opportunity for young people to live and work together in an environment where people matter more than anything else. Mittagundi is run by a professional and passionate team of volunteers and a whole community of support.
To book on to a program or be involved with Mittagundi please visit our website www.mittagundi.org.au or contact us on (03) 5159 7238
www.mittagundi.org.au Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre 4385 Omeo Hwy Glen Valley, VIC 3898
Autumn 2013