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Mittagundi Director’s Editorial:
The beauty of challenge Snow is falling at Mittagundi as I find a small moment to write in the last days of our winter season. At this very moment we have one group of energetic young people up exploring the white wonder of Buckety Plain in the mountains. There is also a steady hum of busy young people here about the property chopping wood, cooking lunch and stoking fires. Winter in it’s richness at Mittagundi. Winter provides plenty of tough times as well as wonder. Challenge is always present in the dark, cold days and constant alpine programs. I believe it has pushed us all; young people and the Mittagundi team into our true capability. There is a spirit to a Mittagundi winter, of camaraderie, a satisfied tiredness and a peaceful slumber after constant hard work.
society where discomfort with purpose is often not engaged with, challenge lives at Mittagundi. Challenge with support to meet it. Challenge with people to share the journey through and challenge building the satisfied feeling afterwards. There was one poignant moment with young people mid winter where they just completed a difficult section of fencing and one commented a bit unsure and surprised ‘I have this feeling inside . . . it is all warm and good . . I think I feel . . . satisfied‘. They were experiencing that rewarding moment from effort and sadly, it was unfamiliar. Challenge is a heartfelt opportunity to experience something greater.
This winter, young people have poured through the property and high plains. We have had the support of a small army of helpers, leaders and teachers during this chaotic time. There is a joy to witness so many people getting so much from Mittagundi alongside the young people, and for Mittagundi to be strongly supported by so many. There is no denying that being a leader in this environment at times is a challenging undertaking but I am humbled to see people again and again thrive in those tough points. Applications are now open for leaders to work at Mittagundi next year. A challenge worth doing and an experience worth living. Be part of Mittagundi in 2011. Jac Semmler (Director) and the Mittagundi Team
If there is one thing that Mittagundi can offer to young people is that challenge lives here, real and true. In a
CALENDAR 2010 Girls New Years Program
Pioneer Skills Open Weekend
Starts 29th of December.
14th to 16th of January 2011
This is our last program for the year and is a great opportunity to come on a Once a year we invite the entire Mittagundi community to come and stay Mittagundi program during the School for a fun weekend of activities and catch ups. Holidays.
Starting with a Bush Dance at the Glen Valley Hall on the Friday night and continuing through Saturday and Sunday with pioneer skills demonstrations, lots of fun and games, and a big roast on the Saturday Bookings online: www.mittagundi.org.au. night. See the website or call us for more information. There are still a few places left so if you know a young girl who may like to come let them know.
ilabilities co urse ava r fo e it s b we Check the
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Join the Mittagundi Team: Be a Leader in 2011
Each year Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre has unique opportunities for people join our team as leaders and have the experience of a life time.
learning through training, skills and group work. Positions are voluntary in nature with a great renumeration package. It can be both meaningful and challenging.
It is rare chance to be a valued part of a professional team delivering unique opportunities for young people on our classic outdoor programs. The atmosphere at Mittagundi is simple, honest and happy. Instead there is an chance to live and work together in an environment where people matter more than anything else. Leaders are an active part in running this unique pioneer style place and organisation alongside young people.
It is hard to aptly capture the experience of being a leader but this is how this years team describe it:
Leaders are at the heart of Mittagundi’s large community, share a purposeful life and experience a year of professional development and personal
‘Genuine and so fulfilling’ - Thomas, MG Leader ‘An experience of extremes in every direction’ - Caz, MG Leader ‘Rich, real and a laugh a minute’ - Lizzy, MG Leader ‘An amazing experience shared with a team and young people’ - Daniel, MG Leader ‘You wont regret it!’ - Cindy, MG Leader ‘Sharing a life of real purpose, challenge and growth’ - Jac, MG Director
Applications Now Open Visit Mittagundi to check it out for yourself during this Spring or call Jac Semmler (Director) for a chat and info (03) 5159 7238. Position description available at www.mittagundi.org.au To Apply? Post a CV and letter addressing selection criteria and ‘What you can offer Mittagundi’ and ‘What Mittagundi can offer you’ to Jac Semmler (Director) Mittagundi, Omeo Hwy, Glen Valley VIC 3898 or email to Tom Hay (our Mittagundi Council Chair) at tom@mittagundi.org.au Applications close when positions are filled. Interviews running through November and December. Please be quick with submissions!
Help us at Mittagundi! There is a mountain of work to undertake at Mittagundi and so many skilled people wanting to be part of it and support young people, but often not sure how or when. We really need and welcome your help at anytime. Here are some things we need help with this Summer: Sewing Inner Sheets Sourcing Wheelie bins Restumping and bracing Buildings Felling Dangerous Trees (ticket required) Weed Spraying (ACUP required) Chainsawing (ticket and recent experience required) Raising Sponsorships for Young People Archiving and Admin Support in the Office
Tractor Slashing (experience required) Interior Painting and Sealing Track work on 107 - clearing and re benching Cooking for WFA Training 26th Jan to 1st Feb 2010 at Wollangarra Preserving Produce in Jan and Feb 2011 and more! Come for the weekend or the week and enjoy the simplicity and peace of the Glen Valley. Bring a party of friends and family to champion a project or support us from afar. The true beauty of Mittagundi is that anything you can contribute goes directly to support the experiences of young people. Please contact us at any stage on (03) 5159 7238 Spring Newsletter page 2.
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Coming up Spring! is here and as you’re reading this we will be well and truly into our spring programs, with ten day courses back on, walking in and out over Mt Wills until the snow melts off the High Plains, and our follow up programs swinging into action as well:
Follow-Ups Enterprise (21-25 November 2010) Come and learn how to create amazing and quality pieces, such as screen printed T-shirts and bush stools. All goods will be sold at markets in Melbourne and the Folk Rhythm and Life Festival to raise funds for young people to attend future courses. Further details at www.mittagundi.org.au look under “Follow-up”.
Woodchop Are you a Mittagundi Young Person? How would you like to be part of the mission to chop, stack and sort a years’ worth of wood at Mittagundi? Come up for a week during the summer school holidays, meet other young people and have a carckin’ time! $100, December 12-17 2010.
Melbourne Markets (27-28 November 2010) Mittagundi will be at the St Andrew’s Market (Saturday 27 November 2010) and the Dockland Markets (Sunday 28 November 2010). Come say hello and check out our goods, great gifts by young people fundraising for more young people to experience Mittagundi, See you there!
“I miss waking up in the morning and going to milk the cows. I miss the random group work we did to help out. And I miss the silly songs and annoying metaphors and similes everyone would use. Believe it or not I can even say I miss the challenge of the hikes because they showed our strength and courage to keep going, to reach our goal and also our teamwork and encouragement as we were all going through the same thing. You know what? Now when I’m struggling or really don’t want to do something I just think back to the Mittagundi experience so I know that I can and will pull through.” Irene 2010
Folk Rhythm and Life Festival (3-6 December 2010, at Bilyana, Eldorado); this fantastic biennial event is on again – great music, great company and great food and fun in a beautiful place. Tickets are sold out. For more details see the Mittagundi website. or if you have a spare hour or more to help man the stall or stop by for a chin wag and catch up.
Pioneer Skills Open Weekend (14-16th of January at Mittagundi) Kicking off with the Glen Valley Bush Dance on the Friday night and with lots of pioneer skills demonstrations and activities on the Saturday and Sunday. A big roast on Saturday night and you’re welcome to camp at Mittagundi. Spring Newsletter
page 3.
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Farm news
Spring is well and truly here; the birds are singing, the wattle is blooming and this year’s team have been pleasantly surprised by the bloom of daffodils planted in thoughtful years gone by. With such an influx of keen and busy young people during our busy winter the farm is looking tip top with so many jobs ticked off the list! The fence around the cheesehouse has been restored, another toilet dug, bush posts have been split, the orchard is pruned right back ready for the spring growth, the gardeners have kept veges on our table through the cold months, and the animals are happy and healthy too. We’re welcoming a new family of 8 chooks to the chookhouse as you read this, the horses are losing their winter coats and frolicking around the paddock in the sunshine, ready to be put back to work, and the cows are thriving on the spring growth with the milk getting creamier!
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However, we are very sad to report that one of the lovely milking cows mysteriously died whilst away from Mittagundi this winter, and our current milker is now mum to her calf as well as her own (all of whom are happy and healthy). Sadly this leaves Mittagundi with two aging milking cows and so we are searching for a poddy heifer calf or two to raise as milkers for the coming years. If you or anyone you know may be able to help us out please call Mittagundi on (03) 5159 7238. In other news we have recently received an arborists report for Mittagundi, and a lot of work will be going into managing some dangerous trees around the property this spring.
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Spring Newsletter page 4.
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Sharing the Winter Adventure
sitting on the bus for the whole day brings, they were beginning their winter adventure and the staff here were sucked into it as well.
The two months of winter was an opportunity to share the experience with young people, the experience of learning, friendship, falling snow, the mountains and valleys, beautiful huts, chats, adventure and the newness and the feeling that everyone was doing something worthwhile.
One of the great things about winter is that there is never a dull moment. There’s the opportunity to jump in the troopy, the passengers singing, maybe a little bit nervous, or just plain excited about seeing snow for the first time and wind your way up into the mountains with 20 other people to camp and share time in the bush with; an amazing feeling.
The arrival of young people up the Mittagundi driveway from as far away as Alice Springs and the Sunshine Coast really filled the space that Mittagundi creates. Paths that lead to the Barn, to the Dairy, in the Woodshed, were once again filled with activity and noise. A scene that really creates that Mittagundi feel. With their arrival was the incredible energy that
The day we spend at Buckety Plain is often a highlight, there’s a tree on its own just as you enter the head of the Plain were we would all sit and have our munchies. That view was always so special, and always so different. Snow swirled around as far as the eye could see,
the remnants of old cattle yards, or sleet, wind or maybe that lucky blue sky. Once back at Mittagundi, that feeling of accomplishment and pride that’s created by being up in the snow filled environment. Settling into Ian’s Hut or the dinning room in the evening is filled with laughter, the sharing of stories, piano and guitar playing. It’s a real privilege to stand outside and listen to all the goings on inside. The “something special” that Mittagundi creates for a young person that allows them to come in as strangers and full of nerves, but who leaves after a week having shown themselves and the people around them who they are. So thankyou to all the young people who came and shared this experience with us and everyone who was part of it.
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Sponsorships Mittagundi was built on a philosophy that all young people can come on a course, even if they can’t afford it. It is amazing to be in a place that supports young people that may otherwise miss out. To make this a possibility, each year we gratefully receive sponsorships from generous individuals and groups in the community to fund places. Each sponsor receives a letter from a recipient sharing their experiences from Mittagundi. With few sponsorships available at the moment, we hope to put the word out for anyone who is considering sponsoring a young people. It is a fantastic way to make a difference to one young person and get behind Mittagundi. If your interested in sponsoring a young person please contact us on (03) 5159 7238 or post sponsorships to ’Mittagundi’ Omeo Hwy, Glen Valley VIC 3898 Spring Newsletter page 5.
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Tawonga Hut
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Winter Courses Wow, what a busy place Mittagundi has been throughout July and August. While most of the valley and indeed the high plains were in hibernation, Mittagundi on the other hand, has been bursting with activity – and young people! In fact, we’ve had more than two hundred young people come through our gates over eleven courses in these two months alone.
We’re excited to say that we once more have the use of Tawonga Hut on the Roper’s property, thanks to the dedicated hard work of Jimmy James Findlay, Rick Lindsay and Earth Structures, and Pat and Mel O’Donoghue Design and Construct. While we were occupied with our winter courses at Mittagundi this crew put in a lot of planning, effort and time to restore the hut with their fine workmanship, and it is now once again our Tawonga base. We would like to say a grateful Thank You to Jimmy James, Rick, Pat, Mel and the Roper family, and everyone involved, for such a significant donation to Mittagundi and its people of future years. We’d also like to thank the generosity of the Tawonga community in ensuring that we had the use of Tawonga Scout Hall while the hut was out of action for the last few years.
Each got the chance to go on a three day trip together up to either Macnamara’s or Fitzgerald’s Huts to experience the beauty of the mountains during this time of year. This was no easy task though, as there were many cold nights, cold toes and lots of walking or skiing to do to get to their destinations. But they all pushed through and got to camp by these amazing huts for two nights, explore the winter wonderland and enjoy the beauty and fun of the snow, and of course, all got to have a go at cross-country skiing! There were many who hadn’t even seen snow before (particularly many of those from the St Phillips school group who came all the way from Alice Springs!) so what an adventure for all. With so many young people coming to stay it meant the farm was also wonderfully full and busy. One part of the cow paddock got lots of visitors as Ian’s and Seans huts and the good old bus were being used for courses again. And much work and good times were had around the farm by all during farm days.
HI Save a tree? Get this newsletter via email and save a tree or two. Simply email tom@mittagundi.org.au and let me know. You can see the full newsletter online and in colour visit www.mittagundi.org.au
We were pretty lucky this year with a fair bit of sunshine and snow! The most amazing snow dump was during our last course with the groups from Beacon Hills. The last group woke up on their last morning at Macnamarra’s Hut to have almost sixty centimetres of the white fluffy stuff outside their tents. Mittagundi was also transformed as it too was snowed on throughout the night. It was quite a sight to see snow flakes as every now and then they blew in through the dining room entrance. It sure was a last hoorah for this year’s winter program.
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Winter Helpers: Giving a helping hand and more More than twenty five helpers rocked up to give their time and support to young people and Mittagundi during the busy winter months. The helpers, new and old faces, all brought their enthusiasm, laughter, energy, skills and experiences to Mittagundi, with a hugely positive impact on the young people and the Mittagundi staff members.
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A heartfelt Thank You to all the winter helpers for the amazing work you did for Mittagundi, and the fun times we shared– we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank You Ryan Todd, Lucy Fallon, Declan FuberGilbrick, Colleen, Sam and Sarah, Conrad Gilbey, Amy Follett, Fliss Burgess, Amy Naivasha, Amy Norhtwood, Bec Bartlett, Bec Peaches Carlisle, Lauren Powell, Sarah Yeates, Lisa Boyle, Gordy, Alex DeGreenlaw, Reagan, Tess Woods, Matty Tyndall, Claire Bennett, Doug Suter, Neri Jamieson , Neil Brown, Roz King,
Will Ford, Andy Hooke and Sal Kimber. Also a special mention must go to the school staff that accompanied their students to Mittagundi with unerring enthusiasm, support, appreciation and dedication, and treats and support for Mittagundi staff; Thank You Dave Armstrong, Neiri, Kate Bennets, Kate Anderson, Des Vida, Sarah Tudor, James Hogan, Rosemary Glashier, Matt Davidson, Tess Macrae, Meryn Shaw, Dave Evans, Coral, Tony Davidson, Mike Rosie Rosenthal and Dom Dirnberger.
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Wishlist
Mittagundi Caretakers Each year Mittagundi needs care takers to look after Mittagundi while the team undertakes training, community events away from the Valley and well earned rest. Caretakers look after the animals, answer the phone and enjoy a break away to Mittagundi. No skills or experience required. Friends and family welcome. Caretakers needed this year for Friday 26th to Monday 28th November Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th of December - filled Wednesday 22nd to Monday 27th December Upcoming dates in 2011 Wednesday 26th January to Tuesday 1st February Assorted dates in month of February The month of June Please call us at Mittagundi on (03) 5159 7238 for more info or to reserve your spot
Gortex over jackets Gortex over pants Nalgene screw-top lid drink bottles & containers Thermal tops and bottoms 100% Wool pants House paint of any kind and colour Batteries AA and AAA Woollen or polar fleece mittens and gloves Energetic leaders for 2011 Yowie-style snow shoes (clip binding) Thick wool socks Poddy milking calf to rear Can openers 60litre (plus) hiking back packs Alpine rated tents Thimbles Hiking boots (men’s size 43/ 10-11) Leather work gloves Gaiters Foam sleeping roll mats Scissors 10Litre+ mouse-proof containers Vegetable seeds for garden Native plant seeds Pliers Good quality can openers 25+ single foam mattresses
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Thankyous •Ryan Todd– winter leader/ helper •Lucy Fallon – winter helper •Declan Fuber-Gilbrick– winter helper •Colleen – winter helper •Sam and Sarah – winter helper •Conrad Gilbey– winter helper •Amy Follett – winter helper •Fliss Burgess – winter leader •Amy Naivasha – winter helper •Amy Norhtwood – winter helper •Bec Bartlett – winter helper, babysitting MG •Bec Peaches Carlisle – winter helper •Lauren Powell – winter helper •Sarah Yeates; winter help, chocolate •Lisa Boyle– winter helper •Gordy – winter driver •Alex DeGreenlaw– winter helper •Reagan – winter helper •Tess Woods – winter helper •Matty Tyndall – winter leader •Claire Bennett – winter helper •Doug Suter – winter leader/ HQ •Neri Jamieson – winter HQ •Neil Brown – winter helper •Roz King – winter helper •Will Ford – The Hop bar, winter helper •Tess Macrae – the Hop help, winter help •Andy Hooke- winter help •Sal Kimber- winter help •Dave Armstrong-winter school staff •Neiri-winter school staff •Kate Bennets-winter school staff •Kate Anderson--winter school staff, treats •Des Vida--winter school staff •Sarah Tudor-winter school staff, treats
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Mittagundi is so grateful for all things large and small
•James Hogan-winter school staff •Rosemary Glashier-winter school staff •Matt Davidson-winter school staff, treats, honey and Coffee! •Tess Macrae-winter school staff, treats. •Meryn Shaw-winter school staff •Dave Evans-winter school staff, treats, stainless steel buckets, gloves, pig info, etc. •Coral-winter school staff •Tony Davidson-winter school staff •Mike Rosie Rosenthal-winter school staff •Dom Dirnberger-winter school staff •Lizzy’s Mum Veronica; support and advice •Barbara at Tawonga Store; Tawonga Scout Hall •Gary; vehicle work •John the Butcher; farrier contacts •Sue Oldfield, Mittens •Carolyn Findlay, knitted jumpers, socks, beanies etc •Bob Vincent and Brisbane mates; babysitting MG •Paul and Sheila Murray, babysitting MG, gear and more •Tim Benne, help and work for MG •Jack Skermer, help and work for MG •Bloggs; animal help and products •Tangambalanga Store; help •Tom Hay; The Hop! •Ross Richards; the Hop help •Nick Proctor; the Hop help •Regan, Dan and Annabel and everyone; the Hop merchandise stall •Mez, Arbie, Jenny; the Hop bar/food serve •All other Hop helpers! •Marilla; woolen tops •Dan; mending the banjo •Jacki at Alpine School; gear donation
•Sue Lingham, Maureen Lonergan and Beechworth Honey; Honey •Sharon McEvoy; Honey and Runners •Ange Davidson; coffee, treats and batteries •Catholic College Wodonga; runners •Carly Vischer; beanies, gloves and thermals •Kat Beaton; runners, woolens, thermals, boots, honey, gortex pants •Dave Batty; chocolate •Micheal Achurch Trust, Scotch College, Hugh Wilson; ski gear •Craig from Mt Stirling; Ski Boots •Mick Batty and family; taking the cows to their bull •The Blue Duck; hospitality and freezer storage •Sarah at Omeo Bakery •Jenny Hermiston’s Mum; Fowlers jars •Jenny Waldron; Fowlers equipment, wool and hospitality •Nena Waldron; Chooks •Scott Bewley from Swinburne OEG; students tour •Muss Richards, Timbertop; Gortex jackets and chocolate •Elna and Edmund at Coffee Basics; Coffee •James Findlay; Tawonga Hut restoration •Rick Lindsay; Tawonga Hut restoration •Roper family; Tawonga Hut •Tess and Grae; Hospitality •The Woods family; help, dinner and spoils •Sarah Guthrie and family; treats and binders •Mark Fowler and The Outdoor Experience; donation and delivery of skis and boots •Maureen; babysitting MG •Ian and Liv Stapleton; hospitality and stories •Typo Station Young Women’s Celebration Day; MG staff visit and tour
•Kev McGennan and Helen Collins; hospitality and Wine Bottling extravaganza •Pizzini Winery; wine •Everyone who came to help at wine bottling!
Donations •Neilma Gantner •Anonymous •Greg Marks and Peter Weatherall; 3 Peaks Ride and all their generous sponsors •Kevin Richard Keating •ANZ •Estate of Ian Roach •Beau Miles •Charlie and Rosie Hammond •Macquarie Group Foundation
Sponsorships •Rosemary Glaisher •Bachus Marsh Community College (young people) •Pat and Arnold Hancock •Pea and Rob Orr
No Nuts We would like to mention that due to the increase in allergies throughout society Mittagundi is now a Nut-free property, and we would like to thank everyone for keeping this in mind when visiting.
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What is Mittagundi? An independent, non profit organisation with outdoor programs available to all young people. Mittagundi 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, aged between 14 and 17, 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 Mittagundi 4385 Omeo Hwy Glen Valley, Vic 3898
Spring 2010