Spring 2013

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Mittagund i A s the English Broom tries to take over the property

and the blackberries show their heads around the place the staff have been busy spraying the English Broom, and setting Sally the Mittagundi goat, on the Blackberries.

There are 101 million jobs that constantly need addressing at Mittagundi and as I look to hang my hat on another rack soon. I feel confident that Mittagundi is going to be in good hands as I pass the list of continuing jobs over to Liz, the new Director. I first met Liz back in the winter of 2011, and

without a doubt she assisted me then as I began my role at Mittagundi, and I only hope that I can make her transition into the role as Director as smooth as possible.

The summer heat is beckoning the staff and students back down to the river as it washes away the sweat of the day’s activities. Though there’s a change in the air as all the staff,

“I learned at Mittagundi that you don't always know people by just sitting back and looking at them, you need to get up close and chop wood with them and talk about your hard and tough moments”

program manager, new property manager Tony, and myself are all too aware. The standard question being asked

What’s Coming Up at Mittagundi?

around the place is ‘what are you doing next year?’ and most of us don’t know. If you wander down by the river and come across a lost ex-staff member, take them in, treat them in kind because they are probably wandering around in the

Woodchop Follow-Up 29th December - 12th

world a little lost, unsure of where to head after Mittagundi.

Mittagundi Festival

As I personally leave I’m taking a big bag of tools -

Boys 413

January 9th, 10th & 11th January 2014 7th March - 16th March

developed at Mittagundi; to help me on my next project; a

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21st March - 30th March

large bag of laundry, and the knowledge that I did my best.

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4th April - 13th April

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13th April - 22nd April

‘what are you doing next year?’ because I still don’t know…

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2nd May - 11th May

Thanks to all those that supported Mittagundi during my

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16th May - 25th May

time in this position.

Winter Follow-Up

1st - 5th July

I hope that I continue supporting Mittagundi from wherever that may be - and please, if you see me don’t ask

Sam Walmsley

(Currently )ighting my way through blackberries, down by the river)

www.mittagundi.org.au

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Around the farm

Hi Everyone...

I would like to introduce myself.

Mittagundi is a place I was introduced to by a relative in the late 1980’s. I was still at secondary school studying outdoor education as one of my electives. I have helped Mittagundi at various times over the last 19 years and now I have the opportunity to take the advantage of the full circle and work in the Director role.

In the years prior to my appointment with MG, I have worked at various commercial and not for profit organisations and camps including Wollangarra, The Crossing, Coastlife Adventures, Conservation Volunteers Australia, NPWS and Kindilan OEC. My experience and skills have been extended by actively working on boards such as The Crossing Land Education Centre, The Australian Camps Association and other memberships. I am a community orientated person and I look forward to being more involved in the Mittagundi community. Most importantly I am excited to share my skills, knowledge and experiences by living and working with our staff, volunteers, young people, MG council and you the MG community. I bring with me, my husband Andrew. He has extensive skills and knowledge of recreation in Australia and Overseas. He is a Mountaineer, Telemark skier, Ski patroller, WW Kayaker, Adventurer, Electrician and a great Husband and friend. Andrew is new to the MG community; he will be part of the team in various ways.

We both look forward to meeting you and encourage you to come and spend some time with us at Mittagundi.

Liz Leyshan - Incoming Director 2014

www.mittagundi.org.au

The property has buzzed into life after a chilly winter with flies, mozzies, bees a n d b u t t e r fl y ’ s eve r y wh e re ! T h e days are getting warmer and the staff have been busy weed s p r a y i n g , fi x i n g fences, slashing and getting the property ready for fire season.

Also lots and lots of chain sawing for many trees fell during the winter around the property.

We have a new horse named Jack (after Jack Gilbert) he is a little on the cheeky side but is really good with the young people, he is finding it a little hard to break the “bro-mance” between Sampson and Phil but they all get along OK. As for the Cows we were lucky enough to be donated (with the help of Mike Heffernan) two little Potty cows (Raku and Bec!) we have to hand feed them each morning and they are so cute! The chickens are happy as can be with their new home between the orchard and dam (built by Bob Vincent and the help of young people) they are laying around 20 eggs a day! The garden looks great after the work party and we are harvesting lots of yummy food. As the year draws to a close staff are motivated to finish projects they had set for the year and they hope to leave the property looking spic and span ready to inspire the next years staff.

Winter at Harry’s ‘Harry’s’ is a pretty special spot just the other side of Mittagundi’s front horse paddock. We were lucky enough to stay there over the winter and to experience being Mittagundi’s neighbours as well as Glen Valley residents. While we did a bit of work on the place we enjoyed being able to see the Mitta Mitta river through one window and Mount Wills from another. With the national park just next door there were many residents of the property including wombats, swamp wallabies, lyrebirds and more! We were made to feel very welcome by the Mittagundi crew as well as the valley locals, who shared with us the history of ‘Harry’s’. Originally, Track 107 went through the bush just behind the house on Harry’s property and ended up at Mittagundi’s old chook shed. This was great for Mittagundi hikes but confusing for bush walkers coming down from the mountains and ending up at a chook shed! It’s over grown but the original track is probably still there. Thanks to the Mittagundi crew, council and valley locals for having us! Meryn & Lizzy Spring 2013 Newsletter page 2.

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Get with the Program...

Under the shade of the mountains above, and amongst the swift valleys lies a place that challenges, yet gives achievement; provides purpose, yet allows for heartfelt meandering; relishes remoteness, yet summons community and connection. This place is one where laughter, creativity, and enjoyment can come hand in hand with learning, responsibility, and respect.

This place is no new fad or lost cause -­‐ it is a humble experience that draws people in, to remember simplicity, sharing, and get a snapshot of where we have come from, and where we are going. This place slowly, and sincerely, educates. Bringing in to view what is often right in front of our noses – yet can be difAicult to focus on due to lack of time, motivation, or even distraction.

It gives an opportunity to slow down, reAlect and contemplate on reality without the fuzz of televisions, iPods, watches, newspapers and other techno Gadgets. It brings out character and allows people to be who they want to be, so that they “can be comfortable in their own skin”. This place is more than just a campsite next to a noisy river; it is for some, a warm shelter, for others an experience, for a good few, an old friend; and for me: like many others -­‐ luckily, Mittagundi has been my home.

“What a Year! What. A. Year.”

This year, the Mittagundi Program has been very successful. With higher numbers of young people coming on courses and a continuing safety record; the outcomes for those that have attended have been very positive – With many of their reAlections and thoughts being expressed in the passage above. As usual, the young people have been able to venture into the mountains in all seasons; Some soaking in the views atop rocky outcrops, others skiing on snow covered plateaus on the Bogong High Plains or Mt. Wills, some discovering new landscapes within the valleys, or even getting to know our horses (Sampson, Phil, and Jack) while hiking during our 10-­‐day programs – this year has provided something special for each person that has attended. This year has also seen many great days working on the farm, with some highlights being: demolishing the old dairy, building the ‘chook-­‐Mahal’, digging out a culvert, picking up horse

Ultimately, the Mittagundi Program couldn’t be the same without the hard work of ALL the Mittagundi Staff (Director included) -­‐ who have put in huge amounts energy into each program to make it an amazing experience for those that attended. It has been great fun – despite the blood, sweat and tears and large amount of behind the scenes effort. Many thanks must go to them for their dedication over their duration. Also, many thanks must go to the several volunteers whom have helped Mittagundi in a physical way, especially some who have come up to help at a moments notice. Further, many thanks must also go to the many generous people who continue to Ainancially sponsor young people so that any young person can come on a Mittagundi program – thank you. Finally, we must thank all the young people who have been to Mittagundi, and who continue to come – it has been great to have you along for the journey.

Much Mittagundi thanks.

poo for the garden, taking a casual walk to clean the silt-­‐trap, and even

Andrew Ellis -­‐ Aka Foss

making Merchandise in the joinery

Program Manager.

with Shazza. Let’s also not forget the many woodchoppers!

www.mittagundi.org.au

Spring 2013 Newsletter page 3.

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The Trundle 2013...Every year, five legendary Mittagundi attendees are handpicked by staff and thrown in with five from Wollangarra and together they trek for 11 days over 150km through some of Victoria’s most rugged and remote wilderness to raise money for the two organisations. This years crew raised a whopping $4,600 and had a good time doing it.

The April school holidays had begun just days earlier when we all met. We arrived at the Albury train station around midday, some having travelled from almost next door and Monty, from as far as Alice Springs. A few games of hackie-sack later, the awkwardness between strangers had settled and we set off on an awesome, memorable, beautiful yet challenging adventure. The 2013 Alpine walk, or later renamed as the 'Hipster Trundle', had begun! Well... Almost.

The clan of eleven, at the train station, later became a complete twelve when our last member, Six, joined the crew upon arrival at Mittagundi, and then, the preparations began.

It was a bit saddening knowing that we wouldn't complete the traditional Alpine walk, due to fire risk and heat, but once we had begun, none of us cared. Throughout the next 11 days of hiking we battled through hail storms, lightning and blisters upon blisters, but perhaps our hardest struggle was day nine, where the emotions and frustration exploded to make the 'Long Spur' live up to it's name.

Throughout the hike there were these moments where tiredness and soreness took their toll but overlooking the trip now, it is obvious to tell that good outweighs the bad no problem.

The memories have and will keep staying with us, it was a trip of a lifetime.

After a long day of hiking to 'Little Plain' we couldn't help but notice the bared snow gums turning pink near the campsite, when we ran around the corner, we found the source to be an absolutely magnificent sunset that we watched and watched until our eyes got sore and we'd all had enough of Gabi winning all our games of Super-mega-ninja-distraction.

Nothing changed for the rest of the hike, not only did Gabi keep winning all the Super-meganinja-distraction games (with a little competition from Luke) but the views kept getting better and better. There was the fog on top of Mt Fainter, the 360 degree view on the Jaithmathangs, the sunrise on Mt. Nelse and of course, the sight of Beck cooking us sausages at the food drop on day five.

A suspicious trail of 12 Snickers bars led us to the pinnacle of our hike, when we climbed Mt Bogong. That lunch was the most well deserved of all, and was the point we could feel we had almost done it.

The sense of achievement when we arrived back at Mittagundi was incredible, we were spoilt with a great feed, a candlelit shower but the most rewarding part was knowing how much we'd accomplished and how much fun it was doing it. Opportunities like that don't come around ver y often and I'm pretty confident that we made the absolute most of it. Harry McKenzie-McHarg 2013 Alpine Walker

Work party After a large and wonderful donation of vegetable seedlings from a Bairnsdale nursery and vital fencing to be repaired we decided to hold a working bee to help get the garden into spring mode.

We tried to send out the word as quickly as possible, hoping people would come. We were very excited and inspired when many helping hands arrived to share the weekend’s work. Council members, children, past staff, and many volunteers from the Mittagundi community, even a few who dropped by for a random visit spent a lot of time in the garden and paddocks. We were especially grateful for the refreshing, enlivening company and celebrated by lighting a large bon)ire. The weekend was a huge success bringing so many people together from the Mittagundi community. Everyone had such good fun and we completed everything we planned and more!

(Hipster Trundler)

HI Save a tree?

The Clan (back row "om le$) Dennis Bainger, Oscar Nitz, Kaiser Haebich, Jo Chibnall, Isaac KervinMcDermott, Gabi Bridge, Harry McKenzie-McHarg, Luke Dixon, ("ont row) Monty Nixon, Jack Clark, Claire Woodward, Michael Ca'ey (Six)

www.mittagundi.org.au

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 Spring 2013 Newsletter page 4.

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How times change...

By Brooke (Bruce) Hudson

2009 was the year when I was introduced to Mittagundi. It was a winter’s day when we were greeted by a group of crazy characters in dress ups waiting for the bus to arrive.

There was something about this place, something special that I had not experienced before and from that point on, I knew I was in for an experience and a long journey ahead. Five years on and I am one of the crazy leaders in dress ups and full of enthusiasm for all the young people to come on our courses.

The Beaconhills College course was going to be a particularly special program for me, it was the school, which introduced me to Mittagundi and where I attended for secondary education.

My expectations didn’t let me down, as for all the courses we had a super load of fun, enjoyed the beauty of winter months and embraced Mittagundi and its character. I really enjoyed relating to the young people that little bit more as I had a further understanding of their lives and backgrounds. I felt I was a friend as well as a leader that was an authority figure but also had the opportunity to have fun and treat them as individuals.

I felt privileged to give the same opportunity to these young people that I received when I was in Year 9. Finally, the rest of the staff could see why I reflected “when I was a young person” so frequently, because the transition from a young person to a leader is so rewarding and it is an opportunity that I will cherish for a long time to come. That winter course in 2009 definitely changed my life and had an adverse effect on me as an individual, my personal development and self- esteem. I just hope that this years young people got as much out as I did. All of this is the reason why I have dedicated a year of my life to put into Mittagundi and give the same opportunity to others. I only hope more young people can return to Mittagundi, not just on follow-ups but maybe one day as staff. www.mittagundi.org.au

Enterprise and Benambra Small Motors This

enterprise we had two very special and loyal volunteers sharing their skills with young people. Jack Gilbert in the joinery and Lance Tucker in the forge. We also spent a great deal of time felting, screen printing and sewing. Everyone learned a lot including the Mittagundi staff! An amazing array and quality of items were created during the course and will help Mittagundi with fundraising throughout the year.

Just after enterprise Mittagundi attended the Benambra show with Jack, Lance, Tony, Sam and Vicki. We brought the foot pedal lathe and a hand spun ropemaking machine amongst other things. It was a fun interactive weekend and a wonderful opportunity to connect with folks living nearby.

Jack and Lance were great company to us all and we are so lucky for all the support they have given us over the year.

Work party After a large and wonderful donation of vegetable seedlings from a Bairnsdale nursery and vital fencing to be repaired we decided to hold a working bee to help get the garden into spring mode. We tried to send out the word as quickly as possible, hoping people would come. We were very excited and inspired when many helping hands arrived to share the weekend’s work. Council members, children, past staff, and many volunteers from the Mittagundi community, even a few who dropped by for a random visit spent a lot of time in the garden and paddocks. We were especially grateful for the refreshing, enlivening company and celebrated by lighting a large bonfire. The weekend was a huge success bringing so many people together from the Mittagundi community.

Everyone had such good fun and we completed everything we planned and more!

Spring 2013 Newsletter page 5.

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2013 and who else we’ve seen...

Bruce G’day, my name’s Bruce! I’m 19 years young and I am from a place called Pakenham Upper. Around Mittagundi, you may )ind me chain sawing, chilling out with the cows, starting food )ights or playing pranks on the other staff. I hold Mittagundi close to my heart and no doubt my experiences here have changed my life. I was drawn to the Glen Valley after )inishing school, due to experiencing life as a young person and the life changing experience it gave me. I thought it was time to give the same opportunity to others. I believe the true nature of Mittagundi can be discovered in many ways…. through nature, challenges, fun, destination and experiences. I feel my journey has led me to see varying sides of Mittagundi and even myself. Mittagundi has enabled me to gain skills, knowledge and understanding of the outdoors and engaging with Young People. I feel equipped to study Outdoor Ed at Bendigo next year. I am thankful for the opportunity and will never forget

Vicki My name is Vicki. Before Mittagundi I was working at an organic vegetable market garden. One of my co-­‐workers, a 2010 staff member, told me about this place – Mittagundi. I have grown up in the city, never been to a camp and never taken an outdoor education class. I am in the beginning of my outdoors life but I think I have always known that I love to be outside. When I heard about Mittagundi and what it offered I thought it sounded like a dream! I de)initely thought I was dreaming when I got the job.

I truly am loving the low tech, outdoorsy, busy lifestyle here. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to look after the garden, the orchard and the pigs. I can’t think of anywhere I would rather be than here, playing games, chatting and hiking with the young people.

It really is my dream come true.

www.mittagundi.org.au

Alena: Alena has come back to Mittagundi winter for her 3rd winter in a row.

She is a true hard-­‐core woman and each day she is at Mittagundi you can really see her love and commitment to this place. All the staff are so thankful for her support and we can’t wait for her to come back in November to see out the rest of year with us!

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Shaz

Hey! My name is Shannon Elizabeth Watters, or as I’m commonly known around this place as SHAZZA! I found out about Mittagundi when I was studying Outdoor Recreation in Eildon last year. I knew it was a special place because of the enjoyment from the young people and the attitude of the staff. I was attracted to the lengthy 10-­‐day courses, which I now know the young people gain so much out of. It has been one of the most challenging things I have ever done, but I am proud of my efforts. Like when you walk up to the Directors cabin you can enjoy steps that Liv, Molly and I put in at Girls 404, or when you next use the “Throne” toilet you can enjoy the wall made from skis that Jess, Noah and I put in from the Open Winter course. I have made a few trips back home to Sydney to enjoy birthdays, weddings and family fun. But I now have a new home within the hills of this beautiful Glen Valley. But I could not have done it without the love and support of my family and new family here at Mittagundi. I have enjoyed having responsibility for my jobs throughout the year of gas, fuel depot, rubbish, vehicles, chickens and merchandise. I have also provided some entertainment with my “city girl” lifestyle I have brought to the farm -­‐ like “what is a silk trap?” “Who is the furphy?” “Where do we hide the culvit?”

But most of all what I will take away from this place is the wonderful community and how many people go out of their way to support such a wonderful organization. Next year I will be off on adventures, but I will always take a part of this experience with me.

Arny What a year -­‐ rich and ful)illing. There is nothing quite like spending a year at Mittagundi.

Living, working, learning, sharing and most of all taking advantage of being in one of the most beautiful places in the world. My name is Anneke, but I mostly get called Arny around here. Mittagundi has provided a lot of opportunity and challenge this year. The River, the cows, the handsome horses, Gear shed, )irst aid, and Joinery has been where I spent a lot of my time but I think sharing my love of the outdoors and this place with so many young people has been a huge highlight for me. I have grown up in Melbourne but have spent the last 3 years living in Bendigo studying Outdoor Education.

Mittagundi really seemed like the natural transition and has really given me the opportunity to consolidate my learning’s from that course. I am now looking toward many more crazy life adventures and experiences but I will always hold this place very close to my heart as it is a place where I have felt instantly at home. I have felt really privileged living and working at a place as special as this one.

Spring Newsletter page 6

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Honza

I’m from the Czech Republic, and used to be an English teacher. When I heard about Mitta, I knew straight away it was for me. I borrowed some money and shortly after being told I was accepted, I was sitting on the plane. I arrived in winter (from the Czech Summer) and very soon found myself with skis on my feet, waterproofs on my legs, beanie on my head surrounded by a fabulous team that always had that gentle piece of advice whenever I looked lost. I learned so much and the young people were great, i’ll never forget the chats and shared hardships we went through. It was an intense period of my life when I was out of routines and schedules and when I learned a ton. I thank everyone who was a part of it and who made it possible, including my family and Ian Stapleton, the MG council, and the previous staff teams, and as a goodbye I would like to wish anyone coming to Mittagundi this: May you be fortunate enough to come open-­‐minded and open-­‐hearted, may you be accepted by the people already there, may you be given a task to complete, alone or with the young ones, and may you spend the evening with your back to the kitchen stove, tea-­‐cup in hand, chatting to a friend you’ve made, or watching the )ire and listening to what a )ifteen-­‐year-­‐old has to say about almost anything. The kookaburra-­‐infused morning after that will be beautiful.

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Adrian Although the three months spent in the beautiful Glen Valley at Mittagundi was a massive challenge, trying to explain my experience in a paragraph is a much bigger mission. My name is Adrian and I was this year’s winter leader. I came into the Mittagundi family with limited knowledge about the camp but soon learned to love the place. Apart from working with an amazing bunch of people my fondest memories have to be taking young people up into the mountains and seeing them grow. It really felt like we were helping to shape a small part of the next generation. The only disappointing thing about my time is that it has taken me 23 years to )ind a place like Mittagundi. I would really like to thank Mittagundi and all the staff for the chances, experiences and opportunities I was given during my time.

Tony: Tony has jumped on board for the last 4 months of the year. He is the maintenance/ handy man extraordinaire around Mittagundi. He is living next door at Harry’s and seems to have already settled in well. To the staff at Mittagundi he is the jack-­‐of-­‐all-­‐ trades, he seems to know a little bit about everything and is always there to lend a helping hand. He is a saddler by trade so most mornings as the sun rises over the knocker you will see tony training up his beautiful horse Jasmine as well as teaching a thing or two to Arny to train Mittagundi’s new horse Jack.

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!

Our Wonderful Winter Helpers – Hamish Sponsorships & Donations McCrae, Dan & Jenny, Patto, Emily, Aaron Hamilton, The Skermer Family The MG Car Club Johan Top Lachie Somers, Davina Bright, Katie Robertson, Jesse and FRL Victorian Geelong Helen Dawson Mazur, Tom & Reuben, Olly Wright, The Wollies Community Prue Griffiths Local Albury (Bea, Indi & Leo), Bec,Chelsea, Claire Chauncy, Nat Foundation for Rosemary & Community Palmer, Deno, Ally Harrington, Sandon Allen Outdoor Education Anthony Jackson Patten Bridge Bob Vincent: For the incredible chicken Taj mahal Mrs. Neilma Bruce & Gwen Tom Castles Caz and Nena: for all the time put in for new horse Gantner Osborne Richard Nunn Jack Dave & Sue Oldfield Mrs P. Hancock Cathedral College Mezza and Lizzy: For being our rock through Gordon Pirie Mrs Margaret Reid Wangaratta winter UBS, Stephen Gwenda Alder Molly Farquarson Megan: for caretaking Mason & Mason Helen Bainger Tim Wallis Gordy: for being a legend and always helping us out Allamby Mrs. Joy Potter Linda Shaw Jack Gilbert: for helping out at enterprise Richard Kjar Mr & Mrs Best Kerryn Boratto Lance Tucker: for helping out at enterprise & for Peter Hay Chris & Christina Toby Floyer donations of steel Martin Clydesdale Sainsbury Noel Standfast La Trobe Uni: for taking Mittagundi rafting Jessie Maswon DK & CM Danny Philips Arby & Tafe Group: for taking staff down the river Kasey Crestani Richardson Anna Yeates Mike Heffernan: for the potty calves Rotary Club of Mt Simon Paton Helen Vaughan Declan: Helping out at the right time Beauty Victoria Yeates Friends of Work Party: Dan O’Brien, Sandon, ALly and Charles Henry Margaret Gardner Mittagundi (FOM) Alisha, Colleen Adams and Elanor Annie Cuming Andrew Metcalfe Jen Beck Dan & Amanda: Helping on course Bill Anderson Huon Pty Ltd Erin Padbury Essendon Bush Walking Club: For the gear Stuart Calder Joan Hanger James Bourke donation Michelle Chibnall: Horse Hobbles Geoff Hudson: for the splitters Coffee Basics: For keeping us happy and awake Wangaratta Bushwalking Club: gear donations www.mittagundi.org.au

Spring 2013 Newsletter page 7

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Mittagundi Calling Through the Glen Valley, deep in Victoria’s High Country, there runs a magic river. An old river. A vibrant, musical river. People from long ago named it the Mitta Mitta.

Like all rivers, The Mitta Mitta carries with it the dusty voices of that land; the stories of lessons and labour woven by the ghosts of Sunnyside, the joyful cries of newly rich goldminers with callused palms and sweaty brows, the farming families and stockmen who worked with their horses and hands. And now, the laughs and watery murmurs of families cradl ing w arm mugs ab ove steaming billies and bright orange coals at Angler’s Rest.

During the day the mountain sun shines down onto the snowmelt rapids that burble and tumbles over smooth grey stones. The crystal water’s lively, cheeky tones b o u n c e t h r o u g h t h e b r i g h t birdcalls, singing the stories that the river knows by heart.

If you drive North along the Omeo highway and keep going for about half an hour after the Blue Duck Inn, you’ll come to a large red l e t t e r b o x . T u r n d o w n t h e driveway to which this red signpost belongs and you’ll Aind yourself on a long driveway that snakes up through paddocks and eucalypts. After the second gate you’ll round a bend and see, scattered as though they were seeds tossed absently into soil, a collection of wooden cabins and workshops with corrugated-­‐iron

www.mittagundi.org.au

rooves. To your left is an orchard, t o y o u r r i g h t a c o m p l e t e blacksmith’s forge. This place is called Mittagundi.

Mittagundi was built by young people. And now those cabins whisper and hum with the giggle and shouts of young labour. The huts and humble dining hall are not warmed by electricity but by wood Aires and the lingering, ever-­‐ evolving tales of community, work, love, land, heartbreak and h a r d s h i p . T h e b u i l d i n g s ’ imperfections and irregularities, their rough muddy walls, cracked timber Aloors and paint-­‐speckled w i n d o w p a n e s m i r r o r t h e imperfections and awkward irregularities of the human condition.

Such a structure, despite its general stability, is routinely rejected by the high standards of the building industry. It won’t sell for the right price, there are shareholders to please and standards to be kept. Similarly, a young person whose face is splotched with acne, whose third-­‐

hand clothes are ripped and stained, whose skinny frame and buck teeth are a source of shame in the schoolyard or local footy team, whose jokes fall )lat, whose stammered anecdotes and inappropriate q u e s t i o n s f a l l u p o n t h e scornful, mocking ears of peers, teachers and parents alike time and again – such an

adolescent is similarly rejected.

They don’t make the cut in the fast moving, cut throat industry that is teenage social-­‐survival. They are out of place. But, like the humble w o o d c a b i n , t h e r e i s n o expectation on the Mittagundi newcomer that they do anything other than what they can, what they know, what they love. Here, Ainally, is a home. Here is a place to let it all hang out. Here is a place to belong.

This little community, this vibrant, funny, sad collection of stories whose home is stitched, planted, written and threaded amongst the gumtrees, cows, dams, gardens and buildings of Mittagundi, knows more than anything that belonging has no standards. There is no requirement, no deadline, no quota to be met, no concept of industry in the exchanges that take place year after year, decade after decade, in this dirty, scruffy, loud and smelly, and above all, honest clearing by the Mitta Mitta river, where people matter most of all.

M i t t a g u n d i i s a p l a c e o f contradictions. Anyone who has spent time there knows that there is no building quite as warm and solid as one constructed by those who do not know how to build. No meal tastes as rich, nourishes as fully, as one prepared by those who do not know how to cook.

And no one belongs at Mittagundi more than those who do not feel that they belong anywhere else.

Now, lost and lonely in Latin America, I miss that place like a lover who won’t return my calls. I miss the river like the house I grew up in. I miss the garden like m y m u m ’ s c o o k i n g . I m i s s Mittagundi like the red desert sands between my bare toes.

If, by grace, we meet again, let your bounding hounds’ booming barks guide me to your warm hearth where the smell of baking bread might surround me like the s o f t a r m s o f a n o l d a u n t welcoming me home after an arduous journey of fear and heartbreak. May the broad smiles of our community shine through the golden candle light in the dining room and warm my own beaming face. May I Aind in that clearing that little piece of my

soul, the ghost that still wanders up to the chook shed at dawn while the steam rises off the dam and the frost c r u n c h e s u n d e r t h e Blundstones of the milkers making their way to the dairy.

And may I grin as I sit in the garden with soil underneath my )ingernails and the musical sounds of laughter galloping around me. I’ll know, then. I’ll know when I hear that little w h i s p e r i n m y e a r . I ’ l l remember that I’m home now and that really, I never left.

Dec Furber Gillick

Spring 2013 Newsletter page 8

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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 Babysit the property from 21st January to 1st February Come and help out on a winter program - contact the team (03) 51597238 Check out our wish list and be the genie in the bottle for us Volunteer a some precious hours for our Business Manager Spread the word in your local school. Let us know and we can send you flyers to distribute Buy a bale of Hay....................................................................................................................................................$5 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 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:

Phone:

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

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Card Number:

Expiry Date:

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

CCV Number:

WISH LIST Bridle Horse Brushes Saddle Gas Lanterns Hay Seedlings Trowels Chainsaw Chaps Big Rubbish Wheelie Bins Splitters Tomohawks Paint Calico Bags Hiking Boots Plastic for garden poly tunnels Secateurs Industrial Can Opener Straw for garden

Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre, 4385 Omeo Highway, Glen Valley VIC 3898

www.mittagundi.org.au

Spring 2013 Newsletter page 9

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WINE BOTTLING 2013 It was a beautiful day for wine bottling this year, everyone got into that Mittagundi spirit lending a hand wherever possible. It was a great way to connect with the wider community in a different setting and we raised over $4,000 for Mittagundi at the same time.

We would like to say a huge thankyou to Kev and Helen for once again welcoming us into your home and ensuring this invaluable fundraiser could go ahead. Cheers.

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

Spring 2013