S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R

Mittagundi

www.mittagundi.org.auCheck the website for 2013 Dates

Mittagundi Festival & Pioneer Skills

Friday -13th Sunday 15th Jan 2013

Bushdance (Friday night), Pioneer skills demonstrations, cross cut saw comp, sheaf toss, tractor pull and roast, Mittagundi merchandise, open ‘mic’ trailer stage,

camping and river swims.

Come along for a stella weekend of festivities, great music, dancing and demonstrations - Everyone Welcome

Letter from the Chair Dear friend/ colleague/ acquaintance/ stranger yet to meet,  

When I was a 16 year old student at high school (some 20 years ago now...), I had the opportunity to go on a

Mittagundi course.   I was a little intrigued and a little

suspicious, a little excited.   I had heard from many other young people who had gone away on a Friday, met a

bunch of people in Albury and come back ten days later with big smiles and great stories.  New friendships, the

rafting, the absiel, the walk in, the walk out, sleeping in log

cabins, eating porridge, the staff !! Everyone talked about the staff and the great conversations that they had with

these leaders.  Chats about life, meaning, the bush, the future, work, play, growing up, making a difference, being

yourself. And receiving a hand written letter afterwards

from one of the staff - kids at school talked about that heaps.  

So, I went along, and it happened for me.   I came back with the smiles and the stories, a greater sense of self, an

experience of being part of a community and making a

difference.

 I chopped wood to light the stove to cook the food.  I felt

valued and appreciated when the veggie garden crew came in for morning tea and were so appreciative of the scones

we lumped together.  

I rafted and bobbed down the Mitta Mitta river.  I hiked

through the High Plains and slept in a tent and had amazing conversations around the campfire with friends

new and old.  I felt the support of a group as I edged my

way to the top of the abseil and backed down the rock face with knees shaking and heart in my mouth.  

This was such a coming of age adventure.   

Mittagundi courses are staying true to the original vision of

offering young people a chance to live and learn in a values based way.   

The place hasn't changed.   I believe that the simple life-

style, the connectedness to people  and place, the simple cause and effect experiences are as relevant today as ever.  

The stories and the connections with people and place continue.  So, for your teenager, or someone else you know

who is 14 - 17 and prepared to give it a go, the 2013

program dates have just been released.  Grab a mate and give it a go.

Cheers,

Suz

Suzanna Christison - Council Chair

M I T T A G U N D I

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Rusty Gates…That distinctive sound of a rusty gate flying in the breeze signifies the arrival of the Gang-gang Cockatoo, and also the warm weather that it feels like they bring, leaving winter well behind us. The first day of spring brought us 22 eggs and “Lucy”, the daughter of our Jersey Cow “Booka.” Hence, the fridge is overflowing with milk and eggs.

The young people that came on this year’s Farm Days (Garden Party), dug in 40kg of seed potatoes and fence posts were planted around the garden perimeter and railings have been growing off them already with help from the recent 10-day programs.

It is often forgotten how hard it may have been for those early pioneers who did not have power tools. Have you ever tried to drill a hole without an electric drill? Today it seems quite normal to run out of supplies for a project, and pop down to the hardware store to finish a job later that afternoon.

If the pioneers of the valley found themselves short of supplies they would have to make do with what was lying around the place, as it may have been a 3-day trip to town. This is one of the ideas that we try to relay to the young people at Mittagundi by making do with what we have on the property and showing them that you don’t always need to buy something new when you can make it yourself.

I would like to extend congratulations to Raku Pitt (2011 Mittagundi staff member) and Claire Easton who have been chosen for the position as Directors of Wollangarra and wish them all the best in the years ahead.

The Mittagundi Festival (Pioneer Skills) & Bush Dance is fast approaching so hoping to see as many people there as possible. tel l your fr iends and see you there!

Sam Walmsley, Director of Mittagundi

Garden Party 2012If someone were to look at a picture of the garden at the

end of winter, and another one of its present state, I would expect no less than an eye-widening gasp. From ragged,

overgrown weed beds the place has been transformed,

largely thanks to Ruby, Rosie, Bec, Isaac, Pippy, Allira, Nell and Sienna. Next year’s staff team and summer courses can

look forward to more zucchinis than this year, fresh corn, beans, peas, an army load of lettuces and cabbage and of

course the 300 or more potatoes plowed and buried in the

ground. Not all the action was planting however. Pato oversaw the very much needed rebuilding of part of the

garden fence. It gave young people the opportunity to use augers and chisels to successfully reconstruct the posts and

rails in true pioneer style. Caillan undertook the exciting

project of making a portable herb garden near the kitchen. With bicycle wheels, random wood planks, hessian potato

sacks, Styrofoam insulation and table parts found after years of storage in the joinery, it is a project well worth seeing and

one that will be appreciated for years to come. A special

thanks to all the helpers (Lizzie, Mez, Dan, Tanny, Richard and Scott) for coming up to join in and thanks to everyone

for a fun, dirty, crazy productive garden make-over!

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Program Managers ReportWhere the followers become the followed

The opportunity to work with young people who choose to return on follow-up courses is one of the most rewarding parts of working at Mittagundi. Follow-ups are an opportunity to give a little back to Mittagundi. In doing so, these young people begin to become connected to the wider Mittagundi community.

During Garden Party we spent an afternoon helping out our neighbours Tess and Grahame Payne with their Veggie Garden. It was interesting to watch the reactions of the young people as you could almost see them wake up to the fact that Mittagundi, whilst remote, is probably better connected to its neighbours than your average suburban family.

During enterprise, young people will work alongside the likes of Jack Gilbert, Brian Beasley, Lance Tucker, Danielle Hadarski and Kevin Harris. Together they will create old world items, using old world methods. In additional to the passing on of rare trades there is something special in linking multiple generations through creating things by hand and their love for Mittagundi.

Woodchop (this year to be held over New Years Eve) brings to light the intimate connection between Mittagundi and the surrounding Mountains. Over the week long program, Young People have the time to contemplate the basic fact that Mittagundi burns wood, wood come from trees and that trees grow in the Mountains.

There is much about Mittagundi that is rare and unique and this ability for young people to come back to a place over the course of years which stands out to me. In an era of face book and twitter the relevance of deepening these real connections to the people, place and ideas behind Mi t tagundi seems more impor tant than ever.

Supergirl Bec (in her super T-shirt) and some of the other Wonder Women women who used their “Superpowers” in the Garden

Meet Young Person Rebekah ‘Bec’ Simpson

Bec first found out about Mittagundi at school from students who had attended previously. What caught her attention were simply the stories of how much fun her peers had during their Mittagundi experience. I remember walking over the high plains with Bec in the earlier part of the year. The initial few days for her were challenging. The long hike into Mittagundi carrying a heavy pack and camping out in the cold was not exactly her cup of tea. Then throughout the week on the farm she began to shine. Bec worked in the garden helping pull weeds, and also was keen to jump in the kitchen to cook up a storm. Her main realisation during her time on the farm was that she really had nothing to worry about. A common sight was to see her start to giggle at something small. Without fail this would turn into an uncontrollable hysterical fit of laughter. Then this tends to become highly contagious to those around, & in the blink on an eye everyone would be doing the same. A highlight of hers was to reach the top of Mt. Nelse during the hike out. She said that she had surprised herself getting to the top and that it was really awesome to push past that challenge. She came back recently for the garden party saying that she was looking forward to catching up with the staff and that she was excited to be back on the property. During the follow up course she met a few new folk, tried a few new things and once again she had heaps of fun. Bec is still keen to come back on more programs and we’re looking forward to having her big energy and her big cheeky grin back again. Thanks for all the fun and all the laughs Bec. Hope to see you soon!

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Farm NewsSince the end of winter, a noticeable change has taken place at Mittagundi. The fruit trees in the orchard are all beginning to bloom, Sally’s mass of wool has been sheared and the staff can again venture outside in shorts. It seems that spring is upon us, and with it has come a new set of jobs and things to be done. The garden has once more come out of hibernation and received a complete overhaul, with the beds fertilised, mulched and planted with plenty of yummy vegetables for next year (see Garden Party article for more info).

The young persons’ cabins are also in the process of an upgrade, with the walls being re-mudded, shutters being fitted on all the windows and other necessary preparations to make it a safe fire refuge over summer. We have also busily been clearing scrub, and scrap wood to reduce potential fuel for bush fires.

Over in the cow paddocks, we received a new addition to the family early one morning in the form of a new Jersey calf, named Lucy (after ex-leader Lucy Fallon).

She has been keeping the staff team on our feet by regularly disappearing, often being found hours later sleeping in a bush.

With Enterprise, FRL, Woodchop and our last 10 Day program to look forward to over the coming weeks, as well as the arrival of several piglets and a 6 month old Angus steer (who are being generously donated), there is a definite sense of excitement around the farm. The staff are working hard to prepare for the last two months and finish our last projects for the year. By Loo-C Kervin-McDermott

Can you help us find a new horse?  

Phil, the wonder-horse, has been a constant presence on the farm for around 10 years. Whether hiking in the high country or being a lord of leisure in the paddock, scarcely a staff member or young person has come through Mittagundi without experiencing his gentle nature and seemingly endless patience – and probably his cheeky side as well. Only recently was Phil caught in the chook shed stealing pellets. He has plodded Track 107 countless times (probably more than any human!) and lightened the load of many a young person by carrying the packsaddles. There is little doubt that Phil is a much loved Mittagundi icon.

Sadly, Phil is ‘getting on’ in years and is beginning to slow down. We are reluctantly beginning the search for a new packhorse so Phil can enjoy a well deserved retirement within the next year or so. If you can help us find a capable horse with a similar nature (patient, not skittish, etc) we would love to hear from you.

SponsorshipsMittagundi 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. If your interested in sponsoring a young person p l e a s e e i t h e r h e a d t o t h e w e b s i t e www.mittagundi.org.au, contact Sarah on 0467 678 818 or email info@mittagundi.org.au.

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Dennis

As Program manager in 2012, I feel lucky to have been a part of so many ‘people personal’ Mittagundi experiences. It is in this vein

that I would like to farewell 2013, by thanking those who have shared their Mittagundi experience with me.

So…thanks to the Young People who came our way this year, for letting us walk beside you as we learned our own lessons, and over came our own challenges. Thanks to all those long term Mittagundi supporters for your wisdom, understanding, and cups of tea. Thanks to Alena, Pato, Lucy, Kirrin, Danni and Kaillian. It has been a privilege to share the learning’s of 2013 with you. Thanks to Sam for the opportunity to work together with you in this role, I wish you all the best and I’m excited to see what 2013 holds for you and Mittagundi. And finally, thanks to the mountains and the rivers, the snow, the rain and the sun, for always having the next lesson ready.

Alena

My year at Mittagundi – what a crazy dream! I always wanted to live like this and it is going to be hard to go back to civilisation. I wasn’t sure about working with young people, but came to like it very much and always miss the “kids” in between courses.

I’ve done a lot of skiing in the past, but winter camping on the high plains with young people was something completely new – sometimes quite hard, but beautiful. I especially enjoyed one group from Alice Springs, when we spent four amazing days up at Fitzgerald’s hut. It was hard getting there and putting up tents in the dark and cold, but that got us all a bit closer and the rest of the trip was just awesome.

I pushed myself up to their high peaks; meandered through the twisted snow-gums by foot, by bicycle, and by skis; and looked out upon & admired the many different sights that lie below and also afar.

Caillan

It’s hit that time of the year already and my brain is churning with ideas and plans for the year ahead back in the ‘real world’.

My experiences at Mittagundi are positively going to be a significant factor in my choices for the year to come. There have been too many valuable lessons, hilarious moments and tough challenges to mention in one article. However there are a few things that really stand out to me from this past year.

Being part of this community has made me realise the power of people when there is a strong passion and a highly valued purpose. I do wish to take away the philosophy that having a passion and a purpose for the things we do in life is an integral part of living happily.

Also, this has been a year away from the hustle & bustle of busy towns, busy roads, busy beaches, busy shopping centres and all the busy things people tend to grow up & live with in everyday life. Being separated from all these things I have further developed an appreciation for the peace and beauty that being in nature has to offer. The Bogong high plains have been one of these beautiful natural places. I have spent much time up there in the past few years. At Mittagundi alone I have seen the mountains in all their different moods; pushed myself up to their high peaks; meandered through the twisted snow-gums by foot, by bicycle, and by skis; and looked out upon & admired the many different sights that lye below and also afar.

I have no solid plan for after Mittagundi, but I know that the experiences and values I have gained being here will guide my path towards more amazing, peaceful, and beautiful places.

Thankyou Mittagundi!

Bye, Byes.. It’s that very hard time of the year again where we have to get ready to say goodbye to our fabulous 2012 staff. What an incredible team they have been showing smiles and cheer on even the coldest wintery day. Here’s

a little farewell message from them all:

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Lucy

For someone who has spent her

whole life living in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, the decision to move to Mittagundi was definitely a big one, but one that I’ve never looked back on. I have felt right at home in the mountains, almost from the

start. The year has brought its share of challenges, but they have been vastly outweighed by the things I have learned, the laughs I have shared and just generally cool things that I have been able to do (with the majestic Victorian Alps as a backdrop)! I will never forget the first time I used a chainsaw, or the four days I got to spend skiing at “Fitzy’s Hut”, or horse riding over the high plains, or… too many other things spring to mind to mention them all. I will miss living in such a beautiful place but I’m looking forward to seeing what next year brings. My plans for the coming months are still un-decided, all I know is that it will definitely involve being in the mountains.

Kirrin

Goodbye to the cows, you have been with me through so much. Stacey: at the start of the year when I felt so out of my depth, there you were letting me pat you. Try not to bully Lucy too much, but feel free to toughen her up a bit. Luca: Sorry about the mistakes. As I slowly learnt more and more during the year, you stood by like a wise old grandmother. Sambo: The halter training success, you let me lead you round, testing out my newfound skills, whilst dear Renae and Stacey tried to mount you. Bruce: You crazy girl. Please come back. Bucalow: My beautiful brown cow. You came by as I began to feel I knew what I was doing, and in true Mittagundi style threw a sidekick while I wasn’t watching. I will never know if you were going to find your 1-day-old calf that day, but I am very glad we found her anyway. You reminded me there is always a lot more to learn here. Please be a good milker for next year’s staff, don’t poo while they’re milking (for a while) and look after little Lucy for us!

Thanks to everyone for an unbelievable year. I have learnt so much about myself, and running around in the high plains with a bunch of astounding young people. Who knows where it will take me, but it has definitely taught me enough to help get me there!

Pato

Well…it’s the closure of another chapter of the book that is the “Life & Times of Sam “Pato” Paton”, and gee it’s been an immense journey of growth & fulfilment!!

From enjoying the early morning solitude feeding the pigs, whilst the sun rises over the looming granite massif of

Mt Wills, to sharing a wide knowledge and broad skill set with staff and young people both at Mittagundi and in the field. I have had a great experience from all aspects that living at Mittagundi entails. I have relished being involved in facilitating the development of young people as they arrive and leave Mittagundi on the various programs.

I have gained much pleasure from meeting many friends from various backgrounds and valuing the richness and diversity of skills that they have. I have learned a great deal from working with young people, whether being on the river, in the mountains, or on the farm, e.g. constructing several post and rail fences.

I must give a special mention to Jack Gilbert and Lance Tucker for the generous time that they gave to inspire me in significant interest in various old crafts and skills, like forge work/ blacksmithing etc. Thank you to Sam, Dennis & Kate, for the support and opportunity provided during my time at Mittagundi.

Want to wish the leaders farewell yourself? You can do this via our Facebook page or send them a letter the old fashioned way. Even better - tell them in person at the

Mittagundi Festival in January

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What was life like before Mittagundi?I was 17 and struggling a bit at school when I first went to MG. Until then I had moved between lots of towns and schools, and was beginning to feel like I didn’t really belong anywhere in particular. I was starting VCE too, and a bit nervous about that, and what to do after school.

What drew you to the place? Encouragement from teachers, friends and friends’ parents, who already knew about it. I was a bit scared of camping in the snow, and using long drop loos, but in the end I was drawn to the sense of adventure, and the fact that everyone who had been there before said they loved it.

What was your most memorable experience whilst there? Hmm, so many! Playing card games and music around the campfire each night; baking my first ever batch of scones for everyone in the woodstove (and they were even edible!); x-country skiing with a backpack on, and mastering how to get back up on the skis after falling over and getting stuck like an upside down turtle (though I never really mastered how to stay upright on the skis, oh well). The best moments though, were always sharing dinner with a beautiful group around the campfire, whilst hiking out in the mountains.

What has been your greatest learning? I went to a Garden Party one year, and having never actually planted or grown vegies before then, I realised how amazing it is to plant a seed, watch it grow to a seedling, then grow from the ground upwards, into a plant that we could eat, so we had fuel in our bodies to adventure across the mountains, and plant more vegies! I learnt about the circle of life, and also how important it is to nurture young seedlings so they grow up healthy and strong… We’re all growing, all the time, and it’s important to water our soil with all the right things, so to speak!

How have you changed after a year at Mittagundi?Well, at first I was just tired. And surprised by how noisy the electricity in my new house was (have you ever noticed how noisy the fridge is?), and how many new and different things there were (after just a year!). I think the biggest change I feel in myself though, are my priorities. BM (Before Mittagundi) I was a bit scattered, traveling and having lots of fun, but lacking direction.

Working at Mittagundi gave me an intense year long experience of day-to-day purpose, that shook up my expectations of myself, of others, and of society. And now, AM (After Mittagundi), I think my expectations are higher, my priorities more focused, and my

perspectives are broader. I also have an ongoing love for big woolly jumpers, fluffy socks, and wintery sunrises!

What are you doing now? Two years out, I am studying nursing in Albury, helping to run the student rural health club, and have just been accepted into an emerging nurse leader program.

How has Mittagundi helped you do this?Well, I never thought I would do nursing, but whilst at Mittagundi I realised I wanted to keep doing purposeful and practical work, with a people focus. And while a sterile hospital environment is about as far removed from Mittagundi as you can get (which I still struggle with), nursing seems to offer all this in a variety of different settings. Being a part of the Mittagundi community really impressed upon me the fact that ‘many hands make light work’, and when everyone works together for common goals amazing things happen. This encouraged me to get involved with my new community at uni, and join the student clubs. Through this I discovered both local and national networks that are all working to improve rural and remote health issues, and I have been able to begin working within these networks.

If I hadn’t gone to Mittagundi I don’t know what I would be doing right now. And that is the difference. Because now I do know what’s important to me, where I’m headed (albeit roughly), and I have the drive to chase my dreams. Add to this, all the amazing people I met and worked with (both young and young-at-heart); the absolute joy of living in the mountains; waking to the sun rise over the Knocker each day; sharing the morning milking of the cows with enthusiastic and/or sleepy young people; and doing things I’d never thought I would or could do; and working at Mittagundi was and is quite simply a life changing experience.

Been to Mittagundi yourself? keep in touch and let us know how the experience has changed you!

What happens to people when they leave Mittagundi? We often ponder over this question, wondering where all the multitudes we’ve had through our door go and what they go on to do. We caught up with 2010 Leader Carol Mudford to find out. Here’s what she had to say...

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Tess and Graham Payne

Mittagundi’s closest permanent neighbours Tess and Graham Payne have always been great supporters of Mittagundi. Be it a place to escape, staff dinners, a friendly cup of tea or amazing cakes for the Mittagundi Festival, Mittagundi has always enjoyed an open door at Payne’s Hut.

Now Tess and Graham are looking for some help maintaining their lovely garden during the busy Summer months. It’s a great opportunity to spend some time up in the Glen Valley, get your hands dirty and help out some of wonderful Mittagundi Supporters.

So, if you’re a willing worker and happy to give 3-4 days a week for a room and some lovely food (Did we mention the cake!) give Tess and Graham a call on (03) 5159 7255.

WISH LISTSmall drill bits TeaNNN BC ski Boots Brooms Bladed Brush CutterNew Pack Horse Horse hobbles/bridles (big enough for a clydsdale)Sheet Plastic for Polly tunnelsPlumbing spare parts, Rural 1 ½ inch Joiners, T intersection, shut off valves.Functioning cooking scalesGarden Hoses

Sponsor an Alpine Walker

The 2012 alpine walkers Matt Spence, Meredith Johnson, Elizabeth Hindle, Eleanor Thompson

and Alex Iwanuch, raised over $5000 for Mittagundi Sponsorships. Mittagundi is so

grateful for the efforts these 5 and their families put in to get there.

We’re gearing up for 2013 and already five fit, fabulous, fun and ferocious (when it comes to porridge), Mittagundi Young people, along with 5 young people from our s ister organisation Wollangarra, have been nominated to undertake an 11-day, 150km trek through Victoria’s most rugged and remote wilderness next Easter break.

Nominations Are:

• Kaisa Haebich from Beechworth • Harry McKenzie- McHarg from Yackandandah• Joanne Chibnall from Wangaratta • Monty Nixon from Alice Springs, NT• Jack Clark from Bairnsdale

They need your help! Show your support and get behind their fundraising efforts by contacting Sarah Yeates info@mittagundi.org.au or 0467 678 818

Rise in Program Fees

This is something Mittagundi has avoided for a long time. However,

following a recent review into our operations and a commitment to continuing to offer high

quality programs we have needed to accordingly look at pricing. Mittagundi’s prices have remained

relatively unchanged over Mittagundi’s 30 odd years of operation, despite the increases in costs to run them.

Unfortunately, we cannot survive like this forever.

As of January 2013 our programs will still be running at a very affordable $425 for 10-days.

Sponsorships will still be available for those families unable to meet this financial

commitment.We welcome your feedback!

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In “Mister Ed” style, Samson and Phil (our sturdy draft horses) would like to say a big “THANK YOU”

for all those that continue to give so much support to keep Mittagundi going. You know who you are! In case you’ve forgotten here’s a big list

Lucy Fallon:  Visits and care packagesLaura Bainger: Helping out on coursesSteve Francis: Helping out on coursesStacy Gill & Tim Wallace: Raft Guiding.Sean Murry and the crew at LaTrobe University: Raft GuidingHomesglen Tafe: Taking staff down 'The Gorge'. Kev McGennan and Helen Collins: Hosting another successful Wine Bottling. Amy Follett and Adam Scanlan: Raft GuidingRitchie McWaters: Helping Out on coursesRichard Linossi, Clare Easton, Theanne McGinnus, Lizzie Dan & Mezza: Help at Garden PartyMark Shelling: Helping out on courses.Liv and Ian Stapelton: Having us for dinner.Scotty Ellis: Coming up and helping outCindy Chan: Gear donationsKate Gilson & Lizzy Harding: Ongoing support of the staff team. Bill and Helen Bainger: For helping out with Harry’s block.Jarra Gillick-Lewis: Helping out on courses

Andy: For helping out throughout the year and help with tricky techno stuff.Karoonda Park: For donations of plates, tape measures & Chickens.Andrew Ellis (Foss): Helping out on courses.Libby Christison & the Mooroondah Bushwalking Club members: Numerous gear donations. Jeremy Forbes & Lucy Armstrong: Your fundraising effortsMittagundi Council Members: Ongoing behind the scenes support & dedication to the ongoing success of Mittagundi. The Young People of 2012: Turning up and giving us the opportunity to work in the Mountains! To anyone else who has contributed to a wonderful 2012.

Donations & Sponsorships

Prue GriffithsRod Harris

Martin ClydesdaleRichard Kjar

Thomas GroundsPeter Hay

Jessie MawsonRobyn Mawson

Take Care and Caretake?!Long-term Caretakers Mittagundi is looking for expressions of interest for long-term caretakers. This is a none-paid position but comes with a beautiful property for services rendered. If you are interested in becoming a long term caretaker for Mittagundi living and working at your own pace, please contact Sam on 03 5159-7238.

On a short term basis we’re also looking for Caretakers to come and look after the property for the following dates:

• 21st Jan to 1st Feb (10 days)• May 28th to 30 June (Month)• Aug 5th to 8th (3 days)• Early September, dates not yet confirmed,

(1 week)• Oct 11th to 13th (3 days)

If you are interested in coming and looking after the animals, and keeping the fires burning at Mittagundi, please call Sam on 03 5159-7238

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

TANKOOOO

BERY MUCH

M I T T A G U N D I N E W S L E T T E R

www.mittagundi.org.au Summer 2012

Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre4385 Omeo HwyGlen Valley, VIC 3898

What is Mittagundi?An independent, non profit organisation with outdoor programs available to all young people. 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, aged 14 - 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 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