10 day Program
Information Package
2017
TO MAKE A BOOKING
Step 1: Register your place on
a program.
Online
You can book your program online. It is fast,
easy and reserves your place right away.
Visit: www.mittagundi.org.au
Over the phone
Call Claire our off-site Business Manager
directly on 0467 678 818 and she’ll sign you
up.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER
03 5159 7238
Step 2: Chat and Confirm
Before the start of the program we need to
receive the Medical & Permission
information. CareMonkey will email you two
separate emails asking you to complete first
the Medical Info and then the Permission Info
online.
Mittagundi requires this information from you
so that we can manage the risks associated
with participation in an outdoor education
program.
Complete and current information surrounding
your medical conditions, histories and medical
and/or dietary requirements is vital to providing
the best possible management strategies.
The Program Manager will be in touch around
2 days prior to your program to answer your
questions and to make sure that you are well
prepared.
Feel free to call the Program Manager on 03
5159 7238 if you have questions (please let the
phone ring out, or leave a message)
PROGRAM FEE - $450pp
Includes everything except transport to and from Albury train station, which you need to arrange
yourself. Full and Part Sponsorships are available for those that are unable to afford this payment –
please get in touch with Claire the Bookings Manager. Places cannot be confirmed until full payment
has been received or alternate options discussed with the Bookings Manager.
Cancellations/Refunds
If for whatever reason you cannot make our program (please think carefully before making a
booking) we will refund your money up to 6 weeks prior to the commencement of the program. We
do not offer refunds less than 6 weeks prior to the program, however you are welcome to switch to a
later program so please consider carefully prior to making a booking. What is Mittagundi?
Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre is an independent non-profit organisation established with the belief that
young people, mountains, purposeful work and challenges are natural partners. The main purpose of
Mittagundi is to provide programs for young people (14 to 17) to explore Victoria’s high country and
themselves.
The beautiful 400acre pioneer-style farm is located near the old gold mining town of Glen Valley, on the Upper
Mitta Mitta River, north of Omeo, VIC (approximately 6 hours from Melbourne). You will be challenged to
experience life without modern gadgets, makeup, time or electricity. Instead you will be invited to contribute to
daily life on the farm and challenge yourself through new experiences with the natural world and others.
The atmosphere at Mittagundi is simple, honest and happy. There are no watches, no timetables and no
money. Instead there is an opportunity for you to live and work together with other young people in an
environment where people matter more than anything else.
Why choose Mittagundi?
Mittagundi is not just another bush camp. For almost 40 years Mittagundi has been transforming the lives of
young people by providing them with two things – what they want and what they need. The uniqueness of
Mittagundi lies in its community and holistic approach to life. When young people come to Mittagundi they find
a second home, a place to be themselves, a place where they are accepted and valued. Connection with
Mittagundi is often life long, with young people choosing to return again and again to reconnect with the
people, the place and the animals.
The farm and holistic living provides an important avenue for young people to feel useful and discover their
resourcefulness. Providing them with opportunities to contribute to the property through fencing, milking the
cows, feeding the horses and the chickens, chopping the wood, planting, harvesting and preserving the crops,
working in the forge or joinery helps them to feel connected with their abilities and provides them with some
crucial respite from their usual technology driven world.
A 2014 survey of participants, parents and teachers reinforced what we have been seeing for years – that
young people take home far more from Mittagundi than a wide smile, buckets of friends and dirt under their
nails.
Young people who experience Mittagundi also develop:
• Self awareness
Mittagundi realigned my daughter’s life
• Emotional resilience
direction. It linked her to new and diverse,
like-minded young people. It connected her
• Belief in personal capabilities
with the immense beauty and opportunity of
• Independence
the Victorian Alps. Nice job, Mittagundi! She
• Ability and willingness to take on new perspectives
is a more calm and considered person as a
• Love for getting outdoors
result!
• Decreased dependence on electronic devices
But don’t take our word for it . . .
The experience had a big
impact and has lasting
memories. It’s one of those
big life positive
experiences that act as a
ballast for your future life. It
is important to have strong
experiences where you felt
valued and experience
your own capacity. My
daughter was
strengthened by the
experience.
The greatest thing about Mittagundi is the genuine care and expertise of the young
leaders. Also the inclusiveness and the fact it’s a program with years of experience under
it’s belt and it’s unique in its offerings to young people.
My son’s experience at
Mittagundi made him a more
confident and well rounded
person. I think all kids would
benefit from this experience!
10-day Program Brief Itinerary
AUTUMN
SPRING
Meet at Albury station between 11am and
12pm, pack and prepare for next day hike,
spend the night at Tawonga Hut (gear not
needed for hike in transported to Mittagundi via
vehicle)
Meet at Albury station between 11am and
12pm, pack and prepare for next day hike,
spend night at Big River Saddle Camp
(near Mt Wills) (gear not needed for hike in
transported to Mittagundi via vehicle)
Begin walk to Mittagundi from Watchbed Creek
near Falls Creek. Camp overnight in tents
Begin walk to Mittagundi towards Big River,
overnight camp in tents.
Continue walk & arrive at Mittagundi mid
afternoon
Half the group abseils, other half has a farm
day
Vice versa for day 4
Continue walk, arrive at Mittagundi mid
afternoon
Half the group abseils, other half has a
farm day
Vice versa for day 4
DAY 6
Half the group rafts or sleds on the Mitta Mitta
River, other half has a Farm Day
Half the group rafts or sleds on the Mitta
Mitta River, other half has a Farm Day
DAY 7
Vice versa for day 6
Vice versa for day 6
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
Commence walk out, towards Big River
Camp
Continue
walk
out
over
High
Plains
Continue walk out to Big River Saddle
DAY 9
Camp
Complete walk out, arrive tired and elated at
Drive out, arrive at Albury station 12pm
DAY 10
Albury station 12pm
tired and elated
For more detailed information on the program see www.mittagundi.org.au or give us a ring. Also please note
that weather and driver conditions can have an impact upon all of our activities.
DAY 8
Commence walk out, over High Plains
2017 PROGRAM DATES
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•
•
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Mixed 444 March 3rd - 12th
Girls 445 March 17th - 26th
Boys 446 March 31st - April 9th
Girls 447 April 14th - 23rd
Boys 448 April 28th - May 7th
Mixed 449 May 12th - 21st
•
•
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Mixed 450 Sept. 15th - 24th
Girls 451 Oct. 6th - 15th
Boys 452 Oct. 27th - Nov. 5th
Mixed 453 Nov. 10th - 19th
Boys 454 Nov. 24th - Dec. 3rd
* In 2017 we also have an Open Winter
Program: July 3rd-9th (x-country ski,
snow camping and farm experience)
!
10-day Programs
Summer, Spring and Autumn
The iconic 10-day program will take you on a journey into another world.
Your group will begin by hiking away from your familiar territory full of
timetables and technology and into the Mittagundi pioneer-style property.
The atmosphere at Mittagundi is simple, honest and happy. There are no
watches, no schedules and no money. Instead there is an opportunity for
everyone to live and work together in an environment where people
matter more than anything else.
During the hike your group will be accompanied by
Clydesdale packhorses. These horses carry a significant
burden of the camping equipment, and allow packs to
weigh between 8-12kg.
After spending a night in a tent there is an instant
appreciation for the basic bush buildings, built by past
students, that will accommodate the you once you arrive.
During your stay you will spend some time on the farm as
well as go white water rafting, and experience an exposed
abseil in a remarkable setting.
Farm Days
!
!
All of the farm activities at Mittagundi have a purpose, be it chopping wood for the
kitchen stove so that your group can eat tea that night, or picking fruit from the
orchard so that that you can make preserves for the hike out..
There are no clocks or watches (except in the first aid kit) at Mittagundi. Programs
are delivered without time constraints. So generally you will get up when the cow
leans over the fence and “Moo’s” to be milked and can choose when you want go
to bed, fully aware that the next day is a day of hard work.
All of the activities done at Mittagundi are performed without power tools or
electricity and in a fun, safe atmosphere. You will be given the choice over which
farm activities you want to undertake during your days on the farm.
There are many tasks to choose from and your group will
learn to share them out under the value of ‘fairness.’
A day on the farm could include activities such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Blacksmithing door hinges and fire pokers in the forge
Milking the Cows
Harvesting veggies from the garden
Creating stools, spoons or bowls in the joinery
Pruning trees in the orchard
Clearing vegetation in the paddock
• Feeding the chooks, collecting their eggs
• Using the cross cut saw and splitter to chop
up timber
• Cooking over the wood fire stoves for the
rest of the group
• Going out to help a community member with
their garden
The Chats
One of the most valuable parts of the program are ‘the chats’, held mid-course and final night in Winter and
10-day programs.
!
The mid-course chat focuses on the individual and group becoming conscious of their journey at Mittagundi. It
aims to identify how the team members can make the best out of the rest of their time at Mittagundi and
provides an opportunity to share their
experience as individuals and as a group.
The core values of Respect, Fairness,
Safety & Responsibility are revisited, and
guide the conversation, in a safe space so
everyone feels valued and heard.
During the chat staff promote to young
people an ‘I can’ attitude when faced with
a challenge as opposed to ‘I can’t’ then
deliver opportunities to challenge
themselves, through program activities,
with support from the staff team.
The final night chat builds from the half
way chat, asking the group to reflect back
on their journey through Mittagundi. It is
again set up as a safe space where the
young people share their experience of
Mittagundi with each other.
Reflective questions such as “what have
they got out of the experience, what have
they found to be challenging and what it meant to have overcome that challenge” are posed to the group.
What will I need to bring?
There are a few things you need to remember to bring.
MAINLY FOR
MITTAGUNDI FARM
FOR THE BUSHWALK &
RECREATION
ACTIVITIES
2 pairs runners/boots
1 long sleeved collared top (to hike in)
such as a nylon flannel (NOT COTTON)
Long pants (NOT COTTON)
2-3 woollen or fleece jumpers
2 long sleeved shirts
2 pairs of tracksuit pants or work
pants
2 pairs of shorts
2 thermal tops (wool or polypropylene)
NOT COTTON
2 thermal leggings (wool or
polypropylene (not Skins, NOT
COTTON)
PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ CLOTHING LABELS BEFORE BUYING
THE ABOVE ITEMS. FOR SAFETY REASONS IF THEY CONTAIN
COTTON, THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE WORN DURING HIKE
Underwear
Shorts - thigh to knee length
3 t-shirts
Woollen beanie
6 pairs thick woollen socks eg:
explorers
Bathers
Broad brimmed hat
Towel
Toiletries / personal medications
3 large strong garbage bags for lining
backpack to keep gear dry
Torch and spare batteries (head torch
recommended)
Cup, bowl, spoon
Sports tape (if you have a knee or
ankle injury)
Musical instrument (optional)
Cut lunch for first day (your travel day)
2 x 1L water bottles
Woollen or polar fleece mittens or gloves
(NOT ski gloves)
Camera (optional)
30+ Sunscreen / Lip Chap
Mittagundi also has plenty of spare clothing (literally everything except underwear!), so if
you cant find something on this list we can fit you out on arrival.
No specialised equipment needed!
We will provide you with hiking boots, water proof jackets, sleeping bags, back packs, mittens, balaclavas,
cooking gear, tents and all gear to do with bush walking, rafting and abseiling. If you have any of these items
you are welcome to bring them along, but we may need you to use our gear if yours appears inadequate in
any way.
Camplist
If you are unable to borrow or collect all the gear on the list or just want to make things easy, we recommend
checking out www.camplist.com.au Camplist has partnered with Mittagundi to provide high quality, good
value equipment and clothing for young people and it’s shipped to your home. Camplist has a gear list
matching ours, so you can be sure the items are suitable for use at Mittagundi. They also have a hire option
for the ‘big ticket items’. You can find the Mittagundi List by typing Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre into
the white box at www.camplist.com.au and selecting Mittagundi-All Programs.
Please do not bring
Mittagundi is a genuine pioneer settlement with no electricity so you will need to leave
modern items at home.
Watches, iPads, iPods, anything with a battery (except your torch and an optional camera (not your phone
one), lollies, soft drink, magazines, books, pocket knives and make up. Also leave anything behind that comes
in a pressurized container, such as deodorant. Please do not bring matches or lighters – Mittagundi is also a
non-smoking program, so please do not bring tobacco.
For safety while you’re travelling to Albury you can take mobiles but we will ask them to be handed over once
we start the program.
The staff work hard to do a great job of caring for you. You’ll need to hand in all medications and any other
valuables for safekeeping. Please trust the staff and cooperate with them, as it is in your best interest that
they help you with any injuries or medical concerns you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start of program pick up time - Day 1
We’ll be at the station between 11am and 12pm. Please book your train to arrive at this time if you’re
coming by public transport. Remember bring a packed lunch to eat while you are traveling on Day 1.
End of program drop off – Day 10
We drop off at Albury train station at 12.00noon on the last day of the program. Please do not arrange
transport earlier that 12noon, and please avoid booking train services for later in the afternoon.
How do I get to Albury? When do I need to be there?
All standard programs begin and end at Albury Railway Station. You need to book your own tickets or arrange
other transport to the station. See www.vline.com.au for details and a timetable. Please book the train service
that arrives and departs as close to 12.00pm as possible. The XPT service on Sundays is not recommended,
as it delays the staff in driving home after an amazing 10-day program. Worried about travelling alone? Speak
to the staff at Mittagundi about arranging a buddy. You can bring your mobile along for the train ride we just
ask you to hand it over when we start.
Who else will be on the Program?
Programs are made up of participants from a wide variety of schools and backgrounds from all over Victoria
and beyond. All who will be long time friends by the end.
I don’t know anyone going, does this matter?
Absolutely not! In fact, the less people you know the better. Our programs are designed in such a way that
everyone will very quickly get to know everyone. Mittagundi ensures that no more than 6 students from one
school are in each group.
How old do I have to be?
You can come to Mittagundi if you’re between 14 and 17 years of age (inclusive). We have Follow-Up
Programs you can keep coming on and options to help out on programs as leaders when you’re a bit older
I am missing school - does this matter?
Many hundreds of people have told us that their time at Mittagundi has been infinitely more valuable than the
days at school might have been. Speak to your school about the days missing and the opportunity that the
program offers. Most schools support Mittagundi and if they don’t then speak to us about it or look at the
holiday options.
What if I don’t own everything I need?
Mittagundi can lend you a good deal of things you’ll need, particularly hiking gear such as packs, boots, tents,
thermals, shirts, water bottles and so on – talk to us about it.
Do I need to carry all that stuff all the way to Mittagundi?
We will make sure that you have got what you need for the hike. Anything that you don’t need for the walk in
will travel to Mittagundi separately and will be there when you arrive. Please limit yourself to one reasonably
sized bag, or they might not all fit in the trailer! Also soft bags are preferable to those with wheels.
Will I need money?
Everything that you need for the 10 days is all-inclusive. We do sell handmade Mittagundi goods on the
property so if you think you want to go home sporting a Mittagundi hoody then yes bring some money along.
All valuables are kept in the Mittagundi safe throughout the duration of the program. Please ensure you give
all valuables to staff on arrival.
One more
thing
Mittagundi is all about co-operation. There are no clocks, timetables or rosters. There are always
lots of jobs to do, on the track and on the property. We always operate on a volunteer basis and
you must come along with a commitment to do your share, in the hard times and the good.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at Albury train station!
Follow-Up Programs - 2017
Follow Up Programs are for students who have previously participated in a 10-day or Winter Program. They
are only $190 each and you can go to as many as you like! Find out more on our website
www.mittagundi.org.au
Winter Alpine
Garden Party
Enterprise & Craftsmanship
Wood Chop
27th June - 1st July
27th September - 1st October
20th - 24th October
14th - 18th December