Wollangarra
Young People in High Places
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Wollangarra |
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Young People in High Places |
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Director's Diatribe: 19 December Here we are at the end of another year. The staff have just got back from their final Stage II and last hike of the year. The group camped up at Macalister Springs near Mt.Howitt for 3 nights where they cleared drains on the walking track, worked on the fence at the "loo with a view", made some new steps and fixed up some tracks around the area. Lightening, hail and gale force winds couldn't keep the smiles from everyone's faces and they returned Thursday afternoon tired and hungry. The staff received a royal send off from the Stage III's, who stayed back at Woll keeping the home fires burning, with a real song and dance on their return from up top. That night was a spectacular feast put together by Simon, Tina, Fi, Lou, Jesse, Eric, Nicola, Georgia and Tish and as thank yous were said around the table emotions were running high. Thanks guys for a great week and we'll see you back here soon. We have also chosen our Alpine walkers for next year. Congratulations Nicola Woodward, Tish Gort, Alex Duncan, Geordie Andrew-Gooch and Tessa Woods. Sonja Patterson will be leading the way with an ex-staff from Mittagundi. They will be walking from Macalister Springs to Mittugundi (about 150km) over some of Victorias highest peaks. All in an effort to raise money for young people to come to Wollangarra. If you would like to sponsor one of these amazing young people please click on the following link. Alpine Walk Back on the flat things are wrapping up, jobs finished off and staff rooms packed up. Sonny, Dan, Tegs, Mikey and Lucy, what can I say? It's been a wonderful year with lots of highs, some lows and many learnings. We wish you all the best for your onward journey and hope that your traveling feet take you back here again. Love Josie, Simmo and Thomo. Ken Medew It is with great sadness that I share this with the Wollangarra community. On Sunday morning we lost a very important and much loved Wollangarra supporter. Ken Medew always gave so much of himself to everyone he met and had a deep love of Wollangarra and the people involved with it. We love you, Ken Medew and will all miss you very much.
5 November 2008 Hello to all those Stage II's out there. The December Stage II dates have changed to the 14 - 19 December. If this is a problem and you have already applied please give us a call...and more apologies (I'm getting this internet thing slowly worked out)..I've put the wrong price on the Stage II form. It's actually $140 (I have changed it now. We have had so many applications for the December Stage II that we have decided to run another Stage II in January. The January dates are 19th - 23rd Jan . If you think you might like to do this one instead please give us a call and let us know. We have put it just before FRUIT BOTTLING, so you can stick around for the weekend if you like. Also we are going to have a Stage III/ Mountain Work Parties induction weekend just before the December Stage II (Fri - Sun). If you are a Stage III, or potential Stage III, please come along and have a great weekend talking about Stage III, doing some practical stuff around Woll for a few days and soaking in the general ambience. Otherwise life continues on as normal. We are eating nearly whole meals from the veggie garden, there is more swimming in the river (as opposed to just running in, screaming and running out again) and doing some walks back in the high country now the snow has melted. I have put up the most recent newsletter (click here) and updated the calendar with next years dates. So check them out and get them in your diary! Click Here. It's going to be a big year. Looking forward to seeing you up here soon. - Josie 11 October 2008 These last few weeks have been immense for the staff, young people and visitors to Wollangarra, which I'll get on to shortly. Now it's all over, however, Simon and I are turning our attentions to 2009. We have some exciting new schools coming on board and are looking for FIVE incredible, committed, enthusiastic, hard working, fun, skilled people (we don't ask for much) to share the year here at Wollangarra with Simon, Thomas and myself. If you think that person might be you (or someone you know) please turn your gaze to the right and follow the links to find our more about being a staff member at Wollangarra. Now to the last month - Phew! I might have to break it down... Holiday Stage I The Holiday Stage I programs are always special, because of the overwhelming enthusiasm from the young people who are a part of them...and this time was certainly no different! It was the biggest Holiday Stage One group we've had all year, but we hiked and camped as one group getting to know each other really well. We had a few second time Stage I'ers and also Sarah Mair, who lived at Wollangarra when her parents Anthony and Melissa were directors (8-10 years ago). We all hiked into Burgoynes, as well as climbed up the spur to the top of McMillans Lookout. The weather was certainly on our side, which meant a cool dip in the river after a long walk. We hope to see you guys back in December. Holiday Stage II We just couldn't say no! The applications kept rolling in and we ended up with 34 young people on this last Holiday Stage II, the biggest that we know of. Thank you very much to Conrad McKee and Martha Dertwiler who helped out on this massive program. The group split into three with group one building a small toilet at Burgoynes Hut, another fixing up the Tussocky track and another finishing off the boardwalk up at Moroka Gorge - all the while alternating through Wollangarra to help prepare for the Open Day weekend. It is hard for me to put into words what this week meant to the staff and young people who were a part of it. It was certainly a very emotional time for everyone, as strong bonds were formed and many new friendships made. These guys worked and played with all their hearts giving so much over six days. December Stage II is nearly full so if you are interested please send forms in and we will do what we can. Thank you to everyone on that September Stage II '08 you are an incredible bunch of people and we all (the staff) feel blessed to have spent that time with you. Open Day and Bush Dance We had 25 Stage II's stay over for the Open Day and Bush Dance weekend (as well as another 5-10 come up during). It was craziness as we frantically prepared for Wollangarra's biggest weekend of the year. However, even the drizzle couldn’t keep away the 250+ people who poured in over the flying fox during the course of the day. It was exciting to see such a variety of Wollangarra supporters come from far and wide to be a part of the weekend. There were many families of young people, local Heyfield supporters, Wollangarra council members, friends and family of staff, Stage III's to nme but a few. Everyone enjoyed the demonstrations - felting and spinning with Margaret Beckett, Brian Beasley with his hand made bush lathe as well as Jack Gilbert and Graham Fall demonstrating their skill with the axe and draw horse. The activities such as the porridge eating contest and the Tug-o-War (above) provided excitement for young and old alike with the gracious voice of Aleks Svasas (MC for the day) booming across the flat. Later that night after a delicious BBQ dinner we all Doe-see-Doed and ‘Stripped the Willow’ thanks to the great tunes of the Spontaneous Bush Band. It is always such a wonderful thing having people from all walks of life come together and enjoy themselves at Wollangarra, chatting with old friends and making new ones as the weekend rolls by. Next year is Wollangarra's 20 year Anniversary, so we hope you can make it up and enjoy this special place as well, because it’s going to be a great celebration! - Josie 19 August 2008 Well, The Hop was a raging success. Thanks to all those to helped organise it, especially Tom Hay and Larissa Robbins. Thanks to all those amazing musicians who kept our feet jumping to the wee hours. Thanks to all the people who helped on the door and behind the bar and of course a big thank you to all those people who came and enjoyed the night, while supporting Mittagundi and Wollangarra. News around the flat for the past couple of months has been pretty much business as usual. We have been running some great courses, including a few back to back Peninsula School groups, Newhaven College, Holiday Stage One and a Rocking Stage Two. These guys fixed up various tracks around Burgoynes Hut so that we can take groups hiking on quality made paths during winter. It was a big one, but as usual - a fantastic job done with such a warm and energetic group of young people. We have already received heaps of forms for September Stage Two, so if you're keen get your forms in soon. Stage III Mountain Work Parties is up and running. Everyone is invited along. You don't have to have ever been to Wollangarra before. You could be 13 years old or you could be 53 years old. We want to get everyone involved in the exciting projects we have on offer. If you would like to get up into the mountains and give back to a place that gives you so much pleasure then have a look at the new Mountain Work Parties Page. Click Here PS I have just got the most recent Newsletter up - just follow this link. 17 June 2008 DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE HOP! It's on the 28 June at Collingwood Children's Farm. Come and have a great time with the Wollangarra and Mittagundi supporters in Melbourne as we boogie on down to the tunes of various bands. Come and stand by the open fire and have a beer as we celebrate another wonderful winter. Over the Queens Birthday weekend 50 odd people came up to Wollangarra for our annual Woodchop weekend. There was a lot of wood moved and split. It was a mammoth job, but we think we have enough to last us nearly two years! The woodshed is full and we have some trendy "beehive stack" additions around the back. We ate wonderfully, as usual and everyone went home tired, but happy. To all who attended - thank you for everything you put in. We shall cook many more roasts and warm our cold hands by the fire this year, because of your help! 12 May 2008
29 April 2008 I have also, finally, got the last two newsletters up. Click here to have a look! 23 April 2008 Unfortunately, due to ever increasing running costs, we have had to lift the price of our programs. Please go to the 'Courses' link to view new prices for holiday and school programs. Now onto more important news...
The Alpine Walk certainly finished with a bang - quite literally. The walkers got out of the mountains just in time, as they came down on the day of the big winds, even after being hammered with every kind of weather over the previous 10 days (especially every type of cold there is). The delicious roast (half Mittagundi pork and half Wollangarra lamb) on their return was a great celebration with parents, grand parents, sisters and friends in attendance. Thank you Gaz and Mez (the two leaders), who got everyone in safe and sound from an epic adventure through the mountains. The Alpine Walkers themselves are some pretty amazing people, not only committing themselves to this massive physical undertaking, they also raise money to sponsor all those young people who wouldn't otherwise be able to come to Wollangarra. Thank you guys! NB if you would like to sponsor one of these walkers or would like to know more, there is still time. Just go to the Alpine Walk link or click here.
That same week, the fantabulous Stage IIers were out in the mountains and did a great jobon McMillans Walking Track, just near the Crinoline, with the help an guidance of some Ben Cruchan Walking Club members. Unfortunately the group nearly got blown away on the Wednesday, so they came in and bunked down in the Outdoor Kitchen for the night. They showed great maturity in how well they dealt with an ever-changing situation...and always with a smile on their faces.
The week before we had a group of Stage IIIs up, who got some of those "we'll never get around to it" jobs about the flat. Thanks Hamish Macrae, Grace, Tom and Tessa Woods.
Simon, Thomas and I are over at Tussocky!!! (sorry Ross, it really deserved extra exclamation marks). Before our arrival, last year Ross and the gang did a lot of work putting in a telephone line, fixing up the water tank and many other little things ensuring that Tussocky would be ready when we got there. Unfortunately the floods took care of all of that (washing the telephone line away etc.) and we, mainly due to access, were not able to move in...until now. Thank you so much to Loz, Tina, Lize, George, Sam, Rod, Pete, Patricia and of course Dan, Son, Lucy, Tegan and Michael. It has already made the biggest difference. - Josie 9 April 2008 Just a reminder for the upcoming Weekend Work Party on the 19-20 April! Grab your friends and family and come on up. We are working on the Tussocky track, as we haven't got over to that side of the river since the floods. Looking forward to seeing you there. Click here for more details. 20 March We have restructured the website a little bit. As you can see each stage has it's own page. As well there is a bit more info for volunteers, so if you're keen please check it out! Our Alpine Walkers are all heading up to Mittagundi in a few days - very exciting. Unfortunately due to an illness in the family, Darcy has had to pull out. So Alex, Bonnie, Georgia and Nick have all been busy fundraising like mad and preparing for this massive undertaking. If you would like to sponsor them or learn a bit more about the Alpine Walk please click on the link on the left hand side. We had a fantastic response to the Stage III facilitator position which is great, but certainly made choosing all the more difficult. So we look forward to introducing the new Facilitator shortly. Keep your eyes pinned to the site... Speaking of Stage III - they have finished the chimney of Guys Hut. I haven't seen it myself, but am sure it looks great. There were 11 participants on the last trip and they put in an almighty effort and finished it off inside of a day. Well done guys! Have a great Easter break! - Josie 27 February I finally have photos up of the new staff - spunky lot that they are. I will admit, they didn't know these snap shots would end up on the internet, but it's all I have for the moment. All is well here - trotting along nicely. Other news is that we have an email address, this way we can send out occasional info on Wollangarra events and other exciting stuff. If you would like to receive these mail outs please send your email address to wollangarra@yahoo.com.au. However in true Wollangarra tradition the address does not accept mail transmissions. Any mail is happily received the old fashioned way at Wollangarra, Licola, Vic, 3858 or give us a call. Hope all is well - Josie 5 February
That's about it from us. Hope to see you up at Woll soon. - Josie 21 January We have certainly hit the ground running in 2008! Staff: Wollangarra has been blessed with five amazing staff for this year. I'm sorry the newsletter has taken so long to get out and now that it is, I need to make that amendment. Sonja Patterson, Daniel Abikhair, Lucy Vardy, Tegan Stevens and Michael Gibbs will call Wollangarra home for the next year, each bringing with them their unique skills and personalities. They are really excited to meet you all at this years fruit bottling. Fruit Bottling: is a great excuse to spend a beautiful summers weekend up at Woll, while chatting and chopping. This Australia Day weekend we will be making jams and preserving fruit for the rest of the year. Come up am meet the new staff and have a chopping good time. Please click here if you would like more details. Tamboritha Rd: is open! Yippee. Wollangarra uses Tamboritha rd to access the high country. Although since the fires and then the floods, the road has been closed for nearly a year. We have just completed our staff hike up there and although parts have been affected, it's as majestic as ever (especially the Bryces Gorge waterfalls, which were full with all the rain of the previous few days). This means we should be able to run our usual Stage One programs up there this year. Stage III Facilitator: This is a very exciting time at Wollangarra for Stage III. We are looking for someone with the right skills and experience to reinvigorate our Stage III program. The applicant, to be based away from Wollangarra, will be responsible for:
The position requires an average of 100 days per annum by either one person, or job shared by two. The tenure is for two years and the remuneration is relevant to Melbourne living. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to be involved with Wollangarra, but can’t commit to living there. For a full position description please click here. Stage III: is up and running, once more. There is an upcoming trip to fix up the chimney of Guys Hut before fruit bottling. We hope you've had a great summer so far and hope to see you up this way some time soon. - Josie 14 December What a great Open Day and Bush Dance! There was the Woll-athon, sack race, felting, bush tool demos, sheep to shawl, yummy lunch and lots of relaxing in the cafe or down by the swimming hole. That evening the Spontaneous Bush Band made the night with some great dances, while everyone kicked their heels up. Thanks to everyone who came along and enjoyed the day, especially to all those who lent a hand - we couldn't have done it without you. We have finished up our Stage I programs for the year. We have one more Stage II and we are finally heading back out into those spectacular mountains to Moroka Gorge. There is heaps of good work to be done. We have confirmed all the holiday Stage I and II dates for next year, so check out the calendar and get your forms in. As we wrap up the end of the year, it is with a tear in our eye that we bid farewell to the staff of 2007 - Tess, Tessa, Gaz, Jo and Tina you guys made Wollangarra a truly inspiring place for so many young people this year and even after fires and floods, you still did it with a smile on your face. Thank you. I have also finally got the Spring Newsletter 2007 uploaded so check it out, the Summer one will follow shortly. A wonderful Christmas to all and a very Happy New Year. See you in 2008 - Josie 8 November Over the weekend there was 167mm of rain. For the big flood, earlier on in the year, there was 199mm. This time there was very little damage done as the river peaked at a much lower level. Cheynes bridge (or the temporary, low-lying bridge) had the entry ramps washed away. Vic Roads are looking at getting the bridge passable by early next week. Everyone and everything are present and accounted for except our "make-shift" pontoon. Neville put a scare through the camp when he went missing for over 24hours during the peak of the flood. He was later located safe and sound and very comfortable at the Licola store. This weekend's work party is still going ahead. If you are coming out just park at Cheynes ridge and walk in via the Telephone Track. Give us a call f you don't know where to go. - Simon 22 October Well Stage II was a massive success, so much that December is filling up fast, so get your forms in to guarantee a space. The local track they worked on early Oct looks awesome, with an archway to boot.
The sheep are going for the wool-less summer look, thanks to Ian and Richard, who came up and gave them a haircut.
WE GOT THE FOX UP!!...Well nearly. We just need to make a few minor adjustments, like attaching the running rope. At least the fox trolley is once again on it running gear. It's just chomping at the bit ready for some bums to sit on it and come flying across the Macalister. There are only two more work party weekends, so get up and see what all the fuss is about. The last one was history in the making, as we mixed enough cement to fill a fox anchor hole. See the work party site for some photos. That's enough from me. Don't forget about Open Day 8th December! See you there. - Josie 4 October While most are enjoying their school holidays at home a few intrepid young people make their way up to Wollangarra to be part of our holiday programs. We had a fantastic stage one, which spent two nights out and one day going over McMillans. There was a lot more time for a bit of footy, some extra work and of course just enjoying the beautiful spring days in the sun (including cricket bat making below with Seb and Andy).
The second week has seen a group of young people return for Stage II. They are actually out fixing up the local walk, which washed away, as I write this. So many others will benefit from the work they are now doing. Thanks guys. - Josie 19 September So much has gone on over the last month, so here's the big ones:
I think that's the gist of it, but there are many more exciting projects in the pipelines. We'd love to see you up at Wollangarra on one of our work party weekends or for the Open Day and Bush Dance. If you are interested in a bit more info, the latest Newsletter has just been posted too. Okay, I think that's about enough from me... - Josie 13 August We have just had our first weekend work party. Robyn and Will Ford put in a stirling effort and we were able to get some big jobs done. However we are putting out a big call for HELP in hope that we will have lots more people for the next (25-26 August) one. We (staff and directors) took some time out from the chaos to go and visit Dean and Annette Turner at the Crossing a week ago. It was a great trip, very inspiring and invigorating. Thanks for having us, guys.
Cheynes Bridge is open to anyone after 6pm weekdays and all weekend long. So come up and visit. I especially recommend August 25-26. See you then. - Josie 1 August It's a new month, the sun is shining and the smell of winter is in the air. We have finally decided on weekend work party dates (click on the link for details). So come one, come all, bring a friend, bring a car load of people. We look forward to seeing you up there, as there are many adventures to be had. - Josie 27 July Staff are due back from their mid-year break this weekend and Josie, Thomas and I have settled into the homestead. We are still hoping to run courses and are presently finalizing a program that will suit the current situation at Wollangarra and its surrounds. We will contact participants as we know more. We know you are all "chomping at the bit" to come out and lend a hand so we are also organising regular weekend work parties over the next few months. Details will be posted soon so keep a close eye on this site. - Simon 15 July Today is Ross' last day at Wollangarra. Thank you for all your hard work (and play) here. You will be missed by so many people who have had the pleasure of your company over the last two years. The Stage II and III work party was a massive success. Thank you to those who came up and dug through the silt, cut through the debris and made a really stable garden fence (that baby's not going anywhere). To all the Stage IIer's who were supposed to come up on course, but never got a chance; we are refunding your course fees. Unfortunately everything is taking a little longer than usual, so your patience is greatly appreciated. And last, but certainly not least - we have a satellite phone! It even receives calls most of the time (normal call costs). The number is the same as always; (03) 51480492 - Josie 6 July [posted by T Phil, as dictacted by Josie] There will be a work party from Monday 9 July to Thursday 12 July for the stage 2 & 3 only. Click on the flood information link to the right for details. A low road to Cheynes Bridge for 4WD vehicles only is expected to be completed by Sunday 8 July. The phone should be back in action after 10 July by way of a solar powered satellite phone from Telstra.
4 July Well here we are (Josie, Simon and Thomas)... and what a time! I suppose by now you've all seen the photos. The Hop was a success, thanks to all involved! I will write more soon...
30 June The flood of 27 June 2007 will be difficult to forget for those that were there to experience it: Jo, Gareth, Tess, Tessa, Will, Hamish, Paddy, Ben, Bec, Robin and Ross. And the dogs: Billy, Gemma and Neville. At it's height the Macalister River was flowing right over the flat and around the homestead, peaking at 10pm.
Standing by the river was like being next to an angry ocean, with waves you could surf. It is also very difficult to go to sleep with the sound of waves lapping against the walls of your home. And it was more nerve wracking than the fires.
I will let the pictures tell the story. Click here.
28 June 2008 [posted by T Phil, as dictacted by Ross] Everyone at Wollangarra is alive and well despite a record flood. The water, at its highest, was 6 inches below the floorboards at the homestead. Both flying foxes have been destroyed, leaving no way in or out, but this will change shortly when the river level drops. There is plenty of food and water, and spirits are high. Update: Cheynes Bridge has washed away. All courses cancelled until further notice. Staff and visitors should be able to walk out in the next couple of days. For further information contact Helen Collins on 0438 435 121. 21 June 2007 It's flood time again. The river rose incredibly on the 19 June, only a bit shy of the level in 1990 that washed Ian's car away. We've been busy trying to save all the wood that was chopped - we got a lot of it, but some of it ended up in Lake Glenmaggie. Sorry, but we tried. At one stage we were chest deep and on the verge of hypothermia - we then called it quits. Check out the Photo Gallery for more, or the link on the right.
Also, details of the Stage 3 Induction Weekend are now up. Check it out if you are interested.
14 June 2007 Rainy, wet and cold here at Woll, but The Hop will be warm, see you all there!
4 June 2007 Winter is here, and quite a frost this morning. It is getting chilly, and the river is pumping. Our last school group for the semester is arriving today, and then it is woodchop this weekend! We have heaps of jobs to do, so bring a few friends to help us out. See the link on the right.
Also, we have changed the start date of the next Stage 2 by one day. See the calendar. And if you are coming, then hang around for the Stage 3 Induction weekend. More details soon.
7 May 2007 It's lamb central here at the moment, they're dropping everywhere. We had to pull one out last night - lucky we don't wear watches around here.
In other news, there is a full calendar for the rest of the year on the site, so check that out for upcoming events. One of those is the Stage 3 induction weekend, which is aimed at you Stage 2 folk. It will be a great weekend where we'll show you how to use old tools, teach navigation and how to plan a hike on your own, and lots of other fun stuff. Then you can hang around for the Stage 3 course the next week.
And the new directors for Wollangarra? Josie and Simon! There were some very high calibre candidates, but Josie and Simon will be taking over the reigns in July.
22 April 2007 Check out the new Photo Gallery. The other one was pretty sad and tired, but the new version is a bottler.
18 April 2007 Thanks to all those that helped on the work parties over the last few weeks, including the Stage 2s. We were able to get a lot done. Thanks heaps. Courses start rolling in now as we approach the end of the first semester. Time flies...
The Alpine Walkers arrived back at Mittagundi on Sunday, and it all went without a hitch. It was still long and tiring, so you should sponsor one of them.
Sadly, Ted Schaeche passed away last Sunday night. Ted was dearly loved by the Wollangarra community, and our thoughts are with Elaine. The funeral is at St Johns Church, Service St, Bairnsdale, at 3pm on Friday 20 April. We will miss you, Ted.
And Ken Medew has broken his hip! This is a real blow to such a wonderful, gentle man. He should be back in a hospital in this part of town soon, and we all wish him the best in his recovery.
8 March 2007 We have decided to run another Work Party for the local walk, at Easter. Click here for more details.
In other news, I had my first swim since the floods yesterday. Visibility has increased from 1mm to about 4 inches. Feels like swimming in Evian!
1 March 2007 Courses have started, kind of. We've had one, had to cancel one, but things are looking good from here on in. Fire, then flood, then landslindes... Woll is a bit different these days, but it's just a matter of rolling with the punches. The new hike location is the Mitchell River, which is a beautiful area.
19 February 2007 Courses start today. Yippee! We'll be pretty busy from here on in. Things have been quite interesting - first fires, then floods. Great. Sorry to all those fans of the swimming hole - it's gone now. Have to find a new spot.
There is a supporters dinner on 17 March. Meet at the fox for a 6:30 shuttle service. This coincides with a work party over that weekend to restore the local walk tracks. They have been destroyed by the fire, trees and then landslides. So BYO chainsaw or just elbow grease. Everyone welcome.
In other news, I have decided to leave Woll in July. It was a very tough decision, and one that I had a lot of trouble making. But by then, it will be time to hand the reigns over to someone else.
11 January The new staff are here, the fires are out, and we are off to Mittagundi for Pioneer Skills this weekend. The year is going well so far, and we look forward to seeing you at Fruit Bottling. Click here for details.
19 December The phone is back on, which is both a blessing and a curse. Amazing how much it interrupts your day. For those that were fans of the big manna gum down by the water hole, Terry Higgins sorted it out. The biggest tree he has felled in 24 years.
We back burned around the Tussocky fox platform, and apart from a few singed eyebrows everything went well. The fire is currently near that platform, and slowly making its way towards Tussocky, which is pretty safe from the back burn the other day.
The staff farewell has been postponed until next year.
17 December A quiet day on the flat. We worked pretty hard yesterday, though. Ralph Barraclough, Ross Davis, Aleks and I backburned around Tussocky. Ralph was amazing to work with - so careful and deliberate, although looking at his Land Rover you wouldn't think so. It gives us much greater peace of mind to know that Tussocky is that much safer.
Tomorrow is supposed to be a bit of risk. With fires still in every hill around the flat, you can imagine that we can't relax too much. Although we have now stopped doing shifts through the night to watch the flat.
On the website, there are more photos up of the aftermath, more video, and I've fixed up the crook video. Sorry to eat into your broadband quota, Helen.
Additionally, there are new contact details on the "Contact" page while the phone is out.
15 December Thanks to Trippin' Phil for the last posting. Well, all is well. Didn't lose a single building. The flat is mostly burnt out, but a bit of grass left for the sheep. All the stock survived, even Henny Penny the deranged chicken who wouldn't go back in the pen.
The danger is not over yet, as Burgoynes Hill is still on fire, and the north side is as yet unburnt. Tussocky is still going strong, but is threatened by a fire from coming down the gorge. The fire is not out, and we are still waiting for it all to be over.
A big thanks to Ross Davis, Chris Balmford and Mike Bishop for coming to help Nick, Billy and I defend the place. 9pm, 14 December Tonight I am posting this message on Ross' behalf from a hotel in Sydney. Ross called me via radiophone, sounding exhausted, but OK. He realises a lot of us are anxious for news, so he asked me to write the following message here:
- posted by Trippin' Phil 13 December All day the sound of trees falling from up on the hill after last night's back burn. Not the place to go for a stroll.
Have added the map from the CFA website taken at 0330 today. Click here.
However, Thursday will be a big day for us, even with the back burn. Mt Terrible and Mt Ligar may make a move with the northerlies predicted.
12 December Not every day that you put a drip torch to your own backyard and light up an entire mountain.
11 December Firecrews everywhere. It seems that every man and his dog wants to defend Woll. Slip-on units mainly, from DSE and CFA.
Saw the first flames last night - pretty interesting watching a tree explode, with the flames maybe 4 times higher than the tree.
Currently waiting for an ember attack, which I think is unlikely at this stage.
7 December It's a different sort of Wollangarra at the moment. There are numerous bushfires in the area, and we are all working hard to improve Woll's chances of surviving it, if it does come our way.
As you can imagine, not a good time for courses. So, we have cancelled all courses for the rest of the year. That includes the Stage 2 and 3 trips that were planned.
I will try to keep this section updated regularly, so check back soon to see how it is all going.
7 November 2006 We woke this morning to a nice bit of rain to help the grass grow. More lambs still, and more young people coming, in the final string of courses for the year.
And we are still looking for STAFF for 2007! If you know of anyone, let us know. See the Staff section for details.
The Folk Rhythm and Life festival is on - December 1, 2 & 3. If you want a free ticket, then just work 6 hours on the Woll hamburger stall. Contact us for details. |
Upcoming Events Fruit Bottling Weekend Australia Day Weekend in January (24th - 25th) 2009 everyone, everyone, is heading up to Wollangarra with boxes of fruit for our annual fruit bottling weekend. There are five AWESOME new staff to get to know, not to mention all your old favourite friends as well. Let's swim and chop and chat! We'll see you there.
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At Wollangarra we are always in need of a few bits and pieces, like an old house (see below). If you would like to contribute and have some stuff in the shed you want to get rid of, but is still in excellent nick, then read on for our wish list.
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If you enjoy coming up to Wollangarra and want a bit of a holiday then have
a look at the calendar for possible babysitting dates. We (the staff) leave
the flat at various times throughout the year for holidays, staff training
and weekends off etc and we need someone here to keep an eye on things and
lock the chooks up. There is usually little responsibility and you are
welcome to bring up a couple of friends for the week/weekend. It is better
if you have been to Wollangarra before, but you don't need to know it overly
well. Please have a look at our calendar for dates that might suit and give
us a call.
We have our last work party weekend for the year coming up 24-25 May. Come
and be a part of all the work party fun. If you don't know much about
Wollangarra and want to find out more this is great way to meet some new
people and a enjoy simple, healthy and satisfying weekend.
The
annual wood chop weekend is nearly upon us. This is a major Wollangarra
event, so get a group together and come on up for Queens Birthday weekend
for a chopping good time (sorry, I think I used that one for Fruit Bottling,
too). 
The
staff have all just returned from their Wilderness First Aid course. So rest
assured everyone, you are in very safe hands when coming up here (Michael is
even a registered nurse). The staff are spending the next few weeks getting
their Swift Water Rescue and 4WD qualifications before heading out bush with
Drouin Secondary College at the end of Feb. 
The
Stage IIIers dismantled the chimney on Guys Hut and have nearly finished
building the new one. They also had to replace a couple of rotting out
support poles near the entrance. We'll get some photos up once their done.
Work
Party Weekends are back this year. We have a few upcoming dates this first
six months. Wollangarra is looking great, but there are still lots of
exciting projects to get our teeth into. Check out the page to get
