Richies Hut Rebuild

November 08

Ritchie’s Hut Rebuild

Ritchie’s Hut was originally built in 1947 by Robert (Bob)  Ritchie and Fred Fry as a “fishing Hut” at Fourteen Mile Creek’s junction with the Howqua River. The hut was made of timber slabs and had a stony chimney and fireplace, the roof was clad with corrugated iron.

As well as being a fishing hut for Ritchie’s, they offered its use to local forest officers to use as they carried out their duties and patrolled in the area.

 In 1988 young people from Wollangarra, under the supervision of its founder Ian Stapleton refurbished the hut. Wollangarra students, the North East Trail Riding Club and Chris Stoney’s riding groups all helped carry rubbish off the hut site over the years – but rubbish remained a problem at the site for some time.

During the mid 1990’s the hut was noted to be in excellent condition and in regular use by bushwalkers, horsemen, fishermen and  Timbertop students. In 1996 Ritchie’s Hut gained some fame as it was used in the television documentary “A River Somewhere” by Rob Sitch and Tom Gleisner about amazing fishing destinations around the world.

 During the Great Divide Bushfire of 2006-07 Ritchie’s Hut was burnt when the fire front passed through the area. A Stakeholder Reference Group Steering Committee was established to determine the future of Huts that had burnt during the fires and with the State Governments support it was decided that Ritchie’s hut had significant social and cultural values and would be rebuilt in 2008 -09. 

With building designs prepared, work began splitting timbers and gathering the materials that would be required to rebuild the hut. In November 2008 Ritchie’s Hut will start to be prefabricated at Blackbird dept before being taken out to the Ritchie’s Hut site and being rebuilt.

 If you are interested in being part of the Ritchie’s Hut Rebuild please contract The High Country Huts Association's HMO on 0409 680 212 or Parks Victoria: 13 19 63

Updated 23-10-08

Maindample Heritage Day

November 2nd

As part of the Mansfield-Mt Buller High Country Festival the local CFA at Maindample is hosting their annual Heritage Day. There will be lots of demonstrations and activities. As well the VHCHA will be represented by a number of members. They will be showing off some of our hut-building skills and giving out information to the public.

If you're in the area drop in on Sunday 2nd November.

VHCHA Annual General Meeting 2008

October 25th

The AGM for the association will be held at Rawson on Saturday October 25th.

Notice of this meeting has been distributed to all members and invitations have been extended through the VHCHA newsletter.

17th and 18th May : Weekend planned for the Baw Baw area based at the Scout hut near Mushroom Rocks. This is a very, very pretty area but there is a walk involved to get to the hut.

The aim is for a general get together, a survey of the Scout hut (or McMahon Ski Lodge) and the NBW hut on Saturday. An evening around the fire and to go over to Junction hut (Aberfeldy River, Merringtons flat) on Sunday morning to make a list of works for a future trip (with DSE support).

The aim is to arrive at the Mt Erica car park around 10:30am. If you arrive later we will leave clear signs to the hut at Mushroom rocks. The walk from the car park is 20-30minutes, gently uphill on a well defined track. You will need to carry in your provisions for Saturday and Sunday morning. The hut has basic accommodation for a dozen or so people. Accomodation is $10 per night per person.

Given the time of year it would wise to be prepared for the possibility of some snow so decent boots and warm clothes are the go.
So if you are interested please email Charles Burgess to let him know you are coming.

Updated 12-5-08

Work Weekends HMO Area 11 Davies Plain - Contact Richard & Sandra Hubbard 02 6076 1570

10th & 11th May - Mother's Day Weekend - meet at Wheelers Creek Hut on 10th May, stay over if you wish. AIM for the weekend is to rebuild the verandah roof & floor and some of the internal floor - maybe replace some stumps.

Saturday 31st May - Meet at 57 Donaldson Street Corrying - MAJOR OBJECTIVE - to stand up the Fisher's Glider Hanger (Flying Swagman) on Mt Elliot. Please confirm time with Richard Hubbard .

Updated 12-5-08

VHCHA Fire Risk Management Policy : For HMOs and vistors to huts in the high country : Please review the guidelines for assessing fire risk before heading to the High Country or National/State parks.

Updated 2-1-08