On Friday (12 March) we finally had the plans approved and permit issued for the rebuild of McNamara's Hut at Buckety Plain. Below is the timeframe of the reconstruction. I have had to hold off on advising due to quite a few final alterations, issues and conditions - and believe me, there were times when I could have tossed it in !
I apologies for the short notice, and realise many of you will have already committed yourself to Easter. We are seeking volunteers to assist with the structure and need to advise that the entire hut is log construction - because it is on National Park, it is a whole different ball game ! We have a list of conditions we have to adhere to, from sanitary issues, to environmental issues to details of every person and vehicle - all to be detailed prior to entry.
But at the end of the day we need to ensure we do this right, and it is hoped the result will enable us to reconstruct some of the other's lost.
Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre, which is a non profit organisation who operate special programs for troubled Kids used McNamara's Hut for over 30 years as part of their program and will be heavily involved in the restructure, doing all the preliminary work, under the guidance of Graham Fall and Jim Findlay, whom most of you will know.
Ideally we are looking for assistance from the 5th of April through to the 14th of April, with the main structure being erected from the 8th. Over the Easter week, Mittagundi will also be doing some work at the outdoor education centre and would welcome assistance - so you may even like to just attend there or do a bit of both.
Anyone intending to attend can register with me, giving full name, address, days of attendance, type of vehicle and registration number. If you want further details please give me a call on 02-60363949 - please note I am busy and to save my phone bill, if I am unable to answer, please call me back or ring my mobile on 0428342115
This project has taken just on 12 months to organise and I hope that it will run as successfully as Horsehair and Roughriders - even with the "strict conditions"
Also note that the Omeo Rodeo's 50th Rodeo is on Easter Saturday and I will be there at the Roughriders Hut doing some PR work for the VHCHA - so anyone who is attending and may like to lend a hand, come and see me at the hut. - it is hopeful that we may pick up quite a few new members.
| Week beginning 15 March 2004 | Mittagundi Staff & VHCHA Volunteers |
Arranging transportation of logs Transit of logs from main road to site via log trolley designed by Mittagundi Transit of rocks Clean site footprint, ready for construction
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| Week beginning 22 March 2004 | Mittagundi Staff, Students & VHCHA Volunteers |
Indigenous Report Mittagundi Program – 20 students in attendance – rotating 10 students alternate days Preparation of foundation Installation of foundation rock Adzing of bed logs and fitting into position ready for construction Repair required to existing chimney foundation
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| Week beginning 29 March 2004 | Mittagundi Staff & VHCHA Volunteers |
Barking of logs Removal of debris from Cut corrugate iron to size Finish any stage previously not completed
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| Week beginning 5 April 2004 | Mittagundi Staff, Students & VHCHA Volunteers (Full construction Crew) |
Mittagundi Program – 20 students in attendance – rotating 10 students alternate days Preparation – Cross cut, adzing and broad axing logs in preparation for construction Cut pins to size Adzing of logs to form the floor structure
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| Week beginning 8 April to 14 April | Mittagundi Staff & VHCHA Volunteers (Full construction Crew) |
Construction: Position and pin logs Construction of roof structure Installation of windows Construction of doors Installation of doors Construction of Chimney Construction of mantelpiece Installation of corrugated iron
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| Week beginning 19 April 2004 | Mittagundi Staff & VHCHA Volunteers |
Finishing Final requirements not completed in previous week Cleanup of site Removal of materials from construction Delivery of firewood |
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WHERE HOW WHAT AND WHY! HOW TO GET THERE
I have had several emails from people wanting to know the location of the hut site - which I apologies for not explaining sooner. Us that know, stupidly assumed everyone knew! You can access the site from three directions.
1. Through Mt Beauty, Falls Creek then Bogong High Plains Rd
2. Through Eskdale, Mitta Mitta, Glen Wills then Bogong High Plains Rd
3. Through Bairnsdale, Omeo, Anglers Rest, Bogong High Plains Rd anyone wanting a map, I can email it upon request
WHERE TO CAMP -
Be Self Sufficient
Base Camp will be at Strawberry Saddle (with toilet facilities) alternately you can return to Mittagundi Outdoor Education Centre
FOOD
Again be self sufficient - remember the closest town is Omeo, near 1 hours drive from the site There will be tea coffee and sugar available and a boiling billy!
WHAT TO BRING
Energy, elbow grease, muscles, humour and a hammer or axe or favourite shovel if you wish, but not essential - I am sure we will find you one to operate!
HOW TO REGISTER
A register will be onsite - it is imperative that you sign it upon arrival. This will be your insurance cover and if you don't sign in, you are not covered and the VHCHA will not be liable.
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