On the evening of Friday, 1st October, 2010, MHPS and other community groups were involved in a community forum at the Rotary Pavilion in Deloraine. The forum was organised by the Wilderness World Heritage Area Consultative Committee, an advisory group to the Government on World Heritage issues. All parties were invited to give a short presentation, based on their particular area of interest and views on world heritage management issues. A general forum discussion followed where many and varied views were presented. The views expressed will help the WWHACC to formulate recommendations to be put forward in relation to the ongoing management of Tasmanian World Heritage areas.
The forum was a great opportunity to express our views. We have never been afforded this luxury in the past, so it was much appreciated. The following day, Saturday, 2nd October, MHPS hosted the WWHACC on a walking trip to the recently-restored Basil Steers No 1 Hut on the February Plain. This hut is our latest completed restoration and a project of which we are immensely proud. The day was most enjoyable and the snow underfoot gave a very authentic feel to a lovely spring day. We received incredibly positive feedback from the WWHACC members, which was very encouraging.
After inspection of Basil Steers Hut we moved on to the picturesque setting of the historic Borradaile Plains Hut for lunch, where we were hosted by members of the Walters family. Many thanks to our hosts. All those in attendance enjoyed a very fulfilling lunch, plenty of billy tea, great conversation and beautiful weather.
Eventually it was time for home after a very satisfying day. Thanks to the WWHACC for giving us the opportunity to be involved in this very positive experience.
Field Trip to 'Macclesfield' - April 2011
During April, in near perfect weather conditions, Mountain Huts members congregated at Waddamana village, where we combined with members of the Bothwell Historical Society for a field trip to the historic highland property of 'Macclesfield'. Under the guidance of Helen White, whose family has owned the property since the early 1960s, we travelled across the sprawling lake country to inspect 'George Reynolds Hut', named after the last person known to inhabit it. George Reynolds trapped rabbits for a living and lived a solitary bachelor’s life in the tiny hut. The hut is in a very poor state but, after inspection by MHPS members, it was agreed that it would be possible to salvage it with some basic repairs and reinforcements, which would at least save it until such future time as a complete restoration may be possible. A picnic lunch was enjoyed by all and Helen and her mother gave a brief history of the Hut and the Macclesfield property.
The field day concluded with a brief stop at the historic Lake Echo property, now owned by the Downie family.
Du Cane Hut Maintenance - Easter 2011
Over the Easter break, members of the MHPS, at the invitation of Parks & Wildlife, attended a working bee at the Du Cane Hut on the Overland track.
They completed the vital task of replacing the four existing tension ties with upgraded and improved anchors. The ties consisted of 6mm wire rope, compatible-sized clamps, turnbuckles and shackles connected to new ground anchors, securely concreted into position on the uphill side of the Hut.
Inland Fisheries Service - Liawenee Trout Weekend - May 2011
For the first time, MHPS had a stand at the annual Inland Fisheries Trout Expo, held at Liawenee. It was a very successful two day event, during which time MHPS was able to display a large photographic collection of past and present projects. Behind a post and rail fence there was also a display of memorabilia of highland activities and bush craft, including hand-split shingles, shearing equipment, hunting gear and building tools. A great deal of interest was shown in the MHPS booklets, which were also on sale, and these proved to be very popular. With a crowd estimated in excess of 4,000, the weekend proved an excellent public awareness exercise and the members who manned the stand were kept busy fielding answers to queries from the interested public.
MHPS Booklets for Sale - New Publications!
MHPS now has SEVEN booklets available.
All booklets have been revised and reprinted and the collection includes two new
publications. Books can be purchased separately or as a set. (Postage applies for delivery by mail.)
MHPS invites you to submit your favourite photo(s) of Tasmanian mountain huts for inclusion in our Community Photo Album. Photos must be the bona fide work of the submitting photographer. Email your photo(s) to kelgara@activ8.net.au and include name of photographer, name of hut, approximate date photo was taken (if known) and any other relevant details.
Help us to build a comprehensive photo gallery of Tasmanian Huts!
The forum was a great opportunity to express our views. We have never been afforded this luxury in the past, so it was much appreciated. The following day, Saturday, 2nd October, MHPS hosted the WWHACC on a walking trip to the recently-restored Basil Steers No 1 Hut on the February Plain. This hut is our latest completed restoration and a project of which we are immensely proud. The day was most enjoyable and the snow underfoot gave a very authentic feel to a lovely spring day. We received incredibly positive feedback from the WWHACC members, which was very encouraging.