Published on 11 February 2022
Mansfield Shire Council has run its first outdoor program for young people since the lifting of COVID restrictions on Friday 21 January 2022.
Fourteen young people participated in the rock climbing and abseiling activities at Mt Buffalo.
Mansfield Youth Services Engagement Officer Earl Ree-Goodings said that it was a good example of how young people could have a great time while learning to work as a team.
“After two difficult years, the adventure proved an exciting day for young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to have these kinds of experiences,” said Mr Ree-Goodings.
The day was split into two sessions. In the morning, the group climbed in two locations on Mt Buffalo’s varied granite cliffs, stopping to eat lunch by the beautiful Lake Catani. After lunch the day took an adventurous turn, as what began as a beautiful mountain hike soon became more challenging when the group entered a dark, narrow chasm leading inside the mountain.
“Teamwork was required to attach ropes and climb out of the chasm until we emerged on to exposed boulders with magnificent views of the valley below. From there, it was a quick abseil and a tight squeeze through a tunnel to make our way back to the trail home,” said Mr Ree-Goodings.
“The group will have once-in-a-lifetime stories to tell about the day.”
For photos of the adventure, go to Mansfield Youth Services Facebook page.