80th Birthday celebrations
Happy 80th Birthday YHA and YHA Bushwalking Victoria! What an incredible achievement! To celebrate, your current committee were delighted to be invited to dinner on Saturday 7th September 2019 with the Chair, Board members and key staff of YHA. A great night was had by all. Read the YHA CEO’s blog about the 80th and YHA Chair speech for 80th which set out just how important and relevant YHA remains today.
We then did what we do best on the Sunday, 8th September and organised a walk to the memorial stone at the site of the very first YHA Hostel, at Pound Bend, Warrandyte. Many thanks to YHA for providing the coffee cart – it was very popular. Big thanks also to Doug Miers (our current walk secretary) and Ken Sussex (current committee member and long standing leader) for leading the walks on the day. A great morning was had by all.
I was honoured to be asked to say a few words at the dinner and the walk. I gratefully acknowledged all the efforts of our past and present commitee members, leaders and walkers, who have enabled us to be one of the oldest walking clubs in Victoria. Of course, we wouldn’t be here today, without the support of YHA. It was great to be able to support some of YHA’s key themes with what we do with our bushwalking. We also try to provide opportunities for young people, foster friendships and promote better understanding of our environment. We are very proud that our Sunday walks cater to a large range of walking capabilities. Allowing walkers to turn up on the day means we also continue the YHA tradition of supporting those who are just sampling the attractions of Melbourne and Victoria.
Check out the photos.