Darebin/Yarra Program Week Five

As part of our assessment for the Operation Newstart program, students are required to successfully complete the final camp in order to graduate. The camp involves two days of bike riding and can be challenging, both physically and mentally.

Wednesday was forecasted to be over 35 degrees, so we headed off early and adjusted our ride to start at Koriella and finish off at Molesworth Caravan Park, where we set up camp for the night. All the students worked well together to complete this section of the ride, and despite the heat we moved quickly. After setting up camp, we had lots of down time to have a swim in the Goulbourn River (very refreshing- ie icy cold!) and have a big game of cricket after dinner.

Thursday morning was luckily a bit cooler and it wasn't too hard to get back on the bikes after a great camp pack up. The first section of this day's ride is particularly challenging as it's a continous uphill. We've got plenty of time for breaks though, and made it to the top where we were rewarded with a fun ride through Cheviot Tunnel, an old 200 metre long railway tunnel. From here the ride is mostly downhill before we arrived in Yea for lunch before heading back home.

Friday morning saw everyone a little tired after camp, but willing to help out and assist at Collingwood Children's Farm. We were given the task of picking fruit and vegetables for the Farmers Market held at the Farm once a month. Selling this produce is a small way in which the farm continues to stay sustainable by supporting itself and providing a great resource for people of all ages within the city. We picked quinces, peaches, crab apples, some fancy coloured zucchinis and herbs. It was a great day to be out and about in the garden and meeting some of the animals.