Released 26/08/2016
Six young men who have completed two years of the Menslink mentoring program will conduct a contemporary rite of passage ceremony at Ready-Cut Cottage in Namadgi tonight before going on a guided tour to Yankee Hat tomorrow with a ranger.
The two-day visit is part of an agreement ACT Parks and Conservation Service has with Menslink to provide free use of the cottage and Namadgi for events and activities run by the group. The mentors for each of the men will also be in attendance.
Menslink supports young men in the Canberra region through free counselling, volunteer mentoring and education programs.
“In recent times the Parks Service has adopted the ‘healthy parks healthy people’ philosophy which promotes the mental and physical health benefits gained from visiting our parks, and we hope that those who make use of this great facility will feel those benefits,” Parks and Conservation Regional Manager, Brett McNamara, said.
“Connecting with nature is good for your mind, body and soul. Being in the natural environment can help us cope with emotional anxiety and ill health. Nature can also provide us with inspiration and a real sense of purpose in our lives.
“The Ready-Cut Cottage is an early 'ready-cut' or prefabricated kit home situated in the Gudgenby Valley, on the southern bank of the Gudgenby River in Namadgi National Park. It’s only 29 kilometres south of the Namadgi National Park Visitor Centre, so it is easily accessible, while also being surrounded by nature.
“The cottage has three bedrooms and can sleep a total of eight people. The site is also perfect for small groups for day use such as educational groups, for which the cottage could provide shelter and space for discussions or workshops. With this in mind it is a perfect place for Menslink to hold events and activities for the young men in their mentoring program.”
Ben Triglone from Menslink said the nature of modern life makes it difficult to remove distractions and really live in the moment.
“Connecting with nature is a truly powerful and uplifting experience; that’s exactly what Ready Cut Cottage and its beautiful surroundings provide,” Mr Triglone said.
“Many of the young guys in our program don’t often get the chance to get out into nature. We’ve even had young guys who have never been into the bush before. This opportunity from ACT Parks is fantastic for these young men and we really appreciate their support.”
The Ready-Cut Cottage is also available for hire by public groups or individuals. Any proposed use of the cottage is assessed on the basis that it should have a benefit to Namadgi National Park. For more information contact the Namadgi Visitor Centre on
6207 2900.
- Statement ends -
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