Middle Years 

MICAH Experience - Melbourne Year 9  

Last week a group of around 70 teenagers from mostly western Victoria, were sent to Melbourne’s CBD, via a four-hour, music pumping, bus ride. Over the course of one week, I never thought that I could learn so much. We had a range of different guest presenters, who were kind enough to give up their time to speak to us, sharing their amazing stories. We met Nahid, a refugee from Afghanistan who has been living in Australia for nine years, since her family decided between a slim chance at life via a small boat and the certainty of death on land. We also met an ex-gambler, who had a very interesting and frustrating life story. One of the biggest things that he said that stood out to me, was that at the time, he had no idea that he was an impulsive gambler, even through all the terrible effects it had on his life. As a contrast we spent an afternoon at Fare share- which was an amazing experience. The environment whilst cooking was very relaxed and comfortable, we had great tunes playing and my group managed to cook something like 1,152 sausage rolls and prepared the mixture for around 1,500 for the next year 9 group to cook. It was such a great feeling, knowing that you were cooking nutritious food for people who would rarely get 3 meals a day. Between our whole year level, we managed to cook enough food to feed around 8000 homeless people. In addition, we had a choice between a tour of the MCG and of Melbourne Uni. I opted for the Melbourne Uni tour. We met with Sami, (an old Collegian and 2018 School Captain) who showed us around, it was great to see what it might be like to study there, and it got lots of us thinking about the wide range of choices and opportunities available. In between these activities we were expected to navigate ourselves from one place to the next in small groups, using public transport. Now this was an experience. The one thing that we don't use a lot of, in, near and around Hamilton is public transport. I for one was very nervous about getting around on the first day but once I got the hang of it, it was probably one of my most favourite parts about going to Melbourne. when you live on a farm or somewhere that doesn't have public transport to where you want to go you have to rely on your parents a lot to get you around. I stayed at a friend’s house in Malvern, and it was so much fun being able to be independent. leave when you want in the morning, navigate your way through stations and tram stops, but also being able to grab a hot chocolate along the way. The best things that I got out of the Melbourne experience was that now I can confidently say that I can use any tram or train and get from point A to point B without travelling all the way to Z first. This MICAH experience was one of my favourite camps, I have ever been on, and next year’s, Year Nines have some hilarious and exciting memorise just waiting on the horizon. 

By Amelie Hiscock

MICAH Experience - Melbourne 

MICAH Experience Melbourne would have to be one of my favourite camps I have been  on, we learned about a lot of different peoples lives and how they grew up and the challenges they faced in life. My favourite part of the camp would be going to the mcg we learned about the history and a lot of different features. 

The message I got out of going on the camp is knowing that people don’t choose to be homeless and you never know what happened to them or what there going through, 

I also learned to be grateful for what you have and find out someone’s story before judging them. 

I also enjoyed going and getting around in small groups because it made me feel more confident about going around the city and using public transport so I know how to get around for when I’m older. 

Charlie 

Ben Hawthorne

Head of Middle Years