Ever wondered if you could hop on your bike and just ride away into the high country? Stop wondering — we’re doing it! This relaxed, practical workshop breaks bikepacking down into simple, confidence-building steps so anyone can give it a go. Using the bike you already own and the camping gear you likely have at home, you’ll learn how to transform your setup into an adventure-ready machine without investing in fancy equipment. Led by a local rider with plenty of real-world overnighter experience (minus the extreme multi-day expeditions!), this session covers: - Different ways to carry bags on any bike - What you actually need for an overnight trip (and what you don’t!) - How to repurpose your existing hiking kit - Basic, safe route planning for enjoyable local adventures - Tips for packing light, riding comfortably and staying confident on the trail A basic pack list to think about in the lead up:  - Bike - Tent/hammock/bivy - Sleeping system - A few dry bags or backpack - Clothes - Food/Snacks - Some way to carry water You’ll refine your own gear list on the night, learn the essentials of bike-touring, and discover just how accessible a backcountry overnighter can be. Then, put your new skills into action with an optional guided overnight ride into the beautiful Buckland Valley (25km each way, minimal climbing). Check out the route here. Friendly, practical and beginner-focused — the perfect starting point if you’re curious about exploring the shire in a new way.

Introducing AMSG Micro Skills Nights. Simple, practical short sessions where we learn those everyday skills most of us were never actually shown growing up. Our first session covers one of the most useful tools to own: the cordless drill. If you’ve ever put off hanging a picture or putting up a shelf because you weren’t sure where to start, this night is for you.  We’ll run through how drills work, how to choose the right bits, what to look for when buying one, and the most common home jobs you can tackle yourself. Then we get hands on so you can try everything yourself: drilling holes, driving screws properly, removing stripped screws, and installing wall anchors so pictures, hooks and shelves stay secure. Bring your own drill if you have one, or borrow one on the night. No experience needed, just come along, have a go, and leave feeling more confident tackling jobs at home. If you haven’t been Shed inducted yet, come at 5.30pm and one of the friendly AMSG volunteers will help you get inducted before the Drills session starts. 

Superannuation is one of the biggest financial assets most of us will ever have… and yet it’s also one of the most confusing, ignored, and misunderstood. This workshop puts super front and centre and breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense. We’ll demystify how super really works, why small decisions now can make a big difference later, and what to do if your career hasn’t followed a neat, linear path. Whether you’ve taken career breaks, worked part-time, changed industries, or simply never really looked at your super, this session will help you feel clearer, more confident, and far less intimidated. You’ll learn: what’s happening with your super right now (and why it matters) common gaps and pitfalls — and how to fix them practical, realistic steps to strengthen your position over time how to align your super with the life you actually want to live   Plus: The “Just in Case” (and “Future You”) Stuff — Without the Doom We’ll also touch on the essentials that support your super over the long term, including pensions and income options later in life, and how the decisions you make now can shape flexibility, security, and choice down the track. Alongside this, we’ll cover estate planning basics — things like wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiaries — not in a scary or overwhelming way, but as simple, practical tools that give you peace of mind and help protect both your wishes and your loved ones. Think of this section as looking after future you, with clear explanations in real-world context. Refreshments provided.

Pack some snacks (in a dry bag) and join us for a riverside walk that finishes at a brilliant swimming hole. We’ll start with an easy 2 km walk following the river to a small gorge. The final 150 metres criss-crosses the West Branch of the Kiewa River four times — so yes, you’ll get wet! At the end, we go through a narrow canyon with deep, clear water that we can swim through. Depending on water levels, after the canyon we will explore upstream further to a beautiful waterhole for more swimming/floating Meet: Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre 31 Bogong High Plains Rd, Mount Beauty When: Saturday 7th February 01:30pm Distance & time: Approx. 3 km return Around. 3 hours including swim time Fitness level: Easy–moderate. You’ll need to be comfortable on uneven ground and scrambling over a few rocks. There are a few river crossings, but we’ll keep the pace relaxed. Bring: – Dry pack – River shoes – Hat, swimmers & towel – Floaty (optional) – Water & snacks – Snake bandage

Beginner’s Welding Course – 8-Week Foundations to Firepit $100 for AMSG Members Only (Not Available to Non-Members) Ready to learn a hands-on skill that’s practical, creative and seriously fun? Our brand-new 8-Week Beginner’s Welding Course is designed for members who want to build confidence step-by-step, starting with the basics and finishing with projects you can proudly take home. Date: From Thursday 5th Feb (for 8 weeks)  Time: 6pm to 8pm Location: BUMS, 14 Churchill Avenue, Bright Across eight weekly sessions, you’ll be guided through safe welding practices, core techniques, and the fundamentals of working with steel. We’ll begin with a theory-based introduction to equipment, safety, and metal preparation before moving into practical skill-building. From there, you’ll put your new knowledge into action with two hands-on projects: Project 1: Build-Your-Own Bird House A simple, confidence-building starter project to learn cutting, joining, and finishing techniques. Project 2: Your Own Custom Firepit A larger creative project that brings together all the skills you’ve developed across the course. Course Includes: - All materials, tools and safety equipment - Step-by-step instruction from an experienced welder - A structured progression from theory to practical projects - Small group learning in a supportive, safe workshop environment Requirements: - Open to AMSG paid members only - Participants must commit to attending at least 80% of sessions - Appropriate clothing: Long-sleeve cotton/denim top, long pants, closed-toe shoes - Hair tied back, no loose clothing or jewellery. Whether you’re keen to upskill, try something new, or create something meaningful with your own hands, this course is the perfect place to start. Places are very limited – bookings essential.

🎄 Fake Christmas Party Invite 🎄 Join us for an afternoon among the vines to wrap up another amazing year! We’ll be soaking up the views at Ringer Reef Winery from 2–5pm, with some yummy snack plates, local wine, and a few games on the lawn. Bring your festive spirit, a blanket or chair and your sunnies....oh, and and maybe your best lawn game skills. Let’s toast to another year of AMSG!