Ian Stapleton is a prominent chronicler of the Victorian High Country whose work documents the social history, resilient pioneers, and regional industries of the mountain districts. Following a distinguished career in outdoor education as the founder of Mittagundi and Wollangarra, he has transitioned to documenting the heritage of the region from his home in Harrietville.
Ian Stapleton has spent a lifetime immersed in the Victorian High Country. Beginning his career as the first full-time Hike Master at Geelong Grammar’s Timbertop campus in the 1970s, he went on to found the non-profit outdoor education centres Mittagundi (in 1978) and Wollangarra. Built entirely by volunteers, these remote, pioneer-style settlements were designed to give young people the chance to experience nature, hard work, and community away from the complexities of modern life. In 1996, Ian’s dedication to youth and the community was recognised when he was awarded the Perelberg Award for "exemplary Scotch Spirit."
Now residing in Harrietville with his wife, Olivia, Ian has shifted his focus to preserving the history of the mountains he loves. Drawing from his early hiking experiences and interactions with local mountain families, he has dedicated himself to documenting the social history of the Victorian High Country.
He is the author of the seven historical works featured in this collection, which chronicle the resilient pioneers, local industries, and colourful characters of the region. His writing includes the reminiscences of J.C. Draper, drawn from his time based out of Heyfield in Gippsland, whose stories are also featured across this website.
