Kellie & Gary

Do you know there’s actually a right way to fold a fitted sheet? What about the correct speed to stir a mocha packet into boiling water to avoid clumps? Now let’s try some slang - what is a budgie smuggler and what does FIG JAM means? Have you seen a kangaroo and wondered why his…wait, that might not be appropriate to write here.

These are just a few of the silly things I learned with Kellie and Gary.

Kellie and Gary are both former zookeepers turned hostel managers - but really is there a difference between the roles?

Gary is from the UK, an avid Manchester United fan, and a former elephant trainer of 30+ years. Training elephants is all about the attitude, proving that you’re the one in charge - so you never want to see Gary’s elephant face. It’s hard to reckon his intense and serious side with his demeanor around the hostel - he’s the first to start the morning banter while making beds and it’s always easy to find him, just listen for the whistling or singing around the corner.

Kellie is a Melburnian with a love of travel that has taken her everywhere from road trips around the country to living abroad in South Africa. As a zookeeper, Kellie’s passion was birds, which has easily translated to all the birds in the Grampians - from kookaburras to cockatoos, they’re everywhere.  She’s the computer and booking system guru and an insane whiz with names and faces, it’s not out of the question for her to recognize a guest that stayed over 10 years ago!

Kellie’s kids Lucy and Nic are a huge part of the environment at the hostel. Lucy is Harry Potter obsessed, and while her strong Slytherin and Death Eater tendencies are a bit alarming, her hugs and cuddles are a great balance. Nic will eat you under a table if there’s Hawaiian pizza or jubes lollies around.

Kellie managed the hostel back in 2007 to 2011 before going back to the Melbourne Zoo where she met Gary. The two first became friends, then a night of drinks to catch up turned into a 3 year long relationship and a June 2019 wedding!

When Kellie and Gary came up to the Grampians for a weekend away, they were shocked how much had changed. The two began communicating with the YHA management and fast forward in time, they’ve been managers since June 2017, putting in long hours of cleaning, using an insane amount of rubbish bags, and truly loving the space.

I expected to only stay in the Grampians for about 2 weeks but that quickly turned into 6 weeks and I predict more before I leave Australia. These two welcomed me into their home, showing a true partnership and how a passion for the people around you and a place can have such a positive influence. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later! Be you Kellie and Gary.