Mitchell joined the Club in 1990 and immediately became an active contributor at working bees. His early efforts included the significant excavation of the Catacombs, including the Cooma Room, followed by constructing block walls, undertaking wiring, and building the bunk beds that transformed the area into a functional and valued part of the lodge. Chas Keys described this period as “hard labour” in the second book about the Kiama Alpine Club.

In 2000, Mitchell joined the Board as Property Manager Director, a position he held until 2007. During this time, he provided steady leadership, technical oversight, and a practical, solutions focused approach to lodge maintenance and improvement. His tenure laid the groundwork for many of the upgrades that followed. Mitchell played a central role in every major lodge improvement project over the past two decades, supporting the most significant investment program since the 1983–84 rebuild.

Key contributions Mitchell oversaw include:

• 2008 Kitchen Upgrade Subcommittee – providing technical input and hands on support for what was considered a major investment to improve kitchen functionality.
• Back Rooms Construction (with Rob Frazer) – overseeing the build, upgrading the heating control system, and producing a detailed operational manual.
• Front Extension & New Kitchen – participating in the kitchen committee, undertaking multiple trips to Canberra to source stainless steel benchtops and sinks, removing the old kitchen, engaging a lighting consultant, selecting fittings, and wiring the entire front section.

Mitchell’s electrical expertise has been invaluable. His contributions to the Club span beyond his time on the board and include:

• Upgrading all emergency lighting to LED.
• Converting bedroom lighting to LED wherever possible.
• Installing USB charging points in all bedrooms.
• Upgrading ventilation in the drying room.
• Upgrading switchboards with earth leakage circuit breakers.
• Supporting bathroom upgrades, including the Manager’s bathroom and associated electrical work.

Mitchell continues to give generously of his time and skills. This year (2026), he has committed to:

• Installing a humidity ventilation system in the back bedrooms (with Richard Jefford from Highland Geoexchange) to address condensation and moisture issues.
• Replacing light fittings in the back area and upgrading deck lighting at the front of the lodge.