Tia Wishart and Rijan Young, the new owners of Buffalo Boulders, are passionate about fostering a vibrant climbing community in Myrtleford.
The couple brought the business in November last and have been residents of Myrtleford for three and a half years.
Having met through climbing seven or eight years ago, their vision for Buffalo Boulders is to grow climbing as both a passion and a sport within the community.
They have started up several programs, including youth squads, a women's night to encourage female participation, and upcoming beginners' nights.
These initiatives aim to make the climbing gym a less intimidating space, as they recognise that climbing gyms can sometimes feel daunting to newcomers.
A significant focus for them is the community aspect, as they cherish seeing people connect and form friendships within the gym that they might not have otherwise.
Tia explained that their decision to buy the business stemmed from their long-standing connection to the gym.
"We had climbed there since its opening, and the previous owner, Josh, was our neighbour, so we've been invested in it since it was being built," she said.
"One day when I wasn't enjoying my job in Melbourne, I messaged Josh to inquire about purchasing the business, knowing his life had changed and he was less available for it.
"He agreed, and that's how it came to be."
Tia said they recognised the gym's potential in the town, having met many of their friends there after moving to the area.
"We knew it could be a really cool community space," she said.
"The connection between the indoor climbing experience and the outdoors, specifically the Mount Buffalo area was really important to us too.
"Mount Buffalo is a long-standing climbing area with a rich history, but it's also being rediscovered by so many people."
The couple believe that the foundation, connections and community provided by indoor climbing at Buffalo Boulders, through programs like youth nights, beginners' nights, and women's nights, will inspire people to venture outdoors and explore climbing.