This manuscript and letter represent the connection between two significant people from the North East of Victoria and their common interest in literature and development of the Upper Murray. Des Martin was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. He joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment and in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, serving in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. Amongst other pursuits he became the first President of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a Steward at that event. As well as “Many a Mile”, Des also wrote “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing and a “Tale of Twin Cities” as well as collaborating with R. M. Williams to develop the “Hoofs and Horns” publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995. Thomas Walter Mitchell was born at "Towong Hill" near Corryong, Victoria and was educated at Cranbrook School, Sydney and Cambridge University. A keen skier, Mitchell founded the Australian National Ski Federation, captained the Australian skiing team and won gold medals in competitions against England and New Zealand. He was an Australian champion in the downhill and long-time member of the Ski Club of Australia. In 1937 he published Australia’s first ski handbook "Ski Heil". Mitchell joined the Second Australian Imperial Force in 1940 and was a Captain in the 2/22nd Battalion and Headquarters 8th Division. He was captured and interned in Changi POW camp until 1945. Tom Mitchell served as the Country Party Member for Benambra in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1947 to 1976. He was awarded the C.M.G. “For distinguished services to the Community, particularly in the fields of Politics, Alpine Sports and Safety, and Writing.” He died on 4th February 1984. This volume is significant because it is the manuscript of a book written by a local Wodonga author. The letter written to Tom Mitchell contains anecdotes and details of the writing of the novel, Many a Mile.An original typed manuscript bound in blue coverboard. It is accompanied by a typed letter.des martin, tom mitchell, many a mile

A book of 272 pages including illustrations and maps as well as an index and bibliography.non-fictionWritten by Jim Darby and edited by Mark Ashkanasy, this book features over 700 photographs and explores the resort's evolution from its ski club roots to a thriving destination. It traces the history of Mt Buller, from its exploration by skiers in the 1920s to the establishment of the Mount Buller Ski Club in 1923. It includes the construction of ski lodges, the introduction of rope tows and chairlifts, and the expansion of facilities to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors, capturing the spirit of Mt Buller, including its ski lift companies, ski patrols, ski schools, clubs, and mountain personalities. mt buller alpine resort, mt buller history, ski resorts victoria

A volume of 731 pages including plans, tables, maps and illustrations plus 4 pages of colour plates. The cover is red with a silver border and title. It also features a representation of a skier.non-fictionThe history of the Ski Club of Victoria is really a history of skiing in Victoria. When the Club was founded in 1924, skiing as a sport was almost unknown and what primitive skiing there was centred on the Chalet at Mt. Buffalo. Today's alpine resorts were non-existent; the Victorian alpine region was a winter wilderness and ski equipment was scarce. So the handful of SCV founders and their successors set out to foster and develop Victorian skiing. The Ski Club of Victoria story highlights the dedication and spirit of its members united in their aim to develop skiing. It tells of the enormous difficulties endured and the supreme efforts of the adventurous founders who, in working damned hard for their pleasures, opened up Victoria's alpine resources for skiing. It tells too of the devotion and persistence of those who have willingly served on the Committees and of the numerous unsung heroes who have, throughout the life of the Club, contributed unselfishly to its maintenance and development as a "labour of love". Their collective zeal and dedication to skiing is reflected directly in the mammoth achievements of the Ski Club of Victoria, achievements that have been largely responsible for the steady and sound development of skiing in Victoria and needless to say the viability and respected status of the Club itself.ski club of victoria, victoria skiing history