Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. Fred Griffith, as a member of the Albury Ski Club and owner of Bowna Lodge escorted the reporter and explained the potential of Falls Creek and the surrounding area to become a year-round playground, a paradise for tourists and a great income-earner for the State.This article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBelow photo Johnny Robertson points out the route of a long, downhill follow-my-leader to expert skiers Bob Howe, Norm Douglas (Albury dentist and President of the Albury Ski Club) and Dick Walpole.albury ski club, bob howe, dick walpole

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans and the Management Committee.A letter from the Management Committee related to complaints regarding standards of accommodation and service in commercial premises at ski resorts. The possibility of the introduction of a grading system was raised. Whilst not being specific in regard to Mr. Hymans, the Committee asked him to keep a close watch on aspects of accommodation and service in the coming season with a view to improving standards generally at Falls Creek.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, bob hymans

Tom Mitchell was a strong supporter of trans-Tasman ski competitions and in the early 1950s visits between local clubs became common. In 1953 a team from New Zealand visited Falls Creek for the first time. This was only a few months after Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa Tenzig Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. Toni St. Elmo, supported by Tom Mitchell proposed that a peak on the Bogong High Plains northwest of Mt. Nelse should be named Mt. Hillary in honour of the New Zealander's success. He also suggested a ceremony should be held during the visit of members of the New Zealand Ski team to Australia in September 1953. This image from the St. Elimo Collection held by the Falls Creek Historical Society, represents the planting of a New Zealand flag on the mountain during the ceremony.This image is significant because it is part of the St. Elmo Collection which documents early pioneers of Falls Creek and their outstanding contribution to skiing in Australia.A coloured image of two skiers carrying a New Zealand flag across the High Plains.Beneath the image: Tony St Elmo and Tom Mitchell ski out across Bakers Spur to plant a flag on Mt Hillary in 1953, north of Mt Nelse, and which now seems to have been lost off the map. Pic - The St Elmo Collection.tom mitchell, st. elmo collection, toni st. elmo, sir edmund hillary

Small black and white photo of 2 unidentified skiers standing with skis and wearing the fashion of the day

Photograph of two soldiers "Ski" and "Snow" in front of a sigh "Welcome to Bearcat Home of the Old ReliablesMaroon and blue logaphotograph, bearcat, old reliables

These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it is documents progress being made at Falls Creek.A set of tickets for the Nissen Poma Ski Lift for 1965 & 1966 mounted in a frame behind glass.george shirling, nissen ski tow, poma lift falls creek

A small paperback book of ski instruction and techniques. The book consists of 28 pages of text and illustrations.This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is the 3rd edition of a Ski Instruction Manual produced by Kosciusko Alpine Club, written by A. J. Stone and G. R. T. Ward. It was originally published in 1936. The handbook was a great success and was later used in Lebanon during the Second World War to train allied ski troops. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. In 1981 he graduated in sport psychology and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.george shirling, ski instruction manual, ski technique

Diana Lodge was built and operated by Kevin Shoebridge as a family lodge in the 1950s and it has grown and evolved over 60 years to become Diana Alpine Lodge. After Mr Shoebridge moved to Wodonga he leased Diana Lodge to Bob Scott and it also became the Post Office and Telephone Exchange. From early 1967 until about 1975, Diana Lodge was owned and operated by John and Gwyn van Burck. It was then purchased by a group of 12 families operating as Swan Hill Alpine Holdings. Diana Alpine Lodge has operated under several owners and was sold again as recently as 2023. This pennant was used in the early 1960s as a souvenir to promote Diana Lodge.This item is significant because it promotes Diana Lodge, a long standing accommodation venue at Falls Creek.A black and white triangular banner including an image of a skier and a second person on a chair lift.ALPINE VILLAGE DIANA SKI CLUB LODGE FALLS CREEK, VICdiana alpine lodge, falls creek accommodation

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans and the Management Committee.A letter from the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee raising issues and concerns of Bob Hymans' alleged non-compliance with regulations. Issues raised included damage to Nursery skiing slopes by tractor; non-compliance with Parking Directions; reluctance to use the public telephone, an untidy conditions on his site. The Committee indicated that it had the authority to make recommendations regarding the renewal or revocation of licences.falls creek tourist area management committee, bob hymans

One Australian Secondary Schools Ski Team Championships 2007 Classic girls Division A Runner Up certificate and one Australian Secondary Schools Ski Team Championships 2007 Classic boys Division A Winner certificate, each awarded to Wangaratta High School.

A colour photograph of Murchison Street in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of Murchison Street in Marysville in Victoria.murchison street, lyell street, marysville, victoria, photograph

A "coffee table" book of 194 pages featuring photographic images and information about the K2 ski company.non-fiction"K2: 50 Years of Serious Fun" is a book celebrating K2, the ski and snowboard company. It marks the company's 50th anniversary and highlights its history, unique brand identity, and contributions to the ski and snowboard industry. It features anecdotes, photos, and insights into K2's evolution. The book showcases K2's distinct "garage brand" identity, characterized by its irreverent approach and willingness to do things its own way. It delves into various eras of the company's history, highlighting key athletes like Scot Schmidt and Sean Pettit, and showcasing the evolution of ski and snowboard designs. k2 ski company, ski equipment

A volume of 204 pages including historical information, equipment and techniques for improving skills in cross country skiing.Cross-Country Skiing will help skiers develop better form and style for more pleasurable skiing. With coaching based on the highly successful German Ski Association training program, the authors tailor their instruction to the needs of the amateur with aspirations. Step-by-step photo sequences and uncomplicated line drawings show crucial variations in movements that can mean the difference between smooth, efficient action and strained and wasted effort. For those aiming at competition, tips on technique, training, and waxing are included. Information on choosing proper equipment and specialised approaches to training, including overall conditioning, endurance building, and training tactics aim to assist skiers in building a competitive edge. cross country skiing, training techniques

This pattern book was produced by the Villawood Textile Company, Sydney and contains a knitting pattern for a jumper and cap.Four page booklet with black and white printed text and graphics. The front cover features a colour image of a man and a woman both wearing knitted jumpers in yellow and black with matching knitted hats. The man is also wearing ski googles and the woman is holding ski poles.Front: [printed] L 361 / Villawool / KNITTED / in 12 and 8 PLY / SIZES 90 to 110 cm / 36 to 44 in.knitting handicrafts - history, villawood textile company, knitting, handicrafts - history, skiing, clothing, design, winter, fashion

This booklet is part of the Falls Creek Marketing program. If provides explanation about the location of Falls Creek Village as well as detailed information related to travel, accommodation options and other facilities and services available.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortPaper booklet on cream page with blue print for the This Week in Falls Creek - Ski Show Edition information booklet. accommodation falls creek, falls creek marketing

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. The badges were a regular means of promoting safety on the snow fields especially for children. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because the badge demonstrates ways in which safety has been promoted by Victorian Alpine Resorts.A set of metal badges awarded issued by all of Victoria's Alpine Ski Resorts to promote safety on the snow fields.george shirling, falls creek

Photograph of soldier "Ski" standing in front of a Bell 47 Sioux with a sign "Welcome to Bearcat Home of The Old Reliables"Maroon and blue logobearcat, old reliables, bell 47 sioux

A small booklet including information, photographs and text describing key people and events involved in the Oldina Ski Club.non-fictionThe Oldina Ski Club, founded in 1963, is a member-owned club with a lodge at Falls Creek and an apartment at Mt Buller. The club was established by an intrepid group of young people who came together with a shared love of the Australian high country and a desire to keep skiing. They had all been part of a national fitness program run from Howmans Gap just below the emerging village of Falls Creek. At a meeting in 1962 attended by around 100 people, a decision was made to start a club and build a lodge. "Oldina," is an Aboriginal word for snowflake. The club's Falls Creek lodge was one of the earliest private ski club lodges built at Falls Creek. This booklet attempts to capture some of the highlights of 50 years of the Oldina Ski Club.oldina ski club, accommodation falls creek

Diana Lodge was built and operated by Kevin Shoebridge as a family lodge in the 1950s and it has grown and evolved over 60 years to become Diana Alpine Lodge. After Mr. Shoebridge moved to Wodonga he leased Diana Lodge to Bob Scott and it also became the Post Office and Telephone Exchange. From early early 1967 until about 1975, Diana Lodge was owned and operated by John and Gwyn van Burck. It was then purchased by a group of 12 families operating as Swan Hill Alpine Holdings. Diana Alpine Lodge has operated under several owners and was sold again as recently as 2023.This brochure is significant because it is linked to one of the early lodges established in Falls Creek.A small tan coloured brochure with black text, The cover features an image of a skier.Above image: DIANA LODGE The Ski-out, Ski-in Lodge Go! with the Snow in Victoria Below the image: Fall's Creek Victoria Phone 58 3214 Proprietors: John and Gwyn van Burckdiana alpine lodge, falls creek accommodation

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Images of Joan Meyer near Fitzgerald's Hut on the Bogong High Plains. The original Fitzgerald Hut was built in 1903 by George Silas Fitzgerald. Destroyed by fire in 1991, it was rebuilt using salvaged and recycled timber. It is located in a large clearing, three to four hours hike from the Bogong High Plains Road These images document Joan's first trip on skis carrying a pack on her back.The trip took about two weeks to complete.falls creek, victorian snowfields, joan meyer, fitzgerald hut

A small booklet featuring a skier waxing her ski on the front cover. The back cover features an image of the authors accompanied by a brief biography of each of them. It includes sketches and diagrams. This book was first published as Skismöring under auspices of Foreningen til Ski-Idrettens Fremme, Oslo in 1970.non-fictionThis booklet aimed to teach skiers the best techniques to wax their skis for cross-country skiing. M. Michael Brady was certified as a cross-country ski-racing coach by the Norwegian Ski Federation and also taught cross-country coach and instructor courses in Alaska and Australia. He was also the Nordic editor for SKI Magazine. Lorns O. Skjemstad was an experienced cross-country ski racer with gold, silver and bronze medals from the Holmenkollen Games, the Finnish Lahti Games, and the Norwegian Championships. He also wrote many articles on cross-country technique and waxing, including several in SKI Magazine.waxing techniques, cross country skiing

Part of a yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek Region. It includes accommodation rates and travel information which features a map of Falls Creek Village. Venues included in the chart are:- Astra Lodge, Diana Lodge, Karelia Lodge, Snowdrift Lodge, Snowhaven, Viking Lodge, Alpine View Apartments, Cumings Holiday Apartments and Koki Apartments.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities and accommodation venues and rates at Falls Creek Village in the 1990s. An A4 size leaflet promoting Falls Creek of the ski season of 1993. An accommodation rates chart is included in the centre page.accommodation falls creek, falls creek marketing, falls creek tourism, skiing holidays victoria

This volume of 151 pages is an update of one of the first books dedicated to Cross Country skiing. It includes illustrations, photographs and text.non-fictionThe indispensable guide to cross-country for family fun, touring at all ages and competition, by the #1 writer. John Caldwell started the North American boom in this happy, cheap, safe, easy-to-learn (don't need lessons) for the whole family sport with his classic X-C ski book- the first devoted entirely to cross-country skiing. THE NEW CROSS-COUNTRY SKI BOOK is completely rewritten, newly illustrated and updated, including the latest information on the new no-wax skis. For new skiers it provides information the one-day tour and how to organize a tour-race as well as updated equipment reports. It also includes advice about training for expert skiers.cross country skiing, skiing training and equipment

Part of an annual marketing campaign, this booklet was designed to provide information for planning a holiday at Falls Creek for the winter of 1994. It includes extensive details about activities, facilities and accommodation in the Village as well as contact information to make necessary bookings. The slogan adopted for 1994 was "Better snow and more of it!"This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortMagazine titled 'Falls Creek 1994 Ski Holidays' containing multiple pages of information and images for 1994 winter holidays. Front cover with white background and illustration of woman skiing downhill, the 's' of Falls becoming the snow trail. Falls Creek logo on bottom centre of front page and advertising on backpage. falls creek marketing, falls creek 1990s, falls creek village, snow resorts victoria

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. In 1981 he graduated in sport psychology and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it includes a wide range of products used to protect skis and improve performance from the 1920s until the present.A variety of brands of ski wax for maintenance of ski surfaces. The brands included are:- "TOKO", a Swiss company founded in 1916. The Swix colour wax system which was first marketed on November 28th 1946 in Sweden. Bratlie Wax established in the 1920s. In the early 1970s the company was purchased by Astra, the parent company of Swix. Wax by Østbye of Norway patented c1920 by Peter Østbye. His company manufactured tar-based waxes until the 1990s. Australalp Ski Wax made by Danbril Laboratories, Elsternwick, Victoria Each item bears its original logo and brandinggeorge shirling, red onion, ski waxes

Wallace's Hut is the oldest surviving cattlemen's hut on the High Plains, built in 1889 by the three Wallace brothers - Arthur, William and Stewart. Their father David bought land at Kergunyah as well as grazing land on the banks of the Kiewa River, North East Victoria. Once the boys were old enough, the family followed the local squatters’ custom of taking their cattle up to the mountains for the spring and summer to fatten the mob, at the same time resting their home pastures. They decided to build a hut where they could shelter from the extreme mountain weather. The timber was cut from the forest about four hundred metres east of the hut, and the hearth stone was dragged in from Pretty Valley. The chimney had a base of rubble and above this iron sheeting on a timber frame. The slab walls were lined with hessian and later with tar-paper, and inside there was a bush table, sleeping platform and a rustic fire-side settle. The hut nestled among snow gums sheltered by a rocky outcrop. The names of the Wallace brothers were burnt into the tie-beams of the roof and at the back of the mantelpiece. The Wallace family’s lease expired in the late 1930s and the hut was bought by the State Electricity Commission to house staff on the High Plains and it became the first home of Toni and Skippy St. Elmo. The SEC covered the old shingles with iron, and later on the walls and chimney as well, and they added a lean-to. Wallace’s Hut is now owned by the Crown and maintained by Parks Victoria. It is on the Historic Buildings Register and is classified by the National Trust.This image is significant because it depicts an important heritage-listed structure and refuge for cattlemen and other travellers in Victoria's High Country.A black and white photograph of a skier outside of Wallace's Hut. Several sets of skis and poles are standing around and other skiers are in the background.wallace's hut, toni and skippy st. elmo, high country huts

One of a series of watercolour paintings by Gordon SmithThis painting is significant as it depicts an important historic building at Falls Creek,A framed copy of a watercolour painting showing skis and poles int the snow in the foreground and St. Elmo's Tow House at Falls CreekBelow painting:- Lunchtime at Falls Creek 1954 Gordon Smithgordon smith, nissen tow, st. elmo

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents proposals put forward by Bob Hymans to develop facilities in the Falls Creek Tourist Area.A response from Mr. Hymans in response to the release of information related to the design of the extension to Christie Street in Falls Creek. As a result he wished to apply for a long-term lease of each site. I am in receipt of a letter from the General Superintendent Kiewa of the 3rd of April 1964. It was to inform me that the creation of new sites divided (?) with a 50’ ski road between them in trees of Site 4. Consequently, I wish to apply through your Committee for long term leases for the two sites. Yours faithfully H. Hymansfalls creek tourist area management committee, bob hymans, falls creek administration