Cuming's Ski Hire was an early establishment in Falls Creek, owned and operated by Harold and Jean Cuming. Located in Main Falls Creek Road only 70 yards from the top station of the chairlift, it had a wide range of skis for hire and many other accessories for sale. It also operated simple accommodation, a cafe and apres ski shop. The business changed hands and the cafe had many names throughout its history. It was the centre of many activities - including skiers using the roof as a ski jump!This image is significant because it depicts Harold and Jean Cuming and staff from the Cuming's Ski Hirage Centre at Falls Creek, Victoria.A black and white photo of the Harold and Jean Cuming with staff and a large snowmancuming's ski hire, harold cuming, jean cuming, ski hire falls creek

Helmut Fendt was a ski instructor at Falls Creek in 1966. Many of the earliest instructors at Falls Creek came from Austria at that time. The Austrian-made sweater was made by Carlo Gruber. These sweaters became part of the uniform for the Falls Creek Ski School. Carlo Gruber was an Austrian designer who specialised in winter wool ski wear. He was a ski instructor and later teamed up with Adidas to develop a wide range of clothing items and snow boots. Many of his designs were reissued by Adidas in 2005.This item is significant because it was part of the Falls Creek Ski School uniform in the 1960s.A pale blue wool knit sweater manufactured by Carlo Gruber of Austria. It has an embroidered logo on the upper left sleeve. The cuffs and hemline have a two-toned blue striped edge.helmut fendt, falls creek ski school, snow apparel

Galen Catholic College has had many notable and successful sports teams over the years. In 1997, Galen Cross Country Ski Team placed 3rd in the Australian School Skiing Championships.galen catholic college, galen college, skiing, sport, 1997, cross country skiing

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 die 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 actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A detailed circular in preparation for the 1968 winter season. Key topics included:- the rezoning of car parking and some roads also involving the opening of the road between Mt. Beauty and the Omeo Highway becoming a public road called the Bogong High Plains Tourist Road; snow clearing on roads and the use of chains; use of "Yellow Horse" shuttle service: slope preparation and the "Ratrac" snow packing machine; chair lift ticket prices; concerns re straying cattle and a water supply and sewerage update. Over the summer some new buildings had been constructed bringing beds available on the mountain to about 1,350 and a clean up of the Village would be organised before the season began. Tobogganing areas were discussed, The need for publicity was stressed and the Committee saw this as the responsibility of those who would benefit most. Consistent approaches to snow reporting, loutishness and garbage were called for. Oversnow transport, Ski School, Snow Patrol were outlined. Finally the need to foster positive relations and a coordinated approach towards public relations was called for.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration

Ross and Malcolm grew up on their family's tobacco property in Myrtleford, and began skiing at Falls Creek at an early age. They were both taught by Austrian Sigi Haberzettl, who was chief coach at Falls Creek for 17 years. Malcolm became a member of the Australian Junior Ski Team to Japan at the age of 14. He won all of the NEDSA children’s races and won the State Title in 1966. Malcolm continued to achieve great success, winning the Australian Championships for the next five years. At the end of 1969 he won Gold in the Val d'Isere FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Downhill, Australia's first Alpine Ski World Cup medal. He was on the Australian National Ski Team for eight years, representing his country at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games and the 1966 and 1970 World Championships before turning professional in 1972. Malcolm Milne was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2000 he received the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to skiing. In 2004, Ski & Snowboard Australia granted Milne Life Membership for the contribution he made to the sport by becoming the first World Cup medal winner in Australian winter sports history, and the subsequent impact his performances have had on future athletes. Malcolm Milne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to skiing in 2016.This image is significant because it captures an image of a former Australian Olympian.A black and white image of Malcolm Milne taken at the Sapporo Winter Olympics of 1972.malcolm milne, milne brothers, australian olympians

The sport of skiing was revolutionized with a technical innovation from Ed Scott. His invention of the first tapered aluminium ski pole immediately replaced the sport's existing use of bamboo and steel. One of Ed Scott’s key associates was Charley French, a former aeronautical engineer who began working with him in Sun Valley, Idaho, USA in 1970. The first project that tackled together was to improve the design of ski boots. From there they progressed to ski goggles. This led to the design of goggles for motorcross. For Charley a natural progression led to the development of the aerodynamic handlebar and mountain bike suspension systems. In 1997, the SCOTT company introduced a technical winter sport apparel line and in 1998 was also producing skis. In 2009 their new Crusair quickly became the benchmark ski for the freeride mountaineering market. SCOTT continue to be innovators for the development of sports equipment and their designs are often worn by champions in skiing, cycling and athletics. These boots were donated by Julian Newton Brown. Stickers were attached to advertise his lodge at Falls Creek. The boots were lightweight allowing a lot of ankle flex, and good support when turning due to stiff cuffs. This type of boot was popular with free skiers.These boots are significant because they demonstrate a stage in the evolving technology of designs for the ski sport industry and also bear the sticker of Julian's Lodge, an iconic business in Falls Creek, Victoria.Lime green plastic, single clip racing boot.Sticker on front of both boots: Julian's Lodgeski equipment, ski boot design, scott ski products, julian's lodge, julian newton brown

These photos are part of the Fred Griffith Collection. Frederick Charles “Fred” Griffith was born in Albury, NSW on 2 March 1910. Educated in Albury and Geelong Grammar. Beginning in 1927 he spent many years working first as a jackeroo and on a range of prominent pastoral and merino stud properties in NSW and Queensland. In 1935 he repurchased his former family property “Toonallook", Bowna, NSW and developed it to be the largest Romney Marsh stud in the world, exporting rams to Argentina. He introduced many innovative practices on his property including rabbit control measures and aerial crop dusting. He was an active member of the Albury Show Society and in 1949 established the Albury Sheep Show. Fred was also the Albury representative on the Graziers’ Association Council for over 30 years. He became a life member of both the Albury and Commercial Clubs. Fred’s greatest hobby was snow skiing. His first visit to the snow was to Kosciusko in 1919. The Albury Ski Club was formed in 1935 and Fred was an inaugural member. In 1949 they were granted a site at Falls Creek to build their own lodge. Fred guaranteed the Club for finance from the Bank of NSW. The first portion of the prefabricated building was constructed in Albury. It was transported to Falls Creek on the back of Fred’s truck and erected in one day. This was the bathroom section and the rest was completed in 1950. The original lodge was burned down in 1952 and a new one built the following year. In 1955, Fred also built the Bowna Lodge for his family in partnership with David Fairbairn. He became head of the North Eastern District Skiing Association (N.E.D.S.A.) and successfully applied to run the Australian Ski Championships. Fred also inaugurated children’s races at Falls Creek and ran them for about 20 years. He also formed the company “Falls Creek Ski Tows”. In 1956 Fred along with a group of key people selected the site for Thredbo Village. Fred and his brother sold Toonallook in sections between 1951 and 1974. He moved to Albury and set up as a landscape gardener and fencing contractor. After a serious work accident, Fred retired in 1985 and moved to Rosebud, Victoria where he died on 19 August 1992.These images record a working bee to build the lodge at Bogong, VictoriaA set of black and white photographs showing the construction of the lodge at Bogong Christmas and New Year 1949/1950 On back of photos. No. 1 - The complete prefabricated timber framework, also "SOLOMIT" straw sheets for sides, of the first portion at the Albury Ski Club's lodge to be erected at Falls Creek, Mt Bogong, shown loaded in F. C. Griffith;s truck. Taken at Bogong Township at 9 A.M. when there was a 3 hours delay owing to a broken fan belt. Date 13/3/49. No. 2 - The arrival of the material at the site on Falls Creek. Time 1.30 P.M. Club's Conveyancer "Jackson" in background. No. 3. - Unloading material at the site. "Jackson" again in background. No. 4 - Members of the Club's working party at work (?) on the foundations and floor joists. No. 5 - More action this time! No. 6 - The first pre-fabricated wall going into place. Time start 3.30 P.M. No. 7. - The final wall section going up' No. 8 -Timber framework complete. Time 5.30 P. M.fred griffith, falls creek, bogong

This is a booklet with a buff-coloured cover featuring an illustration of a woman water skiing. The back cover has blue printing. The pages contain a fold-out map, advertisements, printed text and black and white photographs. The pages have been stapled and then glued.non-fictionWarrnambool Tourist Guide 1936tourism in warrnambool, warrnambool progress association

There are 2 maps: 1. Broadbent's Makers of Maps since 1896, No. 323 Across the Alps/Official Copyright Map./ The cover is blue, green and orange with advertising for Ólympic' and 'Bosch' and there is further advertising on the fold out covers/ 2/-. 2. Robinson's Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme & Hotham Heights Map No. 613, with Insets of: Bright, Mt Beauty, Falls Creek Ski Village, Hotham Heights Ski Village/ the cover is blue, green and orange with image of skier, hydro tower and locality map./Other fold out sides have advertising and information for tourists./ 4/-.maps, tourism, kiewa hydro electric scheme, victorian alps, skiing

Mt Bogong is visited all year round. In 1936 Cleve Cole died after having been lost in a blizzard close to its summit. This resulted in the erection of snow poles and the Cleve Cole Hut.Mt Bogong, the highest mountain in Victoria, used by skiers in winter and bushwalkers in summer. The weather is variable.1. Article includes 'New Summit Hut' & includes effect of cattle on skiing conditions - 4 pages stapled top left corner 2. The Mt Bogong Disaster, 1936 Cleve Cole, Rescue. 10 pages stapled top left cornercleve cole, mt bogong, summit hut, snow, skiing disaster.

In June 1982 This research report on the West Kiewa Alpine Way Proposal was sent to the Mt Beauty Chamber of Commerce. "The economic, tourist market and geographic factors are the kernel of the proposal." From Industrial Relocations Consultants Pty. Ltd.The proposal was to benefit the tourism industry.Manila foolscap folder with metal fastener. Papers dated June 1982 re - "Proposed West Kiewa Alpine Way and Day Ski Resort" Also enclosed but not related: Letter from Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee July 1984B. Goss written on coverwest kiewa alpine way, day ski resort, mt beauty chamber of commerce

Poster, mounted onto a sheet of 12mm chipboard featuring W6 942 on a Ski Lift at Mount Buller, with the caption Mt Buller Melbourne's Mountain". Has the destination of Bourke St, route 1, Has a string hanging strip on the back with two eyelets.trams, tramways, w6 class, bourke st, tourist trips, tram 942

This knitting pattern book was published by the Melbourne 'Herald' newspaper, and contains knitting patterns for womens garments.The Complete Home / knitting / Illustrated / Jumpers and Cardigans / Twin Sets: Gloves / Man's Pullover / Ski Cap and Gloves / Teenager's Dress / THE HERALD, MELBOURNE / ONE AND SIXPENCEknitting handicrafts - history, herald and weekly times ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history

These boots were used for downhill skiing. Metal clips were used to tighten the boots across the foot and ankle. They were attached to the skis with bindings. The straps enable the boots to hang to dry after use. Doug McConville used them in the Winter Olympics in 1974.Historical: Doug McConville was an Olympian Ski boots change with the development of technology. These haven't a brand name on them.These black leather boots are made in Germany. They are lambswool lined. There is a quick release ankle metal spring clip attached to the sole with a blue looped strap of fabric at the toe end for hanging. There are 3 metal clips across the foot and 2 around the ankle for tightening the boot on to the foot. The boots have heavy plastic soles.Made in Germanywinter sport, ski, snow, boots, downhill skiing, alpine, winter olympics

An information booklet promoting programs at the Falls Creek Ski School for 1991. It emphasises the "Triple S" way of conducting lessons - Safe, Simple and Stylish". The different kinds of lessons and programs are clearly explained as well as the Ski School class levels. The booklet is endorsed by Qantas.This item is important because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortA small booklet combining information and images printed on glossy paper.falls creek marketing, falls creek ski school, ski lessons, winter in falls creek

Skippy St Elmo - Champion Skier and High Country Housewife. For much of the winter 1945 newly married Skippy St Elmo was alone in Wallace's Hut while her husband Toni worked as an assistant hydrographical observer for the SEC. During her first two weeks Skippy had her first ski lesson and promised herself that someday she would be able to ski. Before winter's end she was accompanying Toni around the snow gauges. The following year, Skippy and Toni became the first full time residents of Falls Creek. Along with a group of other SEC workers they built the first lodge at Falls Creek, “Skyline” in 1947. Not only did Skippy fulfill her promise to be able to ski but also went on to become the Victorian Women's 1949 Downhill & Combined Champion and in 1954 won the Albury Ski Club Men's championship. While modest about her skiing success, Skippy was very proud of her domestic skills and cooking prowess using a camp oven. She also was spent time sewing ski wear for both Toni and herself. Skippy definitely earned the title of “Falls Creek’s First Lady”.This item is significant because it documents a pioneering figure of Victorian skiing.Poster composed of photos and text explaining basic information about Skippy St. Elmo mounted on display board.skippy st elmo, key figures of falls creek, skyline

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by Patons and Baldwins and contains knitting patterns for mens garments. (NB: on the back cover is a photo of a car. The registration sticker can be seen quite clearly and is dated 1961, thus dating this book precisely.)JET . TOTEM . HIGHLAND . CONFETTI FLECKS . NYLETTE / BLUEBELL . PATONYLE 4-PLY . BOUCLON . SKI WOOL / No. 618 / Patons / KNITTING BOOK 618 / WITH T.V. DESIGNS / 2'-handicrafts - history knitting, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

A cloth bound booklet produced for instructors at Falls Creek Ski School in 1998 and 1999. They both have black text on the cover and contain 32 pages. The 1998 edition has a yellow cover and includes an image of a mountain view. The 1999 edition has a red cover.These manuals were produced for use by instructors at the Falls Creek Ski and Board School in the late 1990s.skiing lessons, falls creek ski and board school, ski instructor manuals

After World War II, the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the hydro scheme as skiing was a popular recreation. Many of the hydro employees were of European background and had grown up enjoying skiing and snow sports in their homelands and were keen to continue to pursue their winter sports interests. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Two T-Bars were opened in 1961. In 1964, the Victorian Municipal Directory recorded that Falls Creek had 29 ski club lodges and 16 commercial lodges.Employees of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in the Kiewa River Valley were the earliest skiers on the Bogong High Plains and built one of the first ski lodges at Falls Creek. They were amongst those pivotal in the development of the skiing and tourist industry at Falls Creek and on the Bogong High Plains. Set of 10 black and white photographs of various skiers at Falls Creek Victoria1. From Left-John Robertson Myrtleford; Bill Bridgford, St Trinians; Girl not known; Roy Wolpole, Myrtleford; Fin McAuliffe, Myrtleford; Looking on foreground, Toni St Elmo 2. Falls Creek. Property of State Electricity Commission of Victoria Publicity Photo Negative No PB4046. Publicity Branch, 15 William St Melbourne. 3. Avic Lajons 4. No markings 5. Bill Bridgeford (lower person on slope) 6. Max Lawrence? Facing skiers 7. 6575. Indistinguishable red stamp on back 8. 6875. Ces Dobson on tractor 9. From left on tow. John Robertson (Myrtleford); Bill Bridgeford (St Trinians); Girl unknown; Roy Walpole (Myrtleford); Vin McAuliffe (Myrtleford); Looking on foreground Toni Beveridge. 10. From Left 1; 2; 3. Bill Bridgeford; 4. George McPherson ? (Myrtleford); 5. John Robertson (Myrtleford); 6. Elsbeth Rollenson? (Myrtleford); 7; 8; 9. 11. Bogong. Looking N.E from Big River fire track. Skiers on way to Falls Creek. Spion Kop on left. Going around Ropers Cerner near the 18 mile post falls creek, skiing, bogong high plains

Vinyl bag protected Doug's skis while travelling to the 1976 Winter Olympic Games.Handmade ski bag used to store and carry Doug Mc Conville's downhill skis. Doug skied in the 1976 Winter Olympic Games.Custom made and vinyl lined brown fabric bag with 120 cm zipper with 3 blue leather straps open-ended pocket with blue leather binding on one side. "D" initial in blue leather.Blue leather 'D'skis. doug mc conville. snow.

Skiing became a popular sport during the 1940s as access improved to the Bogong High Plains The Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme was constructed on the Bogong High Plains during the 1940s and 1950s. This group of men (possibly workers on the Scheme) are back country skiing during the 1940s prior to the development of Falls Creek and downhill skiing.Large photo of a group of six male skiers with snow gums and faded mountains in the background.skiers on the bogong high plains

This hammer was used by workers on the ski lifts to clear them of ice. The hammer was turned by the Ski Lift Company and had a long reach. It was mainly used on the Summit T-Bar and the International Poma before they had catwalks to enable easier access for maintenance. This item was donated by Douglas Zolla. He has worked in Falls Creek for over 30 years. From 1987 until 2002. Doug worked as a De-icer with the Falls Creek Ski Lifts Company. For many years he has been a guide with Falls Creek Snowmobile Tours.This equipment is significant as it was created by the Falls Creek Ski Lift Company to ensure safe operation of their ski lifts.A metal hammer with orange tape on the handle and a rope attached.ski lift maintenance, falls creek ski lifts, de-icing ski lifts

MIM SODERGREN and the WOMEN'S SKI PROGRAM The Women's Ski Program at Falls Creek and Thredbo was initiated in the mid 1980s. One of the most popular instructors involved in this program was Mim (Mariam) Sodergren. Mim developed innovative, specialized ski programs for women and children in both Australia and the United States. She and her husband Mike originated from Tahoma, California, USA. They spent 17 years of their lives without a summer, working as ski instructors in Lake Tahoe during the northern winters, and then they’d head off to Falls Creek and Thredbo in Australia. Mim and Mike Sodergren were both inspiring instructors at Falls Creek Snowsports School, dedicated to education and had a deep-seated passion for fostering an inclusive Snowsports community. Tragically Mim and Mike were among the 18 people killed 30 July 1977 in Thredbo, Australia, when a landslide tore through Thredbo’s ski resort village and demolished two staff lodges. In 1997 the Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors (APSI) established the Sodergren scholarships in memory of Mim and Mike. The Sodergren Scholarship recognises the rising potential of Snowsport instruction within Australian ski resorts and allows the recipients to further their professional development by providing all training free of charge for one season. The women’s program still operates at Falls Creek and is a "heartfelt tribute to the memory of Mim Sodergren, a beloved 1980s instructor and mentor who tragically lost her life in the Thredbo landslide in 1997. Designed by women, for women, and inspired by the enduring passion of Mim and her partner, Mike, who was also an instructor, this program is a wonderful opportunity to learn to ski in a friendly and supportive environment, just as Mim envisioned." (Falls Creek Website 2024). Mike’s Men’s Ski Program at Falls Creek is also named in honour of Mike Sodergren.These photos are significant because they commemorate an innovative ski instructor lost through the tragedy at Thredbo in 1997.Two colour photos showing groups of women participating in the Ladies' Group at Falls Creek in the 1980s, as well as a photo of Mim and Mike Sodergren. Image 1 Left to right: Leonie Docking, Carol Bartholomew, Mim Sodergren, Blanche Spargo, Jane Zagorski, Rosanne Osborn and Di Mashford Image 2 Left to right : Pat Smart, Blanche Spargo, Margaret Smith, Pam Mero, Iris Jones, Jennifer Reuter, Lee Lowther, Jane Zagorski, Mim Sodergren Image 3: Mim and Mike Sodergrenwomen's ski program, falls creek ski school, mim sodergren

Mavis Grace Lindsay born in 1917 and married Toni St. Elmo in Ballarat on 18 December 1944. She was known as “Skippy” from childhood. They moved from Melbourne in 1945 and spent the year living in Wallace’s Hut. Toni was employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data. They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. Toni entering her in the first club championships held by the Bogong Ski Club at Rocky Valley, which he had established. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950s and represented Australia in New Zealand. In 1947, the first ski lodge was built by six SEC employees including Toni St Elmo. The lodge was named “Skyline”. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow at Falls Creek, called Nissen. He also established the Nissen Ski School. In 1949, Skippy won the Downhill and Combined State Championship held at Mt Buller. In 1950, Skippy was selected to compete in New Zealand with the Victorian team. Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club which became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in the Giant Slalom and Downhill. She went on to win many more races. In 1960, Skippy and Toni said farewell to Falls Creek. Skippy passed away in Queensland in July 2005 and Toni passed away in September of the same year. In November 2006 they were honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.A black and white photograph of Skippy and Toni St. Elmo standing in the doorway of their hut on the Bogong High Plains. A line of washing stretches behind the hut connected to the outside toilet.skippy st. elmo, toni st. elmo, sec hut skippy and toni st. elmo

Black and White photograph of Gavin Young and Carry Davey in front of No. 28 on No. 2 road at the BTPS depot 1980. Photo used in the 1979 - 1980 Annual Report. Photo by John Phillips. Note the construction of No. 40 road in the background and the remains of No. 3 road extension or the ski jump. On the rear of the photo "BC Bottom", "Gavin Young chats to Driver Gary Davey in front of No. 28, resplendent in its 1950's colour scheme." (G) S/S all in pencil.tramways, trams, btps, depot, track construction, tram 27