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 documents steps taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee to develop and protect the area.A letter dated 12.04.1961. The Management Committee was seeking feedback as to whether the Downhill Bridge Crossing should be put into service during the upcoming winter season. Points to be considered were that the chairlift in the area would not be operating, cost and the fact that no major championships were scheduled.falls creek development, falls creek tourist area management committee

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 documents a changed approach to the management of visitors and transport at Falls Creek.A circular published by the Management Committee outlining parking fees and requirements for the winter season 1961.falls creek tourist area management committee, parking requirements 1961

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 documents developments made or endorsed by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee.An information bulletin published by the Management Committee. Information included is the release of a new subdivision map, establishment of a Ski Rescue Service and notification that Bob Hymans' would not be in operation for the coming season,falls creek tourist area management committee, preparations for winter season 1961

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 documents the developments supported by the Management Committee for the winter season of 1961.A bulletin published by the Management Committee to inform licensees and residents of the most recent developments. These include:- negotiations with the SEC for new power connections; parking area extension and the Committee's approach to commercial development; and the announcement of the successful applicant for the new Ski School - Alpine Developments. It also reported on improved First Aid facilities and Parking Fees for the next season.falls creek tourist area management committee, amendment to regulations 1959

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 documents the development of services by the Management Committee for the winter season of 1961.A notice calling for applications from parties interested in conducting snow transport services within the Tourist Area for the 1961 winter season.falls creek tourist area management committee, transport services, falls creek services

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. September 1922. 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 documents a changed approach to the management of visitors and transport at Falls Creek.A letter to Licensees at Falls Creek explaining the reason for the introduction of parking fees in some sections of the Falls Creek Tourist Area in the winter of 1960. The system included limited access to free passes amd season tickets. Season tickets could be obtained at a cost of £1/10/-. Parking fees for cars were set at 2/- per day or part thereof and 4/- per weekend or week. The fee for buses was 5/- per day or part thereof.falls creek administration, parking fees falls creek 1960

SKI TICKETS Before tows and lifts were introduced at Falls Creek, it could take skiers 20 minutes to climb to the Summit … but only TWO minutes to go back to the bottom. The arrival of tows, then chairlifts and T-bars changed the face of skiing forever. The first rope tow was constructed by Toni St. Elmo for the 1951 winter season. Bob Hymans installed a smaller tow for his guests at Skyline Lodge. Tows were still quite slow, so in 1956 Bob Hymans created his single chairlift. In 1958 the Village rope tow, designed by Albury engineer Jock Wilson, opened. It was financed by shareholders including Bill Griffith (Bowna Ski Club) and the Bridgford family (St. Trinian’s Ski Club). Several other tows followed including the Summit T-bar in 1961, built by Ron McCallum and operated by Alpine Developments Pty. Ltd. which was a company formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served by 16 different lifts or T-bars, all owned and operated by Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. During the development of Falls Creek, different methods have been used to pay for the use of tows, lifts and T-bars … including metal tokens, single tickets, strips of tickets and season passes. The Falls Creek Historical Society Collection includes many examples of these items.These tickets are significant because they represent a stage in the progression of chair lifts and management at Falls Creek Tourist Village.A collection of tickets issued for entry to Falls Creek, lift passes and lessons at Falls Creek Ski School for 1984. The tickets include adult and child passes and range from a single lesson passes up to booklets for seven lessons. They also cover the low, shoulder and high season.ski tickets falls creek, falls creek management, falls creek ski school

This publication was a major item in the Falls Creek marketing program for 2004. A major feature of 2004 winter season was the opening of Drover’s Dream, arguably Australia’s most picturesque chairlift. Taking over from Panorama Poma, the new four-seat high-speed chairlift would open up more top to bottom riding. This was a multi-million dollar resort investment and expanded the Sun Valley area. It was over 700 metres long and added an additional 7.4 hectares of beginner and intermediate terrain. It was predicted to reduce queues on the Towers Chairlift as it had a capacity of 2,400 riders per hour. XC Skiing was strongly promoted including Cross-Country Trail Passes, Lessons and Ski Hire available from Falls Creek Nordic Hire at Windy Corner, Gebi’s Ski Hire, Viking Ski Hire and Koki Ski Hire. Accommodation rates for 43 different venues were included. Corporate Partners in 2004 were Bilia Volvo, Nursing Australia, Milo and Ten TV, with Hewlett Packard sponsor of the Falls Creek Racing and Events Department.This booklet is significant because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek in 2004 and the opening of the Drover's Dream Chairlift.A glossy publication of 40 pages promoting Falls Creek all year round. It includes detailed information of activities at Falls Creek, images and advertising,falls creek activities 2004, drover's dream falls creek, falls creek marketing

These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. This flyer was a major item in the marketing campaign for the winter season 1970. 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 features George Shirling in marketing material for Koki Alpine Lodge, Falls Creek.A flyer outlining the Winter season tariffs for Koki Alpine Lodge. It features an image of George Shirling surrounded by icicles hanging from the eaves of Koki, as well as text.george shirling, koki lodge

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover features an Eric Burt photo Dannielle Forras of Mount Buller, daughter of Ernest Forras. The photo is titled "The right age to start". Page 332 mentions Cecil Dobson and Orest Frueauf plans to open a new chalet "Winter Haven" for the next season. Page 333 includes a photo of the trophy presentation at the Falls Creek Junior Championship in September 1958. Page 345 features results from the Albury Ski Club Racing Carnival and the two Myrtleford results held on the same day.schuss journal, albury ski club carnival, myrtleford ski club, cecil dobson, orest frueauf, winterhaven ski lodge

These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. Veruschka von Lehndorff, known simply as Veruschka, was a German aristocrat and fashion model. In 1969 The Australian Ski Year Book included the following report on her visit to Falls Creek. "George Shirling and Michael Blackwell pulled off quite a coup for Ko-Ki when they played host to the world's top model, Veruschka, Countess von Lehndorff, last July. Veruschka, all blonde six feet of her, and her photographer-manager, Franco Rubartelli, chose Falls Creek as the location for a series of photographs featuring new-season's ski wear. The model, whose reputed fee is $800 to $1,000 a day for advertising shots was on assignment for Vogue International, and the article was to appear during the early part of the Northern Winter. Veruschka and her manager spent 10 days at Falls Creek, during which they photographed $8,000 worth of the best high-fashion ski wear and experimental ski equipment, especially air freighted from the USA". In this photo she is riding on the snowmobile from Koki Alpine Lodge. The Koki smiling face logo can be seen on the front of the vehicle.This item is significant because Veruschka's visit to Falls Creek brought it international attention.A colour photo of Veruschka riding the Koki Snowmobile at Falls Creek.koki alpine lodge, george shirling, veruschka

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal includes stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover features a photo early snow falls at Mt. Buller. Pages 234 - 235 gave a detailed account of activities over the Queen's Birthday weekend at Falls Creek, where residents were surprised by early snow falls. This was written by Molly Bunyan. Page 236 included information regarding transport arrangements for the National Championships. "Falls Creek Kaleidoscope" by Tom Mitchell, Sandy McNabb and Molly Bunyan included small items of information about activities at Falls Creek. Page 239 outlines the introduction of parking fees at Falls Creek and regulations for the Winter season. On page 244 it was announced that the National Fitness Council was going to conduct a National Fitness Ski School at Howman's Gap from July 23rd until August 6th.schuss journal, tom mitchell, national fitness council howman's gap

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It promoted information regarding Falls Creek which had become know as "The Happy Mountain". This issue reported the arrival of "An Eagle on the mountain". The new $500,000 plus Eagle Chairlift was officially opened on 15th June 1980, by the Hon. L. Lieberman, M.L A. 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 documents the opening of the Eagle Chairlift at Falls Creek.A small publication outlining developments of Falls Creek "The Happy Mountain" for the 1980 winter season. It includes articles and photos. On card: ITEM NO. 96 The Happy Mountain News 1980 Announcing the opening of the new Eagle chair lift ..... with $14 day ticket! Donation of Phyl Bridgfordgeorge shirling, falls creek, falls creek tennis club

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. Ernest Forras came first to Falls Creek but settled at Mt Buller and established Kooroora Chalet. It was built on the site of Cow Camp Hut in 1954. The Chalet was destroyed by fire in 1961 and rebuilt in 1965. After the rebuild, they installed a large generator and sold electricity to their neighbours. Kooroora gained a reputation as the party place of Mt Buller. It was purchased by Richard Paine in 1994. Ernest Forras died at Mt Buller on Sunday 31st October 2010. At the end of the 2018 winter season, the Kooroora Chalet underwent a major refurbishment. 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 photo is significant because it features Ernest Forras who originally came to Falls Creek but settled at Mt Buller and established Kooroora Chalet. A colour photo of Ernest Forras and the truck from Kooroora Chalet On side of truck: Kooroora Chalet Mount Buller with E. Forras & Staffgeorge shirling, ernest forras, kooroora chalet mt buller