Showing 24781 items
matching falls-creek
-
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Falls Creek Summer 2001 - 2002
Part of a yearly marketing program promoting Falls Creek region for the summer season. The table of events runs from December 2001 until April 2002 and includes Falls Creek Multi-Sport Camps, Christmas Day Luncheon, Summer Paste Workshop, New Year's Eve Celebrations' National Distance Training Camp, Jazz & Blues, Food, WIne & Wildflower Weekend, HIgh Country Photography & Art Exhibition, Falls Creek Off-Road Triathlon, Mile High Tennis Tournament, Stanton & Killeen WInemaker Dinner, Classical Music and Easter at Falls Creek.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort outside the most recognised snow skiing programs.A small leaflet advertising summer program at Falls Creek for 2001-2002. Front cover features four images, the title in tan and white print and the Falls Creek logo at the bottom. The slogan printed at the foot of the front page is "Catch the buzz". falls creek summer, events at falls creek, falls creek summer programs., falls creek marketing -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Brochure - Falls Creek, Never Out of Season
A part of a yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek region for the summer holidays. The slogans incorporated include " Falls Creek, Never Out of Season" and "Falls Creek, your home away from home"This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortSquare yellow, blue, orange and green brochure titled Falls Creek, Never out of Season. Opens to a larger square program with internal pages of yellow and blue with central mud-map of Melbourne-Sydney with lines to Falls Creek. Accomodation information surrounding map and photographs with text on back pages.falls creek marketing, falls creek activities, falls creek -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Magazine - Falls Creek Alpine Resort 1993
A part of a yearly marketing magazine promoting Falls Creek region in the summer. This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortMagazine titled Falls Creek Alpine Resort 1993. Front cover is an image of lake area with Fall Creek Alpine Resort titled centre top in red and three nature photos framed centre bottom. American Express logo bottom right and blue back cover with Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce and American Express at bottom of page. Six internal pages with outdoor images and accommodation information for Summer in Falls Creek. falls creek, victoria, school holidays, 1990s, marketing, graphic design, summer, accomodation, vacation, alpine, alpine resort -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Falls Creek Information 2004
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 -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Article - Falls Creek grows apace, 27 April 1957
This article focuses on developments at Falls Creek in 1957. It makes reference to Toni and Skippy St. Elmo, Bob Hymans, Cecil Dobson, Fed Griffith and Oreste Frueauf.This article is significant because it documents developments in Falls Creek and refers to several pioneers of the area.A newspaper item reporting on the development of Falls Creek and its facilities. toni st. elmo, falls creek development, spion kopje -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Badge - Nissen Falls Creek, c1953
This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is an early souvenir from Nissen Lodge which was built c1952. 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 a rare souvenir from one of the early lodges at Falls Creek, Victoria.A small enamelled badge depicting a skier dressed in green and white. Text is included on a red strip above and beneath the figure. A typed sign is included.Above the skier: NISSEN Below the Skier: FALLS CREEK On Sign: ITEM NO. 106 Very rare badge - "Nissen - Falls Creek" c1953 Donated by "Diana" of Diana Lodgegeorge shirling, nissen lodge -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - Veruschka at Koki, Falls Creek, 1969
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 -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Falls Creek Alpine Resort Summer Breakaways 1996/1997
Part of a yearly marketing and information program to promote Falls Creek region for the summer season. . General activities explained in he brochure are:- Enjoying A Bushwalk In The Alpine National Park, Water Sports, Horse Riding, Mountain Bike Riding, Two & Four Wheel Driving, High Country Wining & Dining, Discovering The Wildlife. Daybreaks & Golden Sunsets And Pure Relaxation. The specific activities in the Summer Program of Events include:- Alpine Nature Rambles. Angling Expeditions, Christmas Carols, National Distance Camp, Food, Wine & Wildflower Weekend, High-O Orienteering Event, Mile High Tennis Tournament, High Country Mountain Bike Ride, Classical Music Weekend, Cadbury Red Tulip Giant Easter Egg Hunt And Festivities. The “Breakaways” brochure is a publication of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, an organisation dedicated to establishing Falls Creek as the premier alpine resort In Australia. This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortA brochure for summer program at Falls Creek for 1996/7. The front cover features an image of yellow wildflowers, mountain rocks and the sky with the title"Falls Creek Alpine Resort Summer Breakawaysfalls creek marketing, falls creek summer programs., falls creek alpine resort, falls creek events and activities -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - Bernhardt Plohberger and Felix Soratroi near Falls Creek Ski School
Bernard Plohberger was one of the early ski instructors at Falls Creek. He was born in Austria on 14 January 1930. He was a ski instructor before he left Austria in 1955. He spent the winter of 1956 working as a ski instructor and during the summer Bernie worked as a chainman for the SEC Surveyor. He built the Ski School at Falls Creek in 1957 as well as the Frying Pan Inn. In 1960 the Frying Pan Inn was taken over by Bill Bridgford who had helped to finance its construction. Bernie married his wife Trudi in 1958 and their son Gerhard was born at the ski school in 1959, the first child born at Falls Creek. Both Trudi and Bernie worked for Bob Hymans for a period at Grand Coeur Chalet. After leaving Falls Creek, Bernie and Trudi moved to Canberra where Bernie took work on civil engineering projects such as the coal loader in Wollongong, the Vietnam memorial in Canberra, highway work on the Hume and Sugarloaf Dam in Victoria. Bernie Plohberger died on 18 May 2020. Felix Soratroi was also an Austrian Ski Instructor who was encouraged by Bernie to move to Falls Creek and work at the Ski School.This item is significant because it depicts early Ski Instructors at Falls Creek Ski School.A black and white image of two skiers near the Falls Creek Ski School.bernard plohberger, frying pan inn, falls creek ski school, felix soratroi -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - This Week in Falls Creek - Ski Show Edition
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 -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Magazine - Falls Creek 1993 Ski Holidays
Part of an annual marketing campaign, this booklet was designed to provide information for planning a holiday at Falls Creek for the winter of 1993. It includes extensive details about activities, facilities and accommodation in the Village as well as contact information to make necessary bookings. The publication was supported by Tourism Victoria and the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortMagazine titled 'Falls Creek 1993 Ski Holidays' containing multiple pages of information and images for 1993 winter holidays. Front cover with white background with blue title and square colour image of Falls Creek village centre of page with skier overlayed on image and title. Tourism Victoria logo on bottom left corner and Falls Creek logo on bottom left corner. Advertising on back page. falls creek marketing, events at falls creek, facilities falls creek, falls creek 1990s -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Mountains of Fun Summer Holidays, Falls Creek
A part of a yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek region, this booklet was designed to provide information for planning a holiday at Falls Creek during the summer. It includes extensive details about activities, facilities and accommodation in the Village as well as contact information to make necessary bookings.This item is important because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortA4 size brochure for summer program at Falls Creek. Front cover with white border and yellow background, illustration of a pyramid made of people doing summer activities in white, green, yellow and black, centre of page with FALLS CREEK in block letters underneath and 'Mountains of Fun Summer Holidays' in black cursive font top left. Opens to A4 size of internal and back pages with information, and illustrations of summer at Falls Creek. school holidays, accommodation falls creek, falls creek magazines, falls creek summer -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Mountains of Fun Summer Holidays, Falls Creek
A part of a yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek region, this booklet was designed to provide information for planning a holiday at Falls Creek during the summer. It includes extensive details about activities, facilities and accommodation in the Village as well as contact information to make necessary bookings.This item is important because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortA4 size brochure for summer program at Falls Creek. Front cover with white border and blue background, illustration of a pyramid made of people doing summer activities in white, green, blue and black, centre of page with FALLS CREEK in block letters underneath and 'Mountains of Fun Summer Holidays' in black cursive font top left. Opens to three A4 length of internal and back pages with information, map and images of summer at Falls Creek. falls creek marketing, falls creek summer programs., falls creek activities -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - Falls Creek Huette
The Falls Creek Huette was created as a result of the ideas, support and persistence of Charles Anton, Founder and First President of the Australian Alpine Club. It opened on the Queen’s Birthday weekend 1963, the same day as the Perisher Huette Work on prefabricating the walls commenced in Melbourne at the start of March 1963. Digging of the foundation trenches commenced on site on 19 March 1963. When the first snow fell on 20 March 1963 some of the construction was temporarily under snow. Fortunately, the site was not buried for long, although the deep mud that developed meant that every sheet of plaster along with all fittings and furniture had to be carried to the lodge from the main road. The first Falls Creek Huette had 14 beds in the bedrooms and an overflow area that could accommodate 6 more persons. It served the Australian Alpine Club until it was sold in 1971 and a much larger lodge was built on another site.These images are significant because they document the construction of an important building at Falls Creek, VictoriaImages from display at Falls Creek Museumfalls creek huette, falls creek lodges, charles anton, australian alpine club -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Magazine - Falls Creek Winter 98 Ski Holidays
Part of a yearly marketing program to promote Falls Creek Resort, this issue features a skier on the cover leaping in the air. The deals on offer include "First At Falls" for beginners, "Family Fair Deal", and the "Ski Away No More To Pay Super Special". The brochure was produced by the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort during the late 1990s.Magazine titled Falls Creek 1998 Ski Holidays printed in A4 format. It includes images and winter accommodation information.falls creek marketing, falls creek resort, falls creek chamber of commerce, falls creek ski holidays 1998 -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Falls Creek Lodge & Apartment Guide Summer 1992
A part of a yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek. This leaflet focuses on activities and accommodation in Falls Creek Village in the summer. Venues included are:- Astra Lodge, Diana, Halley's Lodge, Silver Ski, Snowdrift, Alpine View Apartments and Koki Apartments.This item is important as it documents different approaches to marketing Falls Creek Village, Victoria. An A4 size leaflet promoting several businesses in Falls Creek. An accommodation rates chart is included in the centre page.skiing, ski, falls creek, victoria, school holidays, winter, snow, winter sport, 1990s, marketing, graphic design -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Tickets Falls Creek 1970, Alpine Development Holdings Pty Ltd
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 management at Falls Creek Tourist Village.A set of a variety of tickets and passes for the winter season 1970 at Falls Creek.falls creek passes, falls creek ski school, falls creek chairlifts -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Falls Creek Cross Country Season Pass Books 2010
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 an aspect of the management of activities at Falls Creek.Two books of Cross Country Season Pass Tickets for 2010. The blue tickets are Child's tickets and the red tickets for adults. Each book contains 20 tickets.Blue Tickets: FALLS CREEK CROSS COUNTRY SEASON PASS CHILD Red Tickets: FALLS CREEK CROSS COUNTRY SEASON PASS ADULTfalls creek cross country, falls creek ski tickets, season pass -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Falls Creek Alpine Resort Summer 1999 - 2000
Part of a yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek Resort for the summer season. It includes a table of events from November 1999 until April 2000. Events listed include:- Falls Creek Multi-Sports Camps, Christmas Day Luncheon and New Year's Eve celebrations, National Distance Training Camp, Cajun Blues Weekend, Food, Wine and Wildflower Weekend, Mile High Tennis Tournament, High Country Photo Exhibition, Falls Creek Off-Road Triathlon, Stanton & Killeen WInemaker Dinner, Classical Music Weekend, Adventures with Style and an Easter Egg Hunt.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortA brochure for summer program at Falls Creek Alpine resort for 1999 - 2000. Text is in orange and white print.falls creek marketing, falls creek events, falls creek summer, falls creek camps -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Card - Membership Cards - Falls Creek Tennis Club
These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. They document the involvement of the Shirling Family in the Falls Creek Tennis Club over a long period. The first tennis court in the Falls Creek area was cleared on a flattened area of ground between Wallace's and Wilkinson's huts prior to World War II. 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 evidence of other links George Shirling had in Falls Creek.A large collection of Falls Creek Tennis Club Membership cards and receipts for the Shirling Family ranging from 1983 until 1997. Various names and dates on ticketsgeorge shirling, falls creek, falls creek tennis club -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Badge - Falls Creek Ski School Race Club
The Falls Creek Race Club was started in the late 60's by Rodney Moss assisted by Bob Howe from Albury Ski Club and Geoff Henke from Moloney's. The club ran races on the summit every weekend and later started the training squad. Its aim is to promote all the skills of skiing and snowboarding and to improve the safety and enjoyment of the sport for all age groups. As an athlete's skills Improve so they can begin to train and race at Children's level races and move on to Junior and Senior levels, possibly aspiring to the Masters Circuit or State and National Teams. Hundreds of children have been involved over the past four decades and the program has produced a number of skiers who have been successful at national and international levels. Falls Creek has produced Olympians Ross and Malcolm Mine, Joanne Henke, Jenny Altermatt, Steven Lee in Alpine skiing. Dick Walpole and Chris Heberle in Cross Country, Britteny Cox, Paul and Adrian Costa in Freestyle Moguls. Many others have represented in National Teams at World Championship events.These badges are significant because they represent the Falls Creek Ski School and the Falls Creek Race Club which have nurtured many skiers, some of whom progressed to become representatives in international sporting events.Four red, white and blue badges. Three has an image of a skier in the centre, the other has an image of sun over a mountain Falls Creek Ski School Racefalls creek race club, falls creek olympians -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - Road Under Ski Run at Falls Creek, 1960
This ski run was built for the 1960 Australian Downhill Championships conducted at Falls Creek. It may have been built in conjunction with the SEC. This crossing was just below the Falls Creek Resort entrance. It had a vertical elevation of approximately 1,500 feet. The building pictured is a former SEC building which became the "Galleon" Ski Club and was later know as Cooroona. To the right is the Bowna Ski Club.This image is significant because it captures a structure created for the 1960 Australian Downhill Championships held at Falls Creek.Image of a road passing under a downhill ski run at Falls Creek. A building is visible on the left of the photo.On sign above road: SKI RUN CROSSING / DOWNHILL RACING COURSE1960 australian downhill championships, downhill ski run falls creek -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Postcard - Poma Tow at Falls Creek
These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, Victoria. The first Poma tow to open at Falls Creek was the Nursery Poma in 1964. The name "Poma" originates from the inventor of this style of lift Jean Pomagalski who was born in Krakow, Poland, He fled Poland with his family and settled in France. As an engineer he developed the first surface lift with a tow rod which was installed in Alpe d'Huez (France) in 1934.This collection of postcards and images is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful businessman in Falls Creek, Victoria.A colour image of skiers on the chair lift at Falls Creekfalls creek, falls creek chairlifts, poma lift falls creek -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Souvenir - Falls Creek Picture Tumbler
A wide range of souvenirs have been produced to use as keepsakes or mementos of Falls Creek. They include caps, keyrings, booklets, other clothing, tea towels, coasters and mugs. This item is representative of that range.This item is significant because it represents the wide range of memorabilia available in Falls Creek.A plastic souvenir tumbler with an image of Falls Creek Village. An "AUstralian made" sticker is attachedsouvenir, tumbler, powerhouse, snow crystal appartments -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - Toni's Prefab. in Falls Creek
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.This image is significant because it depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.A photo of the a prefab house built for Skippy and Toni St. Elmo-Beveridge near Falls Creek.falls creek, toni st elmo, toni beveridge hydrographer -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - Axtrack oversnow vehicle Falls Creek Hotel
This vehicle, an Axtrack is located outside the Falls Creek Museum. It was built by Axel Andre who worked in Falls Creek as a mechanic for several years in the early 1970s. Axel was an engineer by trade. He built this small twin track vehicle for Ivan Spargo at the Falls Creek Hotel and then progressed to building bigger and better models. This included one for Ziggy Doer at Koki and Neville Mashford at Snowland purchased two of them. Some of these machines were also exported to America. Axel Andre later established a company Axtrack Engineering in Melbourne. There are still three of these Axtrack vehicles on the hill at Falls Creek in 2024. The vehicles were used for commercial purposes such as transporting supplies and staff around the mountain. The Spargo family from the Falls Creek Hotel used this vehicle for oversnow transport and it advertised Harvey Wallbanger Happy Hour. Ivan and Joy Spargo relocated from Melbourne to Falls Creek in 1965. They purchased a piece of leasehold land and built Spargo Lodge. This was a dorm style chalet built to accommodate large groups and families. Their son Rob Spargo met his future wife Blanche in 1967 when she was on holiday in Falls Creek. They married and purchased the site where the Falls Creek Hotel is today. The steep gradient of the site was a challenge to build on but was the best location available in the village. In 1970 Rob’s sister Leonie and her husband Glenn joined the business, and they started operating the hotel in 1972. The family played a critical role in the growth of the Falls Creek community and were involved in the foundation of Falls Creek Primary School and Falls Creek Search & Rescue. Rob was also involved in the start-up of Ski Victoria and has served as a member of the Chamber and Resort Management Board. Rob’s eldest daughter Lisa competed with the Australian Ski Team from 1985 to 1989 and has worked as a ski instructor in Australia, Austria & Colorado. In 2010 Lisa and her husband Damien Allport joined the family business and her parents retired to Tawonga South in 2014. Their children are now the fourth generation of the Spargo family living at Falls Creek enjoying the alpine lifestyle and providing outstanding hospitality. The 40 year tradition of the Harvey Wallbanger Happy Hour held on Tuesdays and Thursdays continues at Falls Creek Hotel in 2024.This item is significant because it depicts an important form of transport at Falls Creek, VictoriaA coloured photo of a black Axtrack oversnow vehicle decorated with red and yellow advertising.FALLS CREEK HOTEL APRES ENTERTAINMENT HARVEY HOUR TUES & THURS 3.30 PM LIVE ENTERTAINMENTaxtrack, oversnow vehicles, falls creek transport, spargo lodge, falls creek hotel -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Anglo-Australasian Photographic Company, View of Sailor’s Creek Falls, c. 1876
Nicholas Caire was born on Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1837. He arrived in Adelaide with his parents in about 1860. In 1867, following photographic journeys in Gippsland, he opened a studio in Adelaide. From 1870 to 1876 he lived and worked in Talbot in Central Victoria. In 1876 he purchased T. F. Chuck's studios in the Royal Arcade Melbourne. In 1885, following the introduction of dry plate photography, he began a series of landscape series, which were commercially successful. As a photographer, he travelled extensively through Victoria, photographing places few of his contemporaries had previously seen. He died in 1918. Reference: Jack Cato, 'Caire, Nicholas John (1837–1918)', Australian Dictionary of Biography.An original, rare photograph from the series 'Views of Victoria: General Series' by the photographer, Nicholas Caire (1837-1918). The series of 60 photographs that comprise the series was issued c. 1876 and reinforced a neo-Romantic view of the Australian landscape to which a growing nationalist movement would respond. Nicholas Caire was active as a photographer in Australia from 1858 until his death in 1918. His vision of the Australian bush and pioneer life had a counterpart in the works of Henry Lawson and other nationalist poets, authors and painters.Views of Victoria (General Series) No.32 / 'View of Sailor’s Creek Falls’ / Albumen silver photograph mounted on boardOn Reverse: ‘The Sailor’s Creek Falls are situated near Daylesford, in one of the valleys of the Jim Crow Ranges. The Creek at this particular juncture is naturally adapted for the formation of a large reservoir. The stream of water is small during summer months, but a great body of water may sometimes be seen during the winter or wet seasons.’nicholas caire (1837-1918), sailor's creek (vic), jim crow ranges, daylesford, sailor's falls, photography - landscapes - victoria -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Souvenir - Ashtray - Falls Creek 1953
This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is typical of the range of souvenirs used to promote Falls Creek in the 1950s. 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 is representative of souvenirs used to promote Falls Creek in the 1950s.A green ceramic ash tray with gilt trims and printing. A typed display card is included.Across centre in gold - Falls Creek Makers Mark underneath: C. R. Hose within a map of Australia On Card: ITEM No. 127 Ceramic Ash Tray - green and gold - 3" X 3" - inscribed in gold "Falls Creek" Purchased by the donor in 1953george shirling, falls creek souvenirs -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Map - Falls Creek Alpine Resort Map
Julian Newton-Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. By working several jobs, Julian was able to build a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek. The lodge is now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to "Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. When Julian and his wife Beth retired and left Falls Creek, their son took over running the lodge. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder in Falls Creek, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in May 2020.This map is significant because it contains an image of Falls Creek Alpine Resort.A black and white map of Falls Creek Alpine Resort Map featuring a photo taken by Julian Newton Brown. A numbered legend is included at the bottom right corner.dawn ski club, accommodation falls creek, lodges falls creek, tom mitchell -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Falls Creek Skiing Holidays 1993
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