The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 1997 the Men's Winner was Paul Gray from Australia in a time of 1:43:07. The winner of the Women's event was Camille Melvey of Australia in a time of 2:06:58.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A large poster featuring a main image of many skiers on the slopes, with a larger image of a female skier superimposed over it. A title is written in the top left section of the poster in orange text. Remaining text is in black. The logos of Worldloppet, Southern Hydro, Alpine Resorts Commission Victoria and the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club are also included in the left side of the poster. In top left: Kangaroo Hoppet / August 30 1997 Falls Creek Australia At the bottom beneath images: Kangaroo Hoppet 42km Birkebeiner 21km Joey Hoppet 7km Race Secretary P.O. Box 400 Mt. Beauty 3699 Tel: (03) 5754 3103 Fax: (03) 5754 4475kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 1998 the Men's Winner was Ales Vanek from the Czech Republic in a time of 1:47:05. The winner of the Women's event was Nadejda Simaknek of Russia in a time of 2:08:30.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A simple black and white poster featuring a silhouette of a skier and a kangaroo.All text is in black. The logos of Worldloppet is featured in the bottom left corner.Across bottom: Kangaroo Hoppet Falls Creek Australia August 29th 1998 Tel: (03) 5754 3103 Fax: (03) 5754 4475 P.O. Box 400 Mt. Beauty 3699 http://www.netc.net.au/-hoppet/kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 1999 the Men's Winner was Vitaly Tchernov from Russia in a time of 1:45:26. The winner of the Women's event was Jannike Oeyen of Norway in a time of 1:54:05.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A coloured poster featuring an image of a group of Hoppet skiers from 1998 ascending a slope.The logo of Worldloppet is featured in the top left corner. The logos of QANTAS and the KANGAROO HOPPET are in the bottom corners,Across bottom: KANGAROO HOPPET FALLS CREEK AUSTRALIA AUGUST 28th 1999 Tel: (03) 5754 3103 Fax: (03) 5754 4475 P.O. Box 400 Mount Beauty 3699 http://www.netc.net.au/-hoppet/ e-mail: [email protected] hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2000 the Men's Winner was Ben Derrick from Australia in a time of 1:56:39. The winner of the Women's event was Camille Melvey of Australia in a time of 2:19:21.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A coloured poster featuring an image of a group of seven skiers on the snow against the sunset, with the outline of four kangaroos in the sky. The slogan for the year was in an arc of yellow text above the skiers. The logos of Worldloppet and QANTAS were featured on either side of the text at the bottom. This year celebrated the 10th Kangaroo Hoppet.In arc of gold text: BE PART OF THE MOB / 26th AUGUST 2000 Beneath image: KANGAROO HOPPET 10 FALLS CREEK AUSTRALIA In smaller print along bottom: Tel: (03) 5754 3103 Fax: (03) 5754 4475 P.O. Box 400 Mount Beauty 3699 Website: http://www.netc.net.au/-hoppet/ Email: [email protected] hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. Unfortunately due to rapidly deteriorating snow conditions on the course, combined with a weather forecast of warm temperatures and rain in the days preceding the event, the Kangaroo Hoppet was cancelled for 2024.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring a variety of symbols representing the Falls Creek Hoppet within the outline of a kangaroo head. Logos of Worldloppet, AGL, Falls Creek, Alpine Shire Council, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, Ski Classics and Kangaroo Hoppet are across the bottom of the poster. Text: KANGAROO HOPPET 24th August 2024 Australia's Premier XC Ski Race 7 km 21 km 42 km FALLS CREEK, VIC kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. Unfortunately in 2023 due to poor snow conditions it was decided that a fair and safe competition could not be held on the course and the Kangaroo Hoppet was cancelled.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring an image of female two skiers after a previous Hoppet presentation. Logos of Worldloppet, AGL, Falls Creek, Alpine Shire Council, Victorian State Government, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. FIS, Bendigo Bank and Kangaroo Hoppet are across the bottom of the poster. Text: KANGAROO HOPPET Australia's Premier X-Country Ski Race 26 August 2023 Below the logos: 26 August 2023 FALLS CREEK AUSTRALIA 7 km 21 km 42 km hoppet.com.au kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2014 the Men's Winner was Valerio Leccardi from Switzerland in a time of 1:20:03. The winner of the Women's event was Valentina Shevchenko of Ukraine in a time of 1:31:01. This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster two skiers wearing red vests passing a line of yellow markers in snow. The lake and mountain are in the background. Logos of AGL, Falls Creek All Season Alpine Resort, Alpine Shire, Tourism Victoria, Parks Victoria, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Worldloppet are along the bottom of the poster.Towards top: Kangaroo Hoppet /23RD AUGUST 2014 42KM 21KM 7KM FALLS CREEK VICTORIA AUSTRALIA www.hoppet.com.au kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

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 industry in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover features a photograph of a woman watching cattle on Mt Buller in the summer. Page 42 includes an announcement about the success of bookings and key dates of availability for accommodation at Grand Coeur Chalet. Page 52 details the commencement of construction of Australia's firs ski chair lift by Bob Hymans at Falls Creek.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, bob hymans

This Pewter Mug Collection is a set of 32 trophies won by Australian Alpine skiers Ross and Malcolm Milne between 1959 and 1964. 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. Ross went on to win the North-Eastern District Ski Association (NEDSA) Junior Championships for three years in a row. In 1961 Ross was a member of the Australian team which competed against New Zealand in the Inter-Dominion Championships. In 1963, he won the Downhill and Alpine Combined title at the Australian Championships, while placing second in the Grand Slalom event. Ross Milne was selected in the Australian team that participated in the 1964 Olympic Winter Games at Innsbruck, Austria. A few days before the opening of the Games, on 25 January 1964, he tragically lost his life when he crashed into a tree during a training run for the Men's Downhill. He was only 19 years of age. 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. James Malony originally established his business in 1854 in King Street Melbourne. The family owned business of J. Molony initially specialised in shoemaking. Several members of the family were recognised ice hockey and figure skaters who have represented Australia in international winter events including the 1952 Olympic Games in Oslo, Norway and the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics. Molony’s in Elizabeth Street expanded their business with a focus on ski equipment, opening new premises in Falls Creek in 1960. They sponsored several events included the Malony Cup, a Grand Slalom event held at Falls Creek.This item is significant because it is part of a collection which documents the career of two outstanding Australian sportsmen.A pewter mug awarded for Moloney Cup 1966Engraved on side of mug: Molony Cup 1966 MENS THIRDross milne, malcolm milne, milne brothers, australian alpine skiers, j. malony

Dawn Ski Club was one of the earliest buildings on Falls Creek. Tom Mitchell was one of the biggest shareholders who was also one of the main instigators and a driving force behind the formation of Falls Creek. Other members were the Napier family from Wagga and Dale Crooke from Gundowring in Victoria. Their hut was built by Cec Dobson and was a copy of Skyline Lodge. Initially it had two bedrooms but was later extended to four. Dawn Ski Club was named by Tom Mitchell because he said it was the dawn of skiing for the children and it was always noted for having a child friendly atmosphere and programs. Tom Mitchell was a former Australian ski champion and Member of Parliament for Benambra who championed the causes of skiers and Falls Creek for his whole time in State Parliament. Dawn Ski Club was sold in 1960 and then sold again to Astra Lodge when a block of flats was built on the Limlimbu site. In 1986 the original Lodge building was moved to Windy Corner to become the SES Headquarters.This image is significant because it depicts one of the earliest Ski Clubs built at Falls Creek.A coloured photo of Dawn Ski Club under light snow. A red telephone box can be seen on the left.dawn ski club, accommodation falls creek, lodges falls creek, tom mitchell

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 5 - "Toonallook" was the venue for the Albury Ski Club's pre season barbecue in June. The Albury Ski Club Ball will also be held in the "Toonallook" wool shed on 28th November. Page 7 - Toni St. Elmo has proposed that a peak on the Bogong High Plains N.W. 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. Page 20 - Bob Hymans, late of the French National Instructors' School, Chamonix, advertised the opening of bookings for accommodation and lessons at Falls Creek for skiers only. Fees for beginning and intermediate level skiers, conducted day tours and coaching, including accommodation and meals were set at 12 guineas. Hire of all necessary equipment could also be arranged.bob hymans, "toonallook", toni st. elmo

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2003 the Men's Winner was Ben Derrick from Australia in a time of 0:53:45. The winner of the Women's event was Belinda Phillips of Australia in a time of 1:06:34. Strong winds, falling snow and poor visibility prevailed on the Bogong High Plains. Due to near blizzard conditions the course was altered for safety reasons.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A coloured poster featuring an image of a tree in the snow with skiers superimposed over the top. Borders are black with white text. The logos of Tourism Victoria and Worldloppet are on either side at the bottom of the image.In white text the top: KANGAROO HOPPET 13 Beneath the image: 30th August 2003 Tel: (03) 5754 3103 - Fax: (03) 5754 4475 - P.O. Box 400 Mount Beauty 3699 Website: http://www.hoppet.com.au Email: [email protected] kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2006 the Men's Winner was Ben Sim from Australia in a time of 1:13:17. The winner of the Women's event was Natascia Leonardi-Cortesi of Switzerland in a time of 1:23:20. This was a very poor snow season with no snow in the Nordic Bowl, on Heathy Spur or on the trail around the Lake so the course had to be modified.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.An image of a large group of skiers in reddish tones on white-blue snow. All writing is in blue text. The logos of Tourism Victoria and Worldloppet are on the right hand side in red tones. A blue fish is beside the text at the bottom.Beneath the image: KANGAROO HOPPET 16 August 26 Falls Creek Australia 2006 EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.hoppet.com.au PH +61 3 57541045 03 57541045 POST P.O. Box 400 Mount Beauty 3699 newfishPeeskangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2009 the Men's Winner was Ben Sim from Australia in a time of 0:58:39.4. The winner of the Women's event was Kate Calder of New Zealand in a time of 1:07:48.9. Due to the poor weather, and in view of skier safety and poor snow cover, a modified course was set. he Hoppet was reduced from 42 to 25 kms. This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster with an aerial photo of a large number of skiers in the formation of the shape of a kangaroo. The colour of the border is blue, white and orange text is used. The Worldloppet logo is at the top left. The logos of AGL, Alpine Shire, Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, Parks Victoria, Tourism Victoria and Falls Creek are across the bottom of the poster. At the top: KANGAROO HOPPET 2009 NINETEEN At the foot of the kangaroo shape: 29 AUGUST 2009 FALLS CREEK, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA In orange text: KEEP WINTER COOL FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING WWW.KEEPWINTER COOL.COM.AU At bottom in white text: www.hoppet.com.au kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2012 the Men's Winner was Alexander Legkov from Russia in a time of 1:23:00. The winner of the Women's event was Maria Graefnings of Sweden in a time of 1:33:14. The planned course was modified and shortened due to the predicted high winds and poor visibility. The 42km Hoppet course was shortened to 30km.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring a skier dressed in blue and red with trees in the background. Stylised snowflakes are on either side. The page border is red. Logos of AGL, Falls Creek All Season Alpine Resort, Alpine Shire, Tourism Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club are across the bottom of the poster.At the top right hand corner within a circle: Australia's PREMIER X-COUNTRY SKI RACE 22 Beneath the image KANGAROO HOPPET 25th August 2012 FALLS CREEK VICTORIA AUSTRALIA / 42KM 21KM 7KM / www.hoppet.com.au kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2015 the Men's Winner was Valerio Leccardi from Switzerland in a time of 01:31:10.910. The winner of the Women's event was Maria Graefnings of Sweden in a time of 01:39:05.63. Due to the thick fog and extremely poor visibility, the course was shortened to two 18km laps to avoid the open areas of the Park and Heathy Spur.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring a diamond pattern containing images of skiers. The date of the event is contained in two linked diamonds in the top right hand corner. Logos of AGL, Falls Creek All Season Alpine Resort, Alpine Shire, Tourism Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club are across the bottom of the poster.Top Right: Saturday 22 August 2015 CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Within the diamond shapes: 7 km - 21km - 42 km FALLS CREEK AUSTRALIA KANGAROO HOPPET Below the skier: www.hoppet.com.au kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2019 the Kangaroo Hoppet attracted 1070 entries from 26 nations. The Men's Winner was Valerio Leccardi from Switzerland in a time of 1:43:19.5. The winner of the Women's event was Iris Pessey of France in a time of 2:04:29.2. This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring an image of a lone skier with mountains in the background. Logos of Worldloppet, AGL, Falls Creek, Alpine Shire Council, Victorian State Government, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. FIS and Kangaroo Hoppet are across the bottom of the poster. Text: KANGAROO HOPPET No. 29 24 August 2019 FALLS CREEK AUSTRALIA 7 km 21 km 42 km Beside the logos: www.hoppet.com.au kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

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

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. Due to COVID-19 there was no normal Kangaroo Hoppet at Falls Creek in 2020 as the resort was closed down. Instead, the virtual Kangaroo Hoppet- “I did it my way” was held. The event was staged for two weeks between the 10th and 23rd August. Participants chose a distance of 7km, 21km, or 42km and could choose any human powered activity. Activities included running, walking, cycling, swimming, roller skiing, inline skating, paddling, canoeing, mountain biking, exercise machines, unicycles and a tricycle. The event attracted 1901 participants from 37 nations. This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring images of a skier, cyclist and runner on a blue and white background. Logos of AGL, Falls Creek, Alpine Shire Council, Victorian State Government, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, Rojo Outerwear, Elude Outerwear and Community Bank Mount Beauty & District are across the bottom of the poster. A kangaroo sign with crossed red circle feature at the top left and bottom right corners.KANGAROO HOPPET 2020 Do it your way Centre text: THE COVID-19 VERSION of Australia's Premier Ski Race. We're offering a remote Hoppet event where you can ride, run, paddle, swim, walk, skate, rollerski and yes, even ski, the 2020 event wherever you are. AUGUST 10 - 23 7 KM 21 KM 42 KM HOPPET.COM.AUkangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

Mim (Mariam) Sodergren 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 on 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. 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. Mim’s skis were kept for many years by Ski Lifts at Falls Creek and were recently donated to the Falls Creek Museum for safe keeping.These skis are significant because they belonged to an iconic ski instructor still commemorated at Falls Creek, Victoria.A pair of Atomic Arc Skis, primarily black with coloured logo.ATOMIC ARC MODULE 645SLmim sodergren, mike sodergren, atomic skis, thredbo landslide

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. Patricia “Patsy” Sydney Russell Finlayson was born on 17 March 1915. In 1935 she was selected for the NSW Ski team and competed at the Australian Championships. Patsy was runner-up in the individual slalom and giant slalom and became the Australian combined champion. In that year she also won the Summit Ski Race at Mount Kosciusko with a time of 9 hours and 37 minutes, breaking the women's record by 1½ hours. In 1936 Finlayson earned national selection for the first Inter Dominion Championship between Australia & New Zealand. She was then selected to represent Australia at the 1939 Nordic World Ski Championship at Zakopane, Poland but was injured during training. She returned to Australia in August 1938 and had to compete in the men's event (placing 4th) as the women's event had been cancelled. In 1969 Finlayson won all her events in the Australian Ski Championships. In 1941, Finlayson was appointed Australia's first female ski instructor. However, she had to resign from the Australian Women's Ski Club as she was no longer considered to be an amateur. This made her ineligible for the Australian or NSW ski championships and the Olympic Games. In 1949, the International Ski Federation (FIS) changed the rules governing amateur standing and Finlayson was allowed to compete at the NSW and Australian Championships. She went on to win all events in both 1949 and 1950. She retired from competitive skiing in October 1950.This item is significant because it features a pioneer of women's skiing in Australia.A black and white image of Patsy Finlayson with her skis and poles. george shirling, red onion, patsy finlayson, women's skiing pioneer

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2021 plans were in place for the 30th anniversary of the Hoppet when it was again stopped due to COVID-19. A virtual Hoppet was put in place. It ran between 1st and 29th August 2021 and was again successful, with almost 1200 entrants. 31 countries and all Australian states and mainland territories were represented. Participants came from Argentina, Austria, Canada, Czechia, Dubai, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the USA.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring two skiers heading into the distance. One skier has a race bib with 30 1991 - 2021 visible on his back. At the top is a circular emblem featuring a kangaroo looking through the middle of the number 30. It is surrounded by the words "KANGAROO HOPPET ANNIVERSARY 1991 - 2021". Logos of Worldloppet, AGL, Falls Creek, Alpine Shire Council, Victorian State Government, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, FIS, Community Bank Mount Beauty & District and KANGAROO HOPPET are across the bottom of the poster. In middle of image: AUSTRALIA'S PREMIER X-COUNTRY SKI RACE Between image and logos: 18 AUGUST 2021 FALLS CREEK AUSTRALIA 7 KM 21 KM 42 KM HOPPET.COM.AUkangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

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

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

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

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is his ID Badge for the Summer Olympics held in Sydney Australia in 2000. 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 ID badge is significant because it demonstrates George Shirling's ongoing connection to the Olympic Movement. A ID badge, including a photo of George Shirling, for the Sydney Olympics 2000. It includes the Sydney Olympics Logo as well as the Olympic torch and ringsDown left hand side: CITY OF SYDNEY above Sydney Coat of Arms In Centre: Photo of George Shirling above text GEORGE SHIRLING AUSTRALIA SKIING Top Right: Olympic Torch and rings above text" OLYMPIANS REUNION CENTRE SYDNEY 2000 WORLD OLYMPIANS ASSOCIATION Logos Across Bottom: Sydney 2000, Visa Worldwide Partner, Kodak Worldwide Partnergeorge shirling, sydney olympics 2000

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. Bowna is now known as the Riverina Ski Club.This image depicts Fred Griffith who was a pioneer of the Albury Ski Club and Falls CreekA black and white photo showing Fred Griffith on left of image looking towards Whitehaven lodge fred griffith, albury ski club, falls creek, bowna ski club

This photo is part of the Fred Griffith Photographic 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. Bowna is now known as the Riverina Ski Club.This image depicts Fred Griffith who was a pioneer of the Albury Ski Club and Falls Creek4 black and white photo showing Thea Hedley at various parts of Bowna Ski Club at Falls Creekfred griffith, albury ski club, falls creek, bowna ski club

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. Bowna is now known as the Riverina Ski Club.This image depicts Fred Griffith who was a pioneer of the Albury Ski Club and Falls Creek2 black and white photos Fred Griffith with friends at Bowna Ski Club in 1962On back of photo 1 in pencil: Group in the kitchen at my lodge in Falls Creek, July 1962. L. TO R: Daughter Christine (18), Diane (2), self, WIng Commander Peter Kemp, Captain MIchin, Thea Hedley + Lt. Commander Keith Wehe R.N. On back of photo 2 in pencil: Falls Creek, July 1962fred griffith, albury ski club, falls creek, bowna ski club

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. Bowna is now known as the Riverina Ski Club.These images record views of Bowna Ski Club which was built and owned by Fred Griffith.A set of coloured photos of Bowna Ski Lodge and surrounds in the middle of winter 1962fred griffith, albury ski club, falls creek, bowna ski club