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Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - Bogong Trip 1951- Mt. Bogong from above Roper's Hut
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.Black and White Image of Mt. Bogong from above Roper's Hut with Wal Johnson and Ray Meyer seated on the ground. ROPER'S HUT Frederick Roper and his family grazed the Bogong High Plains from the 1890s until 1908. Frederick "Jack" built three huts. The hut known as Roper’s Hut was built on Jack's new grazing lease after his former run had been acquired by the SEC in the late 1930s. It had become a well-used refuge hut prior to its destruction in the 2003 bushfires. It was rebuilt by Victorian High Country Huts Association in 2008.falls creek, bogong high plains, wal johnson, ray meyer, ropers hut -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Clothing - Wool Shirt, Camp at Gap Saddle
MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.A blue and brown checked shirt made of woollen fabric. It has a buttoned down collar and front closing. Meyer Family records suggest that it could have been handmade by Rel Gibbs who hand made woollen shirts and embroidering Skyline badges.falls creek, building skyline, skyline founders, toni st elmo, adrian ruffenacht, jack minogue, ray meyer, lloyd dunn, david gibson -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - Building Rocky Valley Dam Wall
The Rocky Valley Dam is located on the Bogong High Plains, near Falls Creek, Victoria. The dam is man-made and has a capacity of 28,000 megalitres (990×106 cu ft). At an elevation of 1600m, Rocky Valley Dam is the highest significant body of water in Australia. The dam was created for the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme. Just a short distance from the heart of the village, the lake provides a playground for a range of aquatic activities. It is also utilised in snow making for the Falls Creek ski resort. Work began on the Rocky Valley Dam site in early 1947 and continued until May. It resumed in October after the winter and a camp for the accommodation of workmen was commenced at this time. Work continued in 1948 with the establishment of work facilities, including the erection of two large excavators. The Rocky Valley Dam was completed in 1959.These images are significant as they capture work carried out to build the wall at Rocky Valley near Falls Creek, VictoriaThree black and white images showing work on the Rocky Valley Dam, Victoriarocky valley dam, kiewa hydroelectric scheme, falls creek -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Journal - Schuss Vol. 19. No. 2 March - April 1953
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. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Cover - Features a photo by H.Gibbs titled "Western Cliffs of Mt. Bogong" Page 65 - BOB HYMANS reported news of Falls Creek. At his own Ski School, notable improvements to accommodation have been made and additions to the building itself, which will make it very much more comfortable and serviceable to visitors. Water supply and heating are amongst the items in hand. Bob has acquired a Land Rover which will be a power of assistance to him in maintaining fresh supplies and in servicing his project generally. Kiewa Valley Ski Club members are making splendid progress with the erection of their Lodge. This is the latest building addition in that area and raises the number of clubs resident there to nine. Nissen Ski Tow members intend to operate their tow on the upper slopes of Falls Creek every day during the coming season that conditions permit. They are to be warmly commended on their enterprise. Page 65 - Advertisement for Bob Hymans' Ski School and Lodgeschuss journal, bob hymans, kiewa valley ski club, nissen tow -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Equipment - Martin Romuld's Skis
Martin Romuld was born near Trondheim in Norway on September 26, 1905. He started jumping on skis at age 6 or 7 and became very good at it. He completed his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Trondheim and decided to come to Australia. He arrived on 7 March 1928 and found a job with the SEC. The SEC wanted to investigate the possibility of a hydrological surveys necessary to determine the flow of water over a period of years. These surveys started in 1934 and continued until 1941. He lived at Wilkinson’s hut for most of the time during those years both in summer and winter. In his role with the SEC, Martin visited all the various creeks to measure water flow rates as often as was necessary. These skis were used on his winter rounds during the time he spent in the area. Martin also competed in skiing during the 1930s. He won the combined Australian title 3 or 4 times. He was unbeatable in cross country, probably due to the continual practice in his job. Before migrating to Australia, Martin had been runner up in the 1926 European Jump Championships held in France. Jumping was his favourite thrill and he would often construct a jump for practice near the Scout Hut (or Rover Chalet) quite near to Wilkinson’s. In 1941 Martin joined the Royal Australian Air Force and after the War skied mainly at Mt Buller. He maintained his involvement in competitive skiing as an official. In 1958 Martin was the main judge of the National jump which was held to the left of the Nissen tow. He also designed the jumping course at the Donna Buang snow fields. Martin Romuld was Co Vice-President of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs in 1949, along with Tom Mitchell M.L.A. Martin Romuld died on 14 July 1998 in Prahran, Victoria,These skis are significant because they belonged to a pioneer of Falls Creek and the sport of skiing in Australia.A set of skis made for Martin Romuld. They are made from American hickory which arrived in Australia via Norway in October 1933. Andy Broad made the skis and they were furnished with steel edges. There was enough hickory for 18 pairs of skis and a pair of competition cross country skis were also made for Martin Romuld. martin romuld', falls creek pioneers, australian skiing history -
Melton City Libraries
Poster, Melton Water Ski Carnival, 1962
... Melton Water Ski Carnival... the carnival Melton Water Ski Carnival Poster Barrie Collection ...Speedboat Carnival and Canadian Hell Drivers was part of the carnivalPoster from Holden promoting the carnival local significant events -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Journal - Schuss Vol. 23. No. 5 July 1957
Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. In this issue:- Page 173 features a report from the Border Morning Mail (Albury) announcing the opening of a new Comfort Station at Falls Creek. Falls Creek is also to have a reticulated village water supply Page 187 in Falls Creek Notes gives greater detail on the opening of the Comfort Station, as well as events to be held in September for Schoolgirls and Schoolboys. The transport provided for skiers by Bob Hymans and Cecil Dobson is also praised. Page 189 advertises two job vacancies at Grand Coeur Chalet.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, grand coeur chalet, cecil dobson, bob hymans -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Magazine - Fall-Line - Australia's National Skiing Magazine April '79
“Fall-Line” was one of a series of magazines published by the Victorian Ski Association. It was produced from 1979 until 1985. It superseded their previous publication, “Ski” magazine and was followed by the “Australian Skiing” magazine. The Victorian Ski Association was formed in 1955.This magazine is significant because it documents developments in the ski industry in Australia.A magazine featuring a coloured image on the cover and containing articles and advertising related to developments in skiing in Australia. This issue included an update on improvements being made at Falls Creek. FALLS CREEK The chairlift access area near the medical centre, long famous as the Mudpie Parlour of Falls Creek, has been sealed and Falls Creek itself, the waters of which have filled many an unsuspecting gum- boot, has been bridged, also near the medical centre. A lock-up storage shed will be built along Bogong High Plains Road, just below the oversnow terminal, for the use and convenience of all village commercial operators and site holders. Direct access will be possible by snowmobile. Falls Creek rates have risen to $82.50 per bed (less 10% discount if paid on time). The rise is the first in two years, and is less than the corresponding rise in the C.P.I. over that period. The access trail from the water tanks at the base of the Home Trail to the nursery slope has been smoothed and widened to 12 metres, and a new six metre wide access trail has been cut from Falls Creek Road, just behind Diana lodge to the chairlift bottom station. The Village Bowl comfort station is being extended and renovated, and the finishing touches are being put on the comfort station in the upper car park. Construction of an akja station/toilet block in Sun Valley will commence in 1980. The Management Committee is investigating the purchase of a Mercedes 800 series snow-clearing machine to supplement the CRB equipment in use in village parking areas The village water supply has been re- designed to ensure adequate supply at all times.australian ski magazines, skiing australia, victorian ski association -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Journal - Schuss Vol. 24. No.2 March - April 1958
Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover of this issue features a photo of three water skiers taking part in the Moomba Festival in Melbourne, Victoria' Page 45 includes an advertisement for Falls Creek General Store. A personal notice on page 51 reports that Bob Hymans holiday to France with his wife and son.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, bob hymans, melbourne moomba festival -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Orest Frueauf Letter - Support as Representative Of Commercial Interests On Committee Of Management
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.Letter from Orest Frueauf to Bob Hymans regarding the upcoming Management Committee election. He requested Bob's support in Orest's quest to be elected as the representative for those with commercial interests in Falls Creek. Orest raised concerns related to the release of further subdivisions in the Village which would double its size and put pressure on sewerage, water supply and roads. Other ongoing issues he referred to included oversnow transport, new tows, fire protection, finance, internal roads, search and rescue, publicity and booking arrangements. Orest believed that those with commercial interests needed to have a common approach and reliable representation on the Management Committee.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, bob hymans -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Circular to Lessees and Licensees - Parking and other arrangements for the 1968 season
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A detailed circular in preparation for the 1968 winter season. Key topics included:- the rezoning of car parking and some roads also involving the opening of the road between Mt. Beauty and the Omeo Highway becoming a public road called the Bogong High Plains Tourist Road; snow clearing on roads and the use of chains; use of "Yellow Horse" shuttle service: slope preparation and the "Ratrac" snow packing machine; chair lift ticket prices; concerns re straying cattle and a water supply and sewerage update. Over the summer some new buildings had been constructed bringing beds available on the mountain to about 1,350 and a clean up of the Village would be organised before the season began. Tobogganing areas were discussed, The need for publicity was stressed and the Committee saw this as the responsibility of those who would benefit most. Consistent approaches to snow reporting, loutishness and garbage were called for. Oversnow transport, Ski School, Snow Patrol were outlined. Finally the need to foster positive relations and a coordinated approach towards public relations was called for.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Circular to Lessees and Licensees - end of 1967 season review
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.The financial review conducted by a representative of the SEC has recommended the implementation of property rates for the coming year and information regarding this levy were included. Though several applicants were received there was no successful submission for the establishment of a hotel. An advisory committee has determined that any future development is dependant on augmentation of the sewerage and water systems. The Village T-Bar was very popular during the season but the need for improvement of the slopes was noted. Finally, an expression of thanks from the outgoing Committee to Mr. Jack Andrew for the excellent work he had done as Manager to maintain Falls Creek as the foremost ski resorts in the country.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, bob hymans -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Circular to Licensees and Lessees
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents the wide range of actions and responsibilities undertaken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee.A Circular from the Management Committee prior to the 1967 season. It includes a wide range of topics including; the growth of accommodation capacity at Falls Creek; slope improvements; parking and improved road access; Tows and Ski School; garbage collection and suitable containers; tender called for a new hotel; Medical Service arrangements for 1967; Sewerage System reminders; new arrangements for Oversnow Transport; composition of the Committee; a tobogganing franchise; the Ross Milne Memorial Ski Jump; careful use of the Water Supply; Finances and appointment of an Advisor from the SEC to plan for the future; Price Structure for 1967; a request for more involvement in publicity of the Resort and a tribute to R. T. (Bob) Scott.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, r.t. (bob) scott, ross milne memorial ski jump -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Circular - Manager & Committee Thanks
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents the wide range of actions and responsibilities undertaken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee.A circular to Licensees and Lessees expressing the Committee's thanks for co-operation given during the recent water difficulties. This was the result of a dry season and less run-off. The issue of garbage was again raised.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, r.t. (bob) scott, ross milne memorial ski jump -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - To All Licensees - Parking Fee & Admission Charges; Garbage; Animals
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A circular from the Management Committee prior to the 1963 Ski season. It clarifies regulations and expectations related to parking fees and admission charges, garbage disposal, animals, water supply, run clearing and race line crossings.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Circular To Prospective Builders - Recent Policy Decision Of Committee
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A circular to all prospective builders at Falls Creek to advise them that each organisation proposing to erect any building or structure at Fells Creek must furnish satisfactory assurances of its financial ability to complete the development. It also reminds Licensees that at no time can the raceline at Falls Creek be tapped for water supply without the permission of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, falls creek accommodation, ski championships -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Magazine - Brigade Magazine Spring 2016
Brigade Magazine is issued to members of the Victorian CFA. The Spring edition of 2016 includes an article to acknowledge 21 years of service by the Falls Creek CFA. The article was written by Joy Nowakowski on behalf of the Falls Creek CFA with information provided by the Falls Creek Historical Society. Falls Creek Fire Brigade protects Falls Creek Village from fires throughout the year and supports other brigades to fight bushfires nearby and further away. In 2016 the brigade had 23 year-round volunteers. At a celebratory function at Falls Creek in June 2016, alpine pumper and brigade snowmobiles were on display. Falls Creek’s alpine pumper was the first of its kind in Australia. It had a pumping capacity of 4,000 litres a minute and its tracks enabled it to access areas of the village and ski fields. Until 2016 Falls Creek Village has been threatened by two major fires, the worst being in 2003 when CFA crews saved the village and the adjoining ski field infrastructure right at the boundaries. Snow making equipment was used to create a water/fog barrier that helped stop the fires from taking the village. The team that saved the village was considered heroic Support for fighting fires at Falls Creek dates back to 1956 but this support came from Mount Beauty, 30 kilometres down the mountain. Falls Creek locals were concerned by this, so used six available hydrants and a canvas hose to fight any fires on the mountain. In 1964 the SECV gave the village a trailer which could be used with both wheels and skis for summer and winter operations. But this trailer only lasted two years. In the early 1970s, the village was given a 2,000-gallon Ford Blitz 4WD truck, and additional equipment was quickly acquired by the village including a new locally-constructed trailer with a pumper unit. In the 1990s, a change in land status meant the Falls Creek area became the responsibility of CFA. This status was formalised in 1995 by a public meeting that formed Falls Creek Fire Brigade.This magazine is significant because it contains an article celebrating 21 years of Falls Creek CFA.A publication for CFA members which includes stories about recent incidents, brigades, training, events, community safety, health and safety and general CFA news. falls creek cfa, alpine firefighting, falls creek cfa 21 years