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. Ernest Forras came first to Falls Creek but settled at Mt Buller and established Kooroora Chalet. It was built on the site of Cow Camp Hut in 1954. The Chalet was destroyed by fire in 1961 and rebuilt in 1965. After the rebuild, they installed a large generator and sold electricity to their neighbours. Kooroora gained a reputation as the party place of Mt Buller. It was purchased by Richard Paine in 1994. Ernest Forras died at Mt Buller on Sunday 31st October 2010. At the end of the 2018 winter season, the Kooroora Chalet underwent a major refurbishment. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This photo is significant because it features Ernest Forras who originally came to Falls Creek but settled at Mt Buller and established Kooroora Chalet. A colour photo of Ernest Forras and the truck from Kooroora Chalet On side of truck: Kooroora Chalet Mount Buller with E. Forras & Staffgeorge shirling, ernest forras, kooroora chalet mt buller

Wombelano Falls is framed by a eucalypt forest and lush gullies in the Kinglake National Park. This image probably produced as a postcard.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negkinglake national park, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, water falls, wombelano falls

Wombelano Falls is framed by a eucalypt forest and lush gullies in the Kinglake National Park. This image probably produced as a postcard.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, kinglake, kinglake national park, wombeland falls, waterfall, postcard, forest

Tawonga Caravan park is on the Kiewa River situated north of Mt Beauty and 30 km from Falls Creek. Tawonga Caravan park has always been popular for families and fishermen with plenty to do.Colored cardboard brochure with 3 small photos on the front and information printed on the back with a small map.tawonga caravan park, trout fishing

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a carpet loom. Photograph was with other photographs in an envelope from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, black and white, of a carpet loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, carpet, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a loom No177. Photograph was with other photographs in an envelope from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, black and white, probably of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom No 177.177textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Lithographic print of a "David Sowden & Sons Patent Loom No 75." Among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Lithographic print of a "David Sowden & Sons Patent Loom No 75."textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Blueprint of part of a "David Sowden and Sons" 4x4 Drop Box Loom. It was among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Blueprint of part of a "David Sowden and Sons" 4x4 Drop Box Loom.SOWDEN'S PATENT 4X4 DROP BOX LOOM/WITH OPEN SHED DOLBY T & I H /Kent GWNtextile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "David Sowden and Sons" loom. Photograph was among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "David Sowden and Sons" loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "Caspar Honegger" loom, No 90. Photograph was among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "Caspar Honegger" loom, No 90.MASCHINFABRIK RU[T][H]/VORMALS/CASPAR HONEGGER 90 Excentrique Wechsetstuhl 6 schifflig No2 System HB/Metier a 6 navettes No2 System H.Btextile machinery weaving textile mills textile mills, yarra falls mill, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving, textile mills

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom. Photograph was among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, sepia, of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom. Photograph was among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, black and white, of the side view of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom. Photograph was among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, black and white, of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "David Sowden and Sons" loom . Photograph was among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, black and white, of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "David Sowden and Sons" loom . Photograph was among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, black and white, of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of part of a "George Hodgson" loom. Photograph was with other photographs from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, sepia, probably of a "George Hodgson" loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill george hodgson limited, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of part of a "Hall and Hobson's" loom. Photograph was with other photographs from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, black and white, of a "Hall and Hobson's" loom, on a wooden floor.DSIS (?)textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill hall and hobson, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Photograph probably for promotional purposes, of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom. Photograph was among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Photograph, black and white, of a "David Sowden & Sons" loom No 190.190textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill david sowden & sons, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Pamphlet, "B Woodcroft's Section Tappet" - John Crowley & Co Ltd. Among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Pamphlet, "B Woodcroft's Section Tappet" - John Crowley & Co Ltd.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill john crowley & co, ltd, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Pamphlet, "B Woodcroft's Section Tappet" - John Crowley & Co Ltd. Among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Pamphlet, "B Woodcroft's Section Tappet" - John Crowley & Co Ltd.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill john crowley & co, ltd, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Pamphlet, "B Woodcroft's Section Tappet" - John Crowley & Co Ltd. Among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Pamphlet, "B Woodcroft's Section Tappet" - John Crowley & Co Ltd.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill john crowley & co, ltd, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

Pamphlet, "B Woodcroft's Section Tappet" - John Crowley & Co Ltd. Among items from Yarra Falls Mill.Pamphlet, "B Woodcroft's Section Tappet" - John Crowley & Co Ltd.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill john crowley & co, ltd, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

A carbon copy of handwritten instructions for regulating the length of pile on a towel loom. Among items from Yarra Falls Mill.A carbon copy of handwritten instructions for regulating the length of pile on a towel loom. A carbon copy of handwritten instructions for regulating the length of pile on a towel loom. A carbon copy of handwritten instructions for regulating the length of pile on a towel loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

A carbon copy of handwritten instructions for regulating the length of pile on a towel loom. Among items from Yarra Falls Mill.A carbon copy of handwritten instructions for regulating the length of pile on a towel loom. A carbon copy of handwritten instructions for regulating the length of pile on a towel loom. A carbon copy of handwritten instructions for regulating the length of pile on a towel loom.textile machinery weaving, yarra falls mill, weaving looms, weaving machinery, textile machinery, weaving

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:- Page 127 features a photo of Skyline Lodge taken by S. Flattely with the following text " THE S.C.V.'s SKYLINE LODGE, FALLS CREEK, BOGONG HIGH PLAINS This Lodge in its setting of alpine grandeur, with the impressive outlook to the Spion Kopje Spur, is one of the most comfortable cabins in our mountains. Some vacancies in July and Spring, when snow is still plentiful in this area, Book at S.C.V. Office. Page 134 outlines information for visitors to Skyline including transport, garbage, safety, traffic rules and the use of the lodge.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, skyline lodge

Order docket books used at Koki Fondue and Carvery Restaurant in Falls Creek during 1975. Shows menu items and price as well as how orders were taken. 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. Sigi was a long time resident of Falls Creek, owning and operating Koki Lodge for many years with his wife, Lee. He was Falls Creek CFA Captain from 1995 until 1998 although he served in the Fire Brigade for much longer. Sigi had many involvements in the community. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek.This item is significant because it has clear links to an iconic business established in Falls Creek, VictoriaTwo order docket books for Fondue and Carvery Licensed Restaurant, with paper connected at top edge with glue, each page containing name of restaurant at top of page with list of menu items and price in grid with section for table at left and order number at right. All printed in red. 'Koki / Fondue & Carvery / Licensed Restaurant'dining, 1970s dining, falls creek, koki, george shirling, sigi doerr

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It shows some of the staff employed at Koki Lodge in 1967. An explanation of "Australia's First Alpine Art Show" to be held at Koki is also included. The Art Show exhibited a collection of Australian painters including John Glover (1826), Louis Buvelot (1886) Hans Heyson (1902), Grace Cossington-Smith (1918), and William Dobell, Norman Lindsay, Donald Friend, Sali Herman, Sidney Nolan, John Olson, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, and Pro Hart. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because shows early activities at Koko Lodge and Australia's First Alpine Art Show.A black and white photograph of George Shirling with staff at Koki Lodge 1967. The photo is accompanied with a sign explaining special activities held at Koki and tariffs for the winter season of 1967.On sign: ITEM No 50 Staff at Koki Alpine Lodge Queens Birthday Opening weekend, June 1967 (Includes, Nolene Mewton, Baldy Blackwell, Coonie, George Shirling and Pam Blackwell.george shirling, falls creek, australia's first alpine art show