Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. September 1922. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it documents a changed approach to the management of visitors and transport at Falls Creek.A letter to Licensees at Falls Creek explaining the reason for the introduction of parking fees in some sections of the Falls Creek Tourist Area in the winter of 1960. The system included limited access to free passes amd season tickets. Season tickets could be obtained at a cost of £1/10/-. Parking fees for cars were set at 2/- per day or part thereof and 4/- per weekend or week. The fee for buses was 5/- per day or part thereof.falls creek administration, parking fees falls creek 1960

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

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

Falls Creek featured several new programs and activities in 2010. Australia's ultimate skiing tour was launched with Back Country Tours guided by Steve Lee, Falls Creek's most famous local and Australian Olympian. The full length of Wombats Ramble was also lined with lights to provide night skiing and boarding on Wednesday and Saturday nights throughout the season. Pete the Big Blue Dragon was also a Falls Creek celebrity and had his own weekly stage show at the Village Bowl and often frequented the Fox Trail Terrain Park. He also had his own website full of games, stories, merchandise and a snow safety video. 2010 also saw the introduction of the Snow Rewards Loyalty Program. Members had access to cheaper Lift Passes and a range of exclusive discounts at both Falls Creek and Hotham. Corporate sponsors in 2010 included ANZ Bank, Milo, Ten TV, Snow Australia and Where IS maps.This booklet is significant because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek in 2010.A booklet of 56 pages promoting Falls Creek for the Winter season 2010. It includes text, images and advertising printed on glossy paper with a heavier card cover.falls creek marketing, back country tours, wombats ramble

Part of yearly marketing and information material promoting the Falls Creek Ski School. This publication includes information about the Falls Creek Ski School and the Triple 'S' Principle of Safe, Simple and Stylish which was the underlying focus of its programs. An outline of different programs available and the Ski School Timetable are included.This item is important because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort across all age groups.A glossy coloured booklet featuring images and information about skiing and snowboarding programs to be offered at Falls Creek in the 1998 winter season. Featured text is printed in black on a white background and white print over coloured images.On Cover: SKI FALLS CREEK SKI SCHOOL SAFE SIMPLE STYLISH QANTAS logo at bottomfalls creek marketing, falls creek ski, falls creek ski school

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. This issue also has a banner advertising the 1956 Melbourne Olympic games across the bottom of the cover. Items related to Falls Creek in this issue include:- Page 17 features a review of Skyline Lodge and preparations being made by Bob Hymans to install a new lift at Falls Creek Pages 27 and 28 detail information and descriptions of cabins and lodges in Victoria including Skyline, Wilkinson Memorial Lodge, Cope Hut and Cole Cleve Memorial Hut, Bivouac Hut and Summit Hut at Mount Bogong. An advertisement for Ski Boots from J Molony is on page 5. Although only referring to their Melbourne address, Molony's operated a shop at Falls Creek during the winter season.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, skyline, bob hymans

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 shows a group of skiers descending the slopes. Page 61 described work that had been carried out at Skyline Lodge reading for the coming season. Page 64 included an advertisement for exclusive accommodation at Snow Crystal Inn.schuss journal, skyline lodge, snow crystal inn

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal includes stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover features a photo of the top station of the Bourke Street Ski Lift after the first snowfall of the season.. Page 186 announces the formation of the Wagga Alpine Ski Club.schuss journal, bourke street ski lift, wagga alpine ski club

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 shows a photo of Toni Mathies demonstrating the Wedeln shoulder action. One of the top instructors of the Zurs Ski School in Austria, Toni was instructing at Swindlers Valley, Hotham in the coming season.schuss journal, wedeln, swindlers valley

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

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski facilities at Falls Creek.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. The cover features an Eric Burt photo of a skier on the slopes at Hotham. Page 23 gave an outline of some of the activities that had taken place at Falls Creek during the holiday period, including Bob Hymans operating the tow for tourists. Page 29 announces that a new ski club, St Cuthberts is to be formed for the coming season by Keith Hyland.schuss journal, keith hyland., bob hymans, st cuthberts

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

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. The card was from Kilimanjaro Ski Apartments, originally called Kilimanjaro Flats, built c1967 for Jon and Marnie Searles. In 2024 Kilimanjaro Apartments was still operating with one, two or three bedroom accommodation available. 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 card is significant because it was produced by a Falls Creek accommodation service which began operation in the late 1960s.A Christmas card from Kilimanjaro Ski Apartments at Falls Creek, Victoria. The front shows an image of Kilimanjaro Lodge surrounded by snow with a skier dressed in red. The card is decorated with stylised fir trees. The reverse included a photo of the owners Marnie and Jan Searles and a Christmas message. It also includes a place for an address and a postage stamp to be added.On Front: Seasons greetings from Kilimanjaro/ Falls Creek Ski Village On Back: Kilimanjaro Logo, Postage and Contact details. An image of the owners in yellow and black ski clothes as well as text "Hope to see you & ski with you next year Marnie & J.J. Marnie & Jan wish you a Joyous Xmas & Happy New Year"george shirling, kilimanjaro flats, marnie searles, falls creek accommodation

A book including images and texts which tells the story of the Astra in Falls Creek, Victoria.non-fictionIn 1987 Falls Creek local Roy Morris opened the ‘Astra Lodge’. Rosy Seaton acquired ‘Astra Lodge’ in 2014 and renamed it just Astra. Rosy with Grant Amon Architects completed major renovations and new buildings in 2015, 2016 and 2017, which included a new Day Spa, and six new apartments. Astra Bar and Restaurant. The revitalised Astra welcomed its first guests in the 2017 snow season. This publication tells the story of the redevelopment which has earned recognition in the ‘Best Boutique Ski Hotel Australia’ for eight consecutive years by the World Ski Awards.falls creek, astra falls creek, rosy seaton, accommodation falls creek