This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. In 1952 Orest “Ory” Frueauf entered into a business partnership with Cecil Dobson, running the general store “Whitehaven” and Post Office at Falls Creek. They extended their business by adding accommodation turning Whitehaven into one of the best commercial lodges at Falls Creek. Ory and Cecil dissolved their business partnership in 1963 and Ory went on to build a new lodge called “Snowhaven” at the site of the present day Frueauf Village, Falls Creek. Ory retired to Tawonga, Victoria in 1992 and passed away in 1999. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it is linked In to an early lodge and to Orest Frueauf, a pioneer of Falls Creek.A match book printed in blue and white for Winterhaven Lodge, Falls Creek. It includes the postal address and telephone number. The back features an advertisement for Diners Club International.george shirling, winterhaven ski lodge, orest frueauf

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. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in May 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 Grande 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 document is significant because it documents the story of an important pioneer of Falls Creek.A 5 page indenture or contract typed on paper. This document sets out the terms and conditions set down for the lease of land in Falls Creek at the cost of £1 per week.legal contract, 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 features a photo of the Chair Lift and Slopes of Frying Pan Spur by Eric Burt. Page 130 again included an advertisement for Snow Crystal Inn managed by Milan Kovacic and page 133 advertised vacancies at Grand Coeur Chalet. A memorial notice for the death of George Fitzgerald of Shannonvale, a pioneer of Omeo, Victoria, builder of Fitzgerald Hut is on page 137. A brief description of the beauty of Bogong Township in Autumn is on page 140 and a short article describing Falls Creek - Gateway to the High Plains is found on page 155. On page 166 developments made in Falls Creek since the previous winter are explained.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, george fitzgerald of shannonvale, frying pan spur, falls creek 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 includes a photo of the Jane Tinsley running in the slalom on the Bull Run by Eric Burt. Pages 200 - 202 feature a detailed tribute to George Fitzgerald, a pioneer of Omeo and the Bogong High Plains. Page 216 gives a brief description of Falls Creek as part of an article "Available Ski Resorts in Victoria" followed on Page 221 by an article declaring the opening of the Village Ski Tow on the Queen's Birthday weekend. The first ride was given to Bernhard Plohberger, the Tow Manager and Ski School Instructor. Other developments at Falls Creek were outlined. Page 229 features an advertisement for the new Falls Creek Ski School where Bernhard Plohberger would teach the "Wedeln Technique"schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, george fitzgerald of shannonvale, bernhard plohberger

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 a photo of Milan Kovacic demonstrating the Wedeln Technique. Page 257 has a photo of an unknown gentleman transporting a bass on a chair lift with the suggestion that he could provide "music while you ski" to assist the Wedeln Technique. Pages 258 - 260 continued Tribute to George S Fitzgerald, Pioneer of Omeo and the Bogong High Plains from the previous issue. Page 263 reported on the success of the New Ski Tow at Falls Creek including a photo taken by Eric Burt on the opening day. An advertisement for Falls Creek Ski School was also on this page. Page 266 referred to a talk given by Bernhard Plohberger and page 275 features an advertisement for Falls Creek Ski School where Bernhard Plohberger would teach the "Wedeln Technique".schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, george fitzgerald of shannonvale, bernhard plohberger

Bob Hymans was a pioneer of Falls Creek. 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. Grand Coeur was never rebuilt, but Bob modified his annexe to be used as accommodation and later also operated Southern Cross and the Four Seasons. 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.These items are significant because they document the building of Bob Hymans' Grand Coeur Chalet and its destruction by fire in 1961.A collection of images and a newspaper article about the fire which destroyed Grand Coeur Lodge in August 1961.Label for newspaper photo Three of the refugees from the fire: From left, Mrs. C. O'Connell, Five- dock, N.S.W.; Miss N. Pollock, Taringa, Queensland; and Miss N. Taylor, Earlwood, N.S.W... who have been going to Falls Creek for eight years. Each estimated that they had lost more than £100 worth of equipment in the fire.bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, grand coeur fire

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. This Christmas card was sent by Bob Hymans, a pioneer of 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. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it links two pioneers of Falls Creek.A Christmas card from Bob Hymans and his wife Mireille. It contains text and a photograph of Mt. Feathertop. Inside text: A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with Good Ski-ing for 1956 Mireille and Bob Hymans Bogong High Plainsgeorge shirling, falls creek, falls creek tennis club

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It accompanied a copy of Ernest Forras' autobiography "Earnest Escapades" given to George Shirling - two pioneers of the Australian Ski Industry. Ernest Forras died on Sunday 31st October 2010 at Mt Buller. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it links two pioneers of the Australian Ski Industry.A message from Ernest Forras to George Shirling in a wooden frame. An explanatory sign explains Ernie Forras' background. The autograph says: "To My dear Friend George Koki's Creator From Hungary with Love!! Ernie F." ITEM No.4 Ernest Forras "Earnest Escapades" The autobiography of a pioneer of the Australian snowfields First published in 1994. Ernest, later the owner of Kooroora, Mt. Buller, on his first visit to Falls Creek in June 1951 writes about the lodges at Falls Creek... Albury, Bogong, St. Arnauds, Wangaratta, Skyline (Ski Club of Victoria), and Myrtleford ski club, St. Elmo's hut, Bob Hyman's small chalet, and Tom Mitchell's (then, State Attorney General) private hut. When learning that the State Electricity Commission controlled Falls Creek in the early days, Ernest wondered why the Egg Board and the Potato Board had missed out! Ernest acknowledged the impressive development in the Australian snowfields but remained concerned about a "head in the snow" attitude which argued against privatisation of our snowfields, park entry fees, and the compulsory carrying of snow chains. Is anybody listening?george shirling, ernest forras, "earnest escapades"

These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. This advertisement was featured in The Australian Ski Yearbook 1937. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it contained promotional material for Australian Ski Resorts and also honoured Cleve Cole.A black and white advertisement for Skiing in Victoria. It is accompanied by a detailed sign which explains key items in the publication. This edition of the Australian Ski Year book also contains an account of the death of Cleve Cole on 19th August 1936. Cleve Cole was ever an adventurer, and his passion for skiing led him, year after year, to pioneer new runs and open up new country. He pushed hard for the development of Mt. Bogong as a "skiing resort". After his death £500 was sought to build a "substantial stone building on Mt. Bogong which would give access to really excellent ski runs on the highest mountain in the State". Today, the Cleve Cole Memorial Hut (altitude 1,760m) stands 4kms south of Mt. Bogong, about 15kms NE of Falls Creek across the Big River. Cleve Cole's death led to the Victorian Government making a grant of £50 for the erection of snow pole lines on Mt. Bogong so that "all those who desire will now be able to spend a holiday in Victoria on Mt. Bogong" (Australian Ski Year Book 1937, page 55)ITEM No. 2 The Australian Ski Year Book 1937 "For Perfect Skiing in Victoria... THIS WINTER!" (advertisement page xxxi) george shirling, falls creek, the australian ski yearbook 1937, cleve cole hut

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. This brochure was the first promotional material jointly published by operators at Falls Creek. The attached label makes reference to many pioneers of the Falls Creek Village. 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 poster is significant because it was the first joint promotional material used to market Falls Creek in 1966.A coloured information brochure for Falls Creek including a map and images. It has been made into a poster for display. A typed label is attached. On label: ITEM NO 56 This was the first piece of publicity ever, promoting all of Falls Creek under one banner. Photographs and copy were by Rennie Ellis (author of "Life's a beach", etc) and if you look closely see you will see - Sigi Haberzetti, Geoff Henke, Loma Dunkley, Bill Bridgford, Walter Erlacher, Hans Fisher, George Shirling, Julie Oliver, Helmut Fend, and Superman. george shirling, falls creek marketing, falls creek 1966

These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. This membership card belonged to George and his wife. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it belonged to George Shirling, a pioneer of Falls Creek.A plastic membership card featuring an image of a skier in gold and the Falls Creek Ski School logo. The members' name is imprinted on the card as well as the expiry date. The logo of Lavazza Caffe Expresso is on the lower right hand corner. The reverse of the card gives information about Lavazza.SKI SCHOOL CLUB MEMBERSHIP Falls Creek Ski School Logo Lavazza Logo Expires 10/95 G & D SHIRLINGgeorge shirling, koki lodge, austrian national ski team 1966