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 discussion concerning the operation of Falls Creek.MInutes of the Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee held on 21 September 1957 typed on foolscap size paper. Topics of discussion included contributions to the Ski Improvement Fund, equipment in the Casualty Room and also the possibility of erecting a simple rope tow on the nursery slope.chairlift falls creek, bob hymans, ski improvement fund, falls creek alpine village advisory committee

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 plans for the maintenance and development of the Falls Creek Village.MInutes of the Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee held on 14 December 1957 typed on foolscap size paper. Topics of discussion included the number and placement of tows to operate at Falls Creek, possible extension of the title held by the S.E.C. on the Bogong High Plains to encompass the Falls Creek Village and a submission by Bill Hymans to build a tennis court.chairlift falls creek, skyline chair lift, bob hymans, falls creek alpine village advisory committee

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:- Cover - Rudi Wurth, winner of the National Slalom and Downhill titles at Kosciusko, 1954. Page 2 - Dawn Ski Club is a great place for families as it was designed specifically to cater for children. Toni St. Elmo is writing a book about skiing to be illustrated by Mollie Hill. The introduction will be by a well known Australian skier. Page 3 - A new standard downhill course is to be cleared on the Frying Pan Spur by Myrtleford Ski Club. In honor of the work he has done for the Falls Creek Village and for skiing in that area, it is to be named the "Tom Mitchell Course." Falls Creek Alpine Village is to be enlarged. Three new club lodges have been started, including Snowden and Nissen. Holbrook Ski Club will also be building at Falls Creek this summer.tom mitchell m.l.a., toni st. elmo, downhill courses, falls creek alpine village

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 an aspect of Bill Hymans' interaction with the Falls Creek Management Committee.A single page document sent to Bob Hymans by the Falls Creek Tourist Management Committee on 31 July 1959. The directive stated that materials and property owned by him needed to be neatly stored and stacked within the boundaries of the site for which he held a license.bob hymans, falls creek alpine village advisory committee

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 304 - A meeting held at Bogong to which all clubs with Permissive Occupancies in Falls Creek were invited has agreed to form an Advisory Council. This body would be known as the "Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee. Each club was to have one representative and one vote. Suggested matters to be dealt with by the Committee included (a) Development of the village, (b) General Conduct and (c) Safety. Page 316 - An advertisement for Nissen Ski School with the slogan "Speed is the Thrill, COntrol the Art."schuss journal, the ski club of victoria

Nissen Lodge was built by 1953 at Falls Creek. The first lodge at Falls Creek was built in 1947 by SECV staff members. By the 1954 Ski Season, Falls Creek Alpine Village had 10 club lodges, plus a ski tow house and a commercial lodge that both provided skier accommodation. Several other club lodges were under construction. The Nissen Alpine Club operated a rope tow with a 240m rise in altitude..Ski lessons were also available. Re: Tony and Skippy St Elmo Beveridge See KVHS 1113 By 1953, the SECV was issuing entry permits for private cars used by skiers with bookings in a Falls Creek lodge.The Nissen Ski Lodge was one of the early ski lodges at Falls Creek. Toni St Elmo Beveridge was involved in the early development of skiing at Falls Creek including assisting with the building of the early lodges, and establishing the Nissen Ski School. See KVHS 1113. The book was later used for visiors to the KVHS museum located in the old Tawonga South School.Deep red, bound, thick cardboard book with gold outline of Australia and 'Visitors" on the centre front. Many pages each with a column for Date, Name in Full and Address in Full. Written in ink and pencil both sides of each page with the first date being 14 - 6 - 1953 to 17th September 1960. Entries follow from 1985 to 1994 when the closure of the display at the old South Tawonga Primary School is noted by the KVHS Secretary. The book also has 'Tony & Skippy St Elmo Beveridge' on its cover page. nissen ski lodge, visitors book falls creek, nissen school

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:- Cover - Rudi Wurth, winner of the National Slalom and Downhill titles at Kosciusko, 1954. Page 3 - Commercial ventures are prospering in Falls Creek. Plans ahead for developments at Nissen Tow. Betty Plunkett will spend the year on the snow helping Skippy with the canteen. Les Mikel will help Toni with the tow. Bob Hymans and his wife leave for Europe soon to get fresh ideas and equipment. Bob intends to install a £15,000 chair lift with special cable which allow it to go round corners. Page 5 - Fred Griffith, President of the Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee has been in Melbourne lobbying for Government help to build a comfort station to provide facilities for a ski patrol shelter - aided and abetted by a "well known skiing M.L.A. toni st. elmo, skippy st. elmo, bob hymans, nissen ski tow, fred griffith

Skippy and Toni St Elmo were responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. They left Melbourne in 1945 and settled at Falls Creek and moved into the first building constructed of corrugated iron and timber at Falls Creek in 1946. They were Falls Creek’s first workers with Toni employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data up to the construction of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow called Nissen on the same route as the Summit Quad. He also established the Nissen Ski School with ski instructor Milan Kovacic and was involved in the building of the resort’s first ski club Bogong in 1949. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950’s and represented Australia in New Zealand.Skippy and Toni St Elmo were pioneers of the Falls Creek area, promoting local ski sports and tourism. The played an important role in opening up the Falls Creek area and developing its sporting potential by establishing the first ski school, ski lifts and early lodge facilities. Skippy and Toni St Elmo were honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek on November 17 2006, with the spreading of their ashes at the place which played such an important part in both their lives.Set of 8 black and white photographs of Skippy St Elmo and other skiers 1. Skippy and 3 others in New Zealand 1951 2. Skippy and 5 others Falls Creek 1955 3. Cake celebrating 20 years of sport at Nissen Lodge 4. Skippy and friend outside Nissen Lodge 5. Skippy on the ski slopes 6. Skippy on the ski slopes 7. Albury Ski Club team New Zwealand 1957 8. The Bogong Ski Club 1950 Written on back of photos 1. Bob Howe Albury, Skippy New Zealand 1951 – 942H 2. Falls Creek 1955. Skippy St Elmo: H Devonassore; Margaret ?; ?; Tony St Elmo; Olive? 3. Written on cake Nissen Alpine Club. 20 years of sport. FRED 4. Skippy St Elmo 5. Skippy 6. Skippy 7. Bob Howe (Albury) Skippy New Zealand 1957. Albury Ski Club Team raced in NZ 8. The Bogong Ski club, Coronet Park, 1950. M Denham (Capt); B Wiltshire; R Roberts; Skippy St Elmo; Gwen Morris; J Frazer; J Smith; L Piera; Manager & Coach Toni St Elmo. J D Knowles Photographer Box 188, Queenstown. 744B falls creek, skiing, bogong high plains

Written early 1990s for a bus tourist group. It includes historical facts. 18 pages stapled in top left hand corner of handwritten (in black) notes on the program for a guided tour from Tawonga,to the SEC 'office', Mt Beauty, Clover Power Station, Bogong Village, Falls Creek, High Plains 'Alpine' National Park and Mt Beauty.Pink texta on first page: 'Jill'kiewa valley tourism, mt beauty, secv, alpine national park', tawonga, falls creek

This article reports on the latest fad - snow shoe lessons, being conducted at Falls Creek by Ms Jenny Bolwell for the Forests, Conservation and Lands Department in 1986. The two hour "shuffle" took participants up into the sub-alpine area of the village. The snow shoe lessons had been held for the previous two seasons. Bookings were available each Tuesday and Saturday during the snow season.This article is significant because it documents the variety of activities available at Falls Creek during its development.A newspaper item about the new fad at Falls Creek - snow shoeing.snow shoes, falls creek activities

Mavis Grace Lindsay born in 1917 and married Toni St. Elmo in Ballarat on 18 December 1944. She was known as “Skippy” from childhood. They moved from Melbourne in 1945 and spent the year living in Wallace’s Hut. Toni was employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data. They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. Toni entering her in the first club championships held by the Bogong Ski Club at Rocky Valley, which he had established. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950s and represented Australia in New Zealand. In 1947, the first ski lodge was built by six SEC employees including Toni St Elmo. The lodge was named “Skyline”. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow at Falls Creek, called Nissen. He also established the Nissen Ski School. In 1949, Skippy won the Downhill and Combined State Championship held at Mt Buller. In 1950, Skippy was selected to compete in New Zealand with the Victorian team. Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club which became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in the Giant Slalom and Downhill. She went on to win many more races. In 1960, Skippy and Toni said farewell to Falls Creek. Skippy passed away in Queensland in July 2005 and Toni passed away in September of the same year. In November 2006 they were honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.A black and white photograph of Skippy and Toni St. Elmo standing in the doorway of their hut on the Bogong High Plains. A line of washing stretches behind the hut connected to the outside toilet.skippy st. elmo, toni st. elmo, sec hut skippy and toni st. elmo

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 captures an image of two pioneers of pioneers and active members of Falls Creek Village.A black and white image of George Shirling with two motorbikes on the bank of the West Kiewa River.george shirling, koki lodge

These publications were developed by the Falls Creek Ski Lifts Pty. Ltd. to promote activities and facilities at Falls Creek for the Winter Seasons of 1992 and 1994. They include maps of Falls Creek Village and the surrounding slopes as well as pricing for ski lifts and packages. Advertisements for Frying Pan Inn and Cloud 9 Restaurant are featured.These items are important because they document seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort over time.Two glossy coloured flyers featuring images and information about skiing and trails at Falls Creek. Prices for different lift passes, ski gear rental and season passes are included.falls creek marketing, ski packages falls creek, falls creek trail maps, falls creek visitor information

With the completion of the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme in 1959, Falls Creek began to change from being a construction site into an alpine tourism resort. In 1964 the Frying Pan Inn group consisting of Bill Bridgford, Geoff Henke and L G Morrison acquired a license to construct a restaurant. It opened in time for the 1965 season, but the Frying Pan venue was damaged by fire in 1967. Renovations took until 1973 when the Frying Pan Inn reopened. It is now a popular Apres Ski location in the heart of Falls Creek Village. The Frying Pan has always been the central hub of The Bowl and at different times in the past has been the location of the Old Race Hut and also the Ski School Meeting Point. This flyer promotes three benefits of the Frying Pan Inn - its Backpackers' Accommodation, a great location and its nightlife which included live touring bands, comedy nights and Happy Hour. Accommodation included four or six person shared rooms, with breakfast being available at an additional cost.This item is significant because it documents activities and accommodation at a well-known venue at Falls Creek.A coloured flyer to promote the Frying Pan Inn featuring photographic images, basic information about facilities and accommodation tariffs for the winter of 1995.frying pan inn, falls creek accommodation

Diana Lodge was built and operated by Kevin Shoebridge as a family lodge in the 1950s and it has grown and evolved over 60 years to become Diana Alpine Lodge. After Mr Shoebridge moved to Wodonga he leased Diana Lodge to Bob Scott and it also became the Post Office and Telephone Exchange. From early 1967 until about 1975, Diana Lodge was owned and operated by John and Gwyn van Burck. It was then purchased by a group of 12 families operating as Swan Hill Alpine Holdings. Diana Alpine Lodge has operated under several owners and was sold again as recently as 2023. This pennant was used in the early 1960s as a souvenir to promote Diana Lodge.This item is significant because it promotes Diana Lodge, a long standing accommodation venue at Falls Creek.A black and white triangular banner including an image of a skier and a second person on a chair lift.ALPINE VILLAGE DIANA SKI CLUB LODGE FALLS CREEK, VICdiana alpine lodge, falls creek accommodation

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

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. 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 a portrait of George Shirling, a significant pioneer of Falls Creek and the ski industry in Australia.A framed colour portrait of George Shirling. A title label has been added to the image.On Label: George Shirling 17/1/38 to 27/2/2023 Falls Creek - always in his heartgeorge shirling, koki lodge, red onion, accommodation falls creek

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It records the visit of the Austrian National Ski team to Falls Creek in 1966. The first paragraph includes thanks from the Victorian Skiing Association to those who have supported the visit including J. Molony Pty. Ltd., Alpine Developments (Ski Tows) Pty. Ltd., Falls Creek Committee of Management, Ko-Ki Ski Lodge, Arundel Ski Lodge and Rothmans of Pall Mall. 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 documents an important visit by an international ski team to Falls Creek.A flyer welcoming the Austrian National Ski Team to Falls Creek in 1966. It includes profiles and images of the members of the team and has been autographed by them.george shirling, koki lodge, austrian national ski team 1966

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It depicts skiers using the Nissen Rope Tow in August 1954. The tow was operated from the early 1950s by Skippy and Tony St. Elmo. 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 an early image of the Nissen Rope Tow at Falls Creek.A photograph of the Nissen Rope Tow taken in August 1954. It includes several skiers either on the rope tow or descending the slopes. The sign explaining the image in the collection at Red Onion, Falls Creek is also included.george shirling, red onion, nissen rope tow, toni and skippy st. elmo

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It depicts Malcom Milne after winning the Bronze Medal at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships at Val Gardena, Italy in 1970 becoming the first Australian skier to win a World Championship skiing medal. 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 depicts Australian champion skier Malcolm Milne winning his first major World Championship in 1970.A black and white photograph of Malcolm Milne taken at the World Downhill Championships in 1970. It has been autographed in red pen. An explanatory sign is attached.Written in red ink at top right: "To Hans, Wally & Lou and all the guys at the Mountain Man. Happy Skiing to all, Malcolm"george shirling, red onion, malcolm milne, falls creek

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It depicts Dick Stericker & Hans Fisher constructing a wooden bridge. They both arrived in Falls Creek in the early 1960s. Hans worked on the slopes in summer and in winter, including building access bridges over the race-line as shown in this photograph. In 1965 Hans started as the chef Koki Alpine Lodge owned by George Shirling. He later worked as cook at various Falls Creek eating houses, as well as working for the lift company and slope maintenance People like Hans made Falls Creek. He passed away at Noosa, Queensland on 18th January 2022. 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 features two prominent members of the Falls Creek community.A black and white photograph of Dick Stericker & Hans Fisher taking a break whilst building a bridge. A typed George Shirling Collection number and description is attached. On label: ITEM NO. 148 Dick Stericker & Hans Fisher - smoko - while building bridge over raceline - Village T-bar, 1961george shirling, red onion, hans fisher

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It was an important element of the Falls Creek Ski School Instructor uniform from 1969.This enabled skiers to identify authorised instructors. 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 was an important feature of the Falls Creek Ski School Instructor uniform.A circular yellow cloth badge with blue and red stitching. The blue stitching features a skier and text around the edge. The red stitching creates the impression of a snowflake. On blue stitching: INSTRUCTOR - FALLS CREEK SKI SCHOOL On sign" ITEM No. 99 Falls Creek Ski School - Instructor - Cloth badge c1969george shirling, red onion, ski instructor badge, falls creek ski instructor

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is an early advertisement for rooms at the "Galleon" Ski Club. The "Galleon" was originally owned by Jim Willis. In 1958 Julian Brown took over the lease, managing it whilst building Arundel Lodge. After the winter of 1959, the "Galleon" was bought by Tom Greene and renamed Cooroona. 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 was an important feature of the Falls Creek Ski School Instructor uniform.A beige coloured flyer advertising room at the "Galleon" in Falls Creek. An explanatory sign is attached.On sign" ITEM No. 147 1958 Julian Brown, manager of the "Galleon", offer you rooms that are "never stuffy" and you can have "as many blankets as you like". This was Julian's first job at Falls Creek.george shirling, red onion, ski instructor badge, falls creek ski instructor

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

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.This item is significant because it includes a wide range of products used to protect skis and improve performance from the 1920s until the present.A variety of brands of ski wax for maintenance of ski surfaces. The brands included are:- "TOKO", a Swiss company founded in 1916. The Swix colour wax system which was first marketed on November 28th 1946 in Sweden. Bratlie Wax established in the 1920s. In the early 1970s the company was purchased by Astra, the parent company of Swix. Wax by Østbye of Norway patented c1920 by Peter Østbye. His company manufactured tar-based waxes until the 1990s. Australalp Ski Wax made by Danbril Laboratories, Elsternwick, Victoria Each item bears its original logo and brandinggeorge shirling, red onion, ski waxes

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is an early souvenir from Nissen Lodge which was constructed in 1952 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.This item is significant because it is a souvenir from one of the oldest lodges at Falls Creek Ski Resort.A glass beer jug with gilt trim around lip. It is inscribed with "Nissen Falls Creek" in gold script. It is accompanied by a typed sign explaining its origin.On glass in gold lettering: Nissen Falls Creek On sign: Item No. 126 Glass Beer jug - inscribed in gold - 4" x 3" "Nissen" - Falls Creek Purchased by the Donor in 1953george shirling, nissen lodge

A small paperback book of ski instruction and techniques. The book consists of 28 pages of text and illustrations.This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is the 3rd edition of a Ski Instruction Manual produced by Kosciusko Alpine Club, written by A. J. Stone and G. R. T. Ward. It was originally published in 1936. The handbook was a great success and was later used in Lebanon during the Second World War to train allied ski troops. 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.george shirling, ski instruction manual, ski technique

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is an early souvenir from Falls Creek Ski 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. 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.This item is significant because it is representative of changes in Falls Creek promotional material and souvenirs over time.A hessian belt with plastic and metal buckle. Woven into belt: SKI FALLS CREEK On Buckle: SKIgeorge shirling, nissen lodge

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is an early souvenir from Falls Creek Ski 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. 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.This item is significant because it is representative of Falls Creek promotional material.A Falls Creek Sticker printed in black on a yellow and white background and including the Falls Creek logo on the right hand end. SKI FALLS CREEK plus logogeorge shirling, ski falls creek, falls creek souvenirs

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is an early souvenir from Falls Creek Ski 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. 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.This item is significant because it is representative of Falls Creek promotional material.A Falls Creek Sticker printed in black on a purple and white background and including the Falls Creek logo on the right hand end. SKI FALLS CREEK plus logo Come up and ski us sometime!george shirling, ski falls creek, falls creek souvenirs