Part of an annual marketing campaign, this booklet was designed to provide information for planning a holiday at Falls Creek for the winter of 2003. It includes details about activities, facilities and accommodation in the Village as well as contact information to make necessary bookings. The slogan for 2003 was "Where Fun Falls".This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort An A4 sized marketing booklet, including images and advertising information printed on glossy paper.ski, victoria, falls creek 2003, falls creek marketing

These publications were developed by the Falls Creek Resort Management Committee to promote activities and facilities at Falls Creek for the Winter Seasons of 2001, 2003 and 2005. They include extensive information about ski trails, maps as well as ski and lift passes and packages.These items are important because they document seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort over time.Three 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, lift passes, ski packages falls creek, falls creek trail maps

Julian Newton-Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. By working several jobs, Julian was able to build a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek. The lodge is now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to "Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. When Julian and his wife Beth retired and left Falls Creek, their son took over running the lodge. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder in Falls Creek, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in May 2020. In 2003 when this flyer was published operation of Julian's Lodge transferred from Julian and is wife Beth to their son Charlie Brown, a former Australian Champion and World Cup skier and his wife, Bena.This item is significant because it gives details of an important lodge at Falls Creek, Victoria.A colour flyer which gives a large amount of information about facilities and tariffs for Julian's Lodge Falls Creek for the 2003 season. The flyer folds to one-third of its open size.julian's lodge, julian newton brown, falls creek ski lodges, accommodation falls creek, charlie brown

Bogong Village was built by the SECV in 1940 for the workers of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. In 1971, 30 houses were furnished for use as holiday homes for SEC personnel throughout the State. From 1989 to 1993 the houses were restored & renovated.During the 1990s the buildings in the village had been leased to private owners. Many of them rented their houses for tourists. The Commissioner's lodge was on the other side of the Mt Beauty - Falls Creek road, above Bogong Village. Wally Baldwin ran it in the 1960's.It was destroyed by the 2003 bushfires.These papers present a history of 'the Commissioner's lodge' and Bogong Village in the 1990's. The Progress Association was an active community group in 1963/64.Papers advertising Bogong Village & the Lodge for accommodation with rates 1997/1998. Describes the alternatives, maps and cafe hours, Also, 'Jan's Recollections' and on the back of these pages a hand written list of members of the the Progress Association 1963-64 as 'per Mr A. McCullough's spiel'. In original folder and includes a pamphlet & postcard.bogong village, secv lodge, lake guy, state electricity commission of victoria., kiewa hydro electric scheme, tourism, accommodation

W.D.Chapman had a keen interest in botany and was particularly interested in Eucalyptus species. He was first to discover the tree which now bears his name on his numerous visits to the Kiewa power station which is situated near the Bogong High Plains. He was a Commissioner and later the Chairman of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, the organisation in charge of building the Kiewa Hydro Scheme. The tree is a cross between two eucalypts. The trees are unique as they cannot procreate. There were two 'Bogong Gum' trees. One at Cranky Charlies and one on the way up to the High Plains passed by the Ryder family on their way up.This plaque was beside the Falls Creek Road and indicated the location of the 'Bogong Gum' tree. The tree was burnt in the 2003 bush fires but survived only to be killed in the 2006 bush fires. There were two 'Bogong Gum' trees. One at Cranky Charlies and one on the way up to the High Plains passed by the Ryder family on their way up. Heavy bronze plaque embossed with inscription. On the back is a large rectangular steel piece bent at the bottom to form a 'U' shape. One end of the 'u' is attached to the plaque and the other end has two holes for bolts enabling the plaque to be attached near the tree. One bolt is in a hole."Type tree from which was first described the species / Bogong Gum / (Eucalyptus Chapmaniana, Cameron) / The species was identified by the / late Brigadier W. D. Chapman M.C.E., / D. Eng., M.I.E. Aust., M.I.C.E. Lond. Commissioner / of the State Electricity Commission / of Victoria from May 1944 to May 1955, / in his honour it was named."plaque; state electricity commission of victoria; w.d.chapman; eucalyptus; bogong gum tree; falls creek road

The Fainter Falls Walking Track was originally accessible via a fire fighting access trail, which was used by fire-fighters putting out spot fires caused by lightening strikes. The fires in the summer of 2003, highlighted the beauty of this area and provided the residents with the opportunity to consider the redevelopment of the trail. Work to establish a 700 metre grade 2 walking trail with a 50 metre grade 3 extension trail to the Falls began in 2005. It also includes 3 observation decks, a bridge over a creek crossing, car parking and interpretative signage.The shovel was found during work on the Fainter Falls track. It was left there some time ago by a previous visitor to the Falls indicating that the Falls were accessible and attracted visitors many years ago.Rusty metal shovel head curved on each side and rounded at the front. At the back of the blade it is attached on top with 3 nails to the top piece. The top metal piece overlaps the blade by 6.5 cm longitudinally x 5 cm across. On the back the metal piece overlaps the blade by 12 cm both longitudinally and across the handle end but tapers to a point. It has 6 nails attaching it. Both metal pieces are attached to the blade and curve parallel and around so that a wooden handle would fit between them. This would have 2 nails passing through both metal pieces and the handle. (The handle is missing.) shovel. fainters falls. bogong. walking track. fire track. water.

The Fainter Falls Walking Track was originally accessible via a fire fighting access trail, which was used by fire fighters putting out spot fires caused by lightening strikes. The fires in the summer of 2003 highlighted the beauty of the area and provided the residents with the opportunity to consider the redevelopment of the trail. Work to establish a 700 metre grade 2 walking trail with a 50 metre grade 3 extension trail to the Falls began in 2005. It also includes 3 observation decks, a bridge over a creek crossing, car parking and interpretive signage.A Friends of Fainter Falls committee was formed to work towards the construction of a track to Fainter Falls. The contents of this folder is evidence of how a local community achieved its goals for such a project in 2003 - 2008.Large orange lever arch folder bound with 2 rings. Contains the history of the redevelopment of the Fainter Falls track 2003 - completion at the end of 2008. It is divided into: Funding Proposals. Correspondence Inwards & Outwards. Minutes and Letters of Support. Inserted separately in a large white and yellow Express Post envelope is additional information including chronology, minutes, newspaper cuttings Inserted separately is the 'Small Towns Development Fund' Application Form 2006.Cover blankfainter falls. bogong. walking trail. fire track. kiewa valley community.

Visual workings and development of the Fainter Falls Trail completed in 2008. The trail was originally accessible via a fire fighting access trail. The fire in the summer of 2003 highlighted the beauty of the area and provided the residents of the Kiewa Valley with the opportunity to consider the redevelopment of the trail. Work to establish a 700 metre grade 2 walking trail with a 50 metre grade 3 extension trail to the Falls began in 2005. It also includes 3 observation decks, a bridge over a creek crossing, car parking and interpretive signage.This video recording is a visual recording of the process of the establishment of the Fainter Falls Walking Trail giving an insight into the process, the work, tools and materials used for such work from 2003 to 2008. It also shows the vegetation in the area and the amount of water flowing at the time.White cardboard cover with black plastic video labelled "Fainter Falls" on outer edge."Fainter Falls"fainter falls. bogong. walking trail. fire track. national parks of victoria

This is a commissioned report auspiced by the State Government of Victoria - Department of Sustainability and Environment 2003.This report was prepared to guide the sustainable long-term planning and management of Victoria's six Alpine Resorts. Falls Creek, Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw, Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Mount Stirling, after the catastrophic bush fires of 2002- 2003.Colorured cardboard front cover with two people on air mattresses in foreground. Title white on bue top left corner. 40 glossy thick paper/card pages. A4Logo "Victoria / The Place to betourism in alpine resorts, sustainability and environment, victorian government, 2002-2003 bushfires

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2003 the Men's Winner was Ben Derrick from Australia in a time of 0:53:45. The winner of the Women's event was Belinda Phillips of Australia in a time of 1:06:34. Strong winds, falling snow and poor visibility prevailed on the Bogong High Plains. Due to near blizzard conditions the course was altered for safety reasons.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A coloured poster featuring an image of a tree in the snow with skiers superimposed over the top. Borders are black with white text. The logos of Tourism Victoria and Worldloppet are on either side at the bottom of the image.In white text the top: KANGAROO HOPPET 13 Beneath the image: 30th August 2003 Tel: (03) 5754 3103 - Fax: (03) 5754 4475 - P.O. Box 400 Mount Beauty 3699 Website: http://www.hoppet.com.au Email: [email protected] kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

Julian Newton-Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. By working several jobs, Julian was able to build a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek. The lodge is now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to "Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. When Julian and his wife Beth retired and left Falls Creek, their son took over running the lodge. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder in Falls Creek, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in May 2020. In 2003 when this flyer was published operation of Julian's Lodge transferred from Julian and is wife Beth to their son Charlie Brown, a former Australian Champion and World Cup skier and his wife, Bena.This item is significant because it gives details of an important lodge at Falls Creek, Victoria.A black and white image of Paul Hogan, John Cornell and other people sitting near fire place in the dining room at Julian's Lodge in 1973. Paul Hogan and a group of actors and film crew spent several days in Falls Creek filming a Winfield cigarette commercial, in which they were portrayed as ski instructors. According to Julian Brown's book "Falls Creek - How it came to be", they brought in a truck load of polystyrene balls to create snow. The commercial was in 16mm for television and 36 mm for cinemas. It took them three days to shoot a six second scene in the dining room at Julian's lodge.julian's lodge, julian newton brown, falls creek ski lodges, accommodation falls creek, charlie brown

Julian Newton-Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. By working several jobs, Julian was able to build a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek. The lodge is now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to "Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. When Julian and his wife Beth retired and left Falls Creek, their son took over running the lodge. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder in Falls Creek, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in May 2020. In 2003 when this flyer was published operation of Julian's Lodge transferred from Julian and his wife Beth to their son Charlie Brown, a former Australian Champion and World Cup skier and his wife, Bena.This item is significant because it gives details of an important lodge at Falls Creek, Victoria.A black and white image of Julian Newton Brown testing a Yamaha SL 351 in 1968.julian's lodge, julian newton brown, falls creek ski lodges, accommodation falls creek, charlie brown

Adrian Costa is the second of four brothers who grew up at Falls Creek, attended school there and at Mt Beauty and were members of the Falls Creek Race Club. He started skiing at the age of three. Costa started competing in moguls around age 16 and ‘specialised’ in this field two years later. In 1991 he entered in the International Youth Championships in Le Sauze, where he finished second. His impressive career included competing in the World Cup from 1992 until 2003, representing Australia in the Winter Olympics in 1992 Albertville, 1994 Lillehammer, 1998 Nagano and in 2002 Salt Lake City where he was given the honour of carrying the Australian Flag in the Opening Ceremony. In total, Adrian Costa made 126 World Cup starts between 1991 and 2003, placing 31 times in the top-10 and seven times in the top-5. After retiring from competitive skiing, he coached another future four time Olympian, Britt Cox.These images are significant because they depict a former Falls Creek skier and Australian Olympic athlete.This item includes two colour photos of Adrian Costa competing at Lillehammer Olympics and carrying the Australian Flag at the Opening Ceremony.australian olympians, adrian costa, mogul skier

Esther Bottomley was born on 8th February 1983 in Terang, Victoria but moved to Mount Beauty and became affiliated with the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. She was the first female Australian athlete to compete at three WInter Olympic Games in Cross Country. She competed at Torino in 2006, Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014. Esther has also competed in events in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in the sprint event in 2003 and 2005. Her best World Cup finish was 18th in a team sprint event at Canada in 2009. Esher was also the winner of the Women's Kangaroo Hoppet in 2010 and 2011. This image is significant because it depicts an Australian Winter olympian and dual Kangaroo Hoppet winner.A coloured image of Esther Bottomley competing in the Kangaroo Hoppet 2010.australian winter olympians, esther bottomley, kangaroo hoppet

These were the official Australian team's sunglasses issued to competitors at the Winter Olympic Games at Lillehammer, Norway in 1994. The glasses belonged to Paul and Adrian Costa however they could not wear them because the Costa brothers were sponsored by Oakley at that time. The four Costa brothers - Paul, Adrian, Simon and Tom - all skied for Australia in mogul and freestyle competitions. They attended school at Falls Creek and Mt Beauty and were members of the Falls Creek Race Club. Paul’s first major event at the age of 16 was the Falls Creek Summit Masters, where he finished second in the Open Class. In 1993 he placed fourth at the FIS Freestyle World Championships in Austria. He was selected to represent Australia at the Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games in 1994. After these Games, Paul ended his competitive career and took up coaching junior teams and was a member of the coaching staff for the 2006 Torino Olympics. Adrian is a four-time Olympian, who competed in freestyle skiing at the 1992 Albertville, 1994 Lillehammer, 1998 Nagano and 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games. He contested the moguls event at all four Games and his best performance was 14th, making the finals at both the Albertville and Lillehammer Games. At Salt Lake City, Adrian had the honour to carry the Australian Flag in the Opening Ceremony. He competed at the World Championships from 1993 until 2001 and recorded his best place of 9th at the 1993 World Championships. His best World Cup performance was a silver medal in 1998. In total, Adrian Costa made 126 World Cup starts between 1991 and 2003, placing 31 times in the top 10 and seven times in the top five. He also competed in five Freestyle Skiing World Championships.These sunglasses are significant because they belonged to two Winter Olympians from Falls Creek.Ray Ban brand sunglasses decorated with the official Olympic symbols for the Lillehammer Winter Olympics 1994. Pattens on the arms represent skiers in a range of eventsOn corner of one lens: Ray-Ban and Olympic Rings On right arm: Lillehammer 94lillehammer winter games, adrian costa, paul costa

A description of efforts to fight the bushfires in Gippsland in 2003, including maps and illustrations. This volume was published as a tribute to the work of staff and volunteers who put themselves at risk to protect local communities. It shows the impact on those communities in Victoria and the support they gave to those involved in fighting largest bushfires in Victoria for 60 years. The Alpine bushfires started on 8th January 2003, a day of Total Fire Ban. Lightning ignited 87 fires in the North-East and East Gippsland regions. Eight of these fires were unable to be contained; they joined together to form the largest fire in Victoria since the Black Friday fires in 1939. The majority of the area burnt in Victoria was public land, 1.19 million hectares of parks and forests, including 60 per cent of the Alpine National Park and 81 per cent of the Mt Buffalo National Park. Firefighting efforts were made difficult in hard-to-access, remote forest terrain. Approximately 90,000 hectares of private land was burnt.This book is significant because it documents the 2003 Victorian Bushfires and serves as a tribute to the CFA staff and volunteers who fought them.This publication of 119 pages features text, colour images, maps and detailed information related to the 2003 bushfires in Victoria.At bottom of front cover:- CFA Victoria Logo Victorian Government Logovictorian fires 2003, cfa (vic)

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

A part of a yearly marketing and information program to promote activities in the Falls Creek area outside of the winter season. This booklet promotes a wide range of activities and venues in Falls Creek and surrounding district.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine area and how they have been promoted. An A4 sized marketing booklet, including images, maps and advertising information printed on glossy paper.falls creek tourism, falls creek victoria, falls creek summer

This booklet was designed to promote the range of activities and community events which take place in the High Country of Victoria outside of the winter snow season. It was a joint publication between Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt. Beauty. It aimed to show how nature had regenerated after the wildfires of 2003 to encourage tourism back to the region.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortAn A4 sized marketing booklet, including images and advertising information printed on glossy paper.victorian alpine region, victorian high country, falls creek tourism, tourism victoria

Subtitled "The story of the mountain cattlemen of the Bogongs", this publication of 248 pages includes illustrations, photos, portraits, an index and maps on the end papers. The original edition was published in 1980 A history of the cattlemen of the Bogongs in the Victorian Alps, including their bushcraft, yarns, hut construction, dog and horse training. It looks at the issue of fire and cattle grazing and the struggle of the mountain cattlemen to retain their leases after the bushfires of 2003. This publication provides an enduring record of a special group of Australian pioneers whose lives and qualities of endurance have become part of Australian folklore.bogong high plains, cattlemen of the high plains, bogong high plains history

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of Ray Meyer outside Roper's Hut. Frederick Roper and his family grazed the Bogong High Plains from the 1890s until 1908. Frederick "Jack" built three huts. The hut known as Roper’s Hut was built on Jack's new grazing lease after his former run had been acquired by the SEC in the late 1930s. It had become a well-used refuge hut prior to its destruction in the 2003 bushfires. It was rebuilt by Victorian High Country Huts Association in 2008.falls creek, building skyline, skyline founders, toni st elmo, adrian ruffenacht, jack minogue, ray meyer, lloyd dunn, david gibson

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Black and White Image of Mt. Bogong from above Roper's Hut with Wal Johnson and Ray Meyer seated on the ground. ROPER'S HUT Frederick Roper and his family grazed the Bogong High Plains from the 1890s until 1908. Frederick "Jack" built three huts. The hut known as Roper’s Hut was built on Jack's new grazing lease after his former run had been acquired by the SEC in the late 1930s. It had become a well-used refuge hut prior to its destruction in the 2003 bushfires. It was rebuilt by Victorian High Country Huts Association in 2008.falls creek, bogong high plains, wal johnson, ray meyer, ropers hut