Falls Creek Primary School Prior to 1965, couples with small children would move away from Falls Creek due to there being no school facilities in the village. In the mid 60's a few families with school age children established themselves in the village, and a need arose for a school to encourage them to stay. An enrolment of seven children and a building was required before the Education Department could become involved. The Management Committee of the day gifted the families some land (still the site of the Falls Creek Primary School No. 5067) and fundraising began. The original committee consisted of the Steven family (two children), the Lee family (three children), the Caddie family (no children), the Carroll family (no children), and the Alston family (children?). After two years of community based, yet dubious fundraising methods (including weekly gluhwein parties, keg parties and numerous raffles), enough money ($1,300) was raised and an unused SEC building in Mt Beauty was bid on and won. Due to the condition of the road up to Falls Creek, it had to be dismantled and reassembled up the mountain. Unfortunately, the building was delivered to Falls Creek too late into the season to be erected but the following summer, with no money available to hire builders, working bees began, beer was on tap, and BBQs were cooked, and a crude schoolroom with an oil heater donated by Cecil Dobson from Winterhaven was erected. The first teacher hired was an Alaskan woman who agreed to a wage of $10 per child per week. Due to minimal resources the children were sent home at different times of the day in order to warm up and have a meal. Through the winter of 1971 many government departments were lobbied and it was decided that if the building could be finished to the Education Departments standards then they would provide a government endorsed full time teacher. The three main site holders (Bob Lee, Cecil Dobson and Dick Humphries) took out a loan and the school was refurbished and opened as the 'Bob Scott Memorial Hall' in time for the 1972 season. Maree Keele was the first Head Teacher. After three years of fund raising by the school committee the hall was paid off in full. After many years in the original building the Education Department took control of the school, updated the classrooms and provided accommodation for the teachers. In 1982, discussions began surrounding construction of a 'new' Falls Creek Primary School, a joint property with the community and the Education Department. After it was decided that the funds could not be raised fully by the community ($150,000), the Department constructed a new facility and students moved in on 1st July 1985.This image is significant because it represents the school which the Falls Creek Community fought to establish for their children.A framed coloured photo of Falls Creek Primary School under heavy snowIn lower right corner - 1981 Old Primary School Above doorway:- FALLS CREEK SCHOOL No. 5067falls creek primary school, fcps 5067, education falls creek

Falls Creek Primary School Prior to 1965, couples with small children would move away from Falls Creek due to there being no school facilities in the village. In the mid 60's a few families with school age children established themselves in the village, and a need arose for a school to encourage them to stay. An enrolment of seven children and a building was required before the Education Department could become involved. The Management Committee of the day gifted the families some land (still the site of the Falls Creek Primary School No. 5067) and fundraising began. The original committee consisted of the Steven family (two children), the Lee family (three children), the Caddie family (no children), the Carroll family (no children), and the Alston family (children?). After two years of community based, yet dubious fundraising methods (including weekly gluhwein parties, keg parties and numerous raffles), enough money ($1,300) was raised and an unused SEC building in Mt Beauty was bid on and won. Due to the condition of the road up to Falls Creek, it had to be dismantled and reassembled up the mountain. Unfortunately, the building was delivered to Falls Creek too late into the season to be erected but the following summer, with no money available to hire builders, working bees began, beer was on tap, and BBQs were cooked, and a crude schoolroom with an oil heater donated by Cecil Dobson from Winterhaven was erected. The first teacher hired was an Alaskan woman who agreed to a wage of $10 per child per week. Due to minimal resources the children were sent home at different times of the day in order to warm up and have a meal. Through the winter of 1971 many government departments were lobbied and it was decided that if the building could be finished to the Education Departments standards then they would provide a government endorsed full time teacher. The three main site holders (Bob Lee, Cecil Dobson and Dick Humphries) took out a loan and the school was refurbished and opened as the 'Bob Scott Memorial Hall' in time for the 1972 season. Maree Keele was the first Head Teacher. After three years of fund raising by the school committee the hall was paid off in full. After many years in the original building the Education Department took control of the school, updated the classrooms and provided accommodation for the teachers. In 1982, discussions began surrounding construction of a 'new' Falls Creek Primary School, a joint property with the community and the Education Department. After it was decided that the funds could not be raised fully by the community ($150,000), the Department constructed a new facility and students moved in on 1st July 1985.This image is significant as it is representative of the children who have attended Falls Creek Primary School and their families who work to establish an education facility in Falls Creek.A coloured photo of a group of students gathered outside Falls Creek Primary School No. 5067 held in the Bob Scott Memorial Hall. Children in the photo include:- Phoebe Irwin, Paul Bryce, Sharon Purdue, Matthew Dobson, Tracy Lee, Danielle Humphries, Emma Brown, Kelly Bryce, Tim Scott, Megan Scott, Darren Spargo, David Spargo, Paul Costa, Adrian Costa, Luke (?) Spargo, Charlie Brownfalls creek primary school, bob scott memorial hall, education falls creek, fcps 5067

Falls Creek Primary School Prior to 1965, couples with small children would move away from Falls Creek due to there being no school facilities in the village. In the mid 60's a few families with school age children established themselves in the village, and a need arose for a school to encourage them to stay. An enrolment of seven children and a building was required before the Education Department could become involved. The Management Committee of the day gifted the families some land (still the site of the Falls Creek Primary School No. 5067) and fundraising began. The original committee consisted of the Steven family (two children), the Lee family (three children), the Caddie family (no children), the Carroll family (no children), and the Alston family (children?). After two years of community based, yet dubious fundraising methods (including weekly gluhwein parties, keg parties and numerous raffles), enough money ($1,300) was raised and an unused SEC building in Mt Beauty was bid on and won. Due to the condition of the road up to Falls Creek, it had to be dismantled and reassembled up the mountain. Unfortunately, the building was delivered to Falls Creek too late into the season to be erected but the following summer, with no money available to hire builders, working bees began, beer was on tap, and BBQs were cooked, and a crude schoolroom with an oil heater donated by Cecil Dobson from Winterhaven was erected. The first teacher hired was an Alaskan woman who agreed to a wage of $10 per child per week. Due to minimal resources the children were sent home at different times of the day in order to warm up and have a meal. Through the winter of 1971 many government departments were lobbied and it was decided that if the building could be finished to the Education Departments standards then they would provide a government endorsed full time teacher. The three main site holders (Bob Lee, Cecil Dobson and Dick Humphries) took out a loan and the school was refurbished and opened as the 'Bob Scott Memorial Hall' in time for the 1972 season. Maree Keele was the first Head Teacher. After three years of fund raising by the school committee the hall was paid off in full. After many years in the original building the Education Department took control of the school, updated the classrooms and provided accommodation for the teachers. In 1982, discussions began surrounding construction of a 'new' Falls Creek Primary School, a joint property with the community and the Education Department. After it was decided that the funds could not be raised fully by the community ($150,000), the Department constructed a new facility and students moved in on 1st July 1985.This image is significant because it includes children who became champion competitors at Victorian State, national and international level.A black and white photo of a group of children on a toboggan outside the Falls Creek Primary. It includes several future champion skiers. From back:- Kate Stevens, Pretty Valley Lodge, World Cup Freestyle representative and Champion; Tracey Lee, Attunga Lodge, Second in the Australian Freestyle and Australian Under Fifteen champion; Matthew Dobson, Winterhaven; Steven Lee, Attunga, three times Olympic and World Cup representative and competed on professional circuit; Chris Losch, Feathertop; Chris Heberle, Le Chalet, Cross Country Champion, eight times Australian Champion; Michelle Caddy, Geilo; Julie Smith: Vicki Losch, Feathertop: Debbie Humphreys, Powerhouse, Scott Caddy, Geilo: Sue Heberle, Le Chalet: Danielle Humphreys, Powerhouse, raced in State Championships and became ski instructor.falls creek primary school, falls creek education, falls creek skiers

The Falls Creek Search and Rescue Squad was formed in the mid 1970s. It was partly instigated by Rob Spargo whose family purchased the site where the Falls Creek Hotel is today. The family was instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Falls Creek community and were involved in the foundation of Falls Creek Primary School and Falls Creek Search & Rescue (now Falls Creek SES). Rob was also involved in the start-up of Ski Victoria and has served as a member the Chamber and Resort Management Board. The Falls Creek SES Unit was established in 1981 and includes several members who have served their community with VICSES for more than 30 years.This uniform patch represents an important safety organisation at Falls Creek.A cloth badge with metal studs at each corner. It has a border of purple and crimson machine embroidered stitching and the name of the unit is embroidered in black thread.FALLS CREEK SEARCH & RESCUE SQUADfalls creek ski patrol, skiing safety, falls creek services

Ivan Spargo was a builder in Melbourne. In 1965 he and his wife Joy leased piece of land in Falls Creek and built Spargo Lodge. It was a dormitory style chalet designed to accommodate large groups and families. Their son, Rob and his wife Blanche purchased the site where the Falls Creek Hotel is today. In 1970 Rob’s sister Leonie and her husband Glenn joined the business, and they started operating in 1972. The family has been actively involved in the Falls Creek Community including the establishment of the Falls Creek Primary School and Falls Creek Search & Rescue. Rob also served as a member the Chamber and Resort Management Board. As the next generation stepped into the family business, Rob and Blanche retired to their home in Tawonga South in 2014 and Leonie and Glenn retired to Melbourne in 2017.This brochure is significant because it is linked to a prominent business and family in Falls Creek, Victoria. A small brochure publicising Spargo Lodge, Falls Creek. It is printed in brown text on buff coloured light card. When unfolded, one side shows a sketch of Spargo Lodge. The reverse side gives information about facilities and services, the tariff for regular and peak season, booking details and transport information.On front: Spargo Lodge FULLY LICENSED Falls Creekspargo lodge, falls creek accommodation, falls creek hotel

This vehicle, an Axtrack is located outside the Falls Creek Museum. It was built by Axel Andre who worked in Falls Creek as a mechanic for several years in the early 1970s. Axel was an engineer by trade. He built this small twin track vehicle for Ivan Spargo at the Falls Creek Hotel and then progressed to building bigger and better models. This included one for Ziggy Doer at Koki and Neville Mashford at Snowland purchased two of them. Some of these machines were also exported to America. Axel Andre later established a company Axtrack Engineering in Melbourne. There are still three of these Axtrack vehicles on the hill at Falls Creek in 2024. The vehicles were used for commercial purposes such as transporting supplies and staff around the mountain. The Spargo family from the Falls Creek Hotel used this vehicle for oversnow transport and it advertised Harvey Wallbanger Happy Hour. Ivan and Joy Spargo relocated from Melbourne to Falls Creek in 1965. They purchased a piece of leasehold land and built Spargo Lodge. This was a dorm style chalet built to accommodate large groups and families. Their son Rob Spargo met his future wife Blanche in 1967 when she was on holiday in Falls Creek. They married and purchased the site where the Falls Creek Hotel is today. The steep gradient of the site was a challenge to build on but was the best location available in the village. In 1970 Rob’s sister Leonie and her husband Glenn joined the business, and they started operating the hotel in 1972. The family played a critical role in the growth of the Falls Creek community and were involved in the foundation of Falls Creek Primary School and Falls Creek Search & Rescue. Rob was also involved in the start-up of Ski Victoria and has served as a member of the Chamber and Resort Management Board. Rob’s eldest daughter Lisa competed with the Australian Ski Team from 1985 to 1989 and has worked as a ski instructor in Australia, Austria & Colorado. In 2010 Lisa and her husband Damien Allport joined the family business and her parents retired to Tawonga South in 2014. Their children are now the fourth generation of the Spargo family living at Falls Creek enjoying the alpine lifestyle and providing outstanding hospitality. The 40 year tradition of the Harvey Wallbanger Happy Hour held on Tuesdays and Thursdays continues at Falls Creek Hotel in 2024.This item is significant because it depicts an important form of transport at Falls Creek, VictoriaA coloured photo of a black Axtrack oversnow vehicle decorated with red and yellow advertising.FALLS CREEK HOTEL APRES ENTERTAINMENT HARVEY HOUR TUES & THURS 3.30 PM LIVE ENTERTAINMENTaxtrack, oversnow vehicles, falls creek transport, spargo lodge, falls creek hotel

In 1977 a group of Mount Beauty cross country skiers formed the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. In 1979, a version of the famous Birkebeiner race, the first Australian Birkebeiner was held at Falls Creek. In June 1990 representatives from Australia put their case for a southern hemisphere race in the series. Following a trial event in 1990. Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet in the winter of 1991, with the first Kangaroo Hoppet. In 1991 a parade and commemorative torch lighting ceremony were organised in Mt Beauty as part of the celebrations to mark the first official Kangaroo Hoppett with participation from local community groups and commercial organisations, the Chamber of Commerce, local government representatives and individuals.Kangaroo Hoppet caters to diverse interests by offering a 42km and 21km event. It also offers a 7km event that attracts skiers, ranging from elite juniors to parents, grandparents, babies and first time skiers. It is recognised on the world cross country ski race calendar. It brings large numbers of participants and spectators to the area which support tourism, local businesses and employment. The 2018 event will be the 28th Kangaroo Hoppet, with cross country skiers travelling from across the country and overseas to compete.PHYSICAL: Set of 22 colour photographs of the street parade to celebrate the first Official Hoppet race run at Falls Creek in 1991. Participants from a range of local community groups are traveling along Kiewa Cres. Photos are taken near the corner of Maddison St 1&2 – Horseman & accordion player leading the parade Sign reads ‘Falls Creek The Happy Mountain’ 3-4 Birkbeioner Nordic Ski Club with Chinese Nordic ski representatives 5 & 6- Girl Guides & Brownies 7, 8 & 9- Mt Beauty Primary School & Netball team 10 & 11- UKV Calisthenics Club 12- Lawn Bowls Club 13- Junior Football Club 14- Mt Beauty High School Band (on Wodonga Timber & Hardware truck) 15, 16 17 & 18- Mt Beauty Kindergarten 19,20, 21 & 22- Local Community Vehicles including Community Transport and Fire Brigade 23 & 24- Mt Beauty High School Band 25- Fiat 500 Topolino Vintage Car No markingskangaroo hoppet; cross country skiing; ski race; bogong high plains, mt beauty, parade

Mt Beauty and Tawonga South are in the Kiewa Valley Mt Beauty and Tawonga are in the Kiewa Valley. Many of these photos record people who lived in these towns and their activities.Collection of black and white photos of Mt Beauty and Tawonga. Most are labelled (and some include names but no dates) in pencil on the back.Varying sizes. 1. Marketing Falls Creek 2. Driver Education Car Presentation- Mt Beauty Secondary College 3. Start of Mt Beauty Marathon 4. Mount Beauty Paramedical Day Care Centre 5. Falls Creek - Original Halley's Comet 6. Falls Creek - Original Snow-making on Twin Towers 7. Group of 10 girls 8. Mt Beauty Primary School - Tidy Towns Competition 9.Mt Beauty Primary School 10. Start of Mt Beauty Marathon 11. Lou Leiberman - Local Member 12. Bank Manager, Commonwealth Bank on left. 13. Driver Education Car - Mt Beauty Secondary College 14. Original Snow-making on Twin Towers at Falls Creek 15. Two girls 16. Mt Beauty - Home Improvement Centre 17. Tawonga District Hospital/Mt Beauty Hospital before the Nursing Home - removing pine trees 18. Water Board Installation at Tawonga South (outside Rookes house) 19. Dederang Catholic Church 20. Two men (names on back) 21. Tawonga Store 22. Mt Beauty - old butcher shop on right hand side 23.Tidy Towns Mt Beauty Labelled in pencil on the backmt beauty, tidy towns, driver education, marathon, falls creek

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

Gown was worn by Janice Purcell nee Ralston who lived in Mitcham until her marriage to Dr Michael Purcell. She trained as a Nurse at St Vincents Hospital. She attended St Johns Primary School and the Loreto Convent.The style and colour was worn during the 1980's, usually at special occasions such as balls, weddings and formal dances.c 1980 Long claret coloured evening gown. Bodice is heart shaped cross over, rouching forming cap and sleeves. Skirt is gathered at waist and falls to very full folds.Victorian Fantasy Melbournecostume, female

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 documents life in the early years of development of the Bogong High Plains, Victoria.A black and white image of pupils and teacher at Bogong School. Teacher Beverley Hayward. This photo is a newspaper photo published in a Melbourne newspaper at the time (c1949). John Meyer is child third to the right of the teacher.bogong primary school, john meyer