The first ski patroller in Falls Creek was Brian Caddy with two casual ski patrollers Rob Sarroff and David Crooke in the 1960s. In 1972 the “official” Falls Creek Ski Patrol was created under the advisement of Dr Rodney Moss with the support of the Management Committee. By 1977 there were six or seven patrollers, and currently there are around 40 patrollers on the team with 13-14 rostered on each day during peak season. In 1974 the Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA) was formed. On the 14th March 1975, the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee applied for membership to ASPA. At that time, Falls Creek Ski Patrol was known as Falls Creek Ski Rescue. From that time, Falls Creek patrollers began wearing the recommended uniform of a white cross on a red parka.This photo is significant because it depicts members of Falls Creek Ski Patrol, a vital service in the Falls Creek Tourist Area.A framed coloured photo of a group of Ski Patrollers in front of the Medical Centre, Falls Creek.Below image: Falls Creek Ski Patrol 1977falls creek ski patrol, falls creek, services falls creek

The first ski patroller in Falls Creek was Brian Caddy with two casual ski patrollers Rob Sarroff and David Crooke in the 1960s. In 1972 the “official” Falls Creek Ski Patrol was created under the advisement of Dr Rodney Moss with the support of the Management Committee. By 1977 there were six or seven patrollers, and currently there are around 40 patrollers on the team with 13-14 rostered on each day during peak season. In 1974 the Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA) was formed. On the 14th March 1975, the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee applied for membership to ASPA. At that time, Falls Creek Ski Patrol was known as Falls Creek Ski Rescue. This item is significant because it is representative of a critical service at Falls Creek.Falls Creek Ski Patrol jacket, pants, under sweater and gloves from the early 1980s.falls creek ski patrol, safety falls creek, falls creek services

The first ski patroller in Falls Creek was Brian Caddy with two casual ski patrollers Rob Sarroff and David Crooke in the 1960s. In 1972 the “official” Falls Creek Ski Patrol was created under the advisement of Dr Rodney Moss with the support of the Management Committee. By 1977 there were six or seven patrollers, and currently there are around 40 patrollers on the team with 13-14 rostered on each day during peak season. In 1974 the Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA) was formed. On the 14th March 1975, the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee applied for membership to ASPA. At that time, Falls Creek Ski Patrol was known as Falls Creek Ski Rescue. From that time, Falls Creek patrollers began wearing the recommended uniform of a white cross on a red parka.These signs are significant as they are representative of the work carried out by Falls Creek Ski Patrol to keep skiers safe.A variety of signs used by Falls Creek Ski Patrol to alert tourists to conditions on the mountains in the area.A range of words and symbols including:- AREA CLOSED CAUTION MOST DIFFICULT TRAILS MERGE - CAUTION CAUTION TRAIL STEEPENS AND NARROWS AHEAD SKI AREA BOUNDARY SKI PATROL OUT OF BOUNDS / AREA NOT PATROLLED / NO ACCESS TO SKI LIFTS / PROCEED AT OWN RISKfalls creek ski patrol, skiing safety

The Falls Creek Ski Patrol dates back to the early 60s after skiing in Falls Creek became popular. The first ski patroller in Falls Creek was Brian Caddy with two casual ski patrollers Rob Sarroff and David Crooke. Bob Howe as President of the Albury Ski Club, and a few competent skiers from his club and Myrtleford Ski Club, successfully completed the St Johns Ambulance First Aid Certificate in the hope that the Management Committee of the day would roster on two patrollers a day in return for free ski lift tickets. This plan fell through, but the year after Brian Caddy was employed as head of Ski Patrol. In 1972 the “official” Falls Creek Ski Patrol was created under the advisement of Dr Rodney Moss with the support of the Management Committee. At that time, there was one or two patrollers on staff, increasing to five members at peak times. By 1977 there were six or seven patrollers, and currently there are around 40 patrollers on the team with 13-14 rostered on each day during peak season. In 1974 the Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA) was formed. On the 14th of March 1975, the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee applied for membership to ASPA. At that time, Falls Creek Ski Patrol was known as Falls Creek Ski Rescue. This cloth badge is in the shape of the Maltese Cross. It was the insignia of the Knights Hospitallers of St John who ministered to sick and injured pilgrims as well as fighting in the Crusades. The Maltese Cross has become a well-known symbol of protection, first-aid and assistance worldwide.A yellow cloth patch badge in the shape of the Maltese Cross. The outline of the star has been machine embroidered in yellow thread. The words "SKI PATROL" are embroidered in black thread.SKI PATROLfalls creek ski patrol, skiing safety, falls creek services

Alexander Warrender was born in Melbourne and educated at Melbourne Grammar and Geelong Grammar School. He began skiing at an early age and spent many winters at Falls Creek. After leaving school in 1973, Alex decided to live at Falls Creek and went on to join the Falls Creek Ski Patrol. He was quickly promoted to second in charge of the Patrol aged 20 and was one of the first fulltime paid patrollers on the mountain. Alex also played in the band at the Frying Pan in the Bowl. Tragically he died in a car accident on the Oxley Road leaving the mountain on 23rd of August 1976. His funeral was a St John’s church in Toorak, and ashes were scattered on The Summit in a ski formation of the letter A by his young brother Simon and members of the Patrol. After Alex’s death, a small hut was constructed at the top of the Summit in 1980 which houses first-aid equipment used by Ski Patrol where a plaque was placed by Ski Patrol. Each year since Alex’s death, at 5pm on the 23rd of August, Falls Creek Ski Patrol gathers at this hut along with members of the Falls Creek community to remember Alex and other patrollers no longer here. This annual event is referred to as the Warrender Night, and celebrates the spirit of the Ski Patrol. Members of the Ski Patrol also raised funds and materials to build The Alexander Warrender Memorial Ski Patrol Base located on the ridge to the left at the top of Eagle Chair. It was officially opened by Alex’s mother Pamela on August 23rd 1990.This image is significant because they capture the image of one of Falls Creek's First Official Ski Patrollers whose memory is still honoured today.A colour photo of Alex Warrender Ski Patroller at Falls Creek and a framed photo of a group of Ski Patrollers and friends who attended Warrender Night in 2008Beneath framed image: Ski Patrol Evening 23 August 2008 - Summit Hut - Falls Creek Thank you from The Warrnedersalex warrender, falls creek ski patrol

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

"AKJA" sled. These sleds were designed in Finland for transporting a person or goods on snowy or icy surfaces. At Falls Creek they were used by the Ski Patrol to evacuate an injured skier or snowboarder to the medical centre. They could be attached to the back of a snowmobile or pulled by two patrollers holding the attached metal arms.A stretcher used in mountain rescue. It is shaped like an elongated boat-like pan, usually made of aluminum or fiberglass with vaulted ends. Each end can be attached to forked extending handles allowing it to be easily pulled across the snow.falls creek ski patrol, ski rescue

"The Australian Ski Year Book" was first published in 1928 by the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, which with the Kiandra Ski Club, were the oldest organisations for skiing in Australia. In later years organisations from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand were included. It was published on behalf of N.S.W. Ski Council, Ski Club of Victoria, Ski Council of Tasmania, Ski Council of the Federated N.Z. Mountain Clubs. It aimed to provide an annual record of the sport of ski running in Australia, and of events elsewhere which would be of interest to Australian ski enthusiasts. This edition celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the publication. It included an extensive article "The Girls Have Made It" about Australia's first Women's Ski Team written by Bill Bachman. The death of Falls Creek Ski Patroller Alexander Warrender in a car accident is also acknowledged.This item is significant because it is a sample of Australia's earliest ski publications.The Golden Jubilee Edition of the Australian Ski Year Book. The publication contains images, articles and advertising to document the development of the Australian Ski Industry.australian skiing, australian ski publications, tom mitchell, herbert schlink

“Fall-Line” was one of a series of magazines published by the Victorian Ski Association. It was produced from 1979 until 1985. It superseded their previous publication, “Ski” magazine and was followed by the “Australian Skiing” magazine. The Victorian Ski Association was formed in 1955.This magazine is significant because it documents developments in the ski industry in Australia.A magazine featuring a coloured image on the cover and containing articles and advertising related to developments in skiing in Australia. This issue included an extensive article discussing the possible of the development of Lakeside Resort on the shores of Rocky Valley Dam as well as an update on recent changes at Falls Creek. FALLS CREEK The ski patrol has been increased from seven to eight, under the leadership of Senior Patroller John McDonald, and two new radios have been purchased. A four wheel drive ambulance has been purchased to replace the old conventional drive model. It will provide free ambulance transport between Falls Creek and Mt. Beauty, and will be driven by trained volunteer personnel. A new 165 vehicle day visitor car park has been completed at Windy Corner, adjacent to the approved toboggan slope. The closest car park to Falls Creek's Nordic Preferred Area, its capacity will be doubled next summer. A planning permit has been issued to Treglor Pty. Ltd. for its proposed hotel/convention centre. Construction is expected to begin after the season. A new Mercedes 800 tractor with Schmidt Snowcutter recently arrived on the mountain and will be used to clear the car parking areas Falls Creek continues to be among Australia's most expensive resorts, with a high season day ticket price of $13.50. Falls Creek's newest commercial lodge, Lakeside Lodge, has opened with accommodation for more than 50 people and luxury facilities including private rooms with full ensuite, sauna, spa pool, and a dining room for guests. It is located at the top of Schuss St. just behind Imaj flats and very close to the village bowl.australian ski magazines, skiing australia, victorian ski association

In 2015, the Marketing, Events, and Operations teams at Falls Creek launched McKayos—a bold, one-of-a-kind race designed to showcase the resort's trails to winter visitors. Inspired by the legendary Megavalanche in the French Alps, McKayos was a mass-start descent from the summit of Mt McKay (1,850m) to the edge of Lake Bogong, over 1,200m below. Riders tackled snow, village roads, fire trails, and singletrack across an 18km course. With the support of the Lift Company, competitors and bikes were transported up the Falls Express chairlift before climbing to the summit start line. In later years, the race began at the Ski Patrol base. Held for five consecutive years, McKayos grew to attract up to 450 participants, cementing itself as a legendary event in Australian mountain biking history. This shirt is from the 2016 event when the winners were:- Open Men: Paul van der Ploeg (1st), Sebastian Jayne (2nd). Women: Lisa Brydon (1st), Julia Clark (2nd) Junior Men: Ben McIlroy (1st) Casey Griska (2nd) Jo Prothero, Director of Marketing for Falls Creek Resort Management from 2012 to 2019, generously donated two mountain bike jerseys that capture a pivotal era in the resort's history. During Jo's tenure, the resort made significant investments in mountain bike trails, aiming to activate the village during the summer months and support local businesses. This development included appointing Blue Dirt as the resort's first shuttle operator, transporting riders from Howman's Gap to the Summit.This shirt is significant because it represents an important and innovative event held at Falls Creek Victoria.A green and gold cyclist shirt featuring the logo of the McKayos Mountain Bike Ride. It also has a mountain bike on the front in black. The Mckayos logo in on the upper left. The back features the words SNOW, DIRT, ROAD as well as sponsors' logos and "Falls Creek Victoria and the manufacturer, Sacul Sportswear of Mount Beauty, Victoria. McKayos is on the right sleeve and 2016 is on the left sleeve.mckayos mountain bike ride, falls creek activities, falls creek victoria

The Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park opened in 2013 with 40 kilometres of trails in the Victorian Alpine National Park. Designed and built by World Trail, the bike trails provide access to beautiful alpine terrain. The rides now extend over more than 50 kilometres, catering for a range of abilities and providing activities in the summer season. All trails start and finish in the resort. The high-altitude trails of Falls Creek include a range of wide gravel roads to winding single trails. The graded trails include rides to the Rocky Valley Lake, historic cattlemen’s huts such as Cope Hut and Wallaces Hut, the top of Mt McKay, Pretty Valley Lake and for the experts the ride to Mt Nelse and the Spion Kopje summit. MTB Bike Patrol Top To ensure rider safety, Falls Creek Resort introduced a Bike Patrol service during shuttle operating hours. Many Ski Patrol members transitioned into these roles, offering riders peace of mind that medical care was available quickly if needed. The program highlighted the resort's commitment to duty of care and to growing mountain biking responsibly. This shirt was designed by Australian Company Dharco as a highly visible uniform for crew at the Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park. Jo Prothero, Director of Marketing for Falls Creek Resort Management from 2012 to 2019, generously donated two mountain bike jerseys that capture a pivotal era in the resort's history. During Jo's tenure, the resort made significant investments in mountain bike trails, aiming to activate the village during the summer months and support local businesses. This development included appointing Blue Dirt as the resort's first shuttle operator, transporting riders from Howman's Gap to the Summit.This shirt is significant as it is representative of the Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park development.A uni-sex style shirt designed to be worn by mountain bike crews in Falls Creek, Victoria. It has multi-coloured panels of black, orange, yellow and grey. It features an image of a mountain biker descending a slope on the front along with the manufacturer's name. Sponsors' logos also feature across the lower backOn front: PARK CREW/ DHARCO On back: Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park On both sleeves: PARK CREWfalls creek mountain bike park, falls creek staff uniform

Falls Creek was operated by the Falls Creek Area Management Committee. Its composition changed over time but generally the Committee was composed of representatives of the State Electricity Commission, Representatives from Ski Clubs and commercial enterprises, the Country Roads Board, the Ski Tow company and a Representative of the Upper Murray Regional Committee of the Central Planning Authority. This Committee was responsibility for long term planning for the Falls Creek Tourist Area as well as the day to day running of the Village, These patches were part of the uniform of people employed by the Management Committee.These cloth badges are significant because they indicated employees of the Area Management Committee and the role they played in Falls Creek.A group of cloth badges indicating the role of personnel employed by the Falls Creek Area Management. Shield shaped badges - 2 Falls Creek Area Management - PARKING CONTROL 1 Falls Creek Area Management - with red cross of SKI PATROL Rectangular - Green and yellow - FALLS CREEK AREA MANAGEMENT Red and blue - FALLS CREEK AREA MANAGEMENTfalls creek village, falls creek area management committee

These boots were purchased in at "Sports House" in Salzberg, Austria by the donor, Gordon Smith. They were used in Austria and then at Falls Creek, Victoria. Mr Smith used the boots until he joined the Ski Patrol for the SEC when he was provided with new boots. These boots are significant because they are representative of skiing footwear in the early years of skiing at Falls Creek.A pair of leather ski boots from the 1950s. The boots have been resoled by the owner. There are metal hooks to secure the laces which are yellow.ski boots 1950s, ski clothing, gordon smith

These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, VictoriaThis collection of postcards and image is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful business in Falls Creek, Victoria.A postcard featuring two skiers guiding an "AKJA" sled. These sleds were designed in Finland for transporting a person or goods on snowy or icy surfaces. At Falls Creek they were used by the Ski Patrol to evacuate an injured skier or snowboarder. astra falls creek, falls creek accommodation, falls creek businesses

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

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:- Page 2 - We now have two skiing parliamentarians as Mr. Bridgford M.L.C. of St. Trinian's Ski Club joins Tom Mitchell. Page 5 - Falls Creek area will continue to have a ski patrol under the auspices of the Red Cross and will remain separate from the Ski Rescue Service at Buller and Hotham. Bob Hymans has been active for the Patrol at Falls Creek. Page 10 - 13 A double page outlining the facilities and services of the Red Cross Ski Service.tom mitchell m.l.a., bill bridgford, red cross ski rescue service