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 Sigh Doerr. Sigh was a long time resident of Falls Creek, owning and operating Koki Lodge for many years with his wife, Lee. He was Falls Creek CFA Captain from 1995 until 1998 although he served in the Fire Brigade for much longer. Sigh had many involvements in the community. In 2023 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek operated by Doerr Nominees Pty. Ltd. under the management of Vesna Sugden.This item is significant because it has clear links to an iconic business established in Falls Creek, VictoriaA three folded paper business card featuring a representation of Gauguin artwork on the front and reservation details on the inside. This business card was an invitation to accommodation and restaurant at Koki LodgeKoki Alpine Lodge Falls Creek Victoria Inside "For I too am beginning to feel an immense need to become a savage and create a new world." PAUL GAUGUIN, 1887 ....an invitation to enjoy the New World of KOKIkoki lodge, george shirling, micheal blackwell, business cards, falls creek accommodation

Order docket books used at Koki Fondue and Carvery Restaurant in Falls Creek during 1975. Shows menu items and price as well as how orders were taken. 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 Sigh Doerr. Sigh was a long time resident of Falls Creek, owning and operating Koki Lodge for many years with his wife, Lee. He was Falls Creek CFA Captain from 1995 until 1998 although he served in the Fire Brigade for much longer. Sigh had many involvements in the community. In 2023 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek operated by Doerr Nominees Pty. Ltd. under the management of Vesna Sugden.This item is significant because it has clear links to an iconic business established in Falls Creek, VictoriaTwo order docket books for Fondue and Carvery Licensed Restaurant, with paper connected at top edge with glue, each page containing name of restaurant at top of page with list of menu items and price in grid with section for table at left and order number at right. All printed in red. 'Koki / Fondue & Carvery / Licensed Restaurant'dining, 1970s dining, falls creek, koki, sigh doerr, george shirling

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 Sigh Doerr. Sigh was a long time resident of Falls Creek, owning and operating Koki Lodge for many years with his wife, Lee. He was Falls Creek CFA Captain from 1995 until 1998 although he served in the Fire Brigade for much longer. Sigh had many involvements in the community. In 2023 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek operated by Doerr Nominees Pty. Ltd. under the management of Vesna Sugden.This item is significant because it has clear links to an iconic business established in Falls Creek, VictoriaThese antlers were on display on the wall above the balcony at Koki Lodge.koki lodge, george shirling, sigh doerr, falls creek businesses

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 Sigh Doerr. Sigh was a long time resident of Falls Creek, owning and operating Koki Lodge for many years with his wife, Lee. He was Falls Creek CFA Captain from 1995 until 1998 although he served in the Fire Brigade for much longer. Sigh had many involvements in the community. In 2023 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek operated by Doerr Nominees Pty. Ltd. under the management of Vesna Sugden.This image is significant because it documents staff at a successful and popular establishment at Falls Creek, Victoria.A coloured photo of staff at Koki Lodge sitting on edge of balcony railkoki lodge, falls creek, george shirling, sigh doerr

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 Sigh Doerr. Sigh was a long time resident of Falls Creek, owning and operating Koki Lodge for many years with his wife, Lee. He was Falls Creek CFA Captain from 1995 until 1998 although he served in the Fire Brigade for much longer. Sigh had many involvements in the community. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek operated by Doerr Nominees Pty. Ltd. under the management of Vesna Sugden.This item is significant because it is connected to an iconic business established in Falls Creek, VictoriaA flyer produced to promote Koki Alpine Lodge for the Winter Season 1968, including tariffs and activities available. It is printed in black, sepia tones and small touches of blue and brown. Part of the text includes the quotation from Paul Gauguin featured on other Koki advertising:- "For I too am beginning to feel an immense need to become a savage and create a new world." PAUL GAUGUIN, 1887koki lodge, george shirling, phil nowell, "baldy" blackwell, sigh doerr

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 Sigh Doerr. Sigh was a long time resident of Falls Creek, owning and operating Koki Lodge for many years with his wife, Lee. He was Falls Creek CFA Captain from 1995 until 1998 although he served in the Fire Brigade for much longer. Sigh had many involvements in the community. In 2023 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek operated by Doerr Nominees Pty. Ltd. under the management of Vesna Sugden.A framed black and white photograph of guests enjoying "Tom Jones Night" at Koki Lodge in 1968. Guests include:- Foretable - George Shirling, Geoff Henke, Gweneth Henke (Maloney) who competed in figure skating in the Oslo Winter Olympics 1952, Sigi Haberzetti, Phyllis Bridgford, Bill Bridgford (back to camera)koki lodge, george shirling, sigh doerr

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 Sigh Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek operated by Doerr Nominees Pty. Ltd. under the management of Vesna Sugden. George Shirling passed away in March 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 and Michael "Baldy" Blackwell on the Koki Skidoo,On the front of the skidoo: Koki Alpine Lodgegeorge shirling, koki lodge

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, country women, cwa, port moresby

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, koki market, everyman's hut

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, koki market, lakatoi, canoes

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, koki market, lakatoi, canoes

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, koki market, papuan people

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, koki market, papuan people

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, koki market, palm trees, canoes

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, koki market, palm trees, papuans

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, papuans, transport, bus

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, papuans, transport, pushbike

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, papuans, market

This photograph was taken around 1958.Scanned from a coloured slideView from this sidepapua new guinea, port moresby, papuans, market, produce

Department of Health – National Fitness Office (Sports & Recreation) – Historical Press Release Photo - Empire Youth Day & Royals on Tour CollectionDepartment of Health – National Fitness Office (Sports & Recreation) – Historical Press Release Photo - Empire Youth Day & Royals on Tour Collection

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 Sigh Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek operated by Doerr Nominees Pty. Ltd. under the management of Vesna Sugden. George Shirling passed away in March 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

A part of a yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek. This leaflet focuses on activities and accommodation in Falls Creek Village in the summer. Venues included are:- Astra Lodge, Diana, Halley's Lodge, Silver Ski, Snowdrift, Alpine View Apartments and Koki Apartments.This item is important as it documents different approaches to marketing Falls Creek Village, Victoria. An A4 size leaflet promoting several businesses in Falls Creek. An accommodation rates chart is included in the centre page.skiing, ski, falls creek, victoria, school holidays, winter, snow, winter sport, 1990s, marketing, graphic design

Part of a yearly marketing and information material promoting Falls Creek Region. It includes accommodation rates and travel information which features a map of Falls Creek Village. Venues included in the chart are:- Astra Lodge, Diana Lodge, Karelia Lodge, Snowdrift Lodge, Snowhaven, Viking Lodge, Alpine View Apartments, Cumings Holiday Apartments and Koki Apartments.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities and accommodation venues and rates at Falls Creek Village in the 1990s. An A4 size leaflet promoting Falls Creek of the ski season of 1993. An accommodation rates chart is included in the centre page.accommodation falls creek, falls creek marketing, falls creek tourism, skiing holidays victoria

This page from the Border Morning Mail in December 1983 formed part of a major promotion for summer in Falls Creek. It features several images and advertisements for a range of popular accommodation and activities. These include Nelse Lodge, Koki Alpine Lodge, Cedarwood Alpine Lodge, Sundance, Frying Pan Inn and Falls Creek Hotel. A wide range of activities were promoted with swimming, fishing, bushwalking, windsurfing, one day horse rides or five day horseback safaris all on offer.This item is significant because it demonstrates how the Falls Creek area was promoted in the 1980s summer seasons.A black and white promotion of Falls Creek in the Border Morning Mail. It includes images and advertising of several prominent Falls Creek Lodges and other activities.falls creek summer, falls creek accommodation, falls creek publicity

These items were donated by George Shirling, a long-term stakeholder in Falls Creek, first building and owning Koki Lodge and later owning and operating the Red Onion Lodge. The metal sledge was at Red Onion when George bought the lodge from Lauriston GIrls' School in 1974. Lauriston had owned the Red Onion for about three years. The sledge was most likely made or acquired by the Australian Alpine Club who had built there in 1963 and owned the Lodge until 1970. The suitcases belonged to George Shirling's parents who arrived in Australia from Austria in 1938. George then used this suitcase when he travelled to Falls Creek in the early 1960s.These items are significant because they were donated to the Falls Creek Historical Society by a long-standing and highly regarded member of the Falls Creek community.A sledge made from a metal frame and base plate with a rope lead attached. A leather suitcase with a silk lining and leather handles. A variety of travel stickers have been attached.george shirling, koki lodge, red onion

This publication was compiled by the Falls Creek Business Community to advertise events and businesses during coming weeks. It contained results for the Giant Slalom event held the previous week at Mt. Buller where John Stokes took out the title of Combined Victorian Champion whilst the female Champion was Carol Gadsden. This issue also reported the visit of Dr Dietmar Kettle, Director of the Austrian Tourist Board who was a Member of the Organising Committee of the 1964 Olympic Games in Innsbruck. Venues advertised in this issue included Molony's Ski Hire, Falls Creek Ski School, Big Julians Lodge, Koki Alpine Lodge, Snow Haven Lodge, Naarilla Flats, Spargo, , Apartments, 4 Seasons Chalet and Southern Cross Flats and the Frying Pan Inn.This newsletter is significant because it documents routine activities and events in Falls Creek in the 1970s.A newsletter printed on both sides, including results of recent ski events, visitors to the community, upcoming events and entertainment. Short headlines of news are included, as well as advertising for several guest houses and accommodation at Falls Creek.HEADLINE - FALLS CREEK VILLAGER NEWS IN BRIEF with the compliments of the Falls Creek Business Communityaccommodation falls creek, falls creek business community, falls creek newsletter

"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 publication was a guide to all major resorts operation at the time in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Information about Falls Creek included a description of its location describing geographical features, its 12 ski tows and available services. The accommodation advertised included Winterhaven Lodge, Falls Creek Motel, Spargo's Lodge, Attunga Alpine Lodge, Nelse Alpine Lodge, Les Chalets, Julian Lodge and Koki and Karelia Alpine Lodges.This item is significant because it is an issue of a long-running Australian ski publication which includes items about Falls Creek, Victoria..The Australian Ski Year Book Resort Guide of 1981 includes information and advertising about resorts throughout Australia. Falls Creek information and Accommodation Guide featured on pages 10 & 11 of this issue.australian skiing, accommodation falls creek, falls creek resort

This publication was a major item in the Falls Creek marketing program for 2004. A major feature of 2004 winter season was the opening of Drover’s Dream, arguably Australia’s most picturesque chairlift. Taking over from Panorama Poma, the new four-seat high-speed chairlift would open up more top to bottom riding. This was a multi-million dollar resort investment and expanded the Sun Valley area. It was over 700 metres long and added an additional 7.4 hectares of beginner and intermediate terrain. It was predicted to reduce queues on the Towers Chairlift as it had a capacity of 2,400 riders per hour. XC Skiing was strongly promoted including Cross-Country Trail Passes, Lessons and Ski Hire available from Falls Creek Nordic Hire at Windy Corner, Gebi’s Ski Hire, Viking Ski Hire and Koki Ski Hire. Accommodation rates for 43 different venues were included. Corporate Partners in 2004 were Bilia Volvo, Nursing Australia, Milo and Ten TV, with Hewlett Packard sponsor of the Falls Creek Racing and Events Department.This booklet is significant because it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek in 2004 and the opening of the Drover's Dream Chairlift.A glossy publication of 40 pages promoting Falls Creek all year round. It includes detailed information of activities at Falls Creek, images and advertising,falls creek activities 2004, drover's dream falls creek, falls creek marketing

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