Ross Milne grew up on his family's tobacco property in Myrtleford, and began skiing at Falls Creek at an early age. He was taught by Austrian Sigi Haberzettl, who was chief coach at Falls Creek for 17 years. Ross went on to win the North-Eastern District Ski Association (NEDSA) Junior Championships for three consecutive years. In 1961 Ross was a member of the Australian team which competed against New Zealand in the Inter-Dominion Championships. In 1963, he won the Downhill and Alpine Combined title at the Australian Championships, while placing second in the Grand Slalom event. Ross was selected in the Australian team that participated in the 1964 Olympic Winter Games at Innsbruck, Austria. A few days before the opening of the Games, on 25th January 1964, he tragically lost his life when he crashed into a tree during a training run for the Men's Downhill. He was only 19 years of age. The construction of the Ross Milne Memorial Ski Jump was first discussed and built between 1964 and 1966. It was located at the top of Gully, Site 99, heading down the gully and ending with a run out onto Falls Creek Road. The Jump was constructed by the Nordic Committee of the Victorian Ski Association. Problems plagued the construction of the Jump and continued until 1974 when it was deemed unsafe. Problems such as construction methods and materials, snow loading and soil foundations and footings were some of the issues which the VSA Nordic Committee faced. On top of this there was discontent with Resort Management and the Lift Company of the day with respect to safety of the Ski Jump and its effect on adjoining chair lifts if an emergency should occur. The cost of reconstruction was prohibitive and an order was given that the SkiJump was not to be used during the 1974 ski season. The Jump was dismantled not long after.These items are significant as they document the development of a memorial to an Australian Olympic Skier, Ross Milne.A collection of documents and photographs documenting the construction of the Ross Milne Memorial Ski Jump built at Falls Creek in 1966. A display board including photographs and explanatory text is part of this collection.ross milne, ross milne memorial ski jump

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents the wide range of actions and responsibilities undertaken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee.A Circular from the Management Committee prior to the 1967 season. It includes a wide range of topics including; the growth of accommodation capacity at Falls Creek; slope improvements; parking and improved road access; Tows and Ski School; garbage collection and suitable containers; tender called for a new hotel; Medical Service arrangements for 1967; Sewerage System reminders; new arrangements for Oversnow Transport; composition of the Committee; a tobogganing franchise; the Ross Milne Memorial Ski Jump; careful use of the Water Supply; Finances and appointment of an Advisor from the SEC to plan for the future; Price Structure for 1967; a request for more involvement in publicity of the Resort and a tribute to R. T. (Bob) Scott.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, r.t. (bob) scott, ross milne memorial ski jump

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents the wide range of actions and responsibilities undertaken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee.A circular to Licensees and Lessees expressing the Committee's thanks for co-operation given during the recent water difficulties. This was the result of a dry season and less run-off. The issue of garbage was again raised.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, r.t. (bob) scott, ross milne memorial ski jump