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

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 7- Bob Hyman will have a new instructor, Henri Devouasseux from Chamonix, France working with him at Falls Creek this year. Page 10 -11 A detailed account of preparations being made in North East Victoria for the 1955 season. It discusses changes at Falls Creek having grown from two lodges to a community of 17 buildings and other changes in the ski industry in Victoria. The article is written by Marguerite Curtis, wife of Jim Curtis, a leading skier at Falls Creek. Page 13 - The Red Cross Ski Rescue Service was formed on 17th May 1955bob hymans, falls creek village, red cross ski rescue service

"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

Bob Hymans Collection 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 die 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 letter is significant because it documents developments made or endorsed by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee.An information bulletin published by the Management Committee. Information included is the release of a new subdivision map, establishment of a Ski Rescue Service and notification that Bob Hymans' would not be in operation for the coming season,falls creek tourist area management committee, preparations for winter season 1961

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 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 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

Surfboats have played an important role in saving lives on Australian beaches since the early 1900's. This boat at the famous Bondi Beach can be seen riding a wave to the beach with the standard five man crew. Many early Australian surfers were members of Surf Life Saving Clubs regularly riding the waves in surfboats, surf ski's and other surf rescue craft.Rare image of an Australian surfboat riding a wave at one of Australia's most iconic surf beaches in Sydney during the 1920's.Black and white photograph'Donated by John Pettigrove' on the backsydney, bondi beach, surfboat, surf life saving clubs

After World War II, the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the scheme. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Falls Creek Post Office opened on 9 June 1958 (with telegraph and telephone facilities only until 1964) .Despite strong opposition from the head of the Kiewa scheme, who didn't want tourists clogging up his roads and destroying his "dry" construction camps by bringing in booze, Falls Creek boomed as much as Hotham, partly owing to its relatively good access road. Early lodges included Bogong (c.1946), Skyline (1947), Albury (1949), Myrtleford (1949) and Dawn (c.1950).The souvenir postcard photographed and produced by an enterprising local businessman Mr S K Pearce, was produced as a memento for skiers and other visitors to the Falls Creek and Mt Beauty area to send to family and friends as a reminder of their visit to the region, or to keep as a personal souvenir. It presented an excellent promotional opportunity for enterprising local businessmen to promote the area to skiers and tourists near and far. It also presents an excellent pictorial history of the falls creek area around the late 1950’s to early 1960’sColour postcard folder (unused) containing 13 photographs of the Falls Creek ski area and surrounds. Inside cover has a brief description of the area and the services available to visitors Printed on front cover- FALLS CREEK SKI VILLAGE. Your Souvenir Folder Photo of skiing slopes of the village Inside front flap - a brief description of the Falls Creek area and the services available to visitors 1. Diana Lodge parking area and Spion Kopje 2. Winterhaven Lodge 3. Ski Hirage Centre and skiing slopes 4. Ski Lodges from main road 5. Nelse and Arundel Lodges 6. Day visitors’ shelter and parking area 7. Summit T-Bar lift 8. Spur T-bar looking towards Village and Spion Kopje 9. T-bar lower station and Snow Crystal Inn 10. ‘Akja’ rescue sled in use 11. Falls Creek road and Grand Coeur Lodge annex 12. Rope tows and beginner slopes 13. Back cover- Published by Nucolorvue Pty Ltd Mentone Vic. Printed in Australia For S.K.Pearce Pty Ltd Tawonga and Mt Beauty falls creek, snow, bogong high plains, victorian alps

The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club was formed in September 1977 when a group of enthusiasts met to discuss the idea. The club, located in Mount Beauty has conducted many activities and programs for its members and other cross country skiers at the Falls Creek Ski Resort, Alpine National Park and the Bogong High Plains. Club objectives are to promote the development of cross country racing, ski touring and associated activities. To assist in searches for persons lost in bushland areas and to maintain a Search and Rescue group. It also provides its members with opportunities for skiing and social activities. The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club constructed a clubhouse at Falls Creek for the use of members in 1996. The club has conducted the annual Kangaroo Hoppet since 1991. Since its inception, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club has been active in promoting cross country skiing including racing and touring in the Falls Creek, Alpine National Park and the Bogong High Plains areas and have actively participated in search and rescue in the alpine region. Birkebeiner members have represented Australia at five Olympic Games. A number of Kiewa Valley residents are active members or have been past members of the club over the years.Printed material from the internet with colour illustrations – History of the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club Inc. Sourced from http://birkebeiner.org.au/about/history/, 14/01/2016 7.45pmbirkebeiner ski club; nordic skiing; cross country skiing; falls creek; bogong high plains

Mt Bogong is visited all year round. In 1936 Cleve Cole died after having been lost in a blizzard close to its summit. This resulted in the erection of snow poles and the Cleve Cole Hut.Mt Bogong, the highest mountain in Victoria, used by skiers in winter and bushwalkers in summer. The weather is variable.1. Article includes 'New Summit Hut' & includes effect of cattle on skiing conditions - 4 pages stapled top left corner 2. The Mt Bogong Disaster, 1936 Cleve Cole, Rescue. 10 pages stapled top left cornercleve cole, mt bogong, summit hut, snow, skiing disaster.

This photo depicts the rescue of three local skiets that became trapped on Mt Bogong during a blizzard and became known as the Cleve Cole tragedy . Mick Hull Howard Michell and Cleve Cole where skiing on Mt Bogong and could not find their way off the mountain via Staircase Spur due to Blizzard conditions and ended up in the Mitta Valley. Howard Michell walked to the Battys farm to get help for his weak and injured friends. Cleve Cole died shortly after arriving at Omeo hospital. This photo is historically significant as it tells the rescue story of this tragedy. The photos are of the people involved which add to the story. Mt Bogong Victoria's highest mountain is accessed from the Kiewa Valley and near by high plains and over shadows Mt Beauty township therefore is a local story. The photo comes from the rescue party which is a rare photo and thus has great interpretive capacity . The skiing history is one of KVHS main themes and this photo is part of our Skiing Across Country exhibitionBlack and white photo of several men in the bush near Mt Bogong. Photo is glued on to cardboard with a dark grey border and light grey wider border on the outside.Handwritten on back "The Discovery of Cleve Cole / up the Big River (Below Paddy's Flat) / Cole is arrowed / Cyril Rootsey / Jack Batty / Bill Batty / Paul? Bitner / Tom Fitzgerald / Etc. / (I think dad is the one with his hand up to his face)" Back - red stamp - "Herald Feature / Service / Melbournecleve cole. mt bogong. big river. paddy's flat.

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 2 - Rover Scouts help injured skier on Bogong High Plains Page 3 - Cecil Dobson is a real asset to the village. Apart from provisions he also provides services including ski repairs, carpentering and plumbing. Page 5 - "Wongapussie" - a word for an overboot. Originally found in disposal stores as they were used for anti-gas purposes, but something similar is now being made in Albury and being used extensively at Falls Creek.rudi wurth, cecil dobson, rover scouts rescue, "wongapussie"

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 die 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 actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A five page bulletin issued by the Management Committee to all Licensees in the Falls Creek Tourist Area. The first page identifies all Members of the Committee and the organisations which they represented. Other topics included were:- the removal of two tows and subsequent arrangements; applications called for a new chairlift; upcoming sporting events; ski school and franchise; rejuvenation of lodges and new buildings: new toilet block: medical services; parking fees; telephone services: leases: Search and Rescue organisation and a new toboggan run. A circular outlining parking fees was attached.falls creek tourist area management committee, bob hymans, falls creek administration

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 die 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 actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A circular from the Management Committee regarding Search and Rescue activities. The organisation was to be set up under the control of the Management Committee, and the coordinator would be the Manager for the Committee, Mr. J. L. Andrew. A list of information which should be provided in the case of an emergency is included in this communication.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, bob hymans

The Recco system was developed in response to an avalanche tragedy in Are, Sweden in December 1973. The inventor and founder of RECCO, Magnus Granheed assisted in the rescue work. He was frustrated by the primitive methods for locating buried victims that existed at that time, by “probing” with ski poles and digging at random. Unfortunately two people were found deceased. created a passive reflector that could be carried by a skier at all times. After careful research and consultation with professional rescuers, the first prototype was finalised in the beginning of the 80s. In 1983, the company called RECCO was founded. Today the system consists of two parts: a reflector integrated into clothing, boots, helmets and body protection worn by skiers and riders and a detector used by organised rescue teams. These avalanche reflectors were given to participants at the 1987 Interski International Ski Institute Instructors' conference held in Banff, Canada.The invention of these reflectors was critical to increased safety for participants in outdoor activities including skiing at Falls Creek,Two Recco Reflectors which are worn on a skier's equipment or clothing. These strips contain a passive reflector which can be detected by searchers in an emergency situation.From left to right: INTERSKI Banff 1987 / RECCO Avalanche Radar Reflector / INTERSKI ARE 1991recco reflectors, recco system, avalanche rescue, magnus granheed

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

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