Giovanni Caberlotto was born on 27 February 1941 in Montebelluna, Italy into a family of boot makers and street vendors. In 1960 Giovanni was called up for military training and enlisted in the Alpini skiing company, learning to ski and gained a military instructor's license. During this time, he learned to recognize boots and materials and looked for innovative solutions to make them more comfortable. He returned home after his military service and convinced his father he no longer wanted to be a street vendor. In 1963 the Caberlotto family sold a piece of land to finance the new business: Caber and established a ski boot factory. In 1965, upon the death of his father, Giovanni took over the reins of the family business. He looked with interest at a new material for ski boots: plastic, travelling to the USA to carry out further investigation. Giovanni began to use plastic polymers which, once heated and melted, were injected directly into the mold and left to cool. He also began a range of sponsorships to promote his brand including the 1964 World Cup slalom event in Cortina d'Ampezzo. He also gained a four year deal with the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI). In 1974 he sold Caber to the US company Spalding, remaining as President of the company until 1979. In 1974 the Caberlotto brothers exploited the second part of the family surname and founded Lotto. For non-competition reasons they work on tennis and leisure shoes. The new company, in addition to tennis, becomes a successful brand in football, basketball and athletics. Giovanni left Spalding in 1980 and returned to Montebelluna, becoming the General Manager of Lotto. He died on 3 March 1997 In 1990, Rossignol acquired the Caber boot factory in Italy and rebranded the product under the Rossignol label.These boots are significant because they represented an advance in ski boot technology and were a popular brand in the 1970s.Lime green and black Caber ski boots. Each boot has five metal fastenings.On side of boots - Cabercaber ski boots, skiing equipment, skiing technology

This volume of 151 pages is an update of one of the first books dedicated to Cross Country skiing. It includes illustrations, photographs and text.non-fictionThe indispensable guide to cross-country for family fun, touring at all ages and competition, by the #1 writer. John Caldwell started the North American boom in this happy, cheap, safe, easy-to-learn (don't need lessons) for the whole family sport with his classic X-C ski book- the first devoted entirely to cross-country skiing. THE NEW CROSS-COUNTRY SKI BOOK is completely rewritten, newly illustrated and updated, including the latest information on the new no-wax skis. For new skiers it provides information the one-day tour and how to organize a tour-race as well as updated equipment reports. It also includes advice about training for expert skiers.cross country skiing, skiing training and equipment

Ski boots were carried by wooden carriers when transporting ski equipment eg. from transport to snow line or accommodation. The boots had a lip at the front and back to enable them being clipped onto ski bindings and boot carriers.These ski boot carriers indicate the type of equipment that used to be used by skiers skiing on the High Plains and Falls Creek. It is also an example of the inventiveness and skill of people who made their own equipment that either couldn't be bought or wasn't available locally. A pair of wooden ski boot carriers made from light wood. The wood is thick at the heel end with an overhang for the heel of the boot. It has a thin leather strap at the toe end and an adjustable clamp at the toe end. The adjustable part consists of a clamp on either side of the wood held by 2 nuts that screw towards each boot . This clamp can slide up and down the hollow groove in the wood. One boot fits on each side of the wood. Reused wood with old marksski boots. snow. high plains. falls creek

Established in 1854 in King Street Melbourne by James Molony, the family owned business of J. Molony initially specialised in shoemaking. Several members of the family were recognised ice hockey and figure skaters who have represented Australia in international winter events including the 1952 Olympic Games in Oslo, Norway and the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics. Molony’s in Elizabeth Street expanded their business with a focus on ski equipment, opening new premises in Falls Creek in 1960 This brochure advertises their available lines for 1964.A 1964 Brochure for J Molony Ski Shop. The brochure is printed in colour and the front bears a caricature of a skier with equipment On front cover: j. molony SKI SHOP 1964 / Established for 110 yearsj molony, molony ski shop, skiing, falls creek, ski fashion, winter, snow, snow fashion, 1964 falls creek

Skis and snow equipment has changed / developed over the years from the 1940s to the present day. The collection of skis etc. is an example of the changesThe Kiewa Valley is below the Bogong High Plains with the ski resort Falls Creek 30 km away. The local people are involved with the ski industry providing ski equipment to the visitors. A variety of skis, stocks and boots used for cross country skiing and downhill skiing.skis, ski boots, ski stocks, cross country skiing, downhill skiing

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 May 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 Grande 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 document is significant because it documents discussion concerning the operation of Falls Creek.MInutes of the Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee held on 21 September 1957 typed on foolscap size paper. Topics of discussion included contributions to the Ski Improvement Fund, equipment in the Casualty Room and also the possibility of erecting a simple rope tow on the nursery slope.chairlift falls creek, bob hymans, ski improvement fund, falls creek alpine village advisory committee

These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. Veruschka von Lehndorff, known simply as Veruschka, was a German aristocrat and fashion model. In 1969 The Australian Ski Year Book included the following report on her visit to Falls Creek. "George Shirling and Michael Blackwell pulled off quite a coup for Ko-Ki when they played host to the world's top model, Veruschka, Countess von Lehndorff, last July. Veruschka, all blonde six feet of her, and her photographer-manager, Franco Rubartelli, chose Falls Creek as the location for a series of photographs featuring new-season's ski wear. The model, whose reputed fee is $800 to $1,000 a day for advertising shots was on assignment for Vogue International, and the article was to appear during the early part of the Northern Winter. Veruschka and her manager spent 10 days at Falls Creek, during which they photographed $8,000 worth of the best high-fashion ski wear and experimental ski equipment, especially air freighted from the USA". In this photo she is riding on the snowmobile from Koki Alpine Lodge. The Koki smiling face logo can be seen on the front of the vehicle.This item is significant because Veruschka's visit to Falls Creek brought it international attention.A colour photo of Veruschka riding the Koki Snowmobile at Falls Creek.koki alpine lodge, george shirling, veruschka

A bound publication of 122 pages featuring text, images and a bibliography. The cover features a skier in blue and red clothing. 2nd Edition is written at the top right hand corner. At the bottom left is the emblem of the Australian Ski Federation National Coach and Instructor Scheme. The manual contains extensive information on teaching concepts and styles, skiing techniques and equipment as well as many information sheets.The 2nd edition of this manual was released in 1996 and was designed for instructors and skiers alike. For many years it was the official manual used by Ski Australia's National Coach and Instructor Scheme (NCIS) which later became APSI Nordic. The Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors Inc. (APSI) is a not-for-profit membership association and Australia’s industry leaders for providing training and assessment to Snowsport instructors which was formally recognised in 1975. apsi ski instructors, nordic ski training

This Pewter Mug Collection is a set of 32 trophies won by Australian Alpine skiers Ross and Malcolm Milne between 1959 and 1964. Ross and Malcolm grew up on their family's tobacco property in Myrtleford, and began skiing at Falls Creek at an early age. They were both 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 years in a row. 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 Milne 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 25 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. Malcolm became a member of the Australian Junior Ski Team to Japan at the age of 14. He won all of the NEDSA children’s races and won the State Title in 1966. Malcolm continued to achieve great success, winning the Australian Championships for the next five years. At the end of 1969 he won Gold in the Val d'Isere FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Downhill, Australia's first Alpine Ski World Cup medal. He was on the Australian National Ski Team for eight years, representing his country at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games and the 1966 and 1970 World Championships before turning professional in 1972. Malcolm Milne was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2000 he received the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to skiing. In 2004, Ski & Snowboard Australia granted Milne Life Membership for the contribution he made to the sport by becoming the first World Cup medal winner in Australian winter sports history, and the subsequent impact his performances have had on future athletes. Malcolm Milne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to skiing in 2016. James Malony originally established his business in 1854 in King Street Melbourne. The family owned business of J. Molony initially specialised in shoemaking. Several members of the family were recognised ice hockey and figure skaters who have represented Australia in international winter events including the 1952 Olympic Games in Oslo, Norway and the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics. Molony’s in Elizabeth Street expanded their business with a focus on ski equipment, opening new premises in Falls Creek in 1960. They sponsored several events included the Malony Cup, a Grand Slalom event held at Falls Creek.This item is significant because it is part of a collection which documents the career of two outstanding Australian sportsmen.A pewter mug awarded for Moloney Cup 1966Engraved on side of mug: Molony Cup 1966 MENS THIRDross milne, malcolm milne, milne brothers, australian alpine skiers, j. malony

Ski skins and webbing were introduced into the Victorian Alps by European skiers. Enthusiasts travelled to enjoy the snow and to explore the Victorian Alps including the Bogong High Plains. This equipment enabled them to travel over snow without slipping when going up hills. They took the skins off when they wanted to slide down hills. In later years waxes were used for cross country skiing and then 'fish tail' markings on the back of skis to enable skiers to travel distances up and down mountains. Later developments also included motor transport (replacing horses to get to the snow line) and roads to take skiers to the ski fields and mechanised tows to take skiers up mountains so they could ski down (downhill skiing).Skiers visited the Bogong High Plains especially during the years of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria's construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme from the 1930's onwards. Tourists to the area increased during this time and influenced the development of Falls Creek.Long cream strips with soft short 'fur' on one side and a type of strong hessian on the back with the length of the middle and sides stitched. At one end an adjustable strap is attached to a steel, hinged clasp and at the other end is a loop that fits over the ski. A quarter of the way from each end is a steel attachment for fastening over the ski - the 'toe' end with a rubber embossed flap and the other with a short and long strap each with a steel ring at the end.On the rubber attachment: 'vinersa/pat uno'ski skins; bogong high plains; falls creek

Skiing at Falls Creek from the 1940s has changed re - equipment, including eg. types of tows, gear and clothes. These pages give an insight into the 1960 and 1961 developments re accommodation, social scene, ads re equipment etc. and articles eg.on Tow-bar lifts, people, workers and tourists.Falls Creek, one of Victoria's most popular ski resorts, was developing quickly in the early 1960s. Photocopies of pages from 'Schuss' ski magazine 1960 and 1961 selected for the references to Falls Creek.falls creek, skiing, tourism

This book records the history of skiing in Victoria with photos of places and people showing equipment used in the snow fields and used by skiers.Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains are included in this book showing photos of local people and machinery etc. Dorothy Anderson (nee Ryder) owned and used this book. She lived at Tawonga.This is a bound pictorial book with a blue cover and white printed title.. The subject is Alpine resorts and ski areas in the Australian High Country in the 40s and 50s. 'To our very dear friends, Mr and Mrs Ryder, with our best wishes for a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from Harold and 'Rel / Ril ?' 'snow, skiing, photography, pioneers, enthusiasts, heritage, st elmo, secv machinery, ryder family, bogong high plains, rope tow

Seal skin straps and webbing were introduced into the Victorian Alps by European skiers. Enthusiasts travelled to enjoy the snow and to explore the Victorian Alps including the Bogong High Plains. This equipment enabled them to travel over snow without slipping when going up hills. They took the skins off when they wanted to slide down hills. In later years, waxes were used for cross country skiing and then 'fish tail' markings on the back of skis to enable skiers to travel distances up and down mountains. Later developments also included motor transport (replacing horses to get to the snow line) and roads to take skiers to the ski fields and mechanised tows to take skiers up mountains so they could ski down (downhill skiing). Skate skiing has also developed as another form of skiing.Skiers visited the Bogong High Plains during summer and winter to explore and enjoy the High Plains. The equipment used was a forerunner to the variety used today and the different types of skiing done today. Falls Creek was developed during the construction of the Kiewa Electric Hydro Scheme and was influenced by the number of Europeans working on the scheme and their desire to make use of the snow during winter.Each Seal skin has: Seal skin sewn onto one side of a strap of webbing. There is a webbing loop on the front that slips over a small point at the front of the ski. There is a webbing strap attached to the back of the seal skin sole coming over the back of the ski that clips metal fasteners onto a loop of webbing behind the boot.skiing. snow. high plains. seal skins. cross country skiing. alpine sports.

This pack is made from materials available at the time and was used to carry supplies and equipment for bushwalking and/or cross country skiing. It is designed to protect the contents in all weather and to be as comfortable and practical as possible. The Bogong High Plains was a popular destination for bushwalking and cross country skiing. This backpack is an early example of the equipment used for extended walks and/or cross country skiing. Heavy green canvas back pack with flap at top to cover contents and to attach at base. Sides fold over at the top. The back is attached with zig zag cord with 5 holes down each side. The front piece has 2 pockets with straps to secure them. The sides have a wooden rectangular piece wrapped by canvas to maintain the shape of the pack. There are webbed shoulder straps on an angle attached to the back with adjustable straps. There is a thin metal rod on the outside of each side presumably to enable items to be hung from them. On the inside of the flap: Leon Henry/Trendweth(?)/ West Brunswick/Melbourne/ Victoria/ Australia Previous name and address has been crossed out.backpack; bogong high plains; bushwalking; cross country skiing

This pack is made from materials available at the time and was used to carry supplies and equipment for bushwalking and/or cross country skiing. It is designed to protect the contents in all weather and to be as comfortable and practical as possible.The Bogong High Plains was a popular destination for bushwalking and cross country skiing. This backpack is an example of the equipment used for extended walks and/or cross country skiing.Orange nylon backpack with long flap at the top. This flap has a pocket inserted at the end and 2 holes at each side to tie the rope to the base of the pack. It has 5 zippered pockets each with a flap - 2 on each side top and bottom and 1 large one across the back. The frame is aluminium with a rod each side and 3 slightly curved rods joined to them horizontally and 2 curved thin vertical rods. There are 2 strips of wide canvas at the back. These are held by an adjustable white cord to increase comfort and for a better fit.backpack; bogong high plains; bushwalking; cross country skiing;

This pack is made from materials available at the time and was used to carry supplies & equipment for bushwalking and/or skiing. it is designed to protect the contents in all weather and to be as comfortable and practical as possible.The Bogong High Plains was a popular destination for bushwalking and cross country skiing. This backpack is an example of the equipment used for extended walks and/or cross country skiing.Orange backpack with nylon front and canvas back. The back flap has cord threaded along the sides for adjusting the shape of the pack. It has 6 pockets with zips - 2 each side and 2 across the back. There is 1 pocket with a velcro fastening on the outside of the flap. The cord enables the closing of the top. The frame is aluminium with 2 nearly straight sides and continuing across the top. There are 3 separate aluminium rods that are joined across and 1 piece of canvas.backpack; bush walking; bogong high plains; cross country skiing

Used by local skier at Falls Creek on the High Plains during the early 1970s.Cross country skiing was a popular sport during the 1970's and has developed since with a variety of equipment enabling different types of cross country skiing.These cross country ski boots are size 8 (men's) and made of leather. The sole of the boot is slightly extended to accommodate four holes into which pegs on the ski bindings insert. cross country ski boots. nordic skiing. langlauf skiing. falls creek. bogong high plains.

In the early 1950s snow skiing was becoming more popular as indicated by these two books of 94 pages covering the snow fields in N.S.W., Victoria and Tawmania. The first publication was limited to the Kosciusko Alpine Club in 1928. The 1952 edition being the 25th issue. Due to the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme many SECV employees had access to the Bogong High Plains including Falls Creek. These books are of historical value as indicated by the advertisements for the resorts, the equipment in the snow eg. tows, skis and clothes being used at the time, the results of ski races, etc. The accommodation has also developed and attracted a variety of people. The articles include disasters, people involved in the sport and overseas updates. In the 1952 book relevant pages for the Bogong High Plains and Falls Creek are pages 36, 38, and 68-69. In the 1953 book relevant pages are 62 and 71-72 and for aborigines 66 - 69Both books have a greyish photo as a cover with the title and year. Each book has 94 pages of soft paper. The books consist of advertisements, a Contents page and articles. Photos and diagrams are in black and white. On the front covers is written: "K. Mills"bogong high plains, skiing, falls creek, aborigines

This particluar bag (Japara water bag) was used to hold seal skin soles or straps, which were placed onto skis.The first skiers that came to Falls Creek used these. These types of bags were also used to carry water. They were used by scouts and other campers and were to be seen hanging from cars and caravans. This is historically significance because it shows how the first people who skied at Falls Creek used early skiing equipment. This bag and seal skin soles are also significant due to their association with the first winter traverse of Mt Bogong. This item has good interpretive capacity due to its connection with the seal skin soles, skiis, boots that were used at the same time. It is also very rare and is the only one in our collection. Japara water bag has a square base and four upwright panels with cord handles. It can be folded flat. The bag has a zip closure. Originally the bag is a water bag used by campers, currently it is used as a container for a pair of seak skins soles, which are attached to skiis and used during skiing.sport, falls creek, ski, winter, snow, water, scouts, seal skins, camping bag

A colour photograph of the Marysville Ski Centre in Victoria.A colour photograph of the Marysville Ski Centre in Victoria. Marysville Ski Centre is a family-owned business, which has been operated by Nat and Beryl Morandi since 1981. The business started from very humble beginnings hiring toboggans at Lake Mountain initially from the back of a Bedford Van, and then upgraded to a rickety old shed with the addition of ski equipment for hire. In 1983, Marysville Ski Centre commenced business in its current position in Marysville. Then this building was destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Currently, the business operates from their new custom-designed ski hire which has been built to cater for the different needs of the hire.marysville, victoria, marysville ski centre, photograph, nat morandi, beryl morandi, 2009 black saturday bushfires

An advertising brochure for Marysville Ski Centre in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Marysville Ski Centre in Victoria. Marysville Ski Centre is a family-owned business, which has been operated by Nat and Beryl Morandi since 1981. The business started from very humble beginnings hiring toboggans at Lake Mountain initially from the back of a Bedford Van, and then upgraded to a rickety old shed with the addition of ski equipment for hire. In 1983, Marysville Ski Centre commenced business in its current position in Marysville. Then this building was destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Currently, the business operates from their new custom-designed ski hire which has been built to cater for the different needs of the hire.marysville, victoria, marysville ski centre, photograph, nat morandi, beryl morandi, 2009 black saturday bushfires

An advertising brochure for Marysville Ski Hire and Lake Mountain Ski School in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Marysville Ski Hire and Lake Mountain Ski School in Victoria. Marysville Ski Centre is a family-owned business, which has been operated by Nat and Beryl Morandi since 1981. The business started from very humble beginnings hiring toboggans at Lake Mountain initially from the back of a Bedford Van, and then upgraded to a rickety old shed with the addition of ski equipment for hire. In 1983, Marysville Ski Centre commenced business in its current position in Marysville. Then this building was destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Currently, the business operates from their new custom-designed ski hire which has been built to cater for the different needs of the hire.marysville, victoria, marysville ski centre, photograph, nat morandi, beryl morandi, 2009 black saturday bushfires, lake mountain ski school, lake mountain

A business card advertising Marysville Ski Hire and Lake Mountain Ski School in Victoria.A business card advertising Marysville Ski Hire and Lake Mountain Ski School in Victoria. Marysville Ski Centre is a family-owned business, which has been operated by Nat and Beryl Morandi since 1981. The business started from very humble beginnings hiring toboggans at Lake Mountain initially from the back of a Bedford Van, and then upgraded to a rickety old shed with the addition of ski equipment for hire. In 1983, Marysville Ski Centre commenced business in its current position in Marysville. Then this building was destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Currently, the business operates from their new custom-designed ski hire which has been built to cater for the different needs of the hire.marysville, victoria, marysville ski centre, photograph, nat morandi, beryl morandi, 2009 black saturday bushfires, lake mountain ski school, lake mountain, dave mcgraw

An advertising brochure for Lake Mountain Ski School in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Lake Mountain Ski School in Victoria. Marysville Ski Centre is a family-owned business, which has been operated by Nat and Beryl Morandi since 1981. The business started from very humble beginnings hiring toboggans at Lake Mountain initially from the back of a Bedford Van, and then upgraded to a rickety old shed with the addition of ski equipment for hire. In 1983, Marysville Ski Centre commenced business in its current position in Marysville. Then this building was destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Currently, the business operates from their new custom-designed ski hire which has been built to cater for the different needs of the hire.marysville, victoria, marysville ski centre, photograph, nat morandi, beryl morandi, 2009 black saturday bushfires, lake mountain ski school, lake mountain

An advertising brochure for Lake Mountain Ski School and Marysville Ski Hire in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Lake Mountain Ski School and Marysville Ski Hire in Victoria. Marysville Ski Centre is a family-owned business, which has been operated by Nat and Beryl Morandi since 1981. The business started from very humble beginnings hiring toboggans at Lake Mountain initially from the back of a Bedford Van, and then upgraded to a rickety old shed with the addition of ski equipment for hire. In 1983, Marysville Ski Centre commenced business in its current position in Marysville. Then this building was destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Currently, the business operates from their new custom-designed ski hire which has been built to cater for the different needs of the hire.marysville, victoria, marysville ski centre, photograph, nat morandi, beryl morandi, 2009 black saturday bushfires, lake mountain ski school, lake mountain

A visitor information map for Lake Mountain, Marysville and the local district produced by the Murrindindi Shire Council in February 2010. This information guide and map was produced after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires destroyed most of the township of Marysville.A visitor information map for Lake Mountain, Marysville and the local district produced by the Murrindindi Shire Council in February 2010.Murrindindi Shire Council has made every effort to ensure the information provided at the time/ of printing is correct, but accepts no responsibility for an inaccuracies or omissions.lake mountain, marysville, victoria, australia, visitor information & map, murrindindi shire council, big 4 holiday park taggerty, black spur inn, black spur motel & caravan park, bush creek buddha, buxton hotel motel, cathedral valley farm, chestnut glade, crossways historic country inn, delderfield luxury b&b, kingbilli country estate, marapana agistment park & farm stay b&b, maryton park b&b, pinjarra gardens, sarsens rest, silverstream b&b, tower motel, willowbank at taggerty, wombat cottage, woodlands rainforest retreat, buxton general store and post office, buxton zoo nursery, cathedral view natural therapies, country touch, cross country ski hire, foodworks, highwood health retreat, lake mountain ski hire, lit & beyond, lj hooker, maroondah outdoor equipment/bait & tackle, marysville medical centre, marysville patisserie, marysville ski centre, marysville triangle real estate, marysville visitor information centre, mystic mountains ski hire/outdoors, pat's hairdressing, penni lanes country wares, plant's by shelian

Tom Mitchell’s Skis After his retirement in 1976 as the local Member for Benambra, people asked Tom Mitchell about his greatest achievements in politics. Tom replied speaking about his support for the establishment and development of the Ski resort at Falls Creek. Tom’s passion for Falls Creek grew, not only from his own 1930s ski career, but also from his work as a prisoner of war in the Changi Ski Club. His 5 February 1943 diary entry reads: ‘In the evening had a very successful ski meeting of 19 and decided to go ahead with a scheme to approach the Government re-selling Diggers blocks of land in the snow country.’ After the 2020 Bushfires, my brother asked if I would find appropriate homes for some of my father’s old skis that had survived the fires. As Tom’s historic ski collection is in Corryong’s Man from Snowy River Museum, it seems appropriate that a remaining pair should go to The Falls Creek Ski Museum. I chose wooden edged skis as they reminded me of my first skis. As a five-year-old in 1958 at Dead Horse Gap, I soon discovered that wooden edges were no good in icy conditions. By the end of my first day on skis, I had fallen so many times that my homemade ski clothing was wet and cold. I was unhappy when Dad said that wooden edges would teach me to use my ‘edges’. At the end of our first day, Mum and Dad loaded us all into the back of the Land Rover together with our ski gear and drove us home. They had had a marvellous day, but I didn’t think much of the adventure. From the outset I knew my parents had steel-edged skis! Dad told me I’d have to ‘earn edges’. Trouble brewed when I said I hated skiing. I discovered I had to learn to like it! Eventually I graduated to steel-edged skis. By then Thredbo had built its first chairlift and it also had a rope tow. Meanwhile Tom had taught us to learn to ski the hard way and with steel edges, ski lifts and better ski clothing, I began to enjoy the sport. If there was any chance of finding the provenance of the skis, it probably burnt in the 2020 conflagration. All I can offer you is my story of my father teaching me to ski the hard way. The skis are a kind of memorial to the Tom Mitchell ski school and its enduring memories. Honor Auchinleck (Daughter of Tom and Elyne Mitchell)These skis are significant because they belonged to Tom Mitchell, a pioneer of skiing and ski resorts in Australia.A pair of vintage hickory wood skis, featuring a 7-foot length and rustic metal bindings. Hickory wood was preferred for its strength and flexibility. They feature early metal cable or "bear trap" style bindings, crucial for securing leather boots before the advent of modern plastic bindings. The skis feature a high, square-shaped tip referred tp as a sukkerbit (sugar cube).Beside Bindings- H9S HICKORY 7Fttom mitchell, ski equipment, australian skiing pioneers

A colour photograph of the Marysville Ski Centre in Victoria.A colour photograph of the Marysville Ski Centre in Victoria. Marysville Ski Centre is a family-owned business, which has been operated by Nat and Beryl Morandi since 1981. The business started from very humble beginnings hiring toboggans at Lake Mountain initially from the back of a Bedford Van, and then upgraded to a rickety old shed with the addition of ski equipment for hire. In 1983, Marysville Ski Centre commenced business in its current position in Marysville. Then this building was destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Currently, the business operates from their new custom-designed ski hire which has been built to cater for the different needs of the hire.marysville, victoria, marysville ski centre, photograph, nat morandi, beryl morandi, 2009 black saturday bushfires

A colour photograph of the Marysville Ski Centre in Victoria.A colour photograph of the Marysville Ski Centre in Victoria. Marysville Ski Centre is a family-owned business, which has been operated by Nat and Beryl Morandi since 1981. The business started from very humble beginnings hiring toboggans at Lake Mountain initially from the back of a Bedford Van, and then upgraded to a rickety old shed with the addition of ski equipment for hire. In 1983, Marysville Ski Centre commenced business in its current position in Marysville. Then this building was destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Currently, the business operates from their new custom-designed ski hire which has been built to cater for the different needs of the hire.marysville, victoria, marysville ski centre, photograph, nat morandi, beryl morandi, 2009 black saturday bushfires