Historical information
After World War II, the Kiewa Hydro-Electric 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 hydro scheme as skiing was a popular recreation. Many of the hydro employees were of European background and had grown up enjoying skiing and snow sports in their homelands and were keen to continue to pursue their winter sports interests. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 at Falls Creek and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Two T-Bars were opened in 1961. In 1964, the Victorian Municipal Directory recorded that Falls Creek had 29 ski club lodges and 16 commercial lodges. The area became a popular tourist destination for both winter and summer sports.
Significance
: Employees of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in the
Kiewa River Valley were the earliest skiers on the Bogong High Plains and built one of the first ski lodges at Falls Creek. They were amongst those pivotal in the development of the skiing and tourist industry at Falls Creek and on the Bogong High Plains.
Physical description
Collection of 10 copies and original black and white photographs and printed articles relating to skiing on the Bogong High Plains. Some pieces have been enlarged to A3 poster size copies for display purposes
1. Copy of black and white photograph of group of skiers at Falls Creek
2. Copy of photograph of early skier on Bogong High Plains with temporary buildings and tents in the background
3. Copy of photograph of 3 skiers on Mt McKay
4. Copy of SECV photograph of Rocky Valley Camp under snow
5. Early sepia photograph of Falls Creek village with skiers in the foreground
6. Copy of a page from booklet (SECV?) promoting the benefits of owning a holiday home in the Bogong Village area
7. Copy of a page from booklet (SECV?) promoting the benefits of holidaying in and around Falls Creek/Mt Beauty
8. Panoramic view of ski fields with skis in the foreground
9. Photograph of young skier (identity unknown)
10. Photograph of 2 male skiers (identity unknown) performing a small jump
Inscriptions & markings
1. Bogong Ski Club Members & Friends 1944
2. Jack Neve – electrician. Rocky Valley
3. 17.5.55 Skiers ascending Mt McKay
4. State Electricity Commission of Victoria. Date:17.8.55 No:K8132 Kiewa Hydro Electric Works. Rocky Valley Camp – From Engineering Office
5 & 9 No markings
6 & 7 Short article relating to photos on each page
8. Handwritten signature on rear of photo (Sandra Conea)
10 Faded unreadable photographers stamp and handwritten numbers 6875 on rear
