Historical information

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.

Significance

This document is significant because it documents the plans for the maintenance and development of the Falls Creek Village.

Physical description

MInutes of the Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee held on 14 December 1957 typed on foolscap size paper. Topics of discussion included the number and placement of tows to operate at Falls Creek, possible extension of the title held by the S.E.C. on the Bogong High Plains to encompass the Falls Creek Village and a submission by Bill Hymans to build a tennis court.