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 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.

Significance

This letter is significant because it documents the procedures followed by the Management Committee and amendments made to its area of jurisdiction in 1961.

Physical description

A document outlining amendments made in 1960 to the previous Falls Creek Tourist Area Regulations on 1959. This included extension of the geographic area covered to include the Downhill Racing Course and vehicle parking areas adjoining the Upper Kiewa Valley Road. It also amended the dates for the term of office by members and introduced a system of postal nominations and voting.