Historical information

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 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 item is significant because it documents proposals put forward by Bob Hymans to develop facilities in the Falls Creek Tourist Area.

Physical description

This letter to the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee contains Mr Hymans' application to establish one or the other of two proposals at Falls Creek. Proposal A was for the installation and operation of a double Chairlift with drive station at the top as well as the establishment and operation of an observation lounge and restaurant facilities at the top station. Proposal B was for the establishment and operation of an accommodation building. In either scheme, all patrons of the restaurant would have a panoramic view of the Valley Chairlift and every skiing slope through uninterrupted glass walls. Information regarding structure details and tariffs is included.

The capital expenditure was expected to exceed £220.000 for Scheme A or £45,000 for Scheme B. Mr. Hymans proposed that construction would be scheduled for completion by the commencement of the 1963 snow season.