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 the role played by the State Electricity Commission in the Falls Creek Tourist Area.

Physical description

A circular from the State Electricity Commission notifying residents that the functions of the gatehouse on the Bogong Road were to be transferred to the Commission's Information Centre which had been established on the Kiewa Valley Highway adjoining the Commission's Workshops at the entrance to Mt. Beauty. It was still necessary for all drivers of private vehicles to have e current permit in their possession before entering the Commission's territory beyond Mt.Beauty, and the responsibility was with drivers to have a current permit.