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 actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.

Physical description

Letter from Orest Frueauf to Bob Hymans regarding the upcoming Management Committee election. He requested Bob's support in Orest's quest to be elected as the representative for those with commercial interests in Falls Creek. Orest raised concerns related to the release of further subdivisions in the Village which would double its size and put pressure on sewerage, water supply and roads. Other ongoing issues he referred to included oversnow transport, new tows, fire protection, finance, internal roads, search and rescue, publicity and booking arrangements. Orest believed that those with commercial interests needed to have a common approach and reliable representation on the Management Committee.