Historical information

George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager.
He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet.
George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s.
In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigh Doerr. Sigh was a long time resident of Falls Creek, owning and operating Koki Lodge for many years with his wife, Lee. He was Falls Creek CFA Captain from 1995 until 1998 although he served in the Fire Brigade for much longer. Sigh had many involvements in the community. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek operated by Doerr Nominees Pty. Ltd. under the management of Vesna Sugden.

Significance

This item is significant because it is connected to an iconic business established in Falls Creek, Victoria

Physical description

A flyer produced to promote Koki Alpine Lodge for the Winter Season 1968, including tariffs and activities available. It is printed in black, sepia tones and small touches of blue and brown. Part of the text includes the quotation from Paul Gauguin featured on other Koki advertising:-
"For I too am beginning to feel an immense need to become a savage and create a new world." PAUL GAUGUIN, 1887