Historical information

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
It depicts Malcom Milne after winning the Bronze Medal at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships at Val Gardena, Italy in 1970 becoming the first Australian skier to win a World Championship skiing medal.

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 Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek.

George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.

Significance

This item is significant because it depicts Australian champion skier Malcolm Milne winning his first major World Championship in 1970.

Physical description

A black and white photograph of Malcolm Milne taken at the World Downhill Championships in 1970. It has been autographed in red pen. An explanatory sign is attached.

Inscriptions & markings

Written in red ink at top right: "To Hans, Wally & Lou and
all the guys at the Mountain Man.
Happy Skiing to all,
Malcolm"