Historical information
This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
It depicts Dick Stericker & Hans Fisher constructing a wooden bridge. They both arrived in Falls Creek in the early 1960s. Hans worked on the slopes in summer and in winter, including building access bridges over the race-line as shown in this photograph.
In 1965 Hans started as the chef Koki Alpine Lodge owned by George Shirling. He later worked as cook at various Falls Creek eating houses, as well as working for the lift company and slope maintenance
People like Hans made Falls Creek. He passed away at Noosa, Queensland on 18th January 2022.
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 features two prominent members of the Falls Creek community.
Physical description
A black and white photograph of Dick Stericker & Hans Fisher taking a break whilst building a bridge. A typed George Shirling Collection number and description is attached.
Inscriptions & markings
On label: ITEM NO. 148
Dick Stericker & Hans Fisher - smoko - while building
bridge over raceline - Village T-bar, 1961
