Historical information

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
It was an important element of the Falls Creek Ski School Instructor uniform from 1969.This enabled skiers to identify authorised instructors.

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 was an important feature of the Falls Creek Ski School Instructor uniform.

Physical description

A circular yellow cloth badge with blue and red stitching. The blue stitching features a skier and text around the edge. The red stitching creates the impression of a snowflake.

Inscriptions & markings

On blue stitching: INSTRUCTOR - FALLS CREEK SKI SCHOOL
On sign" ITEM No. 99
Falls Creek Ski School - Instructor - Cloth badge c1969