Historical information

This photo is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is an image of the first Chairlift built in Australia by Bob Hymans. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles.

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 photo is significant because it features the first chairlift built at Falls Creek, Victoria.

Physical description

A black and white image of a skier riding on Bob Hymans' first chair lift at Falls Creek

Inscriptions & markings

On Label: BOB HYMANS' CHAIR LIFT
Mid 1950s