Historical information

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
This brochure was the first promotional material jointly published by operators at Falls Creek. The attached label makes reference to many pioneers of the Falls Creek Village.

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 poster is significant because it was the first joint promotional material used to market Falls Creek in 1966.

Physical description

A coloured information brochure for Falls Creek including a map and images. It has been made into a poster for display. A typed label is attached.

Inscriptions & markings

On label: ITEM NO 56
This was the first piece of publicity ever, promoting all of Falls Creek under one banner.
Photographs and copy were by Rennie Ellis (author of "Life's a beach", etc) and if you look closely see
you will see - Sigi Haberzetti, Geoff Henke, Loma Dunkley, Bill Bridgford, Walter Erlacher, Hans Fisher,
George Shirling, Julie Oliver, Helmut Fend, and Superman.