Historical information

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
It accompanied a copy of Ernest Forras' autobiography "Earnest Escapades" given to George Shirling - two pioneers of the Australian Ski Industry. Ernest Forras died on Sunday 31st October 2010 at Mt Buller.

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 links two pioneers of the Australian Ski Industry.

Physical description

A message from Ernest Forras to George Shirling in a wooden frame. An explanatory sign explains Ernie Forras' background.
The autography says: "To My dear Friend George Koki's Creator From Hungary with Love!! Ernie F."

Inscriptions & markings

ITEM No.4 Ernest Forras "Earnest Escapades"
The autobiography of a pioneer of the Australian snowfields
First published in 1994.
Ernest, later the owner of Kooroora, Mt. Buller, on his first visit to Falls Creek in June 1951 writes about the lodges at Falls Creek... Albury, Bogong, St. Arnauds, Wangaratta, Skyline (Ski Club of Victoria), and Myrtleford ski club, St. Elmo's hut, Bob Hyman's small chalet, and Tom Mitchell's (then, State Attorney General) private hut.

When learning that the State Electricity Commission controlled Falls Creek in the early days, Ernest wondered why the Egg Board and the Potato Board had missed out!
Ernest acknowledged the impressive development in the Australian snowfields but remained concerned about a "head in the snow" attitude which argued against privatisation of our snowfields, park entry fees, and the compulsory carrying of snow chains. Is anybody listening?