Historical information
This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
The Victorian Skiing Club Association was established in July 1955 to combine the interests of all Victorian Ski Clubs to advance the combined objectives of the Clubs in the development of Victorian skiing areas and advancing the technical standards of the sport. The Association had 33 Foundation member clubs and a further 5 Clubs joined in its first year representing over 3500 individual members.
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 is representative of the Association which coordinated and supported the development of snow skiing in Victoria from the mid 1950s.
Physical description
A sticker bearing the logo of the Victorian Ski Association printed in blue and green with a plastic coating.
Inscriptions & markings
VICTORIAN SKI ASSOCIATION