Historical information

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
It is his ID Badge for the Summer Olympics held in Sydney Australia in 2000.

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 ID badge is significant because it demonstrates George Shirling's ongoing connection to the Olympic Movement.

Physical description

A ID badge, including a photo of George Shirling, for the Sydney Olympics 2000. It includes the Sydney Olympics Logo as well as the Olympic torch and rings

Inscriptions & markings

Down left hand side: CITY OF SYDNEY above Sydney Coat of Arms
In Centre: Photo of George Shirling above text GEORGE SHIRLING AUSTRALIA SKIING
Top Right: Olympic Torch and rings above text" OLYMPIANS REUNION CENTRE SYDNEY 2000
WORLD OLYMPIANS ASSOCIATION
Logos Across Bottom: Sydney 2000, Visa Worldwide Partner, Kodak Worldwide Partner