Historical information

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.

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 provides an early view of Falls Creek, Victoria.

Physical description

A colour photograph of a man standing near the sign at the entrance to Falls Creek. The photograph has an explanatory note attached at the upper left corner.

Inscriptions & markings

On added note:
ITEM No. 150
Village "Welcome' sign - Falls Creek. 1959
Lodges (Clockwise from top left): Galleon, Gundamurra (burnt 1960),
Bowna, Winterhaven (the Store), Diana and Kiewa Valley.