Historical information

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
It is from the Australian Ski Yearbook of 1967 reporting on the visit of the Austrian National Ski team to Falls Creek in winter of 1966.

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 documents an important visit by an international ski team to Falls Creek.

Physical description

An article from Australian Ski Yearbook 1967 featuring a photograph of George Shirling and 2 skiers.

Inscriptions & markings

Under photo
1966 Austrian National Ski team members Heidi Zimmermann and Karl Schranz together with their host for the team's visit to Falls Creek, Victoria - proprietor of Koki Alpine Lodge, George Shirling.
Photo Geoff Braid.