Historical information

These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
This membership card belonged to George and his wife.

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 belonged to George Shirling, a pioneer of Falls Creek.

Physical description

A plastic membership card featuring an image of a skier in gold and the Falls Creek Ski School logo. The members' name is imprinted on the card as well as the expiry date. The logo of Lavazza Caffe Expresso is on the lower right hand corner. The reverse of the card gives information about Lavazza.

Inscriptions & markings

SKI SCHOOL CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Falls Creek Ski School Logo
Lavazza Logo
Expires 10/95
G & D SHIRLING