Historical information

These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
This poster was a major component of the Victorian Tourism promotion in 1962.

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 was part of a major marketing program for the Victorian Tourism Board to promote the Victorian Alpine Area.

Physical description

A colour poster including a photo of a snow covered mountain in the top section and a group of skier at the bottom. The text is printed in black between the images. The poster is accompanied by an exhibition display sign.

Inscriptions & markings

Across centre of poster: VICTORIA'S WINTER WONDERLAND '
On Display Card:
'VICTORIA'S WINTER WONDERLAND
Falls Creek has a charm all its own, a charm
it owes in part to the fact that is within the State Electricity Commissions territory"

The Victorian Government Tourist Bureau,
272 Collins Street Melbourne c. 1962