august 2 - 8 | 2017
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Family life at Falls By KYLIE WILSON
WE ARE FAMILY:
Members of the tight-knit Lee family (from left) Steve Lee, Jamie Lee Clauss (daughter of Tracy), Patrick Dodd (son of Kerry), Noelene Lee, and Kerry Lee Dodd.
GARDENING WITH
DEBBI
RSPCA
WITH
SCRAPPY
MOVIE THE BIG
SICK
WINE TALK WITH
ANITA
OVER the past 70 years, Falls Creek has grown from a remote alpine settlement to a tight knit village community and one of the most popular snow resorts in Australia. And that transformation is due in no small part to the families that have made the mountain their home. Among them is the long established Lee family, including matriarch Noelene, her children Kerry, Steve and Tracy, and their children. Noelene first came to the mountain in the 1950s – and it was much more difficult to get there in those days. With no ski-in, ski-out accommodation, visitors had to walk from Howman’s Gap with whatever gear they could carry with them. “Now you can drive right up,” she said. Noelene and then husband Bob settled and built their life there, eventually establishing Attunga Lodge in the late 1960s. Although their first winter running the lodge was a bad season, and one of the leanest times for visitors Noelene had seen, it did not deter the family and they continued operating the lodge for many years more. Like many other residents, being an active member of the community saw Noelene help establish Falls Creek’s primary school, giving local youngsters the chance to receive an education close to home. Now retired, Noelene volunteers regularly at the Falls Creek Museum, sharing her memories and knowledge of the mountain with visitors. She said the overwhelming sense of community is one of the best things about living at Falls Creek, and what has made it a great place to raise a family. “It’s like a little country town,” Noelene said. “I love the fresh air, the mountains, and the snow – it’s so pretty.” continued page |
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