We did it! 200 brave souls took to the waters of Rockey Valley Lake to welcome winter. Pic - Charlie Brown Welcome winter 2019 with fireworks on Saturday night. Pic - Chris Hocking. Looking forward to some corduroy this weekend. Pic - Chris Hocking
FROM THE CEO
Welcome to Winter 2019
And welcome to Falls Creek - the RACV/VTIC Gold Award Winning Tourist Attraction.
As I write this piece, there’s a melodic rhythm of massive snow chains clapping the tarmac, paired to the screech of the snow clearing crew ploughing their blades, scraping the falling snow off the roads and carparks. Now, this might not get too many others excited, but in the words of Neil Diamond… “what a beautiful noise, coming up from the street…”
To hear this symphony prior to season opening weekend isn’t just a bonus, it is a reminder of the power that winter has in transforming the landscape into an amazing wonderland. An experience that draws hundreds of thousands of people to the Alps every year for the Festival of Snow. With two major fronts having already delivered cumulative snowfall exceeding 70cms, there’s a very strong base to start the season and with any luck, provide a ski in-ski out village experience which would be unprecedented this early in the season, matched to a few first tracks on opening
weekend. Who could ask for anything more?
However, with early snow falls, the proclamations have begun. Parallels are already being drawn to 2000, when early falls saw the season open (officially) with 75cms on the ground, before heading to a cumulative 224cm total for the season. To provide some perspective of what this looks like, in both 2017 and 2018 the season peaked at 217cm and provided excellent conditions across the mountain, right through until the last weekend of the season.
Can past seasons tell us anything about the one ahead? Well since 1990, there have been 10 seasons with bases that have exceeded two metres and only three of which saw the season start with natural snow falling in excess of 20cms. So, from a probability theory approach, how about we just flip a coin.
A slightly more informed approach might start by looking at the Falls Creek Ski Patrol snow depth chart. The charts collate 30 years of history into a montage of squiggly lines most closely resembling a random walk after a few too many après drinks, thus
OPENING HOURS QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND
12pm – 4pm Saturday and Sunday
Check this space for longer hours during the season. Panabode Building, Slalom Street, Falls Creek Map Ref: E4. Look for the Harvey Kat.
For Further Information:
Wb: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Em: info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Fb: facebook.com/fallscreekmuseum Ph: 03 5758 1200
Visitor Information Centre
The Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre is located in the Resort Management Office, up stairs on the corner of Slalom Street and Bogong High Plains Road. Open 8am – 5pm daily for Visitor Information and Gym Memberships. Ph: 03 5758 1202. (Map Ref: E4)
Resort Entry
Resort Entry is located at Howman’s Gap, approx. 4km before reaching Falls Creek. Day and Night passes are $56.50 on arrival per day, (or $51.50 on line). If arriving after 5pm and departing prior to midnight on the same day, entry is free. Visitors over 65 years of age receive a discount.
Season Passes are available at $555 (or $475 on line).
An ‘All Resorts’ permit, valid at all Victorian Snow Resorts is available for $787.00. Enquire at the Visitor Information Centre desk.
Resort Entry Fees fund the essential services of:
• Ski patrol • Car Parking
• Snow Clearing
• Waste Management
Water Supply
• Visitor Information Services
making it very hard to make any prediction of how the season will unfold, other than the obvious certainty being… it will snow. Hence, any prediction of how much and when, at this stage will either be lucky or wrong! So, ask me in October how the season was.
In any event, the excitement of opening weekend is only heightened by being able to ski, and this weekend, should see plenty of that. However, it is just as much about coming together with friends, family and fellow members of the tribe who have OSS (Obsessive Snow Syndrome).
With several new and refurbished venues to choose from, the village is most eagerly awaiting the opening of Apartment 3 at Elk and the new Huski Kitchen. Both of which complement the already outstanding and afore-mentioned après offering, not to mention the dining experiences, all of which are unrivalled by any other resort in Australia.
Resort Entry Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.fallscreek.com.au
Child Care – Hours & Rates
Falls Creek Child Care is located in the St Falls complex, at the base of the Halley’s Comet chairlift – open from 8:30am to 5pm, seven days a week for children from 12 weeks to five years old.
Hours & Rates
Morning: 8:30am – 12:30pm $90
Afternoon: 1:30pm – 5pm $75
Full Day: 8:30am – 5pm $135
Bookings are strongly recommended as places are limited. Make your booking at: www.fallscreek.com.au/childcare.
Accommodation
Transfer Service
Operating from the Terminal Building on the Bogong High Plains Road, the Accommodatin Transfer Service will move you, your family and your luggage comfortably to your lodge or apartment.
Hours of Operation
Mon – Thurs & Sat: 8am – 10pm
Friday: 8am – 12 midnight Sunday: 8am – 10pm
A Taxi Service is available in the Village during these hours. Ph: 03 5758 1203
Rates
Season Pass: Adult $200
Kids Under Five: Free Luggage Allowance
Two pieces of luggage, one pair of skis & boots or snowboard & boots and one piece of hand luggage per person.
Excess Luggage: $8 per item.
Ticket Sales – On Mountain & On Line
From 27.06.19 until 09.09.19 all visitors will be required to use the Accommodation Transfer Service.
Visitor vehicles will not be permitted into the village during this period
Falls Creek Resort Management General Enquiries: Ph: 03 5758 1200
Take a dive to fight MND. Pic - Charlie Brown
Launching this season, as an industry wide initiative in Victoria is www. yourmideweeklift.com, an innovative industry pitch to promote value opportunities for mid-week visitation. At Falls Creek the Midweek Magic Lift Pass is a 3 for 2 offer on lift passes and is supported by a matching resort entry pass, available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. It is designed to encourage visitation and overnight stays during the mid week and help smooth out the peaks and troughs. Makes ‘chucking a sicky’ a little more convenient and wallet friendly too! Note: Resort Management does not condone, or endorse this type of behaviour, however we encourage the above midweek opportunity, where appropriate.
To those who joined the crowds on June 1st to pay homage to the snow gods and participate in the Falls Creek Ice Plunge and help raise funds for Motor Neuron Disease, well done and thank you.
With the water temperature at 3c and the air temperature at 2c, it was warmer in than out, although the Sydney Polar Bear Club swim team found the water temperature a little brisker than their usual splash at Bondi Beach. Special mention goes to all who made the effort and dressed up, with the array of costumes the biggest so far.
LOCAL JP’s
Bev Bowie Mb: 0401 456 448 Rob Spargo Mb: 0419 544 615
These folk serve the needs of the community as Justices of the Peace.
They can be contacted on their mobiles normal business and family hours.
Penguin Suits a-plenty for this year’s Ice Plunge – raising money to fight MND. Stuart Smythe, resort CEO in his penguin suit and Martin Dean from Nelse Lodge in his penguin suit – neither really good to be swimming in. Pic
However, an honourable mention goes to - Martin from Nelse Lodge (www. nelsealpinelodge.com.au), who raised the bar and the dress standards for the event, by imitating a penguin in his very dapper dinner suit.
Have a memorable opening to the season and now get out there and hit the slopes. •
Stuart Smythe, CEO Falls Creek Resort Management
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND
Falls Creek Race Club
Location: Rear of Easy Eats Brewhouse (Gateway)
Sale Runs: Sat 8 June 2019 10am - 1pm, Sun 9 June 2019 10am - 1pm, Mon 10 June 2019 10am - 12 noon.
Then again Sat 29 June to Mon 1 July.
There will be a race club member in attendance to receive goods and answer questions
Save money on children’s and adult ski gear including skis, snowboards, boots. poles, jackets, pants, helmets etc. Great Bargains!!
Falls Creek Race Club
ABN: 73 613 305 509
1 Bogong High Plains Road. Map Ref: K7 P.O. Box 148, Falls Creek 3699
Em: ski@fcrc.com.au
Wb: www.fallscreekraceclub.com.au
Be part of the team!
As a member of the Falls Creek Race Club, young members can... Race
• Learn life skills in a wonderful rewarding environment.
• Make friends for life – with opportunities to travel the world.
• Learn to ski and board in a family friendly surroundings. Programs from primary to late teens – including tertiary tuition for full-time athletes.
‘An integral part of Falls Creek and its history!’ Wb: www.fallscreekraceclub.com.au Em: ski@fcrc.com.au
- Charlie Brown
Village Bowl at the Falls Creek Hotel Map (Ref: M2) Ph:
5758
RACE CLUB NEWS
Lots to Look Forward To
What a start to the season… and the Lifts will start turning this weekend! It has certainly got everyone excited and very, very keen to get up the hill and get some runs in before The Race Club Programs officially start.
Falls Creek Race Club will start on Saturday 29th June. With over 110 kids enrolled in programs last year it will be an excited group of parents and athletes who gather together at Race Club on Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th June! This year for the first time we will be staggering the start of Race Club coaching programs.
This year we are trying a few different things due to feedback and observation of what works (or doesn’t). The first change is as a result of the number of families with young kids who miss the first day of Race Club each year.
• All the programs EXCEPT the Development Squad will start on Saturday 29th June 2019 at 8:30am.
• The Development Squad - U10 and U8 - will start on Sunday 30th June 2019 at 9am. This will ease the pressure on families to get up to Falls Creek, allowing additional time for parents to get Race Club Jackets & other gear organised for their kids and move into their accommodation.
The Development Squad will also:
• meet at the bottom of Halley’s Chair due to Adult availability to ride lift, and central drop off/ pickup location
• Start at 9am, instead of 8:30am as with all other program groups. This allows parents to drop off in both locations if necessary for the U12/U16 coaching groups.
• Have lunch provided on mountain with their coaches. So need for parents to pick up & drop off midday! However, parents are welcome to meet up with their kids at the lunch venue if they want to provide fresh gloves, etc. on bad weather days. Or just because you want to see their happy faces!
If you have any questions about the programs, as always, email Nyree on ski@fcrc.com.au and she’ll answer your questions.
Club Masters
Do you remember how last year we called for expressions of interest in a Club Masters program? Well, it’s on like Donkey Kong for 2019! There are three programs to choose from, with the main difference being the days they run on. Please Note: you must be either a Family or Social Member of Falls Creek Race Club to be able to participate in the Masters Program. Go online to: www.fallscreekraceclub and have a look.
Social Membership
Speaking of Social Memberships. Why create a Social Membership category?
The social membership is predominantly about building community, maintaining friendships and re-connecting past members with the club. It’s not a money making exercise. Social members can enjoy our Club facilities and receive invitations to all the clubs social events, as well as regular updates on the progress of our athletes and other happenings within the Club.
Social Membership allows people to enjoy the benefits of the club socially without the need to compete or train as an athlete. Additionally as we anticipate Social Members will make less use of the Club facilities for a variety of reasons and/or participate in shorter coaching programs such as the Masters program, the working levy of $300.00 per annum is currently waived.
Social membership fee is $25.00 per person per annum, which is a highly affordable price to be involved in a club that has brought skills, community and fun to
Getting our young athletes out there, competing and having fun in a fabulous environment is only one of the reasons to join the Falls Creek Race Club.
Pic – Sabrina @ Top Shots
hundreds of people over many years. We’ve started planning our annual Welcome Drinks and Auction events. If you’d like to see the list of social events that we have planned for the 2019 season, go to Trybooking: https://www.trybooking. com/eventlist/fcrc?embed=1. Most of these events are free entry for members...plus a few more events still to be announced. See you up on the hill very soon!
Cheers, Nyree from Falls Creek Race Club. •
200 Plungers
Welcome Winter
Falls Creek celebrated the start of winter in the most extreme way today with a mass plunge into the resort’s freezing snow-bound lake. Over 200 people flocked to the banks of Rocky Valley Lake for a heart-stopping swim at 1600m above sea level.
The event has been an annual tradition in Falls Creek’s winter season preparations for twelve years. With 60cm of snow falling in the week leading up to this event, the snow gods appear to have delivered in advance. The water temperature of 3°C was just one degree warmer than the 2°C in the air outside. Almost a foot of snow covering the ground made for a cold sprint to the water’s edge.
Falls Creek is in the midst of its most promising start to a snow season since the year 2000. A 50cm base has been aided by favourable snow making conditions to guarantee a strong opening for skiers and snowboarders on the June 8th official season opening.
The banks of Rocky Valley Lake have been completely covered in white from the recent snowfall. The scene was awash with colourful costumes and freezing bodies as a
THE ICE PLUNGE
mass got into the festive spirit of the event.
Resort Management CEO, Stuart Smythe, was ready to slide in, fully equipped with penguin suit and skis.
Smythe said “We’re a strong community at Falls Creek and its wonderful seeing so many come down from the village to take part in this freezing tradition.”
“We can’t wait for this season opening next Saturday and if things pan out the way the forecasters are predicting, our village will be fully ski-in, ski-out for the first time in living memory.”
Falls Creek has continued its association with Fight MND through this event, raising funds and awareness for the cause.
“It’s a lot of good fun but it’s all for a good cause too as we raise money to go to Fight MND and help in their work to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. We’re hoping to raise $2,000 or more this year and will keep our fundraising open all the way to season opening to meet this target.”
As well as supporting the Fight MND campaign, our Ice plunge has a couple of other great benefits. One is the fantastic coverage on national television. Your Ed
saw brilliant coverage on ABC News 24 during the day and a very comprehensive report on the ABC news at 7pm. Excellent interviews with one of our two all stars, Amy van der Ven and some great words from the CEO Stuart Smythe.
For more information on Falls Creek, visit fallscreek.com.au. •
Our regular All Stars, Amy and Grace have a little giggle as the boys ‘levitate’ above the cold water. Pic – Charlie Brown
DISABLED WINTERSPORT AUSTRALIA
Season 2019 Ready To Go!
It’s the official opening of the 2019 ski season, there is heaps of snow on the ground and everybody is excited for a big winter on snow. The team at Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) and our ever-growing membership are no exception and eagerly anticipating a huge season of adaptive snowsports at Falls Creek.
The Falls Creek DWA Team is unchanged for Season 2019 with Ken Payne returning for his second season as Victorian Camps Coordinator, delivering the facilitated camps program out of Howman’s Gap, and Pete Hull, looking after independent member visitation, as Resort Services Coordinator for a fourth year. We are both looking forward to working with the always great Falls Creek team and community to deliver exceptional on-snow experiences for DWA members.
There are three key areas important for our ongoing effective delivery of a world-class adaptive snowsports program that our local ski community can help with – volunteer guides, adaptive equipment and the elephant in the room…. financial support. A great tradition and key strength of DWA has always been our team of skilled and enthusiastic volunteer adaptive snowsports guides. With an ever-growing membership there comes an ever-growing demand for more guides. A key focus this
Fully licensed restaurant
season is to grow our team of local and in-resort guides. To facilitate this, the plan is to provide a flexible mid-week guide training program. Level 1 Guide training involves two days of training which we expect to offer in frequent single day sessions, recognising that many involved directly in the ski industry have work commitments that make undertaking the traditional weekend training format difficult. If you are interested in becoming involved as a volunteer guide, email Pete at phull@disabledwintersport.com. au. General information on guiding can be found on our DWA website – www. disabledwintersport.com.au.
Delivery of adaptive snowsports involves a variety of adaptive equipment to suit the varying challenges that different disabilities present. The most known, and expensive, of these are sit skis which enable those unable to walk, or who have difficulty walking, to be able to enjoy skiing on a near level playing field. We have been
fortunate through a very generous donation to be able to make significant additions to our fleet of sit skis, including the first in Australia Tessier Snow’Kart. Look out for the Snow’Kart on the Falls Creek slopes this season. We are always in need of additional equipment to upgrade our aging fleet and can offer great recognition and promotional opportunities to individuals, groups or businesses who would like to fully or partially fund new equipment. Get in touch with Pete on the email above if you would like to discuss this further.
Now to the challenge of all organisations like ours – money. DWA is a not-forprofit organisation and we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations to help fund the gap in the delivery of our programs that isn’t funded by membership fees and decreasing Government support. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and the easiest way to financially support our work is to visit www.disabledwintersport. com.au and click on the ‘Support’ tab to make a donation.
Renowned Dining and Wines
Hand-made Pasta ~ Slow-braised meats ~ World’s best Pork Chop ~ amongst other un-worldly delights by Roi!Hand-churned fruit ice-cream.
Hand-made Pasta ~ Slow-braised meats ~ World’s best Pork Chop ~ amongst other un-worldly delights by Roi! Hand-churned fruit ice-cream - to die for!
AGE Good Food Guide since 1998
Open until Saturday February 17th. Then closed for three weeks.
Lonely Planet Guide
Finally, if you see any of us or our members on snow don’t be shy and say “G’day”. We are always keen to chat about DWA, our members and what we do. Now, let’s all have a great winter! • Pete Hull
Bookings Please! – Gift Vouchers available
Re-Opening Friday March 9th Ph 03 5754 4495
177 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga
Mondays: $20 Burger Night Plus TRIVIA! Tuesdays: Kids eat dinner FREE (1 for 1) Wednesdays: Steak Night!! Dinner Available from 5pm! Ph: 03 5758 3407 Bookings Recommended 4 Schuss Street, Falls Creek.
One version of the technically superb Tessier Snow’Kart. Pic – Courtesy Tessier
Getting your Ski Feet Back
With a start to the season like this, ain’t nobody got time for sore feet.
It’s likely been nine months since you’ve stuck your feet in your ski boots (give or take a trip in a plane) and now they’re not feeling the same as they used to. Or perhaps they feel as bad as you remember. At the risk of sounding too preachy let’s just say, new ski season, new beginnings! Get your feet sorted.
There are a few reasons your boots could be feeling different than they did last year. Perhaps your boots are over five years old and the liner is starting to pack out. This will be noticeable by less control of your skis, more movement in the boot, or sore spots that never used to hurt. Might be time to consider some newbies. But let’s go on, what else could be causing these issues?
Perhaps, you’ve just bought new boots overseas from an awesome boot fitter, but now the boots that felt great in light, dry powder are causing deep, burning pain on the Aussie slopes. This doesn’t mean you bought the wrong boot, they just might need some tweaking.
Australia is a tough proving ground for ski boots. The conditions here require some fine tuning for comfy feet. Overseas, particularly Japan where the snow can be super soft, you’re on super wide skis, no edging, and no juddering or vibrations smashing through your feet. Your boots feel great in these conditions. But it’s really common to bring them back to Aussie snow and they’re feeling less comfortable than a mankini. Don’t despair, once you get them set for Australian conditions they’ll be dialled for anywhere in the world!
Welcome to Winter 2019
• Rustic, industrial and chic.
• Bar and grill in the heart of Falls Creek’s famous Village Bowl.
• Enjoy classic craft beers and superbly prepared BBQ dishes in an elegant rustic-inspired pub atmosphere.
COMFORTABLE SKIING
Now lastly, if you’ve put your boots on and they feel crap, and they’ve all always felt like a bag of crap, it is time to get that crap sorted. Perhaps you need a new ski orthotic, some boot mods and a good lie down. Or perhaps you need to hear the harsh reality that you’re just in the wrong boot.
Either way you won’t know if you keep avoiding the issue and ruining your ski days with sore feet. Come on in, we’ll sort you out. And remember, the most expensive thing about getting a new pair of well-fitted ski boot is the money you’ll spend on the extra ski holidays you’ll take.
Finally, foot care is important in the harsh weather of the mountains. Keep them warm with slippers around the apartment or lodge – cold feet into a boot means a day of feeling chilly. Manage any areas of heavy callus with a pumice and heel balm to prevent skin fissures or pressure spots when skiing. And of course, wear a proper wool ski sock. If you own your boots, wear
a thin merino sock. If you’re renting, a thick woolly sock will offer a little bulk padding for comfort. Ski well, my friends. • Krista Sturday, Podiatrist and boot fitter at Ortho Ski
Aussie conditions are hard on boots. Get then fitted properly and enjoy your day – as Ray Wills of Ortho Ski is doing. Pic – Courtesy Ortho Ski
FROM THE GM Re-Imagining The Mountain Experience…
Around the world. This is the vision of Vail Resorts, the largest ski holding company in the world offering 18 unique, first class ski resorts across the USA, Canada and Australia, skiing privileges in Japan and Europe - all on the one incredible lift pass. In April this year, Vail Resorts acquired both Falls Creek and Mt Hotham Ski Lift companies bringing their family of resorts to 20!
This is of course very exciting news for Australian skiers, but in particular for Falls Creek season pass (Hero Pass) holders who now have the opportunity to convert their Hero Pass to an Epic Australia Pass and unlock unlimited, unrestricted access to Falls Creek, Hotham* and Perisher resorts PLUS access to Whistler Blackcomb, Japan and the best of the USA. The upgrade fee will simply be the difference between what you paid for your Hero Pass and the Epic Australia Pass prices outlined below. For some guests, this may mean even a small refund!
Don’t have an Epic Australia Pass? Don’t panic, the pass will still available to purchase for a short period, so be quick to secure yours and reap the benefits of yearround skiing and boarding in four countries all on one incredible pass for just $909 for an adult and $511 for a student and $681 for a senior. You can do this online at www. epicaustrliapass.com.au - or simply stop by the ticket office when visiting in resort over the weekend and speak with one of our sales team who will help get you sorted!
New for season 19
“Be Foodstore adds modern Japanese flavours to its popular menu”
Falls Creek’s home of fabulous food, specialty coffee, super smoothies, shakes & fresh juices just got a whole lot more exciting!
The region’s best craft beers on tap – plus an extensive wine list & cocktail menu!
Fuel up the mornings - recharge the days - relax the evenings!!
Super convenient location at the base of Eagle Chair
Open daily from 8am til late for breakfast, lunch & dinner eats + all day treats made with love!
Be sure to pop in and sample local goodness with super friendly service
See us on Facebook & Instagram. For reservations call 03 5758 3222
Located in the Village Bowl, below Altitude Apartments. Map Ref: N2
In the meantime, temperatures are definitely dropping, and mother nature has certainly delivered us a bumper start to the season – the best in 20 years in fact. The team have been busy making snow… almost 30,000 cubic meters, the ski field looks sensational and this weekend will be an opening to remember with seven lifts open including Gully Chair and Eagle Express and yes… advanced skiing in the Y’s is definitely on the cards!
Once you’re in resort, look closely and you’ll notice a few facelifts about the place and no I don’t mean the plastic surgery kind. I’m talking about our beloved Halley’s Comet and Drovers Chairlifts, both of which received a lick of paint and have come up a treat. Best of all, faithful old Gully Chair has also received some love and is the recipient of the former Eagle Chair drive station. Hold on to your hats my mountain loving friends; she’s now one of the fastest lifts on the hill.
At Cloud 9, Nickelodeon has once again taken over the children’s snowsports programs for the season. Injecting even more fun into learning to ski and snow board, the integration of the Paw Patrol pups, Sponge Bob and his mates, and
the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will continue to build on last year’s level of stoke for our youngest snow shredders!
The Paw Patrol puppies will again make a special guest appearance during the July school holidays with activities happening Friday 5th – Sunday 7th July in the Village Bowl and back by popular demand, the uber-popular ‘Nick Nights’ return to QT Hotel throughout the season, where young ones can be entertained with a fun Nickelodeon movie allowing mum and dad to enjoy some adult time over dinner and drinks!
Across the resort some of our retail outlets too have undergone subtle transformations. Be sure to check out the new Ski and Boot Company at Base One (village bowl) offering an exclusive line of (you’ll never believe it!) skis and boots to suit your needs and with over 20 years of boot fitting experience, our new boot fitter is a pro who will have you perfectly paired with the right gear… your feet will thank you all season!
Meanwhile in the Board Lounge, we’ve paid homage to some of our talented Falls Creek ski-wear designers and inside you’ll find their inspirational stories proudly told among the display of their now globally recognised and highly sought after products and outerwear.
As always, we love to keep things fresh
Our Lift Company General Manager, Sharon Raguse. Pic – Courtesy the Company
and can’t wait for you to experience our new offerings and there’s more to share in coming weeks. Season 2019 is going to be amazing, with an innovative events program, unparalleled village vibe and with luck, a glorious ski in ski out experience from day one of the season.
Have fun, be safe and we hope that you enjoy the experience of a lifetime, here at Falls Creek. •
Sharon Raguse, General Manager Falls Creek Ski Lifts
Because It’s Smart
This publication has run similar articles before. And we will probably continue to run them each year. Your editor would hate to think that someone working or visiting this fabulous resort of ours ends up with a three or four thousand dollar bill for transport to hospital. It can and does happen – and it can be prevented. Read on.
Previously we have quoted figures for this article. But, even without them, the common sense aspect of ambulance insurance is a ‘no-brainer.’
As an example of costs, just from your editor’s experience, is like this. Thirty five years ago, the cost per hour of a simple Lama Helicopter to swing lift towers in to place was $1000 per hour – without the fuel component. To run a modern, fully equipped, fully fitted out Augusta Westland AW 139, complete with highly trained pilots and paramedics around the countryside is not a cheap exercise. Think about it!!
The Good News
Fact Number One: Ambulance membership is cheap. A family membership is now $94.35 per year. A single person membership is now $47.15 per year. In my
WHY AMBULANCE SUBSCRIPTION
humble opinion, these figures are way too cheap – but no-one can ever say they could not afford Ambulance Membership.
A clever and innovative local lodge manager, as part of his employment contract would include an Ambulance Membership Form – which (unless they could show they were already covered) the employees had to sign – and the payment came out of their first wage cheque. This would be regarded in most circles as excellent management/staff relations.
The following is an excellent example of the benefits of membership – as quoted by Angus.
“I got ambulance cover just before heading off with my mates on a snowboarding trip to Mt Buller. I had been thinking about cover and thought I’d be unlikely to need it but had a few minutes free so opened my laptop and joined online in the car park of the campsite. It took me five minutes and was really easy and really cheap - especially compared to the other ski field costs. We had a great weekend but my trip ended abruptly when I ran out of talent, came off a jump and broke three ribs and collapsed a lung.
I ended up in an Air Ambulance to the Royal Melbourne. The trip in the air ambulance would have cost me $7,500 but I didn’t even see a bill. I could have had two lifetimes worth of cover and still been ahead. The fall certainly caused me a lot of pain but I’m fully recovered now and it’s a great relief that I don’t have to deal with a huge bill on top of everything else. I’ve
recommended it to all my mates and they can’t believe how cheap it is for what you get - cheaper than a slab and it lasts a full year!”
For further information on ambulance memberships, call 1800 648 484 or visit the website www.ambulance.vic.gov.au. A further bit of good news is that you can ring the above number, give them your details, pay by credit card and you are covered by 5pm the next day. You can do the same by jumping on to the website. If you don’t have a credit card, go to your local post office and it can all be done there. •
THIS WEEK AT ELK
Friday 7th June
• Breakfast:- 8am Kick o the day with one of our kick arse toasties Including a co ee $14.50 (1/2 size only $10)
• Lunch:- All dishes for lunch are priced at $22.50 today
• Dinner:- After a couple of solid days prepping our Ala carte menu is ready for all to try, tonight all entrees are $12 Mains are $23 and desserts are $12
Saturday 8th
• Breakfast - Ala carte breakfast from 7.30am Elk toasty is back
• Lunch featuring our first express lunch of the season Duck risotto with spinach, orange & parmesan $22.50
• Dinner - Ala carte dinner:- Check out Ben & Melvin’s creations
Sunday 9th
• 7.30am Breakfast - Ala carte breakfast with sweetcorn hotcakes & avocado salsa, Istra bacon as our Sunday special
• 11.30am Lunch featuring our first express lunch of the season Duck risotto with spinach, orange & parmesan $22.50
• 4.00pm “The Meeting!” welcome to winter, complimentary finger food, drinks at Bar prices. Chats with Sharon Raguse GM of Lift company & Stuart Smythe CEO of FCRM
• 6.30pm 3 course Sunday roast, Soup, Roast Eye Fillet and bano ee pie $45
Monday 10th Closed
Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th we will be having some amazing specials “Apartment 3” Elks new cocktail bar Wednesday to Sunday evening”
Celebrating the “epic” start of a new season
The scenery is superb, but you’ve got bigger things to worry about – like the cost of this thing they’re about to load you in to. “It’s OK; I’ve got Victorian Ambulance cover” Pic – Courtesy Ambulance Victoria
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
Here We Go Again!
Falls Creek ‘This Week’ Cross Country News, it’s good to be back. Welcome to the Cross-Country News section of Ken Bell’s reputable local mountain newspaper. I am your journalist for the Winter, Seve de Campo and this year I will be providing you with all there is to know about cross country skiing at Falls Creek (and across the world for that matter).
FALL LINES
Hard Waste Collection
FSo tune in this Winter - here you can read about upcoming XC events from races, XC programs, fundraisers, deals and parties! You can also tune in to read about race reports from Falls Creek such as the Kangaroo Hoppet and Australian National Championships, I’ll even cover our more community driven races like the Birkie Classic or the Snow Trek and Travel High plains tour.
alls Creek Resort Management will be collecting hard waste on Wednesday 26th April - the day after ANZAC Day. Please see our Hard Waste Collection guidelines on the website, or if you require any additional information, please contact the FCRM Office on 03 5758 1200. • Summer Debrief
It has been a record year for visitation this summer and Resort Management would like to get your feedback on events, visitor demographic, mountain biking and general observations.
As well as event related information, this Winter I will be (like I always do) trying to share the culture of cross-country skiing at Falls Creek. Whether that be through catching up with some local legends, some visiting international legends, and of course the behind the scenes heroes of XC at Falls Creek. Make sure you get around my preHoppet extravaganza article where I plan to find a few of the true unsung warriors of the Kangaroo Hoppet.
Therefore you are invited to join the relevant Resort Management personnel and other members of the community for a summer season debrief meeting. This meeting will take place on Wednesday 26th April from 9:30am to around 11:30am in the Boardroom above Foodworks in QT.
If you have any specific agenda items, please email http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. We look forward to seeing you all there. •
I’ll be writing about the history of XC at Falls, how does Falls XC compare to the rest of the world, where are the best places to ski around the world and what should
Australia’s role be in the North Korean crisis (maybe it’s related to XC at Falls Creek in some way?).
What can we be expecting this Winter?
All the big events will be coming to Falls this Winter. Notably, the Kangaroo Hoppet in late August and Aus Champs late July. I keep talking about the Kangaroo Hoppet, that’s because it is part of a world marathon ski race series, basically every country with decent snow hosts a long distance ski race. Every year skiers from all parts of the globe come to Falls Creek to race. During the week leading up to the Hoppet, there are a number of events such as the Hoppet Night Sprints which is like a Red Bull style head to head sprint between the best skiers in the area. Falls Creek is host to a great number of super fun citizen ski races almost every weekend, race calendars can be found at ausxc.com or I will be writing a plug most weeks for what is coming up. We have again the Fast and Female events in July which
A Life to Remember
A celebration of Lyn’s Life will take place on Friday the 28th April 2017 in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek for anyone who wishes to attend and pay tribute. Commencing at 12 noon, the afternoon will reflect Lyn’s enormous contribution to Falls Creek. Some wine and a light BBQ will be provided, but we ask that you bring other beverages and also a plate to share. In the case of wet weather, a contingency plan will be in place. Friends are welcome to pass this invite on and it is understood that members of Lyn’s family will be in attendance. •
Trade Fair @ Falls Creek
Something of an institution since 1982, the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek is an opportunity
of Gully Chairlift.
Daily 10am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5pm (Map Ref J6) Ph: 03 5758 3238 all
hours for
Tawonga Crescent. 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays. Ph: 03 5754 3400 for
Great Success
Lis a great way for women of all ages to get started with XC.
When can I get going on XC boards?
ocal lad Ben McIlroy is an up and coming Enduro mountain bike racer. Over the last two years he has progressed to be the fastest junior rider in Australia winning both the National Series and the National Championships in 2016.
On March 26 Ben went and raced his first ever EWS (Enduro World Series) event in Rotorua, New Zealand. Prior to the event Matt Rousu caught up with Ben to chat about the race and his potential future in the mountain bike world.
Well if you look outside, you can see that we have been blessed with some hefty early season snow making this start to the season one of the best in a long time. With about 50cm of snow covering the Bogong high plains this serves as a great base as we head into June.
MR: Is this your first overseas race?
for all members of the hospitality industry to prepare for winter and do some serious saving on product needs for the season. To be held at the Frying Pan Inn, in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek, the Trade Fair will take place on Tuesday 2nd May from 10am to 5pm and again on Wednesday 3rd, from 9am to 4pm.
MR: Is it excitement or are you nervous?
Ben: Yep, first overseas race, first EWS (Enduro World Series), so it’s going to be pretty exciting.
Ben: I’m probably a bit more nervous than excited. Excited to race overseas, but nervous because it’s such a big event.
MR: Have you heard anything about the tracks over in Rotorua, NZ?
In terms of what is happening, the small groomer has been out packing down the new snow to form a solid base. The groomer will assess this week as to whether the trails are ready for proper grooming so stay tuned for that information. Otherwise the trails are covered regardless and a nice easy early season plod around is most definitely recommended!
Ben: From what Chris (Panozzo) has said, they’re fast and there aren’t many rocks.
Companies invited to exhibit include Bedding Suppliers, Linen, Manchester and Window Furnishing suppliers, Wine and Spirit merchants, Wholesale Food Suppliers, Chemical, Cleaning and Toiletry suppliers and equipment suppliers. Prepare for the season and save money. Visit the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek. Further details from: Mb: 0400 350 488. •
MR: How did you get into riding?
That’s all for this week, once again, it’s great to be back and I must say I am getting pretty excited for the Winter, I hope you are too! • Seve de Campo
Ben: Pretty much because of my Dad, when more the couple I then MR: raced?
TIPS
Regular Servicing
Our car is like our body. We must look after it all of the time - not just when something fails.
Drs Mark
Regular servicing will identify when items are wearing (brake pads, tyres, filters, hoses etc). These and other wearing items can be replaced before they let us down on the road.
Lauren Cussen, Matthew McAlpine & Lachlan McKeeman. Fully accredited General Practice with 40 years service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.
Imagine discovering (too late) that your Brake Pads had worn out - just as you’re heading for the tree.
Regular servicing is important for the good health of your vehicle - and for your good health and safety!
Ben: three Canberra In 2016 Adelaide three on (with Brosnan MR: racing Gravity Ben: state 15s dude. so I I remember a bit bottom race was just bottom.”
After to the that of the really invited first became
Zagorski, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Sky Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton,
Seve in action at the Seefeld 2019 FIS World Ski Championships. Pic – Courtesy your Journo
Steve Killalea from Milestone Chemicals - just one of the many exhibitors that will be as this year’s Trade Fair @ Falls Creek. Pic - Elle Shaw.
Gebi Auderer
BBecause It’s Smart
Torn in 1945 in the small Tirolean village of Grins, Gebi’s early years were spent learning to ski on home-made skis with his five siblings and working on the small family farm. As a young adult Gebi financed himself through agricultural college by ski instructing in the nearby ski resort of St. Anton. Although his initial plan was to take over the family farm, he continued with his ski instructor qualifications, completing the highest level of ‘Schiführer’ and going on to spend many winter seasons in various ski resorts throughout Tirol.
his publication has run similar articles before. And we will probably continue to run them each year. Your editor would hate to think that someone working or visiting this fabulous resort of ours ends up with a three or four thousand dollar bill for transport to hospital. It can and does happen - and it can be prevented. Read on. Previously we have quoted figures for this article. But, even without them, the common sense aspect of ambulance insurance is a ‘no-brainer.’
During his time in St. Anton, Gebi met his future wife Sheena, who was the au pair of the British children he was instructing. After taking an opportunity to ski instruct in Australia during the Austrian summer of 1973, Gebi convinced Sheena to come along and after a few seasons they began managing what was then ‘Molony’s Ski Hire’ together - Sheena running the office and Gebi down in the ski hire.
As an example of costs, just from your editor’s experience, is like this. Twenty years ago, the cost per hour of a simple Lama Helicopter to swing lift towers in to place was $1000 per hour - without the fuel component. To run a modern, fully equipped, fully fitted out Bell Iroquois 412EP, complete with highly trained pilots and paramedics around the countryside is not a cheap exercise. Think about it!!
The Good News
love of logging, wood turning, taking long walks through the forest and just generally stirring up the locals!
WHY AMBULANCE SUBSCRIPTION
could show they were already covered) the employees had to sign - and the payment came out of their first wage cheque. This would be regarded in most circles as excellent management/staff relations.
In October of 2018, Gebi was diagnosed with a cancerous soft tissue tumour of the pelvis. After chemotherapy and a short illness, Gebi passed away at home in Grins, surrounded by his family on the 3rd of April 2019.
The following is an excellent example of the benefits of membership - as quoted by Angus.
In the mid 90’s your Ed had the good fortune to jump in the Audi with Gebi and travel to Roche Resort at Salamanda Bay, Port Stevens where we enjoyed five days of tennis coaching and exploring the area. In that time I was able to learn of the fabulous insight Gebi had of this community. One valuable comment (among the many) was that we should stop calling the resort a ‘ski resort’ – instead call it a ‘holiday resort.’ The understanding was immediate. You go to a ski resort to ski! You go to a holiday resort to relax, enjoy, unwind, experience and involve yourself in all manner of delightful and healthy pursuits. PS: I still didn’t get to beat him at tennis.
Ambulance membership is cheap. A family membership is now $89.80 per year. A single person membership is now $44.90 per year. In my humble opinion, these figures are way too cheap - but no-one can ever say they could not afford Ambulance Membership.
A clever and innovative local lodge manager, as part of his employment contract would include an Ambulance Membership Form - which (unless they
It was at this time that Gebi and Sheena began their yearly travel schedulespending March to October in Australia and the remaining time in Austria, where Gebi continued to work as a ski instructor in St. Anton. After 10 or so years managing ‘Molony’s’, they bought the business and continued to run it successfully until 2006, employing lots of local people and making great friends with many happy customers. In 2006, Gebi and Sheena sold the renamed ‘Gebi’s Ski Hire’ to the Falls Creek Lift Company and began their well-earned retirement together.
Sadly, in 2007 Sheena was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away shortly thereafter in April of 2008. Gebi continued to travel back and forth between Austria and Australia, focusing his energy on woodworking, tennis, golf, gardening and the large group of good friends he’d amassed in the Kiewa Valley area over the years. His coffee dates with Dave Harley and Theo Arnet at one of the various cafes in town would become ritual, as did the weekly tennis games and bike rides with ‘the Oldies.’ Back in Grins he was known for his
“I got ambulance cover just before heading off with my mates on a snowboarding trip to Mt Buller. I had been thinking about cover and thought I’d be unlikely to need it but had a few minutes free so opened my laptop and joined online in the car park of the campsite. It took me five minutes and was really easy and really cheap - especially compared to the other ski field costs. We had a great weekend but my trip ended abruptly when I ran out of talent, came off a jump and broke three ribs and collapsed a lung. I ended up in an Air Ambulance to the Royal Melbourne. The trip in the air ambulance would have cost me $7,500 but I didn’t even see a bill. I could have had two lifetimes worth of cover and still been ahead. The fall certainly caused me a lot of pain but I’m fully recovered now and it’s a great relief that I don’t have to deal with a huge bill on top of everything else. I’ve recommended it to all my mates and they can’t believe how cheap it is for what you get - cheaper than a slab and it lasts a full year!”
Gebi will and has been sadly missed, but his contribution to the resort will linger for many years. On behalf of the community, this paper wishes the family all the best. •
Gebi doing what he does best and loves. Pic – Courtesy the family
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND
Welcome Everyone
Actually the birthday of the present monarch is 21st April. The date of the celebration these days varies as adopted by each country and is generally set around the end of May or start of June, to coincide with a high probability of fine weather in the Northern Hemisphere for outdoor ceremonies, rather than with the monarch’s actual birthday.
Now our Queen’s Birthday weekend is legislated as the official start of the Victorian Snow Season which brings to bear the time that the resort can officially start charging a Resort Entry fee. It is also the time that legislation dictates that snow chains must be carried by all vehicles coming to Falls Creek – and the cut-off point is the Orange Bridge over the Pretty Valley Branch of the East Kiewa River. If you travel over that bridge and continue on towards Falls Creek without carrying wheel chains that fit your vehicle, you are
breaking the law and may be prosecuted. But, the resort entry fee is critical because it pays for services that visitors use, like snow clearing of the road (so that you can get to the resort), our waste management facilities (some of the best for recycling in Australian resorts), Car parking spaces, the supply of good clean water, the provision of Visitor Information Services (and we all need that occasionally) and our very professional Ski Patrol team (with many members with years of national and international ski patrol experience).
The carrying of chains is critical where a set of chains fitted to a two wheel drive vehicle is safer going downhill on an icy road than a diesel powered four wheel drive where a sudden bit of engine braking can lock up all four wheels and cause a big slide.
Some of these items are seen as an impost –in actual fact they are in place for your benefit – to help you have a more enjoyable trip to our resort.
Fireworks Welcome
Restaurants
Many of the restaurants have it all together and will be providing top service for our visitors on the weekend. Those that are open are included on the pages of this fine publication – and if you can get to try each one, you’re doing well.
New Businesses
As you are cruising the slopes this weekend, don’t forget to pop in and have a look at some of the changes to businesses in the village. The New Ski and Boot Company at Base One in the Village Bowl has a new focus on boot and ski fitting. The Board Lounge is featuring some local designer clothing and is doing welcome drinks on Sunday from 3pm.
Apartment 3 is new. It is a cosy little bar in the Elk building, right beside Elk Restaurant. Pop in for a quiet one and enjoy the ambience.
Once again the Village would like to open the season and welcome everyone with a magnificent fireworks display in the Village Bowl. This will take place on Saturday 8th June, just after 6pm and the best vantage points will be around the Tube Park, just up from Be Foodstore and outside the reborn Frying Pan Inn (check it out). For the opening and fireworks there will be some extra activities, maybe even Pete for the kids and some tastings for the adults. And to sort of make it official, we’ll have a few words from a couple of our dignitaries.
There is a change of management at The Man – as the new lick of paint on the front mentions. Josh and the team are flat out getting it going- but you can be dead sure it will be worth a visit.
Lifts and Runs
With around 50 to 60cmn of snow on the ground, there will be plenty of skiing. The lift company has announced that they will be operating seven lifts for the weekend –and man – how good is that!
The current forecast from the BOM tells us there are chances of more snow early next week and our snowmaking team have been flat out pumping out around 30,000 cubic
Fancy a lift to your restaurant tonight?
Oversnow
Carries up to 10 people.
Pick up available from all accommodation venues on the mountain.
$80 one way or $150 return Last taxi 9:30pm.
Reservations essential, please call 03 5758 1208
metres so far this week and the conditions are perfect to ‘keep on pumping!’ Falls Creek Museum
To maximise your appreciation of the resort, a visit to the museum is a must. Open from 12noon until 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday, the museum is fantastic. There are many relics and some great films from many days back and it presents a fantastic insight into how our village grew.
Speaking of museum, the historical society – and in particular one Karen Smythe –has done a fabulous job of putting this
You are invited to the 5th Annual “Falls Creek Meeting” 4:30pm to 6:30pm Sunday 9th June 2019 at Elk. Drinks at bar prices. Nibbles provided.
Travelling to Falls Creek this winter?
Leave the worries of hiring and fitting chains, coping with anti-freeze and icy roads behind you!
König & V2 Chains – and we can supply magnetic ski and snowboard racks!
AD PROOF
This is not really a meeting, it’s more about meeting others and catching up with old friends and kicking off the new season with a bang! (read hangover).
Meet Resort Management CEO Stuart Smythe and Falls Creek Ski Lifts GM Sharon Raguse and get an update on preparation for the upcoming Winter. You will also hear about Mountain Film returning to Falls Creek for the 2nd year on Sunday 29 July. Don’t miss it! •
Visit the Bogong Power Station Information Centre For historical & geological exhibits. Now open Sundays 10:30am - 2:30pm Bogong Alpine Village Group Bookings - Phone 03 5754 3318
LOCAL RADIO
3.0 CM x 1 COL $35.70 SEASON CONTRACT
Email: info@alpineradio.com.au Website: www.alpineradio.com.au
Park your car in the secure car-park in Tawonga South and ride our comfortable warm coach to Falls Creek!
FRIDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2017 WINTER EDITION SEVENTEEN
Daily departures from Melbourne, Albury and Mount Beauty will have you on the slopes sooner – without the fuss!!
Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South www.fallscreekcoachservice.com.au Ph: 03 5754 4024
Gear: Sportful XC clothing & La Bent accessories
Plus: Enjoy a coffee, toastie or cake on our deck or take-away!
•
•
Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South Ph: 03 5754 1118
Em: info@rockyvalley.com.au Open 8am – 6pm Seven Days in June
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
Panorama
Fully Renovated - one of the best three bedroom, three bathroom units at Falls Creek. Ski to the door with easy access, beautiful natural light and spacious rooms. What more could you ask for?
Located in the managed complex of ‘Frueauf Village,’ this apartment has it all. On entry there is a large drying room/ laundry followed by two generous bedrooms, both with private en-suites. These bedrooms are large and have beautiful private alpine views over the snow gums. Upstairs features a comfortable open plan living area with two living zones, stone fire place and large glass windows taking in the alpine vista. The fully equipped kitchen has stone bench tops and quality appliances. Plus a balcony with a new hot tub! This living area also features a generous bathroom. Upstairs on the third level is another bedroom.
Frueauf Village operates year round for bookings and enjoys the benefits of an on-site manager and has a long alpine head lease.
There is a possible option for a five bedroom freestanding chalet available also, as Apartment Athena, a two bedroom unit in the complex below is on the market at $370,000. There is the ability to join these two properties.
Frueauf Village is located centrally in the village and is within easy walking distance to some of our finest dining establishments – with one of them being in the complex itself. Quality ski hires and retail outlets are also quite close.
Like the rest of Falls Creek, Frueauf Village offers that beautiful ski out – ski in facility that makes the village unique as a snow resort.
As an all-year-round resort and holiday destination, Falls Creek has a lot to offer. World class mountain bike trails have been constructed in the resort adding up to a
total of over 40km of trails. This has led to lots of fun for locals and adds amenity and attraction for visitors.
We then have the fully sealed Bogong High Plains Road giving access to the fabulous high plains, the Mitta Valley on the other side – including the Blue Duck and Payne’s Hut.
A comprehensive suite of events makes summer in Falls Creek a nice time to be here. The Dragon Boat festival; the Alpine Challenge; the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek and the World’s Longest Lunch are highlights of the summer - as are the 12°C cooler temperatures on those stinking 40°C summer days in the city.
At $750,000, this property definitely deserves and inspection. Call the agent to make an appointment. Christa Smit (Zirknitzer), Director, Zirky Real Estate, Mb: 0402 277 808. www.zirkyrealestate. com.au. •
• All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club lodges and apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga and Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang and Tawonga and selected venues in Bright and Myrtleford.
ONLINE:
• Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/ INSERTS: • Not Available
ADVERTISING RATES:
CLASSIFIEDS:
OUR COMMUNITY
And Its People
Kim Richardson and the business Alpine Valley Real Estate has been in Hollonds Street for around 25 years. This makes Kim one of the longest continually operating businesses in the CBD. And during that time the business has sold just over 500 properties and quite a few staff have gained experience in the real estate industry.
We are all aware that staff are the key to a good business and recently Brendan Edmondson joined Kim at Alpine Valley Real Estate.
Brendan is a local lad, son of Toni and Dave Edmondson of D&T Edmondson Earthmoving. Being a member of an established local family, Brendan has uncles and aunts, Geoff, Charlie, Ken and Dianne – all well-known and respected members of the community.
After the natural Kiewa Valley schooling, Tawonga Primary and Mount Beauty High School, Brendan joined the workforce at Alpine Health in the kitchen.
He then moved to Wagga Wagga, joined
TRADING POST CLASSIFIEDS
Email your adverts to us and you don’t pay until you sell the goods – or until your Advert achieves the desired results. Em: kencbell@bigpond.net.au
MISSING BOOK
A copy of Dr. Ruth Lawrence’s Thesis on the Bogong High Plains was left in the care of Bill and Yvonne Sutton. It has been lent to some-one and not returned. If any knows anything please contact Bill or Ph Ken Bell on 0400 350 488. FOR SALE
RM Williams Cuban Heel Boots, Bushman Tan, with added rubber protective sole. Almost brand new. Size 9 G. Retail $309.95 will sell for $250. Ph: 0400 350 488.
ALTERATIONS, DRESSMAKING & REPAIRS
Call Kerry 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs.
ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE
Frueauf Village(below Milch Café) Ground Fl, Rm 2, 4 Schuss St, Falls Creek. Ph: 5758 3766. Em: fallscreek@altitudephysiotherapy.com.au. Wb: www.altitudephysiotherapy.com.au
BOWEN THERAPY & MASSAGE
Tawonga South. Ph: Heather 0428 993 125. BUILDING & ELECTRICAL
Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service, please call Justin on 0458 220 879.
CAKE MAKING & DECORATING
Elene Wood at Studio E Cakes Tawonga – for all occasions. Call 0409 673 192 or Email: studioecakestawonga@bigpond.com
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES
Oztek Property Maintenance. Let us look after your home. We do bathrooms, decks, pergolas and all handyman needs. Call Dave 0466 990 862.
CIVIL CELEBRANT - HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies - All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125. www.celebrant-ne-vic.com.au
the Telstra sales team and then managed the local Telstra store for four years. A change in direction – which seemed natural with a farming background – was to join the local Vetafarm, manufacturers of pet foods and pet care products and pharmaceuticals. Not unlike a lot of young folk, it was time to return home and spend some time working with dad and then joining the team at the Mount Beauty Medical Centre. Then the opportunity arose to join Kin at the real estate office. This Brendan has taken to. He has studied on-line and gained his real estate certification through the Australian College of Real Estate Training and is now a fully qualified real estate agent.
Brendan’s role in the business just about covers it all. He handles short and long term property leasing and management, property appraisals and property sales. This is the part he loves -“helping people get into their dream home’ whether it be a luxurious tree change or the young family’s cube that is “exactly what we want to renovate!”
Brendan enjoys working with people, understands the needs when a person or a couple are making what is probably the
TRADING POST CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE
Alma Novia Wedding Dress, Size 8, High front neckline with intricate lace and beaded detail, high lace back and buttons, soft tulle A-line skirt that flows in to a beautiful train. Worn once – by mistake. $950. Ph: 0400 350 488
FOR SALE
One brand new pair of ASICS Tennis shoes, size 46 Euro (11.5 US). Worn once. Too tight for me. Retail Price: $159.95. Will sell for $120. Ph: 0400 350 488
WORK WANTED
Administration all-rounder looking for part-time/ casual work. Proficient with both MYOB and Xero. ABN and references available. Mb: 0478 729 259. Em:raymondroberts255@yahoo.com
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
COMPUTERS & SERVICE
Custom built computers, Upgrades, parts, laptops, troubleshooting, virus removal, data recovery, backups. Ph: Michal Trnka 5754 4637 or Mb: 0417 163 601.
DRIVING INSTRUCTION
Summit Driver Training. Tawonga based driving instruction and re-assessment. Ph Craig 0427 722 287.
ELECTRICAL
All Electrical Services. Ph: 0418 698 491. Reg No: 7923.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Altitude Electrical - no job too big or small. Domestic, commercial & industrial. Contact Ben Svarc 0419 801 109.
FREIGHT - ALB - MTB - FALLS CREEK Remo’s
Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty & Falls Creek Mon to Fri incl. Refrigeration Available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320
HAIRDRESSER
Natalie Raymond, Birds Nest Salon, 26 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty. Open Six days a week & evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.
at Alpine
biggest purchase of their life – or at least the next major step in their future.
So yes, Kim and Brendan are local people running a local business and supporting our local community. We wish them all the best for the future. •
NEW MOUNTAIN STAFF
Do you need linen, TV, or a bedside table, call in to the Hospital Op Shop, 1A Tawonga Crescent. Another option for clothing is the Uniting Church Op Shop on Hollonds Street. Ph: 0419 615 732.
POSITIONS VACANT - BOGONG VILLAGE
Cleaning/Guest Services Staff Required Winter 2019 Season (June - Sept). Casual/Part-time Approx. 10-25 hours per week. Potential start March or April for early training. Email resume to: manager@bogongvillage.com or call Kim McKeown Ph: 03 5754 1131.
FOR HIRE
Three Tonne Tipper and mini Excavator. Ph: 0427 942 171.
LD’S HOME PET CARE
Pet Care & Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa 5754 1695
PAINTING SERVICES
Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial. Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services, Ph: Laif 0437 023 921.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy. 5A Hollonds St Mt Beauty. Out of hours and home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 5754 1270.
REFRIGERATION & ELECTRICAL
Qualified Refrigeration Mechanic & Electrician available to solve problems in the Upper Kiewa Valley and Falls Creek. DC Electrical & Refrigeration. Ph: 0428 737 273.
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-up Units. Ph: 0428 361497 www.alpinewarehousing.com
TAXI & 4WD SERVICE
Mt Beauty Taxi Service. Covers Falls Creek & Albury. Ph: 0409 573 909 or 13 10 08.
Brendan Edmondson
Valley Real Estate. Pic – Ken Bell
TIPS FOR SNOW DRIVING
Drive Slowly– This must be the most obvious thing to state when it comes to driving in the snow, but it has to be said. Really though, actually drive slower and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. The snow makes the roads slippery and reduces visibility so you’ll need to give yourself plenty of more time to react to changing conditions. This advice is heavily aimed at those who drive 4WD or All-Wheel Drive cars. While these vehicles do offer some more traction and control, it does not make you invincible. The roads are still significantly less safe and require slow driving.
NEVER Use Cruise Control- You’ll need extra vigilance and extra control when it comes to driving in the snow. Not only
do you need to adjust your speed more frequently when driving in the snow, you’ll also need much more control over steering, even if you’re driving on a straight road. Never use cruise control when driving in the snow. Ever.
Avoid Slamming on the Break– If your tires start to skid, most people’s first instinct is to panic and slam on the break- don’t do this. Instead ease off the accelerator and try to steer the car out of potential collisions. Slamming on the breaks once your tires have already locked up and lost traction won’t help. Skidding out can be frightening, but try to stay as calm as possible in order to safely slow down and come to a stop.
Trying to drive like this is just plain stupid !!! Pic - Courtesy of the editor
What’s On – JUNE
Weekly Mount Beauty Park Run. 8am Saturdays. Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Avenue. Ph: 03 5754 1118
7th – 10th Official Opening of the 2019 Snow Season. Activities will include Fireworks to celebrate the Official Opening and a host of other wonderful family activities. Further details in the QBW/end paper.
8th Regular Monthly Meeting of the Mount Beauty Diabetes Support Group. 10am Lakeside Community Centre. All Welcome. Ph: 0427 544 824.
8th TDFNL Rd 9. Mitta United V Dederang Mount Beauty at Eskdale
8th & 9th The White Mud Classic – A Cycle Cross Event over two days on Big Hill Mountain Bike Park. Further details from Liam: Mb: 0411 377 863.
9th Falls Creek Race Club AGM. 3pm Attunga Lodge. All Welcome. Ph: 0412 185 463.
13th Regular Monthly Meeting of the Upper Kiewa Valley Community Association. 7:30pm at the Auditorium, beside the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre. All Welcome. For more info: Em: eismith@bigpond.com
15th TDFNL Rd 10. Dederang Mount Beauty V Rutherglen at Dederang
18th Regular monthly meeting of the Mount Beauty Self Help Anxiety Support Group 7pm – 8:30pm
VILLAGE MAP
at the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre. Gold coin donation appreciated. Ph: 03 9830 0533.
22nd TDFNL Rd. 11. Wahgunyah V Dederang Mount Beauty
23rd Snow Trek and Travel Mini Series One. 11am. (C) 0.5/1.5/2.5 km Nordic Bowl, Falls Creek. Further detail: Lynn-Maree Cullen: Mb: 0409 592 226
29th TDFNL Rd 12. Beechworth V Dederang Mount Beauty
29th Falls Creek Race Club Welcome drinks and social evening. 7:30pm The Man Hotel. Ph: 0412 185 463
