www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au
PRICELESS
WINTER EDITION TEN
FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST 2026
'Looking Good Hoppet Fans!'
Main - The joys of early evening grooming shedding a different light on our beautiful area. Pic – Dan Sherwood Bottom Left - Last year’s Ladies winner, Rosie Fordham crossing the line after successful ski! Pic – Chris Hocking Bottom Right - During the school holidays we welcomed Britt Cox back to Falls Creek to host an Olympian panel of our home-grown Falls Creek Olympians: Phil Bellingham, Steve Lee, Greta Small and Liliana France. Pic – Courtesy Falls Creek Race Club
FALLS CREEK PRIMARY Our On-Line Raffle
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fter the excitement and success of the fundraising auction a couple of weeks back, Falls Creek Primary School’s online raffle is now live – for two more weeks! This year is the school’s biggest raffle yet, with over $9,000 worth of prizes available, thanks to the incredible generosity of local and supporting businesses. Funds raised from the raffle will be put towards the school’s Outdoor Education program. This will provide the opportunity and access for students to participate in activities such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking, maximising the opportunities provided by our amazing local environment, and strengthening
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students’ connection with the local area and community. Tickets can be purchased by scanning the QR code, or by heading to https:// fundraisingfoundry.circlet.com.au/ FCWF2026. Ticket sales close on Sunday the 23rd of August, with the raffle being drawn at school on Monday the 24th. The students, staff, and families of Falls Creek Primary School would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the local businesses and suppliers that have donated to the raffle, including: Alpha Ski Lodge, Falls Creek; Alpine Resorts Victoria; Argent Silversmith Tawonga South; Attunga Lodge Falls Creek; Circle T Industries; Cloud 9 Falls Creek; Cooroona Alpine Lodge
WHEN THE BRIGHT YELLOW FLAGS ARE OUT
WE’RE OPEN – EASTER SATURDAY 11am – 4pm
Located right beside the bottom station of Halley’s Comet Chairlift Spend some time and take in the fabulous history that has earned this community so much respect! And, talk to any member of our team about the rewards of volunteering in the Falls Creek Museum. 4 Slalom Street, southern end of the Panabode building. Phone: Wb: Em: Fb:
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03 5758 1202 for further information www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au facebook.com/fallscreekmuseum
Winter 2026 Raffle Purchasing a raffle ticket will help raise funds for Falls Creek Primary School’s Outdoor Education Program. Scan the QR code below to be in the running for prizes donated by local businesses, to the total value of $9,000!
Raffle drawn Monday 24th August
Falls Creek; Country Grocers Falls Creek; Falls Creek Coach Service; Falls Creek Country Club; Falls Creek Distillery; Falls Creek Guides; Falls Creek Hotel; Falls Creek Ski Lifts; Feathertop Lodge; Frying Pan Inn, Falls Creek; I Dream of Snow; Lakeside Lodge Falls Creek; NAKED Optics; Nelse Lodge Falls Creek; Patagonia; Sanctuary Wellness Centre; Wildflower Pilates, Tawonga South & Yogi's Ski & Snowboard Hire Thank you for your support of our school, good luck, and we look forward to drawing the raffle on Monday the 24th of August. •
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
DISABLED WINTERSPORT AUSTRALIA
First time sit skier Isla with brother and Dad and guides Jane and Imogen. Pic DWA
In Our Special Community
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nother incredible week at Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) Falls Creek has shown exactly what makes our community so special. From kids discovering new skills on the snow to our most independent members, the Falls Creek slopes and village was an amazing exhibition of adaptive snowsports. The mountain was alive with smiles, sunshine and the freedom that being ‘on snow’ provides. The highlight of the weekend was our fantastic Kids Plus Camp, which brought together sit skiers, snowboarders and stand-up skiers for an unforgettable experience on the slopes. Steph and Isla covered the mountain on their first Sit ski experience, Nienke was swinging 180s by the end of her first snowboard trip, Mia was great as stand up skier on tethers and Henry blazed down Wombats Ramble in his bright orange pants. With brilliant snow conditions and blue skies on Saturday, members, families and carers made the most of every moment, enjoying time together
while building confidence and independence on snow. It was particularly inspiring to see our Peer/ Buddy team in action. Scarlett and Florence, fresh from completing their guide training, were out supporting our Kids Plus members and already making a positive impact on the mountain. Their enthusiasm, care and willingness to help demonstrate the strength of the next generation of DWA volunteers and guides. It just goes to show how everybody can participate in making Falls Creek an inclusive showcase. Around Falls Creek there were plenty of smiles and stories being shared. Michael and Tony enjoyed the sunshine while catching up with members and visitors at the DWA Alpine Access Hub in Slalom Plaza, which continues to be a welcoming space for the DWA community. It was also fantastic to see their private Tessier Sit Skis out on the slopes, absolutely ripping up some quick runs and reminding everyone of the excitement and possibilities that adaptive snowsports create. A massive thank you goes to Nuthin' But Natives for their outstanding support of DWA. Through their recent fundraising efforts and sponsorship, an incredible $2,800 has been added to our fundraising pool. We are extremely grateful to everyone who purchased Sturt Desert Pea stock and helped make this donation possible. Special thanks to Brenton and Teesh, whose generosity and commitment to DWA continue to make a real difference to our members and programs. Community support was also on display once again at our weekly fundraising raffle at Powderkeg. Thank you to everyone who joins us each Saturday at 4.30pm to buy tickets, donate prizes and enjoy the company of fellow members, volunteers and supporters. These gatherings are a wonderful way to connect while helping raise
valuable funds for adaptive snowsports programs. As always, our gratitude goes out to I Dream of Snow, Vegitation, Farm to Fork, RAD Gloves, Country Grocers, Billy Button Wines, Falls Creek Distillery and more. Your contribution helps people of all abilities experience the joy, independence and freedom of the snow. There is still one more New Guide Training session coming up on September 12/13. If you've ever thought about becoming involved with DWA, now is the perfect time to register and join our amazing team. To find out more, visit Zac or Paul at the DWA Alpine Access Hub in Slalom Plaza or head to www.disabledwintersport.com.au. We'd love to welcome you to the DWA community and help you discover the freedom of snow. •
CROSS COUNTRY SKI LESSONS
On Falls Creek’s nordic trails June-September. • Family and beginners friendly. • Learn classic & Skate style from a APSI qualified guide & instructor. • We offer private lessons, group sessions and guided tours available with same-day bookings. • Private lessons from 1hr for $125 Instructor: Anna T: 0450 227 948 Email: info@theclimbingcompany.com.au
1300 CLIMBCO (254 622)
SERVICE AND DEMO CENTRE
New Range of Salomon Ski & Snowboard Boots have just arrived!!
Expert Master Boot Fitter’s on site to fit you up. FREE Pick-up & delivery for all ski and snowboard rentals!
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1978
In the Village Bowl at the Falls Creek Hotel Map (Ref: M2) Ph: 03 5758 3819
Be part of the team!
AN IDEA! Want of be part of a great club?
As a member of the Falls Creek Race Club, young members can... • QUALIFIED BOOTFITTERS • DEMO SKIS – TRY BEFORE YOU BUY • COMPETITIVE SKI & SNOWBOARD HIRE • HELMETS, SKI BOOTS, SNOW BOOTS, GLOVES, GOGGLES, SNOW TOYS, SKI/BOOT BAGS • ON-MOUNTAIN TUNING
yogisfallscreek.com.au • Ph: 03 5758 3377 The Hub Centre • 8 Falls Creek Road (Map Ref: K5)
• 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!’
https://www.revolutionise.com.au/ fallscreek-wsc/registration
1 Bogong High Plains Rd Falls Creek 3699 VIC AUSTRALIA
Wb: www.revolutionise.com.au/fallscreek-wsc/ Em: ski@fcrc.com.au
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
Join the Falls Creek Race Club – meet lots of new friends – be part of a great skiing and boarding fraternity – enjoy fabulous social activities – and so much more!
Ml: P.O.Box 148 Falls Creek 3699 VIC AUSTRALIA Em: admin@fcrc.com.au
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SYMBIOSIS The Art of Living Together
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have always thought of the Falls Creek community as a symbiotic circle, with Falls Creek Ski Lifts (Lift Co., also known as Vail Resorts since they purchased Lift Co. in 2020), ARV (Alpine Resorts Victoria) and the independent stakeholders existing in a symbiotic relationship. Symbiosis is a term describing any relationship or interaction between two dissimilar organisms. The specific kind of symbiosis depends on the type of relationship the organisms engage in. I have thought deeply about the nature of symbiotic relationships these past few years. My brain keeps coming back to the analogy of Falls Creek as a symbiotic marine ecosystem, which is one I’ve used before. According to National Geographic, there are five main symbiotic relationships: mutualism, commensalism, predation, parasitism, and competition. Depending on who you are talking
to at the time, three of these relationships provide the foundations upon which our little village rests. To paraphrase the National Geographic article “Symbiosis: The Art of Living Together.” To explore these relationships, let’s consider Falls Creek as a natural ecosystem and compare it to the ocean. Oceanic environments are known for their species diversity.
In a cleaning symbiosis, the clownfish feeds on small invertebrates, that otherwise have
If we were swimming in the potential to harm the sea anemone, and the fecal matter from the clownfish provides nutrients to the sea anemone. The clownfish is protected from predators by the anemone's warm waters of the Pacific stinging cells, to which the clownfish is immune. The relationship is therefore classified as or Indian Oceans instead mutualistic. of sitting on top of a hill, As we dive deeper into our imaginary tour of we’d perhaps see an excellent the ocean, we could observe the commensalistic example of mutualism: the relationship between relationship that exists between barnacles and clownfish and sea anemones. In a mutualistic humpback whales. Commensalism happens relationship, both species benefit. when one species lives with, on, or in another species, known as the host. The host species neither benefits nor is harmed from the relationship. Of course, some symbiotic relationships do cause harm. In predation, one species (the predator) hunts and kills another species (the prey). One of the better studied predators in the oceans is the orca, or killer whale.
Open In Line With Lift Operations OPEN DAILY
In line with lift operations Top of Halley’s Comet Chairlift Walk In Only
• PRETZELS • SNACKS • KRANSKYS • HOT & COLD DRINKS • BEER, WINE, RTD’S BOTTOM OF SCOTT’S CHAIRLIFT WALK IN ONLY
Another harmful relationship is parasitism. This happens when one species (the parasite) lives with, on, or in a host species, at the expense of the host species. Unlike in predation, the host is not immediately killed by the parasite, though it may sicken and die over time. Examples of common parasites found in the ocean include nematodes, leeches, and barnacles. The last example of symbiosis I will explore on our fictional expedition is competition - the struggle among organisms for the same limited
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Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
SYMBIOSIS resources in an ecosystem. Competition can happen between members of the same species (intraspecific competition) and between different species (interspecific competition). An example of interspecific competition in the ocean is the relationship between corals and sponges. Sponges are very abundant in coral reefs. If they become too successful, however, they take needed food and other resources from the corals that make up the reef. Sponges may outcompete corals for resources in the short term, but if too many corals die, the reef itself becomes damaged. This is bad for the sponges, which may themselves begin to die off until the reef is balanced again. Symbiotic relationships can be useful measures of an ecosystem’s health. So how does a marine biology lesson up in the Victorian Alps relate to the Falls Creek community? We all exist in the Falls Creek ecosystem together, at the same time. Our symbiotic relationships, immaterial of the types, bind us together irrelevant of whether you are a government body, a multinational corporation or independent stakeholders. As in the ocean, Falls Creek has every type of organism within our tiny ecosystem. Clownfish and sea anemones, humpback whales and barnacles, orcas and leeches, corals and sponges. I’ll let you, dear reader, play ‘guess who.’ It’s easy for us to miscategorise a symbiotic relationship as positive when we find ourselves caught in an ocean rip. What is less difficult to GALLERY AND GIFT SHOP
misinterpret is when relationships become toxic, or to continue the analogy, parasitic. When I think about what I have loved about Falls Creek over time, I think of the mutualistic, commensalistic and competitive relationships that make up this little slice of the alps. We are better when we exist in harmonious competition. We all have a purpose on the hill. We all have the capacity to positively contribute to the health of our ecosystem for the benefit of Falls Creek as a whole. When even one relationship becomes parasitic, the community becomes unbalanced, and the subsequent loss of symbiosis impacts the health of all those remaining.
1pm to 5.30pm (Closed Tuesdays)
www.idreamofsnow.com Go inside the Powderkeg airlock from the Plaza, go down the stairs, turn left at the bottom of the stairs. Voilà!
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/ symbiosis-art-living-together/
Balance is key. In communities, snowsport and in business. •
MYOTHERAPY • REMEDIAL MASSAGE FRUEAUF VILLAGE
0403854525
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MEALS & LOUNGE BAR
OPEN DAILY
Restaurant Friday to Wednesday Attunga Après Thursday Night
Come find something unique! Open every day in July and August
Cheers, Nyree Fiddes
Bar daily from 4pm Experience the fabulous views & relax in the lounge whilst enjoying warm hospitality
10 Arlberg Street
OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 12PM HAPPY HOUR 4PM-6PM T A K E A W AY F O O D + A L C O H O L A V A I L A B L E FRYINGPANINN.COM.AU LOCATION - MAP O2, 4 VILLAGE BOWL CT, FALLS CREEK
Right next to Foodworks
Open Daily 8am – 3pm Breakfast & Lunch From 5:30pm for Dinner Thursday to Sunday
(Closed for dinner Mon, Tues & Wed)
Open 11am ‘til late Daily!
Live music Sat & Sun Arvo! DWA Raffle every Saturday 4:30 – 6pm Great Prizes – come & support DWA
St Falls Resort •17 Bogong High Plains Road, Falls Creek 3699 Slalom Plaza – bottom of Wombats Ramble • Ph: 03 5732 8000 Em: reservations@stfallsresort.com.au • Wb: https://stfallsresort.com.au Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
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COMFORTABLE SKIING When to Retire Your Boots
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nlike Penfold’s Grange, plastics don’t age well. Ski boots are made from plastic and they don’t mature into a fine specimen worth more than the day they were bought. Instead, they have a limited lifetime in which they’re required to attach you to your skis and do their job, hopefully in comfort. Then it’s time to retire them as flowerpots in the garden. After their expected life span, the plastics start to perish – both within the liner and the shell.
Relax & Rejuvinate open tuesday to sunday, 10am to 7pm massage, facials, nails & waxing
BOOKINGS: ASTRAFALLSCREEK.COM.AU/DAY-SPA OR EMAIL SPA@ASTRAFALLSCREEK.COM.AU
Unfortunately, ski boots start to die over time, even if you haven’t skied in them that much. Retail shells and liners last 200 ski days or 5 years – but you feel them start dying at around 150 days – sooner if you’re a pro (instructor, ski patroller, racer, or expert ski bum). How Do You Know They’re Dying? The liner: new issues start popping up that haven’t been there previously. When this happens it’s just a matter of time until the liner needs replacing, and any fixes tend to be short term. You might notice you get rubbing on the bony parts of your feet when you didn’t used to, heel lift increases, or cramps and aches that didn’t used to be there. The shell: the shell starts out with a smooth movement from beginning to the end range of forward motion (the forward flex). As the plastic gets older and brittle, it loses its bounce and the flex pattern changes. It now starts to feel ‘empty’ until the end of travel and then it stops, like a bad clutch – it’s on/off. A few things will impact how long your boots last. How hard you ski, how much you weigh, how well you look after your boots and whether you dry them out properly. The extra movement allowed by a boot that’s too big or by not having ski orthotics will also reduce how long your boots will last, as it puts excessive wear and tear on the liner. You might wonder what’s wrong with skiing in an old boot? And to a degree, it’s not a major issue. You need to be aware that the 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
APRÈS AT BOGONG! Drop in on your way home.
$6 cans of beer if you show this advert! Hot Snacks to warm away the cold. Monday's: 12 - 5pm | Tuesday - Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Australia's only vintage ski retailer. Online all year round, and the shop is open in winter! Unique new gifts, homewares & souvenirs designed for I Dream Of Snow.
St Falls West Wing (above FoodWorks)
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The 1985 Salomon SX81 rear entry boot – perhaps safest now as a flowerpot. Pic – Courtesy Ortho Ski
niggles won’t be able to be fully resolved and will reoccur. The real problem comes when the plastics are at the point of exploding under force. Just like last year when a guy was skiing in a 20-year-old boot, the sole of the shell fell off mid-mogul and the ski kept going down the hill without him. He limped back into the shop with a very wet sock, lucky to not have skewered anyone with his runaway ski. So how well do you know your boots? Do you know your ski day count? Do you scratch a mark in them for every day? Or do you note the subtle differences in flex as you drive the boot into another perfect turn? Either way, a new boot should be a new beginning – a great chance to reassess your skiing, get a lesson and push things to the next level. • Krista Sturday, SentinelSportsPodiatry.com.au
summit ridge restaurant
A la carte, 5 & 8 course degustation menu and children’s menu available! Perfect for that special occasion! Happy Hour beer & wine – 4 to 6pm! “Come and enjoy the fine food, wonderful open
Mb: 0412 481 711 Fully Licensed – Great Deck!
fire and relaxed ambience of Summit Ridge!”
Beautiful Bogong Village Walks, fishing, flowers! The Wedding Gardens are looking fine!
Bookings: www.summitridge.com.au/ ForEmail: reservations call 03 5758 3800 ski@summitridge.com.au 8 Schuss Falls Creek. Map Ref: K3 or Em:Street, ski@summitridge.com.au Phone:Falls 03 5758 Schuss Street, Creek3800 Map Ref: K3
Closed Tuesdays
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
KANGAROO HOPPET 2026
2026
Welcome to the 2026 Kangaroo Hoppet
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n behalf of Alpine Resorts Victoria, it is my pleasure to welcome competitors, supporters, volunteers and visitors to Falls Creek for the 2026 Kangaroo Hoppet. The Kangaroo Hoppet is much more than a race. It is a celebration of endurance, community and the spectacular alpine environment that makes Falls Creek Australia's premier cross country skiing destination. As the largest cross country ski race in the Southern Hemisphere and the only Australian event on the prestigious Worldloppet circuit, the Hoppet has earned an international reputation, attracting skiers from across Australia and around the world each winter. Whether you are taking on the whole course at the Kangaroo Hoppet, the Australian Birkebeiner or the Joey Hoppet, you are part of a tradition that has inspired generations of skiers and showcased the very best of our alpine community. This iconic event would not be possible without the dedication of the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, the many volunteers, officials, sponsors and supporters who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their passion and commitment continue to make the Kangaroo Hoppet one of Australia's most respected snow sports events. We are proud to welcome you to Falls Creek and hope you enjoy everything our alpine village has to offer, from our world class trail network and breathtaking scenery to the warm hospitality of our local businesses and community. Whether you are here to compete, cheer from the sidelines or simply experience the unique atmosphere of Hoppet weekend, we hope your time in Falls Creek is memorable. Best of luck to all competitors and thank you for being part of this special event. • Colleen Gwynne, General Manager Falls Creek Alpine Resort
Welcome to the 32nd Hoppet
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n behalf of the Organising Committee it is a great pleasure to welcome all participants and supporters to Falls Creek for the 2026 Kangaroo Hoppet. It is great to see that we have skiers from over 20 nations entered – so once again the resort will really be living up to the tagline ‘Hoppet Saturday – When the World Comes to Falls Creek’. Regardless of whether you have travelled from around the corner or around the world to be with us I hope that you all enjoy the warm hospitality and atmosphere that the Hoppet, with a lot of help from our partners and supporters in the local communities, manages to deliver each year at Falls Creek to our skiing friends from around the world. While welcoming skiers and friends to the event, I would like also take the liberty of speaking on your behalf to acknowledge and thank the groups without whom there would not be an event – beginning with our major sponsors and partners AGL, the Mount Beauty & District Community Bank, and Falls Creek Alpine Resort. Finally, to leave the best to last, a HUGE THANKS to the members of our organising committees, our race office staff, the team from Alpine Timing and the small army of volunteers from the local and cross country skiing communities who are the backbone of our operations - with special mention of Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, the Rotary Club of Mount Beauty and Falls Creek SES. • Allan Marsland Chairman Kangaroo Hoppet
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
AGL SCHOLARSHIPS A step on the Road to the Winter Olympics Eight $1000 AGL Scholarships are awarded at the Kangaroo Hoppet to the first Australian man and woman in the following categories. First Australian man and woman in the 42km main event of the Kangaroo Hoppet, the first U23 man and woman in the 21km event, and the first U18 and U14 boy and girl in the 7km. The scholarships were set up with the dual purposes of supporting training and development of younger skiers and, for our elite skiers, to offer a reward for the immense effort and dedication needed for these athletes to reach the top of their field. “AGL is proud to back the next generation of Australian skiers”, said Stu McQuade, AGL’s Head of Hydro, “the scholarships recognise the commitment it takes to compete at an elite level and help young athletes access opportunities to keep growing and performing at their best.” With AGL now into its third decade of support for the Kangaroo Hoppet it is heartening to note that six of the eight Australian cross country skiers taking part in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, had received one, or more, of these scholarships during their skiing career. Finn Marsland, Snow Australia Cross Country Skiing Program Director,praised the generous offer from AGL. “These scholarships represent the great community spirit from AGL that has been genuinely appreciated by many of our skiing community over the last decade, from past Olympians down to the developing skiers coming through our pathway programs. Support from AGL, not just to stage the event, but to also develop and grow our sport is a wonderful contribution to what is for so many people a lifetime sporting and recreational activity.” • 7
KANGAROO HOPPET WEEK 2026 KANGAROO HOPPET RACE OFFICE & BIB COLLECTION
THE PROGRAM Friday 14 August
Located next to the Visitor Information Centre on the left as you approach Mt Beauty. OPENING HOURS Saturday 8th
2pm – 6pm
Sunday 9th
2pm – 6pm
Thursday 13th
2pm – 6pm
Friday 14th Sat 15th
10am – 11pm
6.30am – 8.30am
4.00 pm Worldloppet Masters & Passport Holders Reception Venue: Mount Beauty Senior Centre, 12 Hollonds St, Mount Beauty Please note, we will not be providing a shuttle from Falls Creek. If you have a car and would like to carpool or you don't have a car and would like to find a ride, please email info@hoppet.com. au, and we will attempt to put people together. Enquiries call Bruce Wharrie 0459 704 464
THE MAIN EVENT
2pm – 6pm Sunday 16th 9am – 3pm This is your One Stop Hoppet Shop where you can: • Collect race numbers. • Check out the range of Hoppet clothing and souvenir items and the Hoppet Dozen featuring wines from the King Valley and Alpine Valleys wine regions. • Purchase a Worldloppet Passport. • Enter the race • Catch up with friends and check out who is here this year.
Saturday 15th August 2025
Falls Creek Nordic Bowl 9:30am Kangaroo Hoppet
42km
9:40am Australian Birkebeiner
21km
9:50am Joey Hoppet
7km
And when you come back down off the mountain and need a meal or just somewhere to hang out over a drink or snack, there are a number of choices, including Mountain Monk Brewery, Rocky Valley Ski Centre, Mount Beauty Bakery, Quaff Wine Bar, Crank Handle Brewery, Ziggi’s Take Out, Treats, Settlers Tavern, Grass Valley Restaurant, Swiss & Chips, Bombay Velvet and Mountain Creek Lodge out in Tawonga.
Flower Ceremony Presentations 11:45am Hoppet Finish Area Podium places for all events AGL Scholarships
Community Bank Mount Beauty
AIN M NT
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Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
KANGAROO HOPPET 2026 Post Race Social Evening and Awards Presentation. 7:00 – 9:00 Mount Beauty Community Centre, Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty (next door to the Bakery) Presentations start at 7:30pm 7:30
Top 10 42km Kangaroo Hoppet
7:40
Top three 21km Birkebeiner
7:45
Top three 7km Joey Hoppet
7:50
AGL Athlete Scholarships
7:55
42km, 21km, 7km Age Class winners
8:10
Worldloppet Masters
8:15
Balance Point and One/Way Sprint prizes
A generous contribution from AGL supporting our athletes from past Olympians down to the developing skiers coming through our pathway programs. Pic – Chris Hocking
HOPPET 32 THE MORNING AFTER
AGL is proud to support the 2026 Kangaroo Hoppet.
Sunday 16th August Appreciate Your Achievement! Stop by the Hoppet Race Office next to the Mount Beauty Information Centre. • Check results. • Last chance for Hoppet shopping Relax with friends over a coffee and brunch at your choice of The Bakery, Grass Valley, Rocky Valley Snowsports, Lilli Pilli, and Honeybird.
At AGL, we operate local hydroelectricity stations, and we’re proud to play an active role in the community. Call 1300 584 875 or scan the QR code to find out more.
Just being out among this beautiful scenery takes all the troubles away – even if, as a racer, you don’t get to spend much time admiring the scenery. Ken Bell Pic from 2010 Hoppet. Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
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KANGAROO HOPPET WEEK 2026 The 2026 Hoppet Dozen
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he Hoppet Dozen, available only from the Kangaroo Hoppet Race Office in Mount Beauty, provides a unique chance to sample wines from three of our local north east Victorian wineries. The number of grape varieties grown in the Kiewa, Ovens and King Valleys means that getting a range of wines in the mix is never a challenge, the hardest part is deciding what to leave out. Our trusty tasting duo are always on the lookout for wines that will be a bit of a new experience, and this year is no exception. From Gapsted Estate we have their Cienna, a cross between the Spanish variety Sumoll, and the classic French grape Cabernet Sauvignon which was developed by CSIRO for Australian conditions, while from Sam Miranda we have his newly released Nuovo Nebbiolo. To quote from the tasting notes “the grapes are picked and left to ‘chill’ for a few days allowing for minimal extraction, giving you the vibrant fruit character of Nebbiolo, without the harsh tannic dryness of the traditional style”. The Nuovo is only available through the cellar door on the Snow Road at Oxley, but we managed to persuade Sam to allow us to include it in this year’s Hoppet selection. Beautifully packed in six bottle presentation packs of six reds or six whites and priced at just $95 a box, the Hoppet Dozen is a unique opportunity to broaden your north east wine experience. And they also make a very nice Xmas gift – if you can keep them for that long. A word of advice, don’t leave it until too late to do your Hoppet Dozen shopping – the ‘sold out’ sign went up early Sunday morning last year.
White Wines
XCSAV & Antipodes Medal
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Sam Miranda Wines. Snow Road, Oxley. NV Prosecco 2024 Gruner Veltliner 2025 Verduzzo Gapsted Estate. Great Alpine Road, Gapsted. 2024 High Country Chardonnay 2024 Alpine Road Pinot Grigio Ceccanti Kiewa Valley Wines. Bay Creek Lane, Mongans Bridge. 2024 Reisling Red Wines Sam Miranda Wines. Snow Road, Oxley. 2019 Barbera 2022 Sam Miranda Tempranillo 2025 Nuovo Nebbiolo Gapsted Wines. Great Alpine Road, Gapsted. 2024 High Country Pinot Noir 2022 Valley Selection Sangiovese 2023 Alpine Road Cienna Even if you can’t make it to the Hoppet Office during Hoppet Week, there is no excuse not to drop in on one of these cellar doors to try out the wines on offer and take some home to share with friends. And for those of you who don’t drive home along the Snow Road, you can always stop by the Mt Beauty Supermarket which has a great range of wines from all three wineries, but no tasting! •
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Explore breathtaking landscapes with our small group ski packages (everything included) with a 7-15 day trip.
Contact Pete Holmes www.nordicskiadventures.com M: 0457 570 346 E: nordicskiadventures@gmail.com 10
here is plenty to look forward to at this year’s Kangaroo Hoppet starting already at bib pick-up. Every participant will receive a commemorative backpack as their showbag, made possible thanks to the support of Fischer Australia. Your bib bags (Hoppet and Australian Birkebeiner skiers only) will have ski ties provided courtesy of Cross-Country Skiing Association Victoria (XCSAV), the peak community body of cross-country skiers in Victoria. Their committee has representatives from most ski areas who advocate for you year-round, primarily to Alpine Resorts Victoria. This year they’ve installed a snow cam at the Nordic Bowl, in collaboration with the Hoppet and Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club; advocated for snow fences at Hotham; run a trail working bee at Mt Baw Baw and more. The best thing you can do to help is join XCSAV - it’s free and puts you on their email list. The more members they have, the stronger the advocacy. Otherwise, you can join their Facebook group or add on Instagram @xcskiingvic. We look forward to seeing everyone representing XCSAV with their ski ties into the future and around the world! The One/Way Hoppet Sprint is also back, with a fun new twist. Instead of rewarding the fastest sprint time, the winners will be the man and woman who come closest to a predetermined target time over a short, marked sprint section of around 100 metres during the 42 km race. The target time will be announced in the race briefing, on social media, and at the Hoppet Shop/bib pick-up. Prizes are sponsored by long-time supporters EMC. Also returning are the Balance Point Awards, celebrating the skiers who finish closest to the median time in each of the three events. Both the Sprint and Balance Point awards will be handed out on Saturday night at the Presentations. Skiers must be present to be eligible. Presentation night will be held at the Mount Beauty Community Centre. And for those racing on both sides of the Tasman Sea: don’t forget the Antipodes Award. Skiers who complete both the Kangaroo Hoppet and Merino Muster in the same year will receive an Antipodes medal, while five completed awards earn the special title of Antipodes Master. Awards will be presented at the Merino Muster Prize Giving. •
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
ENTERTAINMENT Meet Going Down Leg
B
ased on a lifelong friendship and a shared love of great music, Going Down Leg is the passion project of Adam and Dylan. Together, Adam (lead vocals and guitar) and Dylan (lead guitar) create a surprisingly huge sound for just two musicians, combining acoustic and electric guitars with live percussion to keep the energy high from the first song to the last. Musically, the duo has something for everyone. Adam grew up on The Beatles, Crowded House and Fleetwood Mac, while Dylan's playlist leans more towards AC/DC, The Eagles, Van Halen,
The Fretsliders and The Living End. Together, they cover everything from timeless classics to modern favourites—and if you throw them a request, there's a fair chance they'll know it. Catch Going Down Leg live: Tuesday 18 August – Falls Creek Hotel. Wednesday 19 August – Feathertop Lodge Thursday 20 August – Falls Creek Hotel Saturday 22 August – Lakeside Follow Going Down Leg on Instagram and YouTube to keep up with upcoming gigs, videos and plenty of good times. •
Life Dreamers
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any locals will know Evie and Josh, a talented duo who spent a couple of years in Falls Creek and Mount Beauty entertaining and doing gigs around the mountain. They are a great team and proved
• Open 7 Days • 11am to around 9pm Lunch & Dinner For Dine In or Take-Away Phone Orders & Bookings Recommended Licensed for Take Away Liquor with
Take Away Food Sales* *Conditions Apply
Slalom Plaza, Falls Creek Map Ref: F3
…the start and end of the ski & board trails!!
03 5758 3088
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
very popular around town. And, while their main goal is entertaining, we can let you know they both spent a fair bit of time at the Mount Beauty Tennis Club, dabbling in playing tennis and enjoying the regular tennis competitions. Check them out at Astra next Monday 17th, then at the Falls Creek Hotel for Harveys n Tuesday 18th and Thursday 20th. If that’s too hard, Eie and Josh will be at the Harrietville Hotel Motel on the 29th and at the Bright Brewery on 30th. Don’t miss them. •
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30am - 2:30pm Daily
Mountain views, friendly staff, reasonable prices & delicious food!
BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED HAPPY HARVEY HOUR 3:30pm – 4:30pm each day! Tuesday 18th & Thursday 20th August The fabulous Dylan Smith!
www.fallscreekhotel.com.au Ph: 03 5758 3282 23 Falls Creek Rd, Falls Creek. Map Ref: M2
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PROPERTY OF THE WEEK Altezza 1570 Apartment One
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well-built complex perfectly positioned in the heart of Falls Creek village, this two-bedroom, one bathroom unmanaged apartment offers genuine chalet appeal in a central location. Moments from the chairlifts, and just meters away from two of the village's well known venues Astra and Huski. Built in 2008/09 by well-established local alpine building family Duggan & Hanlon, Altezza 1570 reflects a rare attention to detail throughout, and Apartment 1 is no exception. The spacious main bedroom features a split king bed, offering flexibility for owners and rental guests alike, while a generous bunk room with a bunk and
two singles brings total capacity to six. This apartment is well-proportioned, and a spacious bathroom plus a separate laundry with washer and dryer make longer stays effortless. At the heart of the apartment is a fully equipped kitchen offering an abundance of cabinetry and storage alongside quality appliances, ideal for entertaining. The adjoining dining area and lounge comfortably seat the whole group after a day on the mountain. Thoughtful details continue throughout: a dedicated wet room at the entry keeps ski gear contained and living areas pristine, while a bonus owner's storage cupboard is perfect for securing equipment if you choose to rent the property out.
The Good News… Refuse and Recycling
Falls Creek is one of the first resorts to recycle organic matter! We recycle:• Cardboard – baled and sold for re-manufacture. • Co-mingles – plastic, glass and paper – in the clear plastic bags with the BLACK print. • Organics – anything that has ever lived – food, paper, oyster shells, bones – in the clear plastic bags with the GREEN print – all sent to be composted. Falls Creek Garbage is collected seven days a week during winter. If you require supplies of bags, have a question, or see a problem, phone us on 0437 306 799.
www.4siteaustralia.com 12
While the quality of your enjoyment of Falls Creek as a winter resort is undoubted, it is the growing suite of summer activities that adds untold value to a purchase in the village. Over the last decade, much work has gone into developing and securing summer trade.
The resort now boasts in excess of 40km of mountain bike trails – with most having easy access from Altezza. Add to these the many kilometres of aqueducts and management vehicle tracks and your exploring, whether on foot, on a horse or on your bike is endless. The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is an iconic Australian walk of international standard being promoted by Parks Victoria. The afore-mentioned suite of summer activities includes the FOMO Trails runs, Alpine Challenge, the Mile High Dragon Boats, the Bicycle Network Peaks Challenge Falls Creek, the Easter Festival as well as regular mountain bike shuttles. And to quote our CEO from a previous article “Falls Creek has the highest total summer visitor days of any Alpine Resort in Victoria.” The head lease runs through to 2058 with low body corporate fees of $13,158.17. Priced at $795,000, this modern, well-built property deserves your sincere attention. Contact Chirsta Smit (Zirknitzer) on 0402 277 808 for more details or to arrange an inspection. •
E L E VAT E YO U R L I F E S T Y L E Summit Ridge Business + Lots Altezza 1750 Apt 4 4 Bed, 4 Bath Woodsmoke VV5 3 Bed, 2 Bath St Falls E504 3 Bed, 2 Bath St Falls W306 3 Bed, 2 Bath St Falls E304 3 Bed, 2 Bath 2 Bed, 2 Bath St Falls E402 St Falls E401 2 Bed, 2 Bath Geilo 4 2 Bed, 1 Bath Altezza 1750 Apt 1 2 Bed, 1 Bath St Falls W405 2 Bed, 2 Bath St Falls E310 2 Bed, 2 Bath Silverski 303 3 Bed, 2 Bath Tomba, Frueauf Village 1 Bed + Mezz, 1 Bath Alpine View 10 3 Bed, 1.5 Bath St Falls ER6 Retail Space Alpine Pepper Cafe
$2,750,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $1,300,000 $1,050,000 $980,000 $900,000 $860,000 $850,000 $795,000 $825,000 $750,000 $750,000 $620,000 $590,000 $530,000 + GST POA
CHRISTA SMIT | 0402 277 808
ZIRKYREALESTATE.COM.AU Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
FALLS CREEK RACE CLUB see you on the rails in the park this weekend
Season Update
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e're now almost halfway through the Falls Creek Race Club training program. As we know, the season started with more dryland training than our athletes would have liked, but we're now well and truly into the business end, with lots to report on. The Rossignol Cup and Cranky Charlie finally meant our first Alpine race of the season was underway on 25 July, with beautiful bluebird conditions on the NASTAR race course. We had competitors ranging from our U8s right through to our FIS athletes, with parents racing too. During the school holidays we welcomed Britt Cox back to Falls Creek to host an Olympian panel of our home-grown Falls Creek Olympians: Phil Bellingham, Steve Lee, Greta Small and Liliana France. Members gathered at Attunga and heard stories from the Olympians about their journeys to success, the lessons learnt, moments of growth, and the things they cherished along the way. The club was also grateful to welcome Graeme Cox back to the mountain two weeks ago, as he ran his four-day bespoke moguls training course. These courses have supported our coaches and athletes in developing their moguls and slopestyle skiing ahead of recent comps at Mt Hotham and Mt Buller. At the weekend, after much anticipation, planning and fresh snow, Falls Creek hosted the inaugural Freeride event on Rapunzels. Quentin Radiguet attended as technical director for the Freeride World Tour to launch the first event in Australia for the 2027 Freeride World Tour season and Falls Creek's inaugural competition. We had an incredible turnout of athletes, coaches and judges from all NSW and Victoria resorts. Our competitors ranged from U10 through to the U19 category, across both skiing and snowboarding, and once more we had strong results from our club athletes on home snow. The club celebrated the inaugural event with drinks at Lakeside.
for the much-loved "Storm the Park" slopestyle competition. Thank you once again to our coaches, mountain operations, parents and sponsors for supporting the race club and our athletes. Train hard, sleep, eat well, and don't forget to tune your equipment and keep doing your Great action last weekend on Rapunzels as part of the 2027 Freeride Tour. Pic – Courresy Fall Creek Race Club
Our next fortnight is busy as ever, as our athletes prepare for the upcoming Victorian Interschools. Shortly after, we have the Snow Sports Australia Children's Alpine Carnival, hosted by Falls Creek from 27–30 August. The new snow can't come soon enough. We'll
snow dances! • Edwina Coghlan, Falls Creek Race Club
Travelling to Falls Creek this winter? Enjoy the comfort and safety! A skeleton service will operate until late June, when the full time-table will come into operation. Refer to our website:
https://fallscreekcoachservice.com.au/
Falls Creek
OPEN 8am – 7pm Daily • Extensive grocery range • Bottle shop: beer, wine, spirits • Fresh fruit and vegetables • Hot pies and sausage rolls • Heat and eat meals • Phone re-charge • ATM • Newspapers and magazines Located in Slalom day carpark at the bottom of Halley’s Comet Chairlift. Phone: 5758 3009 For pick and pack deliveries please visit www.foodworkshighcountry.com.au
But remember, the same convenient service applies! Leave the worries of pre-purchasing Resort Entry, Hiring and fitting Chains, coping with Anti-Freeze and Icy slippery roads behind you. Park your car in the Secure Car-Park in Tawonga South and enjoy the comfort of our modern warm coaches and experienced drivers for your holiday at Falls Creek. Check the Website for services from Melbourne, Albury and Mount Beauty Group bookings and Private Transfers are available throughout the entire 2024 season.
233 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South
Phone: 03 5754 4024
❄ Fuel ❄ Oil ❄ Antifreeze ❄ Chains ❄
Bar Open from 12noon Seven Days a Week!
BISTRO OPEN FROM 5:30PM DAILY DRIVE IN BOTTLESHOP
Open:Sunday to Thursday: 10am - 9pm Friday & Saturday: 1 0am - 10pm
Great THIRSTY CAMEL Specials Join the ‘Hump Club’ for even better deals! Albury Wodonga | 02 6056 3938 | wodonga@snap.com.au Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
PH: 03 5754 4888 KIEWA VALLEY HWY, TAWONGA SOUTH 13
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS Kangaroo Hoppet Weekend Has Arrived
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fter months of preparation, training, and keeping one eye firmly on the weather forecast, Kangaroo Hoppet weekend is finally here. As this edition of This Week at Falls Creek lands on Friday, excitement around the village is building ahead of Australia's premier cross-country ski event on Saturday, 15th August. Every year the Kangaroo Hoppet brings together hundreds of skiers from across Australia and around the world, transforming Falls Creek into the home of longdistance cross-country skiing for the weekend. The event has become one of the highlights of the Australian winter calendar, bringing together elite
PHYSIOTHERAPY Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy 5A Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty
Phone: 5754 1270
EMERGENCY Ambulance EMERGENCY BROADCASTER Alpine Radio (Fires & Floods) ELECTRICITY Faults & Emergencies FIRE Falls Creek/Mount Beauty/ Tawonga HOSPITAL Mount Beauty MEDICAL CENTRES Falls Creek (closed in summer) Mount Beauty POLICE (non-emergency) Falls Creek Mount Beauty Wangaratta REGIONAL ROADS VICTORIA Falls Creek RACV Falls Creek/Mount Beauty
athletes, weekend warriors, first-time participants and generations of families who return year after year. The past few weeks have kept everyone guessing with changing weather conditions, but that's all part of skiing in Australia. Regardless of what Mother Nature delivers, one thing is certain: the Hoppet community always creates an incredible atmosphere. To everyone competing this weekend, we wish you the very best of luck. Enjoy the experience, cheer each other on, and most importantly, have fun out on the trails. We look forward to seeing plenty of smiling (and no doubt slightly exhausted) faces crossing the finish line. Good luck to everyone involved, and here's hoping for another memorable Kangaroo Hoppet. •
Students Discover the Excitement of Biathlon Last Friday, 7 August, the Nordic Bowl at Falls Creek was transformed into a Mini Laser Biathlon Arena as Telemark Nordic Ski Club (TNSC) hosted an exciting schools biathlon relay event. A total of 42 students took part, with many experiencing snow for the very first time. After receiving some introductory cross-country ski instruction from TNSC members and learning how to safely use laser biathlon rifles, every student competed in at least two relay races before the top
EMERGENCY 000 000
96.5 FM 13 17 99 000 5754 3500 5758 3238 4715 0000 131 444 5758 3424 5754 4244 5723 0600 133 778 5758 3287 5750 1230
BURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS CFA 1800 668 511 STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE Falls Creek 13 25 00 BEE PROBLEMS Steve Gardiner 0417 583 976 TREES DOWN On Vic Roads 13 11 70 On Shire Roads 5755 0555 On Houses SES 13 25 00
Lis Klinger and Ella Smith, the Scots School winners of Girls laser biathlon relay finals. Pic - Courtesy Kat Paul
six boys' and girls' teams progressed through to the finals. As expected, there were plenty of tumbles throughout the day, but there were even more smiles. Students quickly discovered that biathlon is not only physically challenging but also requires concentration and accuracy. Competitors had to ski their relay leg before stopping to hit all five electronic targets with the laser rifle before tagging their teammate. The laser rifles and electronic targets, generously provided by Disabled Wintersports Australia, allowed students to experience one of the Winter Olympics' most unique sports in a safe and fun environment. Special Telemark Nordic Ski Club medals were presented by club President Marion Baines to the winning teams. Boys Relay Results 1. Markus Bartels & Oskar Clark (Trinity Anglican College) 2. Will Perkins & David Kingma (The Scots School Albury) 3. Eddie Landale & Fergus Glass (The Scots School Albury) Girls Relay Results
WILDLIFE RESCUE - North East Shires Danni Townsend O’Neil 0405 193 807 Chris Lehman 0434 479 459 WILDLIFE RESCUE – Alpine Shire Jody Michelle 0416 166 775 Jo Ingram 0421 553 527 Liz Swinton 0407 511 686
• Tree Climbing, Pruning & Removals • Stump Grinding • Wood Chipping • Mulch Sales
STAGHORN WILDLIFE SHELTER Jo Mitlehner 0401 272 786 Whitney Webster-Cook 0400 714 656
Ph: 0421 824 317
2026 PUBLICATION SCHEDULE & RATES PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Ed 11 * 21.08.26 * Kangaroo Hoppet Wrap. Summit Masters. Bandwagon Banked Slalom Ed 12 * 28.08.26 * Summit Masters and Retro Weekend. Oakley Freestyle Ed 13 * 04.09.26 * Summit Masters Retro Weekend. Oakley Freestyle Series Ed 14 * 11.09.26 * Oakley Freestyle Series, Bandwagon Banked Slalom DISTRIBUTION: • All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club lodges & apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga & Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang & Tawonga & selected venues in Bright & Myrtleford. ONLINE: • Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/ WEBSITE: • www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au
ADVERTISING RATES:
• 1 column (6cm wide) = $16.00 per cm. 4cp = $21.00 per cm. • 2 column (12.5cm wide) = $26.00 per cm. 4cp = $37.00 per cm. • 3 column (19cm wide) = $36.00 per cm. 4cp = $49.00 per cm. CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when you sell. BUSINESS DIR.: • $6.90 per line per Edition. DEADLINE: • Friday 2.00pm prior to publication date CONTRACT: • A Winter Season Contract is available for advertising in all 16 editions of the winter season offering a 15% discount – invoiced four editions in advance. Invoice dates are: 06.06.26; 04.07.26; 01.08.26 & 29.08.26 DISPLAY:
ENQUIRIES For Information on Advertising or Editorial Contributions please contact: Ken Bell Mob: 0400 350 488 Email: kencbell@bigpond.net.au
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For Payment, Placement of Adverts or Subscriptions, please forward to: Ph/Fax: 03 5754 1346 Office Address: Suite 2, 41 Bogong High Plains Road, Mount Beauty Postal Address: P.O. Box 325, Mount Beauty 3699. ABN: 22 171 749 807
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS 1. Lis Klingner & Ella Smith (The Scots School Albury) 2. Georgie Smith & Ollie Geppert (The Scots School Albury) 3. Sophie Smith & Molly Geppert (The Scots School Albury) For those inspired to give biathlon a try, the experience doesn't end there. A Come and Try Biathlon session will be held at Whiskey Flat, Mt Hotham on Saturday, 29 August, providing another opportunity for newcomers to experience this exciting winter sport. Events like these rely heavily on community support, and TNSC acknowledged the contributions of Falls Creek Resort, the crosscountry grooming team, Disabled Wintersports Australia, Porepunkah and Rocky Valley Ski Hires, staff from The Scots School Albury and Trinity Anglican College, SSAA Biathlon Wodonga volunteers, crosscountryskier.com.au, and the many TNSC volunteers who made the day possible.
Perhaps the best summary of the day came from one of the volunteers who said: "I had a great day and have really enjoyed working with such well behaved students. A credit to their parents, school and themselves." Introducing young people to a variety of snow sports is an important part of growing our winter community, and judging by the enthusiasm on display, there may well be a few future biathletes among the group. •
without the legendary post-ski refreshments. More than 200 pikelets, plenty of jam, mountains of cream and a huge selection of homemade treats helped refuel participants after enjoying the onsnow activities. A huge thank you goes to all of the volunteers, coaches and organisers whose time and effort made yet another successful Ski de Femme possible. • Katerina Paul
Another Fantastic Ski de Femme Falls Creek once again welcomed more than 220 women to this year's Ski de Femme, with another fantastic day celebrating cross-country skiing in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment. The event brought together participants of all ages and abilities, supported by around 20 volunteer coaches and a dedicated team of organisers working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Of course, Ski de Femme wouldn't be complete
Offering scenic flights from Mount Beauty airport from time to time! See the magic snow-covered mountains from above in a helicopter with Helifly! Ph: 0423 697 611 to book a flight Also operating from Albury Airport every day!
MEDICAL SERVICES - Upper Kiewa Valley ------------------------------- MOUNT BEAUTY MEDICAL CENTRE ------------------------------WHERE 2D Tawonga Crescent. WHEN
8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12 noon Saturdays.
HOW
Ph: 03 4715 0000 for appointments
WHO
Doctors Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Lauren Cussen, Angela Stratton, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson and Vanessa Cservid
WHAT
Fully Accredited General Practice with 46 years of service to the upper Kiewa Valley .
CONTACT Ph: 03 4715 0000 Em: enquiries@mbmc.com.au Wb: https://www.mbmc.com.au/ If you need to see a doctor please contact Mount Beauty Medical Centre on 03 4715 0000. You may be directed to a doctor for a tele-health appointment. Our Doctors are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week from Mount Beauty.
Your local practice – supporting the community!
CLASSIFIEDS VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. Bring a drink bottle and towel. $10 per session. Classes by Narelle Jones. Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438 289 293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com) JUST A THOUGHT If we told people that their brain was an App, would they start using it? TAKE NOTE! The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits! Albert Einstein THINK ABOUT IT! I’m going to stop asking “How dumb can you get?” People seem to be taking it as a challenge! FOOD FOR THOUGHT I think some people confuse ‘freedom of speech’ with the idea that you must say everything you think. Freedom of Speech is the right to say what you want, but you should also take responsibility for what you say. Just because you have the right, doesn’t mean you can use it carelessly! Ricky Gervais MISSING BOOK This ‘Missing Book’ advert has appeared for quite some time now. Your Journo has purchased a digital copy from Melbourne University. But, the book itself is important – because it was given to a member of the community to be kept in perpetuity for the community. Titled “The Interaction between Land Use, the Environment and the Hydrology of the Bogong High Plains between 1850 and 1985” it is a vital piece of local history. If anyone can help us, call 0400 350 488.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY BUILDING & ELECTRICAL Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service. Please cal Justin Mb: 0458 220 879. CARPET CLEANING Call Nathan of NatWest Home Maintenance, your local Carpet Cleaning Service. 0429 933 492. CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES Oztek Constructions Pty Ltd. We do local building work, renovations, extensions and maintenance. Email Dave at: oztekconstructions@gmail.com. Or Ph: 0466 990 862 COLLECTABLES & HOMEWARES I Dream Of Snow - Vintage snow collectables & brand new homewares. Open on-line all year round. www.idreamofsnow.com ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Altitude Electrical – No job too big or too small. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial. Ben Svarc. Mb: 0419 801 109 FREIGHT – ALB – MTB – FALLS CREEK Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Mon to Fri inclusive. Refrigeration available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320. LANDSCAPING Design and landscaping - quality work. Contact Hamish at External Solutions: Em: admin@externalsolutions.com.au. Mb: 0400 160 532. LD’S HOME PET CARE Pet Care and Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa 0407 541 695. LOCKSMITH & HANDYMAN Codi Coutts – servicing the Kiewa Valley & North East Victoria. Ph: 0475 388 990. Em: kiewavalleylocksmith@yahoo.com
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN
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 Therapy, 5A Hollonds St, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270. PILATES Reformer, Group or Individual for a better quality of life. Wildflower Pilates Ph: 0433 017 660. https://www.wildflowerpilates.com.au/ REMEDIAL MASSAGE Fall Line Remedial – Myotherapy and Remedial Massage. Frueauf Village. Mb: 0403 854 525 SECURE STORAGE SHEDS Sizes range from 2m x 3m up to 3m x 7m. All units are completely weatherproof and have individual lockable roller door access. Monthly rental now available. Please call Barry 0418 578 500 SHOWER CLEANING Is your shower looking old and dirty? EziClean It! Glass, tiles, grout, silicone and pool glass fencing. EziClean North East Victoria. Call Tom: 0438 131 065 STORAGE Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com TOM'S RURAL TREE SERVICES Obligation Free quotes, all tree services provided plus Crane work and aerial rescue/retrieval. www.tomsruraltree services.com.au or call 0481 285 576.
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WHAT'S ON IN 2026
POLAR EXPLORER TURNED ASTRONAUT VISITS An Inspiring National Science Week Event
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lpine Libraries is inviting the community to an inspiring National Science Week event featuring Australian polar explorer and astronaut, Eric Philips OAM. One of Australia's most accomplished adventurers, Eric has spent more than four decades exploring some of the world's most remote and extreme environments. He was the first Australian to ski to both the North and South Poles and has pioneered new routes across Antarctica while leading expeditions throughout the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Most recently, Eric made history as the first person to fly into orbit under the Australian flag, serving as Mission Specialist and Medical Officer on SpaceX's groundbreaking FRAM2 mission. The mission became the first human spaceflight to orbit directly over both the North and South Poles, completing 55 polar orbits around Earth. As part of National Science Week, Eric will share stories from his remarkable career, from skiing across polar ice caps to orbiting the planet in space. Attendees will gain a unique insight into exploration, innovation, resilience and scientific discovery in some of Earth's most challenging environments. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from someone who has pushed the
Adventurer and astronaut, Eric Philips OAM.
boundaries of human exploration. Whether you're interested in science, adventure, space exploration or the natural world, this is a truly unique opportunity to hear from a worldrenowned explorer and astronaut. The free community event is suitable for anyone with an interest in science, exploration and discovery. Event Details: Friday, 21 August at 10.30am. Mount Beauty Community Centre, Kiewa Crescent, Mount Beauty. Tickets are free, but bookings are essential. For bookings and information, visit https://events. humanitix.com/national-science-week-with-ericphilips. •
AUG 15, 21, 29 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Ave. All welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeauty@parkrun.com AUG 15, 21, 29 The Man Walk - Bicentennial Park 10am Saturdays, 3km easy walk around the pondage, for anybody that would love a walk and a chat. https://themanwalk.com.au/ AUG 15 Kangaroo Hoppet 9:30am, Birkebeiner Classic 9:40am and Joey Hoppet 9:50am. Falls Creek Nordic Bowl. Ph: 03 5754 1045 AUG 15 Storm the Park Slopestyle Competition https://www. skifalls.com.au/whats-on/events/freestyle-events/stormthe-park-slopestyle AUG 15 TDFNL Rd 18: Tallangatta V Dederang Mount Beauty AUG 16 Falls Creek SkiMo Challenge. More details to come. blichi@snow.org.au AUG 20 Rudi Pendl Cup. The Rudi Pendl Honorary Race will be honouring one of Falls Creek's most loved residents who had a great impact on the Snowsports School and everyone who worked there. https://www.skifalls.com.au/ whats-on/events/racing-series/rudi-pendl-cup AUG 22 TDFNL Qualifying Final AUG 22 Ruckus Rail Jam. Falls Creek Terrain Parks this rail jam will have a variety of features for riders. Prizes from CAPiTA, Union, Pow Gloves, 686 and Rojo to be won in this judged event. AUG 23 TDFNL Elimination Final SEP 5 Mount Beauty Community Market 8am – 1pm. Bad weather – in the Community Centre. Good weather – in Hydro Park. YOU make it, you bake it, Your grow it, you’re welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeautymarket@gmail.com SEP 5 Summit Masters & Retro Weekend. Tradition and true roots return to The Summit in September with the return of the famous Summit Masters. With a solid two days of competition in both Giant Slalom on Saturday, followed by Bumps on Sunday. SEP 13 Oakley Freestyle Series – The Dreamer SEP 18 Start Victorian School Holidays SEP 24 Fireworks Fiesta 7pm Village Bowl SEP 26 Pond Skim. Join in and celebrate another amazing season with a splash. The Pond Skim combines creativity, skill and courage with a little luck. OCT 3 Mount Beauty Oktoberfest & /dachshund Derby. 11am – 8pm Mountain Monk Brewers For further details on coming events, go to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/
Weekly Specials WING WEDNESDAY 1kg Wings Choice of: Bourbon & Cola Frank’s Red Hot Original Pint of Beer or 150ml Glass of House Wine $
40
ALL MEATS SMOKED DAILY ON PV EXPRESS LOCO
PIE & PINT SUNDAY Brisket & Guinness Pie or Chicken & Caramelised Leek Pie
FALLS CREEK $40 HOME OF: GUINNESS KILKENNY STONE & WOOD MANY MORE 16
OPEN DAILY 5pm FINGER FOOD FRIDAYS Three Selections Serving Plate: Mac & Cheese Bites Brisket Burnt Ends Jalapeno Poppers
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$
Falls Creek & Mount Beauty THIS WEEK - Winter 2026 Edition TEN