LThe National Gravity Enduro Series acts as the qualifying series for the Enduro World Series. See mention in the article with Ben McIlroy.
ike everyone, your editor is struggling to keep calm and continues to work on heavy deep breathing – (not for those reasons though) – just to stimulate the body and keep the mind clear through these somewhat trying times.
Last year, this paper was produced on its regular publication schedule, weekly during the snow season and fortnightly for the rest of the year. And in that time we did not print one bad news story. The same applies during this disruption (COVID-19 Lock-down).
Mountain Bike Australia in conjunction with Falls Creek Resort Management are pleased to present Round One of the 2017 Gravity Enduro National Series. The series is Australia wide with Round Two being held at Stromlo Forest ACT in May. Round Three will be at Balingup WA in June; Round Four will go to Rockhampton in July and the final round will be held on Woodford Island, on the Clarence River in northern NSW in August.
As we prepare for publication, it is understood that the state will be in Lockdown until 11:50pm next Tuesday 27th after which we should all be back and trading as usual – allowing a brief period for visitors to return.
The popularity of mountain biking continues to grow. From the great efforts of some Mount Beauty locals in the 90’s - to hosting the Nationals in Feb 2000 - to the point where we have some of the best tracks in the country - both in Mount Beauty and in Falls Creek. The growth and the success means we can continue to host fabulous events.
To make as much sense out of this situation as possible, we have left many of the business adverts as they are – being aware that during lock-down, each business will be operating differently – if at all.
It is therefore suggested that, if you have a particular enquiry, you contact the business directly – and I am sure if the operator can help you, they will bend over backwards to do so. Then, come Wednesday (with a bit of luck) we should all be able to get together and enjoy some company over a meal or a glass. Until then, please hang in - keep yourself healthy and safe – and look forward to all of this fresh healthy snow!
Below is the bulk of the FCRM Email pertaining to the current situation for the period up until 11:50pm Tuesday 27th July.
To comply with the Government directives, Falls Creek Resort and the businesses within are required to continue their operations as per the below:
• Ski Lifts will not be operational.
• Hospitality venues can open for takeaway only.
• Non-essential retail outlets will be closed.
Round One of the GE National Series will be staged this weekend, beginning with practice sessions from 11am Friday. During the course of the weekend, several of the trails will be closed to general riders although Blue Dirt will have shuttles running on Friday from 11am to 6pm and again on Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Cost is $50 per day or $90 for 2 days. Go to www.bluedirt. com.au to book. On Sunday the trails will be closed to the general public, but will progressively open as the different sections of the event are completed. Pretty Valley Road will also have closures and be subject to delays should anyone be travelling back from the horse yards or Pretty Valley Pondage. Now this Gravity Enduro is a different sort of mountain bike racing to what we know as Downhill or Cross Country. The Gravity Enduro is both. The athletes will start with a warm up ride from Slalom Plaza, out the Bogong High Plains Road, up the Pretty Valley Road and then across to the Trig
• Foodworks and the Post Office will remain open.
• No new accommodation bookings may be taken except for authorised reasons.
• Guests may stay at their accommodation if they wish to invoke the ‘shelter in place’ restriction. Under this restriction, existing bookings may be extended if the guest is already staying with an accommodation provider.
• If a guest has a return trip booked with a transportation provider they can move it forward to exit the resort and return home.
No time to be smelling the roses during this weekend’s Gravity Enduro. Pic - Jiri Cech.
• Ski Patrol will be operational to ensure the safety of the mountain.
• Exercise is permitted for up to two hours per day with one other person or members of your household.
• XC trails will be minimally groomed for essential maintenance only.
We recommend keeping up to date with the latest announcements via coronavirus. vic.gov.au/.
Point on the Frying Pan Spur. The aim of the game is to ride each section no faster than the fastest time allowed, and no slower than the set slowest time. Then they do the competitive bit, before riding to the start of the next competitive bit without beating or exceeding the times permitted. At the time of going to print, the final course had not been set, but they look like taking in High Voltage and Wishing Well, then heading to Flowtown, completing that before heading to Thunderbolt and then to Generator and Vortex before finishing in Slalom Plaza. Sound like a pretty easy day!!
Locate right beside the bottom station of Halley’s Comet Chairlift!
Falls Creek Resort Management offices will remain open (8am-5pm) but closed to the public. Due to a heavy influx of phone calls, we ask for your patience and understanding if we are unable to answer immediately (5758 1200). Please email fcrm@fallscreek.com.au and we will respond as soon as possible. •
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: 03 5758 1202 for further information
Wb: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Em: info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Fb: facebook.com/fallscreekmuseum
Please try to allow 24hours notice. For further information: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au Facebook/fallscreekmuseum
Alpha Lodge
A Resort Entry Permit is required for your vehicle when entering the resort between the 12th of June until the 3rd of October. The entrance to the resort is at Howman’s Gap, approx. 4kms below the village. Permits should be purchased online before arrival at the resort.
Open 365 days a year. Self cater accommodation $56 p/p p/n twin/dbl. $42 p/p p/n bunk room. Parallel Street. Ph: 5758 3488 or visit: www.alphaskilodge.com.au
Altitude Apartments
The day rate is $59.00. If you opt to print your permit at home you will receive a discounted fee. If arriving after 5pm and departing prior to midnight on the same day, entry is free.
Hotel Falls Creek
This year operations are a little different and we ask that you plan ahead and book as much as you can online before you leave home.
1. Book Accommodation 2. Book Lift Tickets
3. Book Resort Entry
Apartment style luxury rooms, Pool & Jacuzzi, Sauna & Steam Room. On-site restaurant and bar. Open all year round - available for group bookings and functions. Ph: 03 5732 8000 Wb: www.qtfallscreek.com.au
4. Book ATS (if required)
5. Print, Pack, Park
Snowski Apartments
The weekend’s program sort of goes like this. Saturday: 9am to 16:00 is compulsory practice. 10am to 18:30 is rider registration and Info Tent open. 17:00 to 17:30 is rider briefing. From 18:00 on there is a social evening at Last Hoot Restaurant and Bar in Slalom Plaza. Sunday: 8am to 9am Rider Briefing and Timing activation. 8:30am to 1430pm Trails Open for GE competition.1500 to 1630 Presentations. If you’re into biking and would like to enjoy some good action, be at Falls Creek this weekend. Further detail from 03 5758 1200. •
Mountain biking, road cycling, hiking and all other activities, visit the Visitor Information Centre (above the Slalom Street Day Shelter) for maps and info. Open 9am - 5pm weekdays. Ph: 03 5758 1202.
Spacious fully self-contained accommodation open all year round. Bike storage and free wi-fi. On site bar & restaurant - Be Foodstore. Ph: 03 5758 3811 Wb: www.altitudefallscreek.com.au
Attunga Lodge
Season Permits are available for purchase online for $485 and can be collected at Howman’s Gap Ticket Box, the ATS building or Visitor Information Centre. Season Permit Holders must register their trip before arriving at the resort, print off the pass and place it on the dashboard of your vehicle when in resort. This is a Victorian government regulation for the 2021 season.
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Arlberg Street, Ph: 03 5758 3255.
Resort Entry Fees find the essential services of:
Cedarwood Apartments
• Ski Patrol • Car Parking • Snow Clearing
Water Supply
Visitor Information Centre
Self contained accommodation open all year round with on-site management. Located in the Village Bowl. Ph: 5758 3356, or visit www.snowskiapartments.com.au
The Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre is located in the Resort Management Office, up-stairs on the corner of Slalom Street and Snowgums Lane.
Summit Ridge Lodge
Open 8am – 5pm daily for Visitor Information and Gym Memberships. Ph: 03 5758 1200. (Map Ref: E4)
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Schuss Street. Ph: 03 5758 3800.
Viking Lodge
Accommodation Transfer Service (ATS)
Self-catering accommodation, all rooms with en suites. On site manager and secure bike storage and workshop. Free Wi-Fi. Ph. 03 5758 3247.
Falls Creek Foodworks
From 5pm on 24th June 24 until 12pm on 6th September 2021, all roads in the Falls Creek village are closed to all traffic. Before or
For all licensed supermarket lines - located in lower level, St Falls West. Open 10am - 5pm daily. Ph: 03 5758 3009.
• Waste Management • Visitor Information Services
Fully self contained apartment accommodation Schuss Street Ph: 5758 3393.
Falls Creek Country Club
For more details about Falls Creek Resort please visit fallscreek.com.au.
Fully self contained accommodation from $135 /dbl/night. Ph: 5758 3391 or www.fallscreekcountryclub.com.au.
Operating from the Terminal Building on the Bogong High Plains Road, the Accommodation Transfer Service will transport you, your group and your luggage to your accommodation in the village. Tickets can be prepurchased online or at the ATS terminal.
BE Foodstore
Hours of Operation
Falls Creek Child Care is open Mon - Fri and is located in Slalom Plaza next to Stingray. The Centre is open to children aged 12 weeks to 5 years old and is run by fully qualified educators and is eligible for government rebates.Booking is essential. Phone 03 5758 1244 or visit www.fallscreek.com.au/childcare.
Falls Creek Resort Management can be contacted via info@fallscreek.com.au or 03 5758 1200
Bogong High Plains Road.
Gebi’s Apartments
Open for dining and drinks from 9am 7 days during Easter, then 5 days. In the Village Bowl. Ph: 03 5758 3222. Refer ad this edition.
Last Hoot Café
@fallscreekalpineresort @fallscreek
Fully self-contained comfortable apartments, located at the entrance to Falls Creek. Ph: 1800 45 35 25.
Nelse Alpine Lodge
Open for Accommodation, with Dinner, Bed and Breakfast options. Group bookings catered for. Comfortable lodge, pool and spa. Fully Licensed. Ph: 03 5758 3263
Saturday - Thursday: 8am - 10pm Friday: 8am - midnight
Open daily from 4pm for drinks & meals. Slalom Plaza. Ph: 03 5758 3088. Refer ad this edition.
Stingray Restaurant @ QT
Open daily 8am - 8pm for drinks & meals. Slalom Plaza. Ph: 03 5732 8000. Refer ad this edition.
Upstairs Resort Management Office (above day shelter) Open 9am - 5pm weekdays and 10am - 3pm weekends and public holidays.
In case you missed it, after almost four decades as a print-only publication, This Week in Falls Creek and Mount Beauty finally arrived on an online platform a couple of years ago.
Not only are we now able to share the full paper online, but engage with readers on Facebook and Instagram, and also email it out to our database the moment it’s available, making it much more convenient and accessible to those who can’t get their hands on a printed copy. (If you’d like to be added to our email list, you can sign up via our website - www.thisweekinfallscreek. com.au - or via our Facebook page - www. facebook.com/thisweekfcmb).
The platform is easy to access, and lets you turn each page just like you would a printed copy. An added bonus for those of us whose eyesight may not be what it used to, it also enables you to zoom in and make the text and images a little bigger and easier to see.
Our website also has an archive of papers dating back to Winter 2018 so if you’re looking for something in particular, you can jump onto www.thisweekinfallscreek.com. au and have a browse.
In the last couple of years, we've continued to grow from strength to strength with the ability to reach those who love our regional no matter where they are in the country - or world - at the click of a button. This year, we’ve already been read in 32 countries so far. Pretty cool, hey?
To date, our online papers have reached over 93,000 people, with hundreds of reads per edition each week or fortnight. When you add this to the couple of thousand copies of the printed paper we’re
distributing locally each week in winter, that’s a lot of eyes reaching our pages!
Something we’ve also been doing for a while on our online version is linking all the websites included in the paper, whether it be a link within an article, or the website of one of our valued advertisers.
When you’re next perusing the paper on your computer, tablet or smartphone, all you have to do is click on an ad with a website included, and it will take you straight to the source. It makes getting in contact with and supporting our local businesses even easier - and they definitely need all the support we can give during yet another lockdown!
We hope to continue growing our audience and reaching more people both here at home and those from far away, as well as continually improving our website to eventually include more information about events, community groups and features for our local businesses.
If you’re a business who is interested in advertising with us in the paper and online, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by giving Ken a call or emailing kencbell@ bigpond.net.au.
If you’re one of our loyal readers, we’d just like to thank you for sticking with us throughout the years – whether it be on paper or screen - and we look forward to many more years to come. • Simone Dowel
As I write this, we are under an extended lock down, regional Victorian included, but I’m completing this article with a half glass full of enthusiasm and hope that you’ll be reading this in resort (or online and planning a trip soon!) and watching more snow fall from the second tranche of the weather pattern we are currently in.
To this end, a picture tells a thousand words…and the chart on page 5 by the Falls Creek Ski Patrol team says it all.
Nothing beats a good snow storm…and just like that….Whooshka – we’re back above average snow depth for this time of year and the comparisons to 2017 and 2019 are already starting.
Well, if the comparisons haven’t started already, I’m starting them! Because we have
a very similar weather pattern brewing and with the corresponding influences (ie. The OID is swinging negative, ENSO with a La Nina event is brewing and then combine this with the SAM tending negative too), it’s looking pretty good for August and very reminiscent of these two most recent seasons.
We all remember Blizzard of Oz 1, 2 & 3 – who doesn’t, it was some of the best skiing many can remember. Note, it also saw an increased spike in road closures, resort closures too due to crowds and the odd vehicle incident or ten. But all that melts away when we recall that at the end of those seasons, there was an accumulated 5m of snowfall. They were a bumper couple of years.
Of course, these puking events don’t generally occur without a little disruption caused by high winds and all that comes with these brutal fronts. So, not every day
is going to be a powder day, or ripe for a tour, but in general, these few days of storm activity brings long lasting benefits. Of course, this might also mean you just have to sit a day out and chill, or eat, or shop (on-online whilst in lockdown!), reminisce about catch-up with friends for a little après session and what that used to be like!!!…and then dream about the freshies you’ll get in the morning.
By the time this paper is printed and delivered, we’ll be well and truly in the middle of another 50-70cm storm front, the resort will have sufficient cover for ski patrol to deem all runs open and skiable and come Wednesday 28th, lifts will be turning, the resort will be full of people again, the restaurants and bars will be buzzing with cautious optimism for the remainder of the season and all the shops will be ready and waiting for you to exercise some retail therapy and spend the COVID blues away.
During lockdown, those lucky enough to have been in the resort have had to earn their turns. Now, backcountry touring and skiing has been a growing segment in the ski retail market for quite a few years, and with two hours a day to exercise under the COVID restrictions, plenty of folks were hitting the slopes, getting a taste for the fun of backcountry touring.
In bounds touring is relatively safe by comparison to the risks posed in true backcountry terrain. So, if the ‘touring’ bug bites, I would highly recommend before heading out of bounds, enrolling for the Alpine Access AST 1 Course, being held on August 17/18, then again on August 21/22. The skills presented in these courses are designed to assist in your decision making, route selection and terrain assessment. They are designed
to keep you out of trouble, or at least appreciate the risks that exist outside the safety of the resort boundary. Understanding these risks and knowing what to do in the event of an avalanche for your own and the sake of your companions is critical.
There’s little point in having a beacon, shovel and probe and no idea how to use them properly. More importantly, knowing how to use them when under the extreme pressure of saving someone’s life, or when something goes wrong (like a beacon is faulty) …is the responsibility of everyone who steps out of bounds.
For a great video on the topic and the toll it takes on those left to rescue, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=2SHg5e9rPVg (or google search Nick McNutt avalanche).
Stay safe out there… “know before you go” and let’s go for a ski. •
Stuart Smythe, CEO Falls Creek Resort Management
11:30am - 2:30pm daily Mountain views, friendly staff, reasonable prices & delicious food!
Tuesday & Thursday
- 4:30pm
After a hiatus last year we were very fortunate this winter to have timed the weekend of the 2021 Birke Junior Camp with great snow, wonderful weather and no lockdown. One week either side would have been a different story!
We had 22 enthusiastic Birke juniors ranging from beginners to racers. Saturday’s programs had a skating focus and Sunday incorporated a classic focus, with eight of the juniors racing both mornings in the High Plains Tour and the Birke Classic.
Saturday night our group all stayed at Outdoor School - Bogong Village and were entertained with activities organised by Zoe Gray.
A big thank you to our many supporters: Coaches - David Vandas, Tim Retchford,
Paul and Dean Gray, Helen Gough, Matt Flanaghan, Anna Trnka, Clancy Harvey and Leuwin.
Food - a big thankyou to Kate Prest for organising and preparing the food assisted by Emily Harvey, Mary Curnow, Bron Gray and Helen Gough.
Bus driver - Jarrod Paine and also our host at Outdoor School - Bogong.
Cath Richardson for helping set up the snowgaine course.
Parents/kids - for providing yummy treats for the camp.
A big thank you to Falls Creek Resort Management for the complimentary bus entry to the resort for both days.
Without all of this wonderful help the camp would not have run so smoothly and was greatly appreciated by all the juniors.
We look forward to seeing the juniors out on the snow over winter, and to join us for future events. •
Bron & Paul Gray, Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club
Opening 7am – 2pm daily
For Take-Away Coffee's, Snacks & Beverages
Bar Open from Midday
Bistro Open from 5:30pm Bookings Essential
PH: 03 5754 4888
Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South
Three days out of quarantine and Phil Bellingham is successfully back snow taking out the 10km Birkebeiner Classic – here with the ladies winner of the 10km, Ella Jackson – both BNSC members. Pic – Courtesy Paul L’Huillier
After postponing the race from the 7th July due to the lack of snow on the lower cross country tracks, the Birkebeiner Classic was held on Sunday 11th July in ideal weather conditions.
Thanks to the fantastic efforts of the groomers and Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club volunteers, a track, pretty close to 2.5km, was set. COVID safe operations and procedures were established and implemented, online entries were done through Alpine Timing and everyone adhering to QR code tracking and social distancing, it was a great team effort. Well done everyone.
This was the first time in three years the Birke Classic was able to be run and people appreciated being able to compete in the traditional or classic technique of cross country skiing. It was great to see some of the best skiers in the country competing. Most of these skiers having had very little competitive skiing for a couple of years. Phil Bellingham, our local dual Olympian, was back from Europe having come out of hotel quarantine three days prior. There were a total of 44 racers in the three distances – 10km, 5km and 2.5km. Results were as follows:
10km • MALE
1. Phil Bellingham 28:53.17
2. Nick Blackwell 29:29.64
3. Mark Pollock 29:46.26
10km • FEMALE
1. Ella Jackson 36:23.48
2. Anna Trnka 39:50.41
3. Michelle Forrer 53:25.80
Now Open Seven Days a Week
Monday to Saturday 11am – 9pm
Sundays 11am - 8pm
Pizza’s Menu on all day!
Burger Menu 11:30 to 3pm 7 days 5:30pm – 9pm Mon to Sat 5:30pm - 8pm Sundays
Now on Tap ~ Old
5km • MALE
1. John Mordes 16:43.4
2. Matthew Wilby
3. Jason Slingo
5km • FEMALE
1. Casey Wright 16:58.6
2. Maddie Hooker
3. Rosie Franzke
2.5km • MALE
1. Hamish Retchford 12:08.7
2. Alec Franzke
3. Archie Gould
2.5km • FEMALE
1. Sarah Marriott 10:43.42
2. Evelyn Armitage
3. Bethany Franzke
Prizes were given in the following categories:
2.5km – U14: Hamish Retchford and Bethany Franzke.
5km – U18: Matthew Wilby and Maddie
Twenty
Hooker; Open: John Mordes and Casey Wright; Masters: Jason Slingo
10km – Open: Phillip Bellingham and Ella Jackson; Masters: Michelle Forrer and Kevin Tory
Let’s hope we get out of this lockdown soon and the racing season can continue. • Thanks to Anne Bellingham for this report.
Snow has finally arrived and as usual lately, nature isn’t doing things by half measures, everything is set for a great second half of the season and a killer spring. As there is no real skiing news until they let us out I thought we could meet the Aussie ski team that train here at Falls Creek.
This week will be the first edition where we will ‘Meet the Australian XC Ski Team’. In future editions we will be chatting with a member of the Australian XC Ski Team and asking them 10 questions about skiing, training, racing, travel, and life in general. Make sure you look out for our National Team members training on the XC ski trails around Falls Creek, they are usually dressed in Green and Gold.
This week we are catching up with Ella Jackson. Ella has represented Australia at a number of International events, including World Junior and U23 Championships in USA, Romania and Germany. A Melbourne local who lives at Falls Creek during the Australian Winters, Ella has been on the National team for an impressive seven years.
1.When did you start xc skiing, how did you get involved?
Ella: I started skiing in high school. When I got a good beep test score, the school coach asked if I wanted to join the school ski team. I had previously never heard of XC skiing but once I started I instantly fell in love. While I only skied a handful of times during my first couple of years in the sport, the novelty of doing something tough in the mountains and the down to earth and resilient attitudes of the people in the community hooked me.
2. What is your favourite xc event or place to race?
Ella: Every year I look forward to the Kangaroo Hoppet. There’s something really special about racing among so many other Aussies getting around this sport.
My favourite places to race are Val di Fiemme in Italy, for the stunning views and the pasta, and Romania, as the scenery there was so different to anywhere else I have skied.
3. Where is your favourite place to ski at Falls Creek?
Ella: Definitely up the Paralyser and over Heathy Spur. Especially in spring when you can adventure around on the crust! The views in the Park on a blue bird day are just something else. I’m also a sucker for a good hill climb, so it’s hard not to enjoy heading up onto the Victorian High Plains.
4. What is your go-to training snack when on the trails?
Ella: I love anything with oats. Oat bars, oat slices, any low/medium GI carbohydrate mixed with a good amount of high GI sugar is my go to.
5. What do you do when you’re not skiing?
Ella: I’m currently doing a Master’s degree in Social Work. When I am not studying or training I love to hang out with my dog and my family. I also love playing instruments and having craft projects on the go.
6. Did you pick up any new hobbies/skills during lockdown?
Ella: I got a both a puppy and a sewing machine at the start of lockdown, so I picked up the skill of making my dog some cute outfits.
7. What are your goals for the up and coming race season?
Ella: Following all of the lockdowns and not being able to race on-snow for the past two years, I am just itching to get out there and do the sport I have been training hard for so long. I really want to try and perform in a way that makes me proud of the work I’ve put in and to see all of my training pay off.
8. If you could ski anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Ella: I really want to XC ski in Japan! It would be super different to anywhere I’ve been before and I’d love to explore the rest of the country as well.
9. Three things you pack in your bag on race day?
Ella: Caffeine, spare dry gloves, sunscreen!
10. If you weren’t a skier what sport would you do?
Ella: I don’t think I can pick one sport, as anything active and outside is something I would enjoy. However, if xc skiing wasn’t an option for me I think I would like try a team sport.
More than 140 school children last week hit the Falls Creek slopes for the first interschools snowsports competition in 18 months.
Braving windy and snowy conditions, 142 competitors representing 26 schools took part in alpine and snowboard giant slalom, ski cross and snowboard cross races in the South Australian and South West NSW Regional Championships on July 14 and 15. Pembroke School and Cornerstone College students dominated the team medals.
It was the first interschools snowsports competition staged in Australia since the coronavirus pandemic began.
SA Interschools president David de Lacy said it was fabulous to see such a high level of participation after the hiatus sparked by the Covid-19 health crisis.
“SA Interschools encourages participation of school students of all ski and snowboard ability levels as the emphasis of our event is fun and participation. Our competitors in 2021 ranged from reception to year 12 students,” Mr de Lacy said.
“This year’s event had as many newcomers as returning competitors, with each encouraging the other to complete the slalom and ski cross courses.”
South Australian families are encouraged to lock in their skiing for the final week of the July school holidays for 2022 for the next SA Interschools event.
More information can be found on the Snow Australia interschools website at interschools.com.au.
School
We have lots to keep you warm! Clothing, Boots, Work wear, Insulation, Heaters! If you need it, we have it – or we’ll get it!
Gift vouchers and free gift wrapping available
Mount Beauty Hardware & Drapery Store
Mon – Fri: 9am 5:30pm Saturday: 9am 4pm Sun & Public Hol.s: 9am 2pm
12 – 14 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty Ph: 03 5754 1999
On his way to third place is Marryatville High School student Darius Boast in the Division 1 Alpine Giant Slalom. Pic – Karen Cross
Falls Creek
Local Community Defibrillators
Accessible 24/7 Locations
• FCRM Office – inside downstairs door
• Limlimbu Apartments – in Foyer
• Village Bowl Playground
• Accommodation Transfer Service – inside queueing area
• Wagga Wagga Ski Club – near main entrance
• YMCA Howman’s Gap – entrance to main dining hall
Please feel free to advise this publication of any further defibrillators we may have missed. Email: kencbell@bigpond.net.au with any details.
For further information, contact interschools@snow.org.au. • COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATORS Upper Kiewa Valley
Enjoy the comfort and safety!
A skeleton timetable will operate until Friday 25th June – when the full timetable will come in to operation. Refer to our website for further details. www.fallscreekcoachservice.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 also available for the entire 2021 winter season.
233 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South Phone: 03 5754 4024
Located in Slalom day carpark at the bottom of Halley’s Comet Chairlift. Tel: 57 583 009 For pick and pack deliveries please visit www.foodworkshighcountry.com.au
Local Community Defibrillators
Accessible 24/7 Locations
• Alpine Health Mount Beauty
• Mount Beauty CFA
• Mount Beauty Golf Club
• Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre
• Big Hill Mountain Bike Park Day Shelter
• Tawonga CFA
• The Outdoor School, Bogong
• Dederang CFA
Located Inside Facility (Available Opening Hours only)
• Mount Beauty Bendigo Bank
• Mount Beauty Evolution Fitness Gym
• Mount Beauty CFA (2 in the trucks)
• Mount Beauty Cricket Clubrooms
• Mount Beauty Men's Shed
• Mount Beauty Pool/Stadium
• Mount Beauty Senior Citizen's Hall
• Mount Beauty Primary School
• Tawonga Bowls Club
Lockdown is always a good time for a little reflection on life and the world at large. Apart from procrastinating about work and wondering how to make chocolate microwave mud cakes, lockdown has a way of making us all stop and think about the circumstances we find ourselves in.
I have always described Falls Creek Race Club as having a symbiotic relationship with the Lift Company and Resort Management that is mutually beneficial. 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 was thinking about the nature of symbiotic relationships this afternoon as I was walking my dog and reflecting on the past week’s
conversations. My brain kept coming back to the analogy of Falls Creek as a symbiotic marine ecosystem.
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 lovely little village rests.
FTo 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.
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
If we were swimming in the warm waters of the Pacific or Indian Oceans instead of sitting inside watching more snow fall, we’d perhaps
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.
WHERE Bottom of Gully Chairlift.
WHEN Open Daily 10am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5pm (Map Ref: J6)
HOW Appointments Only.
Ph: 03 5758 3238
24 hours for Emergencies. COVID-19 Restrictions are in place for winter season. Numbers are limited. Bookings only!
Refer to: www.mbmc.com.au for further information
WHERE Tawonga Crescent.
WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays.
HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments
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.
WHO Doctors: Mark Zagorski OAM, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cussen, Matthew McAlpine, Brett Goodsall & Damian Heman.
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 42 years of service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.
Phone consultations are an option. Call either number for an appointment!
see an excellent example of mutualism: the relationship between clownfish and sea anemones. In a mutualistic relationship, both species benefit.
As we dive deeper into our imaginary tour of the ocean, we could observe the commensalistic relationship that exists between barnacles and humpback whales. Commensalism happens 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.
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.
If you have any specific agenda items, please email http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. We look forward to seeing you all there. • for to saving To Village will 10am 3rd, Companies Bedding and and Suppliers, suppliers Prepare Visit details
Visit the Bogong Power Station Information Centre
For historical & geological exhibits. Visit the Bogong
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
ADVERTISING RATES:
Welcome Edition. (C)
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
CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when
BUSINESS DIR.: • $5.90 per line per Edition.
DEADLINE: • Friday 2.00pm
The last example of symbiosis we will explore on our fictional expedition is competition - the struggle among organisms for the same limited 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 out-compete 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 what point am I getting at in this marine biology lesson up in the Victorian Alps, during lockdown?
We all exist in the Falls Creek ecosystem together, at the same time. Our symbiotic relationships, immaterial of the types, binds us together irrelevant of whether you are a tourist who has dropped $5 on a one-off take away coffee or stakeholders who have multiple million dollars invested in a club or business.
FOR SALE
Ski Gear – Pre-loved - in good condition. • Skies – cross country and downhill – men’s, ladies. • Ski boots - cross country and down hill – men’s, ladies. • Jackets and clothing - cross country and down hill – men’s, ladies. To make a time to come and look please ring: 0408 466 790. 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. Orbea AVANT M20 DISC road bike, Carbon frame, size 60, colour- Carbon-Blue. $1,950. * Nello Viper 51 kayak. $1,500. * Ph: 0408 466 790.
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 Mb: 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs.
ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE
Frueauf Village (below Milch Café) Grnd Flor, Rm 2, 4 Schuss St. Falls Creek. Ph: 03 5758 3766. Em: fallscreeek@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 cal Justin Mb: 0458 220 879.
CAKE MAKING & DECORATING
Elene Wood at www.studioecakes.com.au in Tawonga – for all occasions. Mb: 0409 673 192 or Em: hello@studioecakes.com.au
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES
Oztek Property Maintenance. Let us look after your home. We do bathrooms, decks pergolas and all handyman needs. Call Dave Mb: 0466 990 862.
CIVIL CLEBRANT – HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies – All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125. www. celebrant-ne-vic.com.au
Some of these relationships have evolved over long periods of time, in some instances over decades as stakeholders have leased land from what we now call Resort Management and established businesses and clubs. Some relationships are fresher, as clubs and business are bought and sold as stakeholders evolve through their phases of life, moving onto and eventually off the hill as want, desire, energy and cash flow necessitates.
During lockdown and, let’s be honest, sometimes out of lockdown, we have all seen how easy it is for moral outrage to take hold and for venom to spew forth at those some feel have done them wrong or at the situation we all find ourselves in. We see it every day on social media. It’s a very human and understandable response, especially when under stress and strain, but also upsetting for those on the receiving end of it. It’s easy for us to miscategorise a symbiotic relationship from positive to negative when we are swimming against the ocean’s rip.
When I think about what I love about Falls Creek, I think of the mutualistic, commensalistic and competitive relationships that make up this little slice of snowy heaven. None of us can exist without the other. We all have a purpose on the hill. Take away one relationship and we become unbalanced, and the subsequent loss of symbiosis impacts the health of all those remaining.
WANTED TO BUY
Snow chains to suit 235/16R 18 wheels. Ross Briggs, Ph: 0417 289 516.
A copy of Dr Ruth Lawrence’s Thesis titled ‘The Interaction between the Environment, Land Use and Hydrology of the Bogong High Plains between 1850 and 1985’ was left for this community in the care of Mr Bill Sutton. Bill was happy to lend the book and until now it was always returned – until this last 18 months. This is a valuable piece of the area’s history and we hope this notice may prompt someone’s memory. Please contact your Ed on 0400 350 488.
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 fromAlbury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Tue to Fri inclusive. 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 and evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.
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
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 Street, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270.
Anthozoa is a class of marine invertebrates which includes the sea anemones, stony corals and soft corals. Adult anthozoans are almost all attached to the seabed, while their larvae can disperse as part of the plankton - Wikipedia. Pic – Courtesy National Geographic via the Internet
So, while we wait another seven days (at the time of writing) for news of release from lockdown, and dream of waking to the sound of lifts turning and the Black Jackets deicing the chair towers, let’s think about what relationships we want to be in. Personally, I want to be clownfish living in a sea anemone. Be safe and be kind to yourselves. • Cheers, Nyree Fiddes https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/ symbiosis-art-living-together/
General and Refrigerated Freight, Kiewa Delivery Service, established 2001. Delivers to and from Albury Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek five days a week. For further details, Ph: 0409 744 621
Snowmobile Yamaha VK 540 and trailer. Hi/Low gear, widetrack/longtrack, elec start, forward and reverse. Goes well. Powerful workhorse. Located at Falls Creek. $850. Ph: 0456 022 211.
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
POWER GENERATOR SERVICE & REPAIR
Services and repairs for Standby and Prime Power generating sets. eg Diesel, Petrol and or Gas Power Generators. We also offer a 24/7 call out service if needed. Locally located at the base of the Kiewa Valley. Ph: 0407 235 891. Em: info@cogenplus.com.au
SAFETY SCAFFOLD
Mount Beauty and Falls Creek area. Ph: 0418 578 500.
SECURE STORAGE
From 2m x 2m through to 3m x 7m. Ph: 0418 578 500.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Book On-Line: impactmassage.com.au
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com
TAXI & 4WD SERVICE
Covers Falls Creek & Albury. The On-Demand Taxi Hours are now 8am – 9pm Mon – Thurs; 8am - 1pm Fri & Sat. No Taxi Service Sunday. Special Bookings outside these hours may be made by prior arrangement. Ph: 0409 573 909 or 131 008.
1. Don’t drive down the hill with a heap of snow on the roof of your vehicle. One honest guy has already owned up saying “I frightened the hell out of myself and everyone else in the car when the windscreen went white as I braked for a corner. I didn’t know whether I was going to run off the road or hit another vehicle.” “Fortunately no damage or incident at all, then I remembered that I had been told last year about driving with snow on the roof.” It is an offence punishable by law – so please don’t do it! The rules are: ‘Failing to have a safe load’ – and if the snow off your roof did any damage, that could make your holiday just that little bit more expensive. •
2. Wipers. Nothing is achieved by lifting your wiper blades out and off the windscreen - unless you want the snow from your roof that melts in the midday sun and slides down your windscreen to bend them. Leave your wiper blades flat on your windscreen and make sure they are turned ‘off ’ before you leave your vehicle. •
3. Give way to uphill traffic. While the need to apply this generally agreed principle does not occur so often these days, it is still worth considering. On a snow covered road with little snowclearing, the vehicle coming up hill is doing it toughest and therefore courtesy gives that vehicle right of way. The vehicle going downhill can easily pull over a little and re-start the downhill journey more easily than the vehicle travelling up hill. •
Not the smartest thing in the world to be trying to do – drive in very ordinary conditions with even less visibility. Pic – Courtesy your Editor
4. Headlights. Headlights are for driving. The driver switches them on when the vehicle is moving forward - to light the way ahead. There are things called side lights or parking lights, to be used to mark your vehicle when the vehicle is stationary. It is the absolute height of ignorance to leave your headlights on while you are stationary - whether it is at the service station with the headlights blinding the diners through the restaurant window while you fill up. It may even be while parked picking some take-away food, or posting a letter - your headlights are confusing on-coming traffic and making it very difficult to see whether some-one is crossing the road behind your vehicle. The advent of technology that turns your lights off when the vehicle is turned off is for the faint-hearted. As the driver your responsibility is to every other road user and to turn your headlights off while stationary. •
The current Lock-Down situation may impact some of these events. Please check with the organiser for the most up-to-date information.
JULY 24 TDFNL Rd 13 Chiltern V Dederang Mount Beauty @ Chiltern
JULY 24 Falls Creek Historical Society AGM. 4pm. Attunga Lodge. To become a member, please visit https://www.fallscreekmuseum. com.au/membership. Memberships need to be submitted and paid for prior to the start of the AGM. Further details: info@ fallscreekmuseum.com.au
JULY 27 Twilight Tuesdays! The Village Bowl 3:30 to 5:30pm for our ‘Street Party’ with fire pits, marshmallows, games and music! COVID-19 Restrictions may apply
JULY 29 Fireworks Fiesta powered by BMW. 7pm in the Village Bowl.
JULY 31 TDFNL Rd 14 Dederang Mount Beauty V Wahgunyah @ Dederang
AUS Open Sprint Championships (C) CC & FIS. 9:30am. FC Nordic
AUG 01 AUS Open Championships (F)
& FIS 9:30am FC Nordic Bowl. Ph: 0400 333 846
AUG 4-6 Aus Secondary Schools Ski Teams Championships.
AUG 7 TDFNL Rd 15 Dederang Mount Beauty V Wodonga Saints @ Dederang
AUG 14 TDFNL Rd 16 Beechworth V Dederang Mount Beauty @ Beechworth
MAJOR UPCOMING EVENTS
AUG 28 Kangaroo Hoppet – our fantastic International Cross Country Ski Race. https://hoppet.com.au/
NOV 6 The Outdoor School Bogong celebrates 50 years of providing excellent education to thousands of students. Ph: 03 57543 1732
NOV Alpine Challenge 2021 27-29 https://www.runningwild.net.au/alpine-runs/ alpine-challenge.html
