The National Gravity Enduro Series acts as the qualifying series for the Enduro World Series. See mention in the article with Ben McIlroy.
Welcome back and not to put too finer point on it… what a welcome. The snow gods have blessed the resort with a bumper deluge.
I write this as nearly 1m of snow has fallen, and outside my office window, the relentless blanketing of everything in fresh white snow shows no signs of abating.
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.
There’s no need to look at the record books, this start to the season will make its own place in the annals of history. Not only did the snow enable the resort to open a week ahead of schedule, but by the time you are reading this, there is a very strong likelihood that more lifts will be open than there have been in some time for the Queen’s Birthday Long weekend.
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.
More importantly, getting the base set this early in the season, provides a bumper ‘safety net’ for the peak periods, particularly the
fast-approaching school holidays. For the hard-core pundits, I’d suggest the International Poma is still a little way off, but the odds are rapidly starting to shorten, with early July being touted by some very knowledgeable locals as the time the Southern hemisphere’s longest and oldest drag lift could start turning!
With the haze of COVID still hovering, there is an air (no pun intended) of both excitement and trepidation as the majority of the resort begins to open up to guests and visitors. The last two years have left deep battle scars and their fair share of trauma.
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.
Hopes are high that these will fade to distant memories with the promise that Winter 2022 will see a return to ‘normal’ for our resort and the industry and, we will build back stronger than before.
Knowing that the season is going to be a very busy one, with record sales of pretty much every possible pass, permit and accommodation booking, significant early
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
snowfall makes the job of managing large visitation and spreading skiers/boarders across more terrain a lot easier. Being able to open up more runs, this early in the season, is a bonus for everyone. Venues which wouldn’t normally be fully operational until later in the season, will now be able to activate and enjoy the bumper start.
Being able to ‘set’ runs and prepare them is certainly an easier job for ski patrol when the whole mountain is pretty much accessible. The early work of the snowmaking team and the outstanding efforts from the grooming team in prepping the mountain to be ready no matter what, have all been rewarded.
No time to be smelling the roses during this weekend’s Gravity Enduro. Pic - Jiri Cech.
I’m often asked at this time of the year “what does the season look like” to which I answer, “I’ll tell you in October”…but with such a promising start, I’m prepared to wager at this point that it’s going to be a pretty special year.
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!!
As I’ve said numerous times before, there is no such thing as, ‘too much snow’, but rather, too little time to ski it all, then I’m reminded of the saying from a local legend, ‘all season are great, some just greater than others’… I’m sure this season will great regardless.
Locate 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.
Please try to allow 24hours notice.
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
For further information: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au Facebook/fallscreekmuseum
Alpha Lodge
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
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
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Arlberg Street, Ph: 03 5758 3255.
Cedarwood Apartments
Fully self contained apartment accommodation Schuss Street Ph: 5758 3393.
Falls Creek Country Club
Fully self contained accommodation from $135 /dbl/night. Ph: 5758 3391 or www.fallscreekcountryclub.com.au. Bogong High Plains Road.
Gebi’s Apartments
Fully self-contained comfortable apartments, located at the entrance to Falls Creek. Ph: 1800 45 35 25.
Nelse Alpine Lodge
To see what’s on around the resort – head to https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/ Welcome back everyone – now get out there, get some turns in. Here’s to an amazing Winter 2022. •
Stuart Smythe, CEO Fall Creek Resort Management
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. •
Open for Accommodation, with Dinner, Bed and Breakfast options. Group bookings catered for. Comfortable lodge, pool and spa. Fully Licensed. Ph: 03 5758 3263 or Wb: www.nelselodge.com
QT Hotel Falls Creek
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
Snowski Apartments
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
Summit Ridge Lodge
Open for comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation. Fully licensed. Schuss Street. Ph: 03 5758 3800.
Viking Lodge
Self-catering accommodation, all rooms with en suites. On site manager and secure bike storage and workshop. Free Wi-Fi. Ph. 03 5758 3247.
BE Foodstore
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
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.
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.
For all licensed supermarket lines - located in lower level, St Falls West. Open 10am - 5pm daily. Ph: 03 5758 3009.
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.
Upstairs Resort Management Office (above day shelter) Open 9am - 5pm weekdays and 10am - 3pm weekends and public holidays.
Each year, tradition holds that Falls Creek locals offer themselves up to the snow gods on the first day of winter for a bountiful snow season. This year, the gods have looked kindly on us and said, “The last two years have been tough on you all and you have been through enough –here, have a great beginning of winter with 70cm of white gold to get you started. You need not offer yourselves up this year.”
Whilst we were incredibly grateful for this early snowfall, it did mean we could not hold the Ice Plunge at Rocky Valley Lake in the traditional manner due to the snowfall causing the road to close and we cannot get everyone out to the lake. The below freezing temperatures would also have created snow icicles of our plungers, not unlike the Greek Goddess of Snow, Khione, who has been known to create ice sculptures from humans. But as the Ancient Greeks will attest, the Gods can be fickle and not to be trusted. As such, we still provided a somewhat-reduced offering to the Gods at the Slalom Plaza Pond – just to be sure. There were ducks, frozen feet, outrageous costumes, and prizes galore. As well as donations raised to help the Fight MND charity in its worthy battle to find a cure for Motor Neuron Disease.
This year, there was over $2,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, donated by our amazing local stakeholders. This included hot drinks, a barbecue breakfast and toasty fire pits to warm up the daring citizens who took the plunge.
Thanks to our incredible sponsors for our prize pool upwards of $2,000! They are listed here alphabetically:
• 1550 Café and Restaurant. • Astra Falls Creek. • Bright Brewery. • Falls Creek Resort Management. • Falls Creek Ski Lifts. • Foodworks Falls Creek. • Frying Pan Inn. • Huski Kitchen. • The Last Hoot. • Milch Café. • Snownuts./
Sarah Watt, Director of Marketing and Communications: “The 2022 Snow Season is upon us and we are hoping the snow gods will present us with as much snow as there is excitement for opening weekend! Our annual fundraiser to help Fight MND is an important cause that we are always pleased to contribute donations from the Falls Creek community. The support for this event shows how excited the locals are to be opening for winter this year. And this event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors.”
And as you can see, in the ten days since the Ice Plunge, we now have a snow depth of around a metre and the temperatures have been below freezing all the way through. It's a beautiful start to winter 2022. Enjoy! •
With a start to the season like this, ain’t nobody got time for sore feet!
For some of us, it’s been years, not months since you’ve stuck your feet in your ski boots and now they’re not feeling the same as they used to. Or perhaps they feel as bad as you remember. At the risk of sounding too preachy let’s just say, new ski season, new beginnings! Get your feet sorted. There are a few reasons your boots could be feeling different than they did last year. Perhaps your boots are over five years old and the liner is starting to pack out. This will be noticeable by less control of your skis, more movement in the boot, or sore spots that never used to hurt. It might be time to consider some newbies. But let’s go on, what else could be causing these issues?
Perhaps, you’ve bought new boots from an awesome boot fitter, but haven’t had a chance to ski them until but now. The boots that felt great in the shop are causing deep, burning
pain on the slopes. This doesn’t mean you bought the wrong boot, they just might need some tweaking.
Australia is a tough proving ground for ski boots. The conditions here require some fine tuning for comfy feet. Overseas, particularly Japan where the snow can be super soft, you’re on super wide skis, no edging, and no juddering or vibrations smashing through your feet. Your boots feel great in these conditions. But it’s really common to bring them back to Aussie snow and they’re feeling less comfortable than a mankini. Don’t despair, once you get them set for Australian conditions they’ll be dialled for anywhere in the world!
Now lastly, if you’ve put your boots on and they feel crap, and they’ve all always felt like a bag of crap, it is time to get that crap sorted. Perhaps you need a new ski orthotic, some boot mods and a good lie down. Or perhaps you need to hear the harsh reality that you’re just in the wrong boot. Either way you won’t know if you keep
avoiding the issue and ruining your ski days with sore feet. Come on in, we’ll sort you out. And remember, the most expensive thing about getting a new pair of well-fitted ski boots is the money you’ll spend on the extra ski holidays you’ll take.
Finally, foot care is important in the harsh weather of the mountains. Keep them warm with slippers around the apartment or lodge – cold feet into a boot means a day of feeling chilly. Manage any areas of heavy callus with a pumice and heel balm to prevent skin fissures or pressure spots when skiing. And of course, wear a proper wool ski sock. If you own your boots, wear a thin merino sock. If you’re renting, a thick woolly sock will offer a little bulk padding for comfort. Ski well, my friends. •
Krista Sturday
Podiatrist and boot fitter at Ortho Ski
Another little tip: Hiring or buying your boots in the metropolitan area might sound cheaper and they might feel pretty good – but when you discover a problem on the slopes, are you going to go back to Melbourne to get them fixed? Or are you going to impose upon a local shop – who have every right to charge. Hiring and buying your gear locally gets the best back-up service and reduces the amount of time you’ll lose being out of action! Ed •
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th
Five course degustation menu only! at the
Falls Creek Race Club is terribly excited to welcome back all members but especially to those who weren’t able to get their fix over the last two winters. Last year we did have a presence but this year we intend to have all our youngsters sliding faster, higher and at a level that makes the oldies cringe with an equal dose of envy and fear.
For those new to Falls Creek, the Race Club has a great history and has sent more than a few of its members to the Olympic Games. Firstly, it’s a club for people who love sliding on snow but may want to dabble in competition. Falls Creek Race Club has been around for approximately 60 years (almost a Jubilee). Five Olympians in alpine ski racing alone have come from Falls Creek. World Champion Mogul skiers have also called Falls Creek home.
What we're about in the modern era is primarily concerned with helping kids develop on-snow skills that provide life lessons that we all aspire to. If we get a few of our little athletes to the Olympics in the years to come that is an absolute bonus. We want to have our youngsters supported and encouraged to be their best on and off the snow. A little lesson I love is tied to the notion of we carry our own skis/boards. This can happen a lot at Falls Creek! Not this year though!
My memories of skiing with my youngsters are not of what you may expect. They are not the days skiing together in beautiful conditions. It’s the effort to walk from the lodge to the lift when there is no snow. Achieving the arrival at the lift base at a respectable time while wearing ski boots, carrying three sets of skis and poles was a gargantuan task. The little steps forward
in arriving a little quicker and more easily were gradual but significant over the years. My youngsters carrying their poles was a giant leap forwards. Then carrying my poles, while I carried all the skis. Next step, carrying their skis half way with the hope there was a skerrick of snow on the road to slide down the last few metres to Falls Express. We carry our own skis/boards is a metaphor for growing up as an independent and responsible human being. Besides the smile on our dials that snowsports gives us all, there are many great lessons to be learnt.
For the Queen’s Birthday opening weekend 2022, I wanted to thank our club president who is stepping down after seven years of service. Lachlan Bowes has been a club president who has kept his eye on the prize. He has tried to keep a level playing field for all participants; no matter their aspirations. The volunteer ethos you’ve modelled has been truly appreciated and is respected. Lachlan it’s not quite a Jubilee Celebration but thank you for your service. To the
other half of your team, Karen Bowes, an equal level of gratitude goes to you for volunteering as the club’s book keeper.
Additionally, our long standing Treasurer, Simon Whiteley is handing over the ledger. Thank you for your contributions and the club’s accounts are in fine order. There are possibly a few more retirements from the committee this year this year and to those who make that decision, please accept our gratitude. Finally, please consider helping out on the committee going forward. You might even get a thank you like this one day!
One last thing, we welcome any new members to the Falls Creek Race Club. If you want to find out more about us please follow the link or to find out about the programs on offer through ski lifts please visit here. Otherwise, we have a presence on Facebook. Search Falls Creek Race Club. •
Many thanks Mike - “We carry our own skis/boards”
1
J.B.’S
Lonely Percy turned up at our place in Simmonds Creek Road around 2008. He stayed for a few months but we must have offended him because he moved over the road to stay with Val and Brian or Maryanne and Stewart.
While we often heard him when he squawked he did not return briefly very often.
However, around 2017 he crossed back over the road and started browsing on my silver beet. So to divert him from that we started feeding him wild bird seed.
Now he tends to cross the road around dusk to scoff a few seeds and returns back over the road just before dark. Generally, drivers are very good at slowing down and giving Percy right-of-way. But I don't want to end up with a flat Peacock, so I have started petitioning Alpine Shire staff to put in "Peacocks Cross here" road signs.
Percy produces a new set of tail feathers each year but drops the old ones around the end of
February. So he is currently producing a new set. He should have a magnificent new set of tail feathers operating by about October. Percy flaps high up into a big gum tree to spend the night and this probably explains why he has not been eaten by a fox. •
Saturday 11 June 9:30am to 5pm. As was said last week, we’re really pleased to see Bogong coming back to life. Nip on up and see for yourself. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn what’s been happening –and you’ll be able to tell your grandkids you were part of the community who helped reactivate Bogong.
At 11am or 1pm, you can join a walk across the dam wall and around Lake Guy, and at 1pm or 3pm there are guided walks around the village. The tours will have two guides each – one who knows the history
of Bogong and the hydro scheme; and one who’s been working on ideas for the future.
In between, if you need to warm up: take a good long look at the work Monash Uni’s architecture students have produced and let them know what you think; check out the old photos and plans from the SEC days, plus maps and aerial photos that might jog your memory; and enjoy a coffee or tea with a tasty morsel created by the Tawonga Red Cross (and yes, there will be vegetarian and GF options). The AGL Hydro Information Centre will be open too, always well worth a look.
You’ll find the Monash exhibition in the old AGL office on Main Street – park down the bottom and stroll up. Other activities are in the old reception and restaurant area and the BBQ area near the lake.
It’s a stunningly beautiful drive up, less than half an hour from Mount Beauty – and you don’t need to carry chains as long as you don’t go further up the hill.
For further information contact Kim Jordan on 0418 102 534. •
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.
This publication has run similar articles before. And we will probably continue to run them each year. Your editor would hate to think that someone working or visiting this fabulous resort of ours ends up with a three or four thousand dollar bill for transport to hospital. It can and does happen – and it can be prevented. Read on.
Previously we have quoted figures for this article. But, even without them, the common sense aspect of ambulance insurance is a ‘no-brainer.’
As an example of costs, just from your editor’s experience, is like this. Forty years ago, the cost per hour of a simple Lama Helicopter to swing lift towers in to place was $1000 per hour – without the fuel component. To run a modern, fully equipped, fully fitted out Augusta Westland AW 139, complete with highly trained pilots and paramedics around the countryside is not a cheap exercise. Think about it!!
Fact Number One: Ambulance membership is cheap. A family membership is now $98.15 per year. A single person membership is now $49.08 per year. In my humble opinion, these figures are way too cheap – but no-one can ever say they could not afford Ambulance Membership.
A clever and innovative local lodge manager, as part of his employment contract would include an Ambulance Membership Form – which (unless they could show they were already covered) the employees had to sign
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 RED 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 0427 411 415
– and the payment came out of their first wage cheque. This would be regarded in most circles as excellent management/staff relations.
The following is an excellent example of the benefits of membership – as quoted by Angus.
“I got ambulance cover just before heading off with my mates on a snowboarding trip to Mt Buller. I had been thinking about cover and thought I’d be unlikely to need it but had a few minutes free so opened my laptop and joined online in the car park of the campsite. It took me five minutes and was really easy and really cheap - especially compared to the other ski field costs. We had a great weekend but my trip ended abruptly when I ran out of talent, came off a jump and broke three ribs and collapsed a lung.
a great relief that I don’t have to deal with a huge bill on top of everything else. I’ve recommended it to all my mates and they can’t believe how cheap it is for what you get - cheaper than a slab and it lasts a full year!”
I ended up in an Air Ambulance to the Royal Melbourne. The trip in the air ambulance would have cost me $7,500 but I didn’t even see a bill. I could have had two lifetimes worth of cover and still been ahead. The fall certainly caused me a lot of pain but I’m fully recovered now and it’s
For further information on ambulance memberships, call 1800 648 484 or visit the website www.ambulance.vic.gov.au. A further bit of good news is that you can ring the above number, give them your details, pay by credit card and you are covered by 5pm the next day. You can do the same by jumping on to the website. If you don’t have a credit card, go to your local post office and it can all be done there. •
As many readers will know, North East Water are working towards delivering a much needed upgrade of the current Raw Water Off-Take system that supplies Mount Beauty and surrounds with drinking water. The existing water supply infrastructure is ageing and in need of replacement. This upgrade is planned to support the area’s growth over the next 50 years.
This is a great project, and thoroughly supported by the local community. Unfortunately, North East Water’s preferred site, known as Site 2, (on Embankment Drive) and is between the AGL pondage and ‘The Park’ caravan park and is right in the middle of the town’s high-value recreational riverfront area. This is an area that has seen a lot of community improvement projects over the last few years: rejuvenating of the picnic area opposite the caravan park swimming hole; the carpark at the trail head of the pebble creek walk; exercise equipment installation; and has received further grants to tidy up the eastern bank of the river between the swimming hole and the pondage outlet.
This is also one of the few areas accessible on foot or by bike from the town centre that tourists and locals alike can interact with the West Kiewa River. Whether it is a bike ride along Pebble Beach walking path, swimming in the river, using the newly installed exercise equipment, taking in the lovely towering trees of ‘the Nursery’, or floating down to Pebble Beach on a lilo, this area is enjoyed by all. It enriches
surrounding businesses, brings together the community and enhances the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
The planned infrastructure at Site 2 will consist of a large 10m X 10m shed to house pumps, and a 5m wide weir right across the West Kiewa River to capture water, all supported by a concrete driveway and footprint of approximately 150 square metres.
Fridays: 3pm - 11pm ∙ Dinner from 5:30pm Woodfire pizzas from 5.30pm Community Raffes from 5:30pm (draw begins at 7pm) 10/6 Dragon Boar Club 17/6 Cricket Club
Saturdays: 12noon -11pm ∙ Lunch 12noon - 2pm ∙ Dinner from 5:30pm Live Music: 3pm – 6pm 11/6 Tom Hanlon ∙ 18/6 No F Chords
Sundays: 12noon - 11pm Lunch 12noon - 2pm Dinner from 5:30pm Mondays & Tuesdays - CLOSED Wednesdays: 3pm - 9pm Dinner from 5:30pm Thursdays: 3pm - 9pm ∙ Dinner from 5:30pm Texas Hold em Poker ∙ 7pm start
will be Wednesday
require contact this would visitor general personnel for a to above please http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. there. •
Once industrial infrastructure is put in this location, this area of the recreational riverside precinct will be lost forever.
In response to community pressure to reconsider the selection of Site 2, NE Water have engaged with a Reference Group containing representatives from the community, regional water management bodies, local CFA and the Mount Beauty business community.
Many unviable locations have been ruled out, but to date North East Water have been unwilling to remove site 2 from consideration.
There is currently an option to utilise the existing offtake pumping site behind the AGL electricity sub-station along with a supporting site along the tailrace. This plan is currently being reviewed by North East Water for costing and viability. If successful, whilst this option is more expensive than site 2 , it would still represent an economical solution when measured against other similar water storage and supply infrastructure in the region. It would also reduce the bushfire risk, remove the need to have building works take place for the next 18 months in a highly used area of our river and leave our remaining access to the West Kiewa River untouched.
Project Wrong Location” Action Group have initiated a Victorian Parliamentary Petition, requesting that Site 2 (the Embankment Drive site) be removed from consideration and an updated assessment of the water supply options for the Mount Beauty region be carried out by an independent body. Anyone who lives in Victoria can sign it. People of any age can sign it. Everyone who would like to see the river access at Site 2
North East Water’s board will be making a final decision in late July.
Leading up to this decision, the Reference Group members are working hard to find a more suitable solution to our town’s water supply. In line with these efforts, the “Great
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
“Great Project Wrong Location” facebook page.
Use the QR code to be taken directly to the petition page. Or if you cannot use QR codes, have a friend help you, or if need be, phone 0427 332 612 and one of the “Great Project Wrong Location action group members will assist.
Closing date of petition is the 21st June, so please take 38 seconds out of your day right now, and add your voice of protest to the growing list of signatures. Please help save our community’s access to the river.
for all members of the hospitality industry to prepare for winter and do some serious saving on product needs for the season. To be held at the Frying Pan Inn, in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek, the Trade Fair will take place on Tuesday 2nd May from 10am to 5pm and again on Wednesday 3rd, from 9am to 4pm.
On behalf of “Great Project Wrong Location” action group. •
Companies invited to exhibit include Bedding Suppliers, Linen, Manchester and Window Furnishing suppliers, Wine and Spirit merchants, Wholesale Food Suppliers, Chemical, Cleaning and Toiletry suppliers and equipment suppliers. Prepare for the season and save money. Visit the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek. Further details from: Mb: 0400 350 488. •
WHERE Bottom of Gully Chairlift.
WHEN Open Daily 10am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5pm (Map Ref J6)
Tawonga Crescent
HOW Ph: 03 5758 3238 all day. 24 hours for Emergencies.
8:30am - 5:00pm Mon - Friday
10:00am - 12:00pm Saturdays
WHO General Practitioners experienced in Family and Snow Sports Medicine.
Ph: 5754 3400 for appointments 24 hours for emergencies
WHAT First fully accredited snowfields practice in Australia based on 36 years experience.
Drs Mark Zagorski, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura
“You’ve
WHERE Tawonga Crescent.
Regular Servicing
WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays.
Our car is like our body. We must look after it all of the time - not just when something fails.
WHO Mark Zagorski OAM, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Sky Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cusson, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson & Andrew Mason.
• Check your battery. Cold weather is hard on all batteries. Make sure yours is in good nick.
• Replace your wiper blades and keep your washer bottle full. Trying to rid your windscreen of ice with your wipers will only damage the blades.
• Check the condition of your tyres – or even consider getting winter tyres- more grip in slippery conditions.
• Make sure your tire pressure is exactly what it should be.
HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments
• Check your wheel chains and ensure that you know how to fit them correctly. Too many problems are caused by people not knowing how to fit chains correctly!
• Check the amount of coolant/anti-freeze in your radiator. Our Service Centres have a Glycometer which will measure how cold your radiator fluid can get before freezing.
• Carry a few emergency supplies, like a blanket, warm gloves, ice scraper, shovel – in case you get stuck out on the road.
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 42 years service to the Upper Kiewa Valley. A Motoring Tip brought to you by Rick at Mount Beauty Service Centre 35 Bogong High Plains road, Mount Beauty Ph: 03 5754 4261
Regular servicing will identify when items are wearing (brake pads, tyres, filters, hoses etc). These and other wearing items can be replaced before they let us down on the road. Imagine discovering (too late) that your Brake Pads had worn out - just as you’re heading for the tree.
Regular servicing is important for the good health of your vehicle - and for your
and
Winter is now upon us at Falls Creek. Every year the CFA attends more than 2000 Structure Fires in Residential Buildings across Victoria. Common causes of Structure Fires are unattended cooking facilities, faulty electrical equipment and fires caused by heating equipment such as wood heaters and boilers.
Any structure fire has the potential to harm guests and residents no matter how small or large the building. The greatest risk to life from fire at Falls Creek is during the winter period. Compounding this risk is the likelihood that people are unfamiliar with their specific location, environment, density of accommodation and the harshness of the external environment should a building need to be evacuated.
Effective preparation and planning for evacuation can significantly reduce this risk.
An effective Fire Evacuation Plan is simple to develop and easy to implement during an emergency.
A Fire Evacuation Plan must include:
1. A system of warning building occupants (typically a smoke alarm or fire system) to ensure all occupants evacuate as soon as required.
2. Actions to take on leaving a building.
3. Notification of the fire brigade with accurate building address/location.
4. A designated place of assembly and shelter; and…
5. A method of accounting for building occupants
As a guest staying in accommodation in Falls Creek during winter, it is important
when checking in, that you make yourself familiar with the emergency evacuation plan that is specific to your accommodation. This plan will tell you how to safely evacuate from the accommodation and where the evacuation assembly point is. This is a safe place where the occupants of the building will meet in the event of an emergency. There is a Fire Safety Skills Session taking place next Wednesday 15th from 8:30am to11:30am at St Falls Resort which includes a free breakfast. Register via the attached QR Code. •
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Ed 02 * 17.06.22
Ed 03 * 24.06.22
Ed 05 * 08.07.22
* Queen’s Birthday Wrap. Winter Season Activities. New Businesses (C)
* Start Victorian School Holidays, Come & Try XC Skiing, Nordic Bowl. (C)
Ed 04* 01.07.22 * Start NSW School Hol.s. Winter Night Shows and Fireworks. (C)
* Throwdown One, Panorama. Snow Trek & Travel High Plains Tour. (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
ADVERTISING RATES:
DISPLAY: • 1 column (6cm
• 2
Snow Ski 32, four bedroom, three bathroom. It is beautifully renovated and offers amazing views. It is in holiday rental this year and will be sold fully refurnished.
Ideally located in Falls Creek's village bowl, the always popular Snow Ski Apartments enjoy convenient access to resort facilities and arguably the best ski-in/ski-out access in the resort.
Snow Ski apartment 32 is a four bedroom, three bathroom apartment sleeping eight people, split over two levels. The apartment was recently fully renovated over the 2020/21 summer and with new furniture and appliances, making this the ultimate turn-key solution.
The lower floor features a beautiful lounge room, complimented by large windows with mechanical blinds that open onto the balcony, perfect for outdoor entertaining and taking in the stunning views. The first of four bedrooms is located on this floor with bunk beds with room to put in a desk for work & study. There is also a split bathroom adjacent to the bedroom containing laundry facilities and a well thought-out drying cupboard on entry to the apartment.
Upstairs is where you find the remaining
FOR SALE
One brand new pair of ASICS Tennis shoes, size 46 Euro (11.5 US). Worn once. Too tight for me. Retail Price: $159.95. Will sell for $120. Ph: 0400 350 488. 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.
Snowmobile 2004 Polaris Trail Touring. Electric start and electric reverse. Only travelled 240km, always housed undercover at Wang Ski Club and regularly serviced. Comes with service manual and supplement. Located Mount Beauty, all offers considered. Contact Chris 0457 410 933.
ALTERATIONS, DRESSMAKING & REPAIRS
Call Kerry Mb: 0407 814 114 for all sewing needs.
ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE
Frueauf Village (below Milch Café) Grnd Floor, Rm 2, 4 Schuss St. Falls Creek. Ph: 03 5758 3766. Em: fallscreek@ altitudephysiotherapy.com.au. Wb: www.altitude.physio
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
CAR DETAILING
Give Steve a call in Tawonga South. Ph: 0423 499 086
three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Following the general theme of the whole apartment, these have been tastefully designed & fitted out, offering a luxurious experience making guests and owners feel absolute comfort after a busy day out on the mountain.
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 more on the way – easily accessed from the Village Bowl. Add to these the many kilometres of aqueducts and management vehicle tracks and your exploring, whether on foot 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 suite of summer activities includes the 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 “Falls Creek has the highest total visitor days of any Alpine Resort in Victoria.”
Snow Ski has a long head lease expiring 2051. At $1,390,000 this complete property is definitely to be inspected. Please contact Christa Smit (Zirknitzer) at Zirky Real Estate on Mb: 0402 277 808. www.zirkyrealestate.com.au. •
Stubby series 1000 universal woodturning lathe, as new, $9,000. Ph: 0408 466 790.
Blade X rollerblades, as new not yet used, men’s size 43, $100. 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.
FOR SALE BY OWNER
Complete set of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent condition, $200 or best offer. No longer needed, got married, wife knows everything!
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES
Oztek Constructions Pty Ltd. We do local building work, renovations, extensions and maintenance. Enail Dave at: oztekconstructions@gmail.com. Or Ph: 0466 990 862.
CIVIL CLEBRANT – HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies – All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125. www.celebrant-ne-vic.com.au
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 fromAlbury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Mon 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
The are many positions available on the Falls Creek website. Go to this link to access the employment pages: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/employment/ VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS
Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. All equipment provided. Bing a drink bottle and towel. $6 per session. All Welcome. A great way to keep fit and socialise at the same time. Class usually followed by coffee at the Dederang Shop. Classes by Narelle Jones (Personal Trainer). Note: Classes do not run in school holidays. Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438289293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com)
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 St, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270.
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
In the windswept Southern Mountains out by Bogong’s brow, is a land that’s never felt the rip of tractor nor of plough.
The flowers and native grasses stretch from sky to sky, unmarred by Man’s destruction – farming passed it by.
For the raging winter blizzards stayed the axe and chain, and spared the Bogong High Plains from the awful bloody pain.
Of the clearing and the torching and the weeds and salt and dust, of the foreign crops a-growing, filled with mites and rust.
And then the spring-time melts the snows, and the swollen brooks are gushing, into creeks and mighty rivers – to the Murray they go rushing.
Daisies are a carpet, Black Cockies screech on by, the parakeets are dashing through the crystal of the sky.
The seasons keep on rolling, but the High Plains stay the same, through the scorching summer days to the icy winter rain.
People seldom visit, unless it’s peace they seek, and lovers swear their wedding vows out by Watchbed Creek.
Now mortals come and go in the twinkling of an eye, it only takes a moment beneath the mountain sky.
But the snow gums grow forever and the granite weathers slow, in the freezing winter winds, beneath the ice and snow.
Yes the cycle keeps on turning, yet the land remains the same, timeless and eternal, impossible to maim
And when I’ve shed this mortal coil and left the din and row, just leave me for the wild things, out by Bogong’s brow.
Phantom
COVID-19 Restriction changes and weather may impact some of these events. Please check with the organiser for the most up-to-date information.
JUN 11, 18 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park & 25 by the lake in Lakeside Avenue.
JUN 11 TDFNL Rd 9. Dederang Mount Beauty V Thurgoona @ Dederang
JUN 11-13 Queen’s Birthday Weekend. Official Opening of the 2022 Winter Snow Season. Activities include the Celebrations of 75 years of the village; Spectacular Fireworks Display and official opening. Visit https://www.fallscreek.com.au/ for more details.
JUN 12 Race Club AGM at 3pm at Attunga Alpine Lodge. It will be an in-person AGM, not online.
JUN 18 TDFNL Rd 10. Chiltern V Dederang Mount Beauty.
JUN 22 Community Evening with the Resilience Project. Keynote Speaker Martin Heppell. West Peak Hotel. Registrations through Eventbrite
JUN 25 TDFNL Rd 11. Rutherglen V Dederang Mount Beauty.
JUN 26 Telemark Nordic Ski Club ‘Come & Try XC Skiing day. 10am Nordic Bowl. Ph: Lynn-Maree 0409 592 226.
JUL 19 Race Club will hold a Social Event on Saturday 19 July 2022. Save the date. Details are being worked on as we speak.
AUG 27 MAJOR EVENT Kangaroo Hoppet from 9am. Nordic Bowl.
