Bottom Right - The live crosses from Madeline Slattery on Channel Nine
FALLS CREEK LEGENDS LUNCH 2026
A Great Start to Winter
Last Sunday The Falls Creek Historical Society held its second annual Legend’s Lunch fundraising event at The Frying Pan Inn. What an event and what a community. MC'd superbly by Kerry Lee Dodd, and organised by a committee made up of Bronwyn Wruck from Attunga Lodge, Kerry Lee Dodd, Jess Neale from Traverse Alpine Group and the chair of the FCHS Karen Smyth, the event was a mix of old and new memories.
The talk by Di Shirling about her amazing husband George Shirling was both informative and emotional and the panel discussion with Mark ‘Macca’ Macdonald, Jodi Spice nee Lawther, Lisa Allport nee Spargo and Dougie Zollo gave guests a wonderful insight into growing up in the mountains, ski school and competitive skiing at Falls Creek.
The event is the brainchild of Bronwyn Wruck, who was struck by the wealth of memories and history in the room at the 2024 memorial for the incomparable Noleene Lee and wanted to find a way to remember and celebrate the foundation of our wonderful alpine village each year. From that spark of an idea, the Legends Lunch was born and
has sold out both years. Bronwyn: you’re a legend for coming up with a brilliant idea and bringing it to life for the community.
The theme for this year's lunch was instructors' uniforms. This gave me the opportunity to rifle through the FCHS storage container for the uniforms within the Society’s archive (which is always fun). Special thanks must go to Falls Creek Ski Lifts for lending the Legends Lunch a number of old uniforms they have in storage and which the Museum
WHEN THE BRIGHT YELLOW FLAGS ARE OUT WE’RE OPEN – EASTER SATURDAY 11am – 4pm
Located right beside the bottom station of Halley’s Comet Chairlift
Spend some time and take in the fabulous history that has earned this community so much respect!
And, talk to any member of our team about the rewards of volunteering in the Falls Creek Museum.
4 Slalom Street, southern end of the Panabode building.
Phone: 03 5758 1202 for further information
Wb: www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Em: info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au
Fb: facebook.com/fallscreekmuseum
does
It was Kerry, Bron & Jessie’s idea for the Fryers staff to wear the instructors' uniforms during the event, and it was a brilliant way for everyone to view the outfits. Raffle and silent auction prizes were generously donated by Traverse Alpine Group, Attunga Alpine Lodge Falls Creek, Falls Creek Distillery, Bogong Jacks Tavern, Pique Cafe, I Dream of Snow, Snonuts Donuts and Astra Falls Creek. A huge thank you to these businesses for their donations and to everyone that bought a raffle ticket or bid in the silent auction. Thank you to the Falls Creek Museum team that helped out on the day with selling tickets, organising the outfits for the staff and us and to those that helped prior to the event getting us set up and ready to go. The event raised over $4800.00. This will help the FCHS achieve our next project in Falls Creek and we can't wait to share that with you soon. • Nyree Fiddes, on behalf of the Falls Creek Historical Society.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI LESSONS
On Falls Creek’s nordic trails June-September.
• Family and beginners friendly.
• Learn classic & Skate style from a APSI qualified guide & instructor.
• We offer private lessons, group sessions and guided tours available with same-day bookings.
• Private lessons from 1hr for $125
Instructor: Anna T: 0450 227 948
Email: info@theclimbingcompany.com.au 13
The Frying Pan Inn staff were only too happy to don some seriously retro ski school uniforms for the Legends Lunch at the Frying Pan on Sunday. Pic – Courtesy Falls Creek Museum
not have.
WORDS FOR SNOW
A Touch of Background
You’ve probably heard or read somewhere that there are over 400 words for snow. What you may not know is that the quantity of words for snow really depends on the language you are speaking and the criteria used, such as whether to include compound words, different forms of snow, or even the weather itself. For instance, the Scottish language has 421 distinct words related to snow, while the Sámi languages have 180 to 300 snow-related terms.
Words for snow include descriptive terms like flurry, powder, blizzard, and sleet, as well as specific types such as graupel, firn, sastrugi, and mank. Other related words describe different states or forms of snow. Many people know what the words blizzard, flurry, slush & sleet mean in the context of snow. But what about firn or rime?
At the end of the June/July school holidays the Falls Creek Race Club sent out a newsletter, wrapping up the holiday programs. This is nothing out of the ordinary, Falls Creek Race Club has been doing this for decades. What struck me though was the use of the word rime to describe the precipitation on the snow gums. I’d never heard of ‘rime’. So I looked it up. Pronounced /raɪm/ in the UK, the word
Rime in English is a noun meaning frost. The Cambridge Dictionary defines Rime as ‘frost, the thin, white layer of ice that forms when the air temperature is below the freezing point of water, especially outside at night. For example: • The windows were wet where the rime had melted.
The word Rime can also be used as a verb, for example in the third person present: rimes; cover (an object) with hoar frost. • "he does not brush away the frost that rimes his beard"
To be honest, Wikipedia provides a definition that is more relatable to the day and age we live in. Rimed snow refers to snowflakes that are partially or completely coated in tiny frozen water droplets called 'rime'. Rime forms on a snowflake when it passes through a supercooled cloud. Snowflakes that are heavily rimed typically produce very heavy and wet snow, with snow to liquid ratios in the 5-1 to 9-1 range.
As spring slowly rolls forward and we begin the process of saying goodbye to our favourite form of frozen precipitation, here is a list of common and uncommon words for snow to cool our hearts between the end of this year's snow season and the beginning of the next.
• Blizzard: A severe, long-lasting snowstorm with high winds.
• Flurry: Light, occasional snowfall.
• Powder: Fresh, unconsolidated, fluffy snow crystals.
• Sleet: Rain mixed with snow.
• Slush: Partially melted, sloppy snow.
• Crud: an unpredictable, rough, and uneven snow surface that forms after powder has been tracked out, featuring a mix of soft powder, hard pack, ice, and piled-up snow.
• Corn: snow composed of large, rounded, kernel-like crystals, formed through repeated cycles of melting and refreezing, typically in the spring.
• Graupel: Small, styrofoam-like pellets of frozen water that fall from the sky.
• Firn: Old glacial snow that has survived summer melting but is not yet true ice.
• Névé: Refrozen glacial snow, younger than firn.
• Crust: A hard layer of snow, often formed by melt-freeze cycles or wind.
• Mank: Unpleasant, crud-like snow that is often found after skiing or other use.
• Rime: Snowflakes coated in tiny frozen water droplets.
• Sastrugi: Irregular ridges and grooves in the snow's surface formed by wind.
• Snowdrift: Snow blown into a pile by the wind.
• Snirt: A mixture of snow and dirt.
Your Ed could add one more to this list ‘Elephant Snot’ – bit warm, bit sticky and definitely not fun to ski on – but it is a term that has been used on more than one occasion.
Thanks to Nyree from ‘I Dream of Snow’ for providing some interesting detail and adding to our knowledge of our industry. •
What would you call that cover on Rocky Valley? Would it be Rime or Ice or ice with snow on it! Either way, when the lake has ice/s now on it, it is a good sign! Pic - FCSL
DISABLED WINTERSPORT AUSTRALIA
Plenty to Look Forward To
Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) is gearing up for another big season at Falls Creek after a record breaking year that showcased the strength and generosity of the local community.
LAcross 2025, DWA volunteers delivered 196 guide days and supported 40 individual participant experiences, while also training 21 new guides and expanding specialist skills across the team. The organisation ran four major camps, 11 raffle nights and a community auction, raising more than $30,000 - with over $25,000 in support coming directly from local and interstate businesses.
This support has allowed DWA to continue improving its hub, equipment and facilities at Falls Creek, ensuring more people with disabilities can enjoy safe, supported and life changing snow experiences.
In 2026, DWA will again offer Resort Services
midweek and on weekends, alongside its popular Training Fridays, which invite new and returning guides to build skills and connect with the community. Three major camps - Special Olympics, Member Camp and Kids Plus - will return, with guide accommodation once again subsidised to keep volunteering accessible.
New guide training will run in early July. There are a couple of spaces available if you would like to join in as a volunteer to support DWA members on snow, skiing or snowboarding.
DWA will commence a women specific program this year to enhance the skills and experience of these guides and our supporters. Special training sessions and events will help us develop women of all ages in their guiding journey. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding Adaptive Nordic skiing with new sit skis and a dedicated training program on the way.
With strong community backing and growing volunteer numbers, DWA is set for another impactful season on the mountain. We will see you through the season at our regular fund raising events on the mountain and some special events in Mount Beauty.
For more information, visit disabledwintersport.com.au or drop by the DWA office in the Slalom Plaza. You can also reach out to Zac at fallscreek_camps@ disabledwintersport.com.au or Paul at paul. lamb@disabledwintersport.com.au. •
There are still a couple of spots available for DWA Guide Training. Get in quick. Pic – Courtesy DWA
Coming Up This Winter at Falls
The 2026 cross-country skiing season is just around the corner, and there is plenty to look forward to at Falls Creek over the coming months.
The racing calendar kicks off on 11th July with the Cross-Country Skier High Plains Tour, followed by the ever-popular Birkebeiner Classic the next day. These early-season events are a great opportunity to dust off the race skis, reconnect with some arch-rivals, and see how the training has been paying off.
On the weekend of the 25th of July, the focus turns to the next generation of skiers with the Victorian Junior Sprint and Distance Championships, before schools from across the country descend on Falls Creek for the Australian Secondary Schools Ski Team Championship.
The Australian Open Championships return on 1-2 August, bringing some of the country's best athletes together to compete for national titles and FIS points. If you are looking for something to spectate, these events always deliver exciting competition and showcase the Australian crosscountry skiing.
For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, the Ski de Femme and Fun Race on 8th August offers a fantastic opportunity to get involved, challenge yourself, and celebrate women in skiing.
Of course, one of the biggest highlights of the entire Australian winter is just around the corner. On 15 August, the Kangaroo Hoppet weekend returns, welcoming skiers from across Australia and around the world to Falls Creek.
The Kangaroo Hoppet remains Australia's premier long-distance cross-country ski event and forms part of the prestigious Worldloppet series. Alongside the 42 km Kangaroo Hoppet,
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
participants can choose the 21 km Australian Birkebeiner or the 7 km Joey Hoppet, making the weekend accessible to skiers of all ages and abilities.
There are also some exciting features returning in 2026. Thanks to the support of Fischer Australia, every participant will receive a commemorative backpack at bib collection. The popular One/Way Hoppet Sprint Challenge returns with a new twist, rewarding the male and female skiers who finish closest to a predetermined target time over a short sprint
section during the race, rather than simply the fastest skiers.
The Fischer Balance Point Awards are also back, recognising the competitors who finish closest to the median time in each event. For those chasing an international challenge, the Antipodes Award once again connects the Kangaroo Hoppet and New Zealand's Merino Muster, rewarding skiers who complete both events in the same season. So book your trip for across the ditch, visit the Merinomuster.com for more information.
If the Hoppet is on your winter bucket list, now is the time to start preparing. Early bird entries close on 4 July, and with just two months to go, excitement is already building for another memorable winter at Falls Creek. Don’t let the date change of the Hoppet get you by surprise, it will come around quickly.
We can't wait to see you out on the trails. •
Katerina Paul
OPEN FOR LUNCH
Our Kangaroo Hoppet attracts skiers from around the world, some competitive, some for the experience – and others just turn up to enjoy a fantastic family day together. Pic – Ken Bell
FALL LINES
60 Year Service Awards
Back in May (Monday 18th to be precise) local Red Cross members and friends celebrated with two Red Cross members who were presented with their 60 year service awards. The awards were presented by Helen Haines MP and Nathan Brown - Red Cross Community & Business Operation (Vic & Tas) to Rosemary Garoni and Beverly Seymour. We heard from Bev and Rosemary about their highlights of being involved in Red Cross for such a long period of time and they both reiterated how much they have enjoyed their time interacting with their local community and the wider Red Cross family. How they assisted in times of emergency with providing food and emergency assistance when needed. Both were involved in the beginning of the Gundowring Red Cross group with Mrs Bateman (founding President) being mentioned often. Both of these ladies were offered the opportunity to have their medals presented at Government House but chose to have them delivered locally with family and friends present.
Helen spoke of how the role of women in parliament has evolved over the years and the many ways she has been able to talk directly with ministers and keep the focus of providing the best care locally, to her rural community. Nathan spoke of the many volunteer activities that Red Cross undertakes and noted that this was now Volunteer week so, hearing the stories
of Red Cross engagement locally was both interesting and enlightening. The resurgence of Red Cross with younger Australians was very encouraging and bodes well for the future. We had a marvellous afternoon tea (country hospitality at its best), in a warm environment at the Gundowring CFA shed with an opportunity to ask questions of Helen and Nathan.
Kindest regards, Cheryl Clutterbuck. Gundowring Red Cross representative. • You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that the work Red Cross does in the
Falls Creek
• Extensive grocery range
• Bottle shop: beer, wine, spirits
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Hot pies and sausage rolls
• Heat and eat meals
• Phone re-charge
• ATM
• Newspapers and magazines Located in Slalom day carpark at the bottom of Halley’s Comet Chairlift. Phone: 5758 3009
community is vital with so many examples around us all the time (think gardens at our hospital). Therefore this paper would like to thank all of our Red Cross members for their fabulous untiring work in the community. Ed •
Support for DWA
The Falls Creek Alpine Association (FCAA) held its annual ‘Mountain Muster’ on Saturday 6 June at Icicles Ski Club. The FCAA is the representational body for Member based lodges and apartment owners at Falls Creek and is part of the Falls Creek Stakeholder Consultative Committee. The FCAA provides donations regularly to
Sixty years of service to Red Cross was recognised at a relaxing lunch recently with Nathan Brown, Red Cross Community & Business Operations and local MP Helen Haines honouring members Rosemary Garoni and Beverly Seymour. Pic – Courtesy Cheryl Clutterbuck
charities and organisations that support the community within Falls Creek.
At the Mountain Muster this year, President of the FCAA, David Stogdale, provided a donation of $1,000 to Paul Lamb of Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA).
The funds were generously matched by Vail group, when Vail Group GM Richard Phillips saw that the FCAA had made the donation. Thus, the DWA has received $2,000 to assist it with equipment for its new training facility in Slalom Plaza.
In making the donation to the DWA David Stogdale of the FCAA said “Being able to provide a helpful donation to the DWA is what our organisation seeks to achieve. The FCAA is committed to supporting local Falls Creek services like the DWA with donations.
The Good News… Refuse and Recycling
Falls Creek is one of the first resorts to recycle organic matter!
We recycle:-
• Cardboard – baled and sold for re-manufacture.
• Co-mingles – plastic, glass and paper – in the clear plastic bags with the BLACK print.
• Organics – anything that has ever lived – food, paper, oyster shells, bones – in the clear plastic bags with the GREEN print – all sent to be composted.
Falls Creek Garbage is collected seven days a week during winter If you require supplies of bags, have a question, or see a problem, phone us on 0437 306 799 www.4siteaustralia.com
It is our way of putting back into Falls Creek, representing our constituent members.”
Paul Lamb of DWA said “ The donation of funds such as this for our training facility will make a big difference to our capability to give our guides and our members a better alpine experience”.
Just prior to the Mountain Muster, the FCAA officially ‘opened’ a new rest seat at the end of Parallel Street that was installed courtesy of Falls Creek Resort Management.
The seat, paid for the FCAA and made of recycled materials is in memory of the late David Risby, a founder of the FCAA, who sadly passed away in early 2024.
David Risby was a true champion of Stakeholder engagement at Falls Creek and the installation of the seat was approved by Alpine Resorts Victoria as a fitting memorial for David who had done so much for the Village community.
For more information about the Falls Creek Alpine Association, go to https://www.fcaa.org. au; and for Disabled Wintersport Australia, go to https://www.disabledwintersport.com.au. •
As we move in to what should be a good winter, the Tavern will be operating seven days a week, mainly afternoons and evenings.
We welcome all staff, local residents and visitors to our beautiful village. Feel free to give us a call Mb: 0412 481 711 Fully Licensed – Great Deck! Beautiful Bogong Village Walks, fishing, flowers! The Wedding Gardens are looking fine!
Meet Bumblebee for MND
Bumblebee buzzes across states and into town to attend events and raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
By donating to Bumblebee or buying merchandise, you are joining us in fundraising for FightMND, who fund research, clinical trials and equipment to support people and families affected by MND
Follow or get in touch.
What is MND?
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) targets the nerves known as motor neurons. MND gradually takes away a person’s ability to use their limbs, their ability to eat and swallow, their speech and ultimately their ability to breathe.
The average life expectancy from diagnosis is 27 months
10% of cases are hereditary. 90% of cases are sporadic. There is no known cause. There is no known cure!
These are the answers we fight for. Thank you for joining our fight; your support gives us hope!
Thank you for your support
FCAA President, David Stogdale, presenting a cheque for $1000 to DWA’s Paul Lamb at the FCAA Muster last Saturday. Pleasingly, this donation was matched by Falls Creek Ski Lifts which is a great effort. Pic – Courtesy FCAA
A nice little spot to rest and enjoy the view up the end of Parallel Street, near the walking track to the Raceline – placed there in memory of David Riusby, a founding member of Falls Creek Alpine Association. Pic – Courtesy FCAA
Alpine View 10, 29 Falls Creek Road
Light-Filled Apartment with Village Bowl Convenience
Alpine View 10 is a well-appointed three-bedroom apartment with one bathroom plus powder room, comfortably accommodating up to eight guests. Positioned on the second level of the Alpine View complex, the apartment is bathed in natural light throughout the day and enjoys attractive outlooks toward Summit and Spion Kopje.
The accommodation is thoughtfully configured for family and group use, with all bedrooms featuring built-in wardrobes. Two bedrooms offer flexible split-queen configurations, while the third bedroom is fitted with two sets of bunks, maximising sleeping capacity without compromising comfort. The kitchen and lounge are spacious with great views, plus a drying cupboard to ensure your snow gear is dry and ready for the next day.
Recent upgrades enhance both comfort and efficiency, including a renovated bathroom and powder room, new carpet throughout, and full double-glazed window replacement. The building itself has also been refreshed, with a new roof recently installed, ensuring the complex presents beautifully from every angle within the Village Bowl.
Residents and guests enjoy access to a communal sauna on the ground levelperfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes or trails. The basement level provides dedicated ski and snowboard storage for each apartment, with bike storage available during the summer months.
Travelling to Falls Creek this winter?
Enjoy the comfort and safety!
A skeleton service will operate until late June, when the full time-table will come into operation.
Refer to our website: https://fallscreekcoachservice.com.au/
But remember, the same convenient service applies! Leave the worries of pre-purchasing Resort Entry, Hiring and fitting Chains, coping with Anti-Freeze and Icy slippery roads behind you.
Park your car in the Secure Car-Park in Tawonga South and enjoy the comfort of our modern warm coaches and experienced drivers for your holiday at Falls Creek. Check the Website for services from Melbourne, Albury and Mount Beauty Group bookings and Private Transfers are available throughout the entire 2024 season.
Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South Phone: 03 5754 4024
Ideally located in the heart of the Village Bowl, Alpine View Apartments sit just metres from Eagle, Summit and Gully chairlifts. This lively precinct is the centre of winter activity, surrounded by ski hire outlets, retail, cafés and restaurants, and is only a short walk to the main village centre. In the warmer months, the Village Bowl transforms into a year-round playground, offering a tennis court, mountain bike trails, pump track and playground.
Open Seven Days a Week Mon to Wed – Take Away Only! Thurs to Sun: Dine in or Take Away
Talk to us about your next private function 6 Ryders Lane, Tawonga 3697 Ph: 03 5754 4247 Mb: 0447 779 350 www.mountaincreekmotel.com.au
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 some being 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 afore-mentioned suite of summer activities includes the Alpine Challenge, the Mile High Dragon Boats, Feastival in February, the Bicycle Network Peaks Challenge Falls Creek, the Easter Festival as well as regular mountain bike shuttles. Plenty of reasons for your summer visit!
This apartment is sold with all furnishings and is on the market for $590,000. Alpine View has a head lease until 2040. •
Because It’s Smart
This publication has run similar articles before. And we will probably continue to run them each year. Your editor would hate to think that someone working or visiting this fabulous resort of ours ends up with a three or four thousand dollar bill for transport to hospital. It can and does happen – and it can be prevented. Read on.
Previously we have quoted figures for this article. But, even without them, the common sense aspect of ambulance insurance is a ‘no-brainer.’ As an example of costs, your editor had a little hearty turn at Falls Creek during the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek. The fabulous and professional Ski Patrol team, from Patrol Director and several others attended – and will it was a tad embarrassing from my point of view, it was certainly eye opening and satisfying to witness first-hand the skill and professionalism all member exhibited.
Then it was into the Ambo and down to Alpine Health Mount Beauty. The good news is after and ECG and some blood tests, everything was looking good and home we went. Thanks team for a great job well done.
Then came the next bit. Several days later the invoice from Ambulance Victoria arrived (see image) – a total of $1927 to travel from Falls Creek Mount Beauty, Thank goodness I did not need to go to Albury or Melbourne.
The good news is that I do have Ambulance Cover (and have had for many years) and a quick phone call and Email to Ambulance Victoria sorted it.
WHY AMBULANCE SUBSCRIPTION
The Good News
Fact Number One: Ambulance membership is cheap. A family membership is now $106.73 per year. A single person membership is now $53.37 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 – 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
TOM’S RURAL
TREE SERVICES
benefits of membership – as quoted by Angus. “I got ambulance cover just before heading off with my mates on a snowboarding trip to Mt Buller. I had been thinking about cover and thought I’d be unlikely to need it but had a few minutes free so opened my laptop and joined online in the car park of the campsite. It took me five minutes and was really easy and really cheap - especially compared to the other ski field costs. We had a great weekend but my trip ended abruptly when I ran out of talent, came off a jump and broke three ribs and collapsed a lung. I ended up in an Air Ambulance to the Royal Melbourne. The trip in the air ambulance would have cost me $7,500 but I didn’t even see a bill. I’ve recommended it to all my mates and they can’t believe how cheap it is for what you get - cheaper than a slab and it lasts a full year!”
For further information on ambulance memberships, call 1800 648 484 or visit the website www.ambulance.vic.gov.au. A further bit of good news is that you can ring the above number, give them your details, pay by credit card and you are covered by 5pm the next day. You can do the same by jumping on to the website. If you don’t have a credit card, go to your local post office and it can all be done there. •
Open from 12noon Seven Days a Week!
Open: Sunday to Thursday: 10am - 9pm Friday & Saturday: 10am - 10pm
LOCAL HISTORY
Snow Poles
“Snow poles are welcome friends of the walker in summer fog and of the skier in winter ‘white-out.’ If following such a line in adverse conditions, a party should move together. At each pole, if the forward one is not visible, one member should go ahead and remain ahead by a length of line the distance of the poles apart. The other members of the party should remain at a pole and move to the leader only when he has located the pole ahead.”
R ‘Dick’ Hemmy from Skiing the High Plains by Harry Stephenson, Graphic Books 1982.
The first snow-poles lines across the Bogong High Plains were erected well before the increasing popularity of ski touring, and it was for the safety of gold miners and mountain cattlemen who traversed the Plains. By 1852 gold had been discovered in Bright, Myrtleford and Harrietville, however with the decline of these rich findings the Government set up prospecting boards and to aid further searches commissioned track cutting in the north-east. One of the first lines extended from Mount Fainter (in the south) to Mount Wills (in the north), and was completed in 1895. George Fitzgerald, from Shannonvale, out from Omeo, and one of the early pioneering cattlemen on the Bogong High
C Y
Plains, recounted stories of his life to W.F. “Bill” Waters in 1954 when George was 87 years old. He spoke of how he and his brother Jack had erected a snow pole line from Rocky Valley to Tawonga Huts back in 1896. “Many miners then working at Glen Wills had their homes in Harrietville, and the Mines Department put in the track to enable them to travel between the two safely. One of these prospectors, a Mr Nelson, lends his name to Mt Nelse. Thick fog and snow were such a hazard on the High Plains that ‘Dad’ Fitzgerald recounted
2026 PUBLICATION SCHEDULE & RATES
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Ed 03 * 19.06.26 * Meet the Team. New Restaurants. Coming Activities
Ed 04 * 26.06.26 * Ski Demo Days. Snow Australia Interschools
Ed 05 * 03.07.26 * Race Club Welcome. Annual Auction. Rossi Cup
Ed 06 * 10.07.26 * High Plains Tour & Birky Classic. End Vic School Holidays
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:
CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when you sell.
BUSINESS DIR.: • $6.90 per line per
ENQUIRIES
Initially insignificant – but a very important life-saving device, three chains apart on a snow or fog-covered high plains. Pic – Courtesy the Falls Creek Museum.
a time when mustering on Mt Nelse that the fog “was so thick a dog couldn’t bark in it.’’ So bad indeed that he “dug a hole in the snow behind some rocks and held my horse by the bridle until daylight, and that was the longest night I ever put in!” (from Harry Stephenson’s Cattlemen and Huts of the High Plains, Viking O’Neil, 1980). The original poles were old snow gums “eight to ten feet high and, on the Plains, three chains apart (sixty-six feet, or twenty metres). “Each pole was marked with a metal tag bearing the number of its position in line and a character to indicate which line it belonged to. In the early days the numbers were placed too low and they were frequently covered by snow.
Later routes followed the lines pioneered by mountain cattlemen of the Kiewa, Ovens and Mitta Mitta Valleys. With the decline of mining, pole lines fell into disrepair and were not replaced or repaired until the mid-1920s when the tourist potential of the area was first recognised, both from summer walkers and winter ski tourers. The latter becoming so popular with its members, that the Ski Club of Victoria lobbied the Public Works Department to renew the main lines.
By 1934, with an extensive program of hydrological surveys and a network of snow gauges on the High Plains, the State Electricity Commission erected two new lines of snow poles.
One, two miles in length from the SEC’s cottage near Wallace’s Hut, the other from the summit of Mt Cope down into Pretty Valley. Both routes intersect the main snow pole route across the plains. Steel poles had replaced the
CLASSIFIEDS
VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS
Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. Bring a drink bottle and towel. $10 per session. Classes by Narelle Jones. Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438 289 293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com)
JAPANESE WISDOM
If it’s not yours, Don’t Take it!
If it’s not right, Don’t do it!
If it’s not true, Don’t say it!
If you don’t know, Be quiet!
MOBILE PHONES
Please do not be offended if we do not serve you while you are on your phone. If your call cannot wait, your food can!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
As a kid. I used to watch the Wizard of Oz and wonder how someone could talk if they didn’t have a brain – then I got Facebook!
MISSING BOOK
This ‘Missing Book’ advert has appeared for quite some time now. Your Journo has purchased a digital copy from Melbourne University. But, the book itself is important – because it was given to a member of the community to be kept in perpetuity for the community. Titled “The Interaction between Land Use, the Environment and the Hydrology of the Bogong High Plains between 1850 and 1985” it is a vital piece of local history. If anyone can help us, call 0400 350 488.
snow gum poles on Mt Bogong and the effect of the wind whistling through a series of holes in the steel poles created a low moan. Although the sound was quite eerie, it aided the skier to “listen” for the next pole ahead.
In June 1959 came a warning to skiers that, with the construction of Rocky Valley Dam completed and the reservoir beginning to fill, “the pole lines which previously crossed the floor of Rocky Valley basin have been removed.”
Alpine Fires in 2003 saw pole lines destroyed and replacement became a priority for Parks Vic, given their significance for safety of both recreational walkers and ski tourers. There are, however some old poles remaining as testimony to their many years of service, beautifully “ablated by blizzards and garnished with lichen.”
If the spirits of the miner Nelson, the mountain cattleman Fitzie, the ski tourer Cleve Cole or the hydrological surveyor Martin Romuld,
LOCAL HISTORY
looked down on the pole lines today they would bear witness to a new generation of walkers, runners, ski tourers, even snowshoers as touring and snow camping has increased in popularity among school and outdoor education groups and young people. •
MEDICAL SERVICES - Upper Kiewa Valley
MOUNT BEAUTY MEDICAL CENTRE
WHERE 2D Tawonga Crescent. WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12 noon Saturdays. HOW Ph: 03 4715 0000 for appointments
WHO Doctors Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Lauren Cussen, Angela Stratton, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson and Vanessa Cservid
WHAT Fully Accredited General Practice with 46 years of service to the upper Kiewa Valley .
CONTACT Ph: 03 4715 0000
Em: enquiries@mbmc.com.au
Wb: https://www.mbmc.com.au/
If you need to see a doctor please contact Mount Beauty Medical Centre on 03 4715 0000. You may be directed to a doctor for a tele-health appointment. Our Doctors are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week from Mount Beauty.
Your local practice – supporting the community!
BUILDING & ELECTRICAL
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service. Please cal Justin Mb: 0458 220 879.
CARPET CLEANING
Call Nathan of NatWest Home Maintenance, your local Carpet Cleaning Service. 0429 933 492.
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES
Oztek Constructions Pty Ltd. We do local building work, renovations, extensions and maintenance. Email Dave at: oztekconstructions@gmail.com. Or Ph: 0466 990 862
COLLECTABLES & HOMEWARES
I Dream Of Snow - Vintage snow collectables & brand new homewares. Open on-line all year round. www.idreamofsnow.com
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Altitude Electrical – No job too big or too small. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial. Ben Svarc. Mb: 0419 801 109
FREIGHT – ALB – MTB – FALLS CREEK
Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Mon to Fri inclusive. Refrigeration available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320.
LANDSCAPING
Design and landscaping - quality work. Contact Hamish at External Solutions: Em: admin@externalsolutions.com.au. Mb: 0400 160 532.
LD’S HOME PET CARE
Pet Care and Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa 0407 541 695.
LOCKSMITH & HANDYMAN
Codi Coutts – servicing the Kiewa Valley & North East Victoria. Ph: 0475 388 990. Em: kiewavalleylocksmith@yahoo.com
PAINTING SERVICES
Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial.
Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services. Ph: Laif: 0437 023 921.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Therapy, 5A Hollonds St, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270.
PILATES
Reformer, Group or Individual for a better quality of life. Wildflower Pilates Ph: 0433 017 660.
REMEDIAL MASSAGE
Altitude Physio, Massage & Myotherapy. Ph: 03 5758 3766. Text: 0403 854 525
SHOWER CLEANING
Is your shower looking old and dirty? EziClean It! Glass, tiles, grout, silicone and pool glass fencing. EziClean North East Victoria. Call Tom: 0438 131 065
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com
TOM'S RURAL TREE SERVICES
Obligation Free quotes, all tree services provided plus Crane work and aerial rescue/retrieval. www.tomsruraltree services.com.au or call 0481 285 576.
ALPINE RESPONSIBILITY CODE
Respect Gets Respect
Regardless of how you enjoy your snow sport, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are inherent risks in all snow recreational activities that common sense, protective equipment and personal awareness can reduce. These risks include rapid changes in the weather, visibility and surface conditions, as well as natural and artificial hazards such as rocks, trees, stumps, vehicles, lift towers, snow fences and snowmaking equipment.
Observe the Code and Share with others the Responsibility for a great experience
1. Know your ability and always stay in control and be able to stop and avoid other people or objects. It is your responsibility to stay in control on the ground and in the air.
2. Take lessons from professional instructors to learn and progress.
3. Use appropriate protective equipment to minimise the risk of injury.
4. Before using any lift you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
5. Observe and obey all signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails or runs.
6. Give way to people below and beside you on the hill. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
7. Do not stop where you are not clearly visible from above. Look uphill and give way to others when entering/exiting a trail or starting downhill.
8. Always ensure your equipment is in good condition and use suitable restraining devices to avoid runaway skiing/boarding equipment, even when riding chairlifts.
9. Do not ski, board, ride a lift or undertake any other alpine activity if your ability is impaired by drugs or alcohol.
10. If you are involved in, or witness an accident or collision, alert Ski Patrol, remain at the scene and identify yourself to the Ski Patrol.
Know the code. It’s your responsibility. Failure to observe the code may result in cancellation of your ticket or pass by ski patrol or other authorised personnel.
Respect gets respect - from the lift line, to the slopes, through the park and the resort.
VILLAGE DIRECTORY
WHAT'S ON IN 2026
JUN 13, 20, 27 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Ave. All welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeauty@ parkrun.com
JUN 13, 20, 27 The Man Walk - Bicentennial Park 10am Saturdays, 3km easy walk around the pondage, for anybody that would love a walk and a chat. https://themanwalk.com.au/
JUN 13 TDFNL Rd 10: Dederang Mount Beauty V Thurgoona at Dederang
JUN 20 TDFNL Rd 11: Beechworth V Dederang Mount Beauty
JUN 26 Start Victorian School Holidays
JUN 27 TDFNL Rd 12: Mitta United V Dederang Mount Beauty
JUL 2 Falls Creek Fireworks Display. 7pm. Village Bowl
JUL 3 Start South Australian School Holidays
JUL 4 TDFNL Rd 13: Dederang Mount Beauty V Yackandandah at Dederang
JUL 4 Falls Creek Race Club Fundraising Auction Night. Nelse Lodge. Check the FB site
JUL 10 Rossignol Cup and Cranky Charlie Cup. NASTAR Race Course
JUL 11 High Plains Tour F 11am Nordic Bowl. Len Budge 0417 352 845
JUL 12 Birkebeiner Classic C 10am Nordic Bowl. Emily Harvey 0428 364 590
JUL 13 Victorian Schools Term Three commences
JUL 18 TDFNL Rd 14: Rutherglen V Dederang Mount Beauty
JUL 24 Wombats Rambler Nigh Race down Wombats Ramble under lights For further details on coming events, go to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/
