Well the season is truly in full swing now. Our pre-season preparation has held us in good stead as the weeks become busier with more of our members joining us a Falls Creek to find freedom on snow.
Again, we enjoyed a great group of members joining us in the DWA hub as they begin or continue their snow sports journeys. The Woods family shows us all again how the Disabled Wintersport Australia programs can build so many opportunities for families to enjoy their snow sports together. In this case Bridge was out each day of the week with Dad as her qualified and trained guide. It was magic to see them moving around the Sun Valley slopes and to see the excitement in all of their faces as each exhilarating run was completed.
Independent sit skier Criag joined us and you may have seen him on his dual sit ski making tracks all across the mountain as he worked on developing his technique and continues his
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
A Resort Entry Vehicle Permit is required for your vehicle when entering the resort between Friday 6th June and Sunday 5th October 2025. The entrance to the resort is at Howman’s Gap, approximately 4km below the village. Permits can be pre-purchased and printed at home prior to arriving at the resort, or purchased at the resort entrance ticket office. The day rate is $67 if you purchase your entry permit on-line. There is no extra charge for printing Resort Entry Permits at the Howman’s Gap Ticket Box. If arriving after 5pm and departing the resort prior to midnight on the same day, resort entry is free!
Season Entry Permits are available for purchase in line and can be collected at Howman’s Gap Ticket Office or the Visitor Information Centre.
Prices: Normal Season: $617. Over 65’s: $495. All Resorts: $959
Resort Entry Fees fund the essential services of:
• Ski Patrol • Car Parking
• Water Supply • Snow Clearing
• Waste Management • Visitor Information Services
Pre-purchasing Resort Entry Tickets and printing at home makes it faster and easier for you to get in to the resort.
Visitor Information Centre
The Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre is located upstairs in the Falls Creek Alpine Resort office, on the corner of Slalom Street and Snowgums Lane. Open Daily from 8am – 5pm for visitor information & gym memberships. Ph: 03 5758 1200. Map Ref: E4
Accommodation Transfer Service (ATS)
Operating from the Terminal Building on 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 pre-purchased online or at the ATS terminal.
Hours of Operation: Saturday – Thursday: 8am – 10pm Fridays: 8am – 12 midnight
skills development. Great to see Craig back in the ski after a big old crash in Japan that had him off snow for a little while. We may see him back before the end of the season.
Emma and her partner also joined us in the hub, running some laps and catching up with Falls Creek community.
Craig and his mum and dad came down from NSW to enjoy some quality Victorian hospitality and a typically Falls Creek experience with amazing snow and great runs for the family. Our guides again showed us how Neurodiversity should not be a hindrance to a great family experience and how the DWA services can offer families a way for all to enjoy their time here. Graig is a cracking bloke and
Contact Falls Creek Alpine Resort via: Em: info.fallscreek@alpneresorts.vic.gov.au or Ph: 03 5758 1200
the DWA team loved spending their days racing around the resort with him, sharing conversation, laughs and great riding.
We also enjoyed our snow time with Will and his family from Victoria. The time in our morning session seemed to fly by with Will as he mastered his speed control and turning, scooting down Wombats Ramble with Dad and family friends in tow. The tree runs off the side of Wombats were a particular favourite, as more and more technique was added to the experience. Will moved on quickly to master Drovers Dream before again tackling some more diverse terrain options.
During our session later in the week, we experienced some change in motivation and as we often see, a circuit breaker may need to be employed to build on a snow experience. In this case. our DWA team was able to deploy a sit ski for Will to regain his mojo and also get to experience more of the Falls Creek terrain.
Falls Creek Fridays
This week was a cracking good Friday with our afternoon session filled with new experiences for our team. From visiting guests taking in some guide training and newly signed off primary guides practising on more difficult terrain to our massive Friday night raffle at Powderkeg, it had it all. Some spills and thrills gave the on snow practice a real edge, while the raffle night, Sit ski experience auction and chook raffle were all-time highs, raising valuable funds to enhance our Hub and DWA programs.
Only a few more Fridays to go so don’t miss out. Powderkeg between 4:30 and 6pm.
The DWA Falls Creek Auction – Save the Date.
Final touches are being put on the DWA Falls Creek Auction. Mark your diary now for August 30 at 6pm at Powderkeg.
This promises to be a great night with a massive array of items to be snapped up during the online auction which will be followed by real time bidding live.
This is our one big fundraiser for the year and will be a great night. See Zac or Paul if you like to donate a prize for the raffle.
Get Involved
We are often asked how to get involved with DWA. Our final guide training course for new guides this year is planned for 6/7 of September. Reach out fast if you are keen to join.
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 .
If you'd like to donate to a great cause head to www.disabledwintersport.com.au/donateto-dwa
Ican’t remember anyone's name. Faces I’m good with, but if I had to stake my life on remembering your name I’d be dead. I regularly call my son by our dog Spot’s name, which is mortifying for both of us for more reasons than I have space to write about, as well as his father’s name. It’s not just because I’m middle aged. It’s a family trait. My Dad calls it his forgettory and, as a woman with three sisters, I’m used to Dad calling me by every other female family member's name before he gets to mine. My social life moving forward is looking dodgy as hell if people expect me to remember their names while in conversation with them.
In my perfect world, everyone would wear name tags. It solves so many problems!
I’ve always loved a uniform, but it can’t be ignored that one of the reasons for this love is because uniforms almost always come
with name tags. It doesn’t matter if you can’t remember someone's name due to a temporary brain malfunction when you can snap a quick gaze at their name tag and
carry on with the conversation as if you knew their name all along.
I’d like to present an argument for name tags to be compulsory outside of the workplace. Have you ever been to a conference (another situation that helpfully supplies name tags) and forgotten to take off your name tag at the end of the day? Happens to me all the time, and every time it results in people behaving nicely. There is something about seeing a stranger's name, in this age of social media trolls who lurk in the shadows of cyberspace, that can make people nicer. Not always - there will always be a…holes waiting to rain misery on others for their own edification - but more often than not.
I’m not the first to suggest that name tags be compulsory. In the TV show Seinfeld, Elaine suggests that if she ran for mayor, she'd make everyone wear name tags all the time as they make people friendlier (Season 5, Episode 7).
In an article which I adore because I wholeheartedly agree with it called “Name Tags Can Change the World,” Joe Burgum tells us about how at the age of 15 years old, he climbed onto a bus for his first volunteering trip and was instantly greeted by the faces of 40 strangers. The first thing he thought was, “How am I going to remember everyone’s name?” He started wearing a name tag my sophomore year of high school. At the time,
he was doing a lot of volunteering and it made sense for him to wear a name tag. Over the years, it has become a part of who he is; people have come to expect that he wears a name tag.
But what’s the benefit of joining my social name tag revolution?
Relationships - Names are building blocks of relationships and community. By wearing a name tag, you empower the people around you to interact with you and use your name. Forgetting someone's name is no reason not to start a conversation, but is often the excuse. With name tags, there is no risk of that awkward moment.
Joy - There is nothing quite like holding the door for a person and for them to be able to say, “Thank you, Joe.” The intimacy of knowing someone’s name is one of the purest interactions we can have with each other. By being able to use someone’s name, the interaction becomes that much more powerful.
Ice Breaker - Wearing a name tag is a great ice-breaker in all situations: business gatherings, house parties, formals, work, travel and the list goes on. Wearing a name tag in situations where no one else is wearing one tends to be unusual enough that people will often ask why (which is a conversation starter in itself, a great one as it’s an open ended question?).
When we know someone’s name we are given a key to that individual. Their name is their identity (mangled Sneakers reference anyone?). It’s how we remember people. If everyone we interacted with literally had a name to their face, I feel that we would all gain a new level of empathy for others.
If it’s one thing this world could use, it’s more empathy and kindness. •
Thankyou, Nyree
Mount Beauty Football Club season 2025 finished strong in July, with consistent training and Gala days across the Alpine Valleys. Over 72 players took to the pitch this year across six age groups, and for the first time, an under 12’s squad. The commitment of all players and the ensuing skill progression through the age groups was commendable.
The introduction of an under 12’s squad has been a significant milestone for MBFC allowing the club to grow and for players to progress further with a strong focus on skills development, tactics and match preparation. The club now stands as the only team-based sport in the valley for this age group without entry requirements. It continues to foster an environment of respect and support for all
• Open 7 Days • 11am to around 9pma For Dine In or Take Away Phone Orders and Bookings recommended!
for Take Away
with Take Away Food Sales*
players, regardless of background or ability. MBFC operates due to the steady and generous efforts of parents, coaches, volunteers, and committee members who contribute significant time and work to the club - contributions whose importance to both the club and the community is impossible to overstate. The club’s values of inclusivity, respect, commitment and quiet leadership were exemplified in this effort, and
personified by Archie Fraser (U11) who won the Charles Oakley Award for consistently and reliably upholding these values.
In closing the season we acknowledge the impact of Jarrod Paine’s involvement in the club as outgoing president of six years. In 2018, the club had just 16 registered players and was at risk of closure. Thanks to Jarrod’s forward thinking leadership as president, MBFC experienced substantial growth and built strong relationships with Football Victoria, Alpine Shire, and the football clubs in Bright, Yackandandah, Myrtleford, and Mansfield. Jarrod has been instrumental in maintaining the integrity and inclusivity of the club, and we look forward to carrying this forward into 2026 and the seasons to come.
MBFC will recommence training and Gala’s in Autumn 2026 and welcomes new players of all abilities.
Mount Beauty Football Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we play. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be present in the region. • Dan Florisson
On behalf of the Organising Committee it is a great pleasure to welcome all participants and supporters to Falls Creek for the 2025 Kangaroo Hoppet. As I write this in the evening of 11 August to meet a print deadline, skiers from 22 other nations have already entered – so once again the resort will really be living up to the tagline ‘Hoppet Saturday – When the World Comes to Falls Creek’.
Regardless of whether you have travelled from around the corner or around the world to be with us I hope that you all enjoy the warm hospitality and atmosphere that the Hoppet, with a lot of help from our partners and supporters in the local communities, manages to deliver each year to our skiing friends from around the world at Falls Creek.
On behalf of Alpine Resorts Victoria, the stakeholders, community and resort users, I extend a very warm welcome to the 2025 Kangaroo Hoppet athletes, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and guests.
Falls Creek Alpine Resort is blessed with terrain that allows 65km’s of cross country trails. As such, being able to host the Worldloppet Kangaroo Hoppet is a privilege and provides such a great opportunity to showcase Falls Creek to a national and international audience.
The Kangaroo Hoppet is the largest snow sport event in the southern hemisphere. Its longevity and success are testament to the organising committee, race committee, volunteers and sponsors. After two tough years where the Hoppet was unable to be run due to unsuitable conditions, it is fantastic to have the event back up and running for 2025.
While welcoming skiers and friends to the event, I would like also take the liberty of speaking on your behalf to acknowledge and thank the groups without whom there would not be an event – beginning with our three major sponsors and partners AGL, Falls Creek Alpine Resort and the Mount Beauty & District Community Bank, and moving on to the Falls Creek cross country grooming team, without whom there would not be a course to ski on.
Finally, to leave the best to last, a HUGE THANKS to the members of our organising committees, our race office staff, the team from Alpine Timing and the small army of volunteers from the local and cross country skiing communities who are the backbone of our operations - with special mention of Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, the Rotary Club of Mount Beauty and Falls Creek SES.
Allan Marsland Chairman Kangaroo Hoppet
The start of the Kangaroo Hoppet is always a salubrious affair, with a fabulous mix of international athletes competing among our home grown talent. Pic – Ken Bell
It is truly an inclusive day of cross country skiing, with the three events on offer – Kangaroo Hoppet, 21km Australian Birkbeiner and 7 km Joey Hoppet –providing opportunities for all levels of ability.
We wish everyone involved all the very best for a great event!
Amber Gardner Chief Executive Officer
Alpine Resorts Victoria •
KANGAROO HOPPET RACE OFFICE & BIB COLLECTION
Located next to the Visitor Information Centre on the left as you approach Mt Beauty.
OPENING HOURS
Saturday 16th 2pm – 6pm
Sunday 17th 2pm – 6pm
Thursday 21st 2pm – 6pm
Friday 22nd 10am – 11pm
Sat 23rd 6.30am – 8.30am 2pm – 6pm
Sunday 24th 9am – 3pm
This is your One Stop Hoppet Shop where you can:
• Collect race numbers.
• Check out the range of Hoppet clothing and souvenir items and the Hoppet Dozen featuring wines from the King Valley and Alpine Valleys wine regions.
• Purchase a Worldloppet Passport.
• Enter the race. Late entries accepted until 4 pm Friday 22nd August.
• Catch up with friends and check out who is here this year.
Friday 22 August
4.00 pm Worldloppet Masters & Passport Holders Reception
Venue: Mount Beauty Senior Centre, 12 Hollonds St, Mount Beauty
Please note, we will not be providing a shuttle from Falls Creek. If you have a car and would like to carpool or you don't have a car and would like to find a ride, please email info@hoppet.com.au, and we will attempt to put people together.
Enquiries call Bruce Wharrie 0459 704 464
Saturday 23rd August 2025
Falls Creek Nordic Bowl
9:30am Kangaroo Hoppet 42km
9:40am Australian Birkebeiner 21km
9:50am Joey Hoppet 7km
Flower Ceremony Presentations
11:45am Hoppet Finish Area Podium places for all events
AGL Scholarships
And when you come back down off the mountain and need a meal or just somewhere to hang out over a drink or snack, there are a number of choices, including:
Mountain Monk Brewery, Rocky Valley Ski Centre, Mount Beauty Bakery, Crank Handle Brewery, Ziggi’s, Treats, Settlers Tavern, Grass Valley Restaurant, Swiss & Chips, Bombay Velvet and Mountain Creek Lodge out in Tawonga.
Post Race Social Evening and Awards Presentation
Brewers Lounge, Mountain Monk Brewery, Lakeside Avenue, Mount Beauty
Parking via Tailrace Road or behind the stadium in Pool Road.
Bistro meals available from 5.30pm. Bookings strongly recommended.
Presentations start at 7:30pm
7:30 Top 10 42km Kangaroo Hoppet
7:40 Top three 21km Birkebeiner
7:45 Top three 7km Joey Hoppet
7:50 AGL Athlete Scholarships
7:55 42km, 21km, 7km Age Class winners
8:10 Worldloppet Masters
8:15 Fischer Spot Prizes
Sunday 24th August
Appreciate Your Achievement!
Hoppet Race Office in the Auditorium at the Mount Beauty Information Centre.
• Check results.
• Last chance for Hoppet shopping.
Relax with friends over a coffee and brunch at your choice of The Bakery, Grass Valley, Rocky Valley Snowsports, Lilli Pilli, and the Little Coffee Van outside Settlers Tavern. •
The Kangaroo Hoppet is part of the Worldloppet series of 19 long distance ski races spread across five continents. Skiers can purchase a special Worldloppet Passport which has a page for each race in the series. When you have a stamp from ten different races you are entitled to receive a Worldloppet Master medal. However, there is a condition that at least one stamp must be
The Hoppet Dozen, available only from the Kangaroo Hoppet Race Office in Mount Beauty, provides a unique chance to sample wines from three of our local north east Victorian wineries.
The number of grape varieties grown in the Kiewa, Ovens and King Valleys means that getting a range of wines in the mix is never a challenge, the hardest part is deciding what to leave out. This year we have two wine varieties making their first appearance in the Hoppet Dozen. From Sam Miranda we have a Saperavi in the reds and from Gapsted a White Shiraz. Saperavi is one of the oldest grape varieties, originating in Georgia, where they have been making wine for 8000 years. The first thing you will notice when pouring a glass of Saperavi is the incredible colour. Unlike most red wines, where the colour comes from the skin, the colour in Saperavi grapes extends through the flesh of the grape resulting in the intense colour. Which leads us on to the White Shiraz from Gapsted which is made by removing the grapeskin from the juice immediately after crushing.
from an event outside Europe, which makes a summer trip from the northern hemisphere to winter in the Australia a nice idea, with the bonus of also travelling on to New Zealand for the Merino Muster and picking up a second stamp, and starting this year, a special Antipodean Medal will be awarded to skiers who complete the Hoppet and the Muster in the same year.
For an increasing number of skiers one Worldloppet Master medal is not enough, so why not get another passport and get a
Beautifully packed in six bottle presentation packs of either reds or whites, and priced at just $95 for six bottles, the Hoppet Dozen is a unique opportunity to broaden your north east wine experience. And they also make a very nice Xmas gift – if you can keep them for that long. A word of advice, don’t leave it until too late on Sunday to do your Hoppet Dozen shopping – the ‘sold out’ sign went up at about 10.30 last year.
White Wines
Sam Miranda Wines. Snow Road, Oxley.
NV Prosecco
2024 Arneis
NV Biano (a blend of Pinot Grigio, Verduzzo, Arneis and Gruner Vetliner) Gapsted Estate.
Great Alpine Road, Gapsted.
2023 High Country Chardonnay
2022 Alpine Road White Shiraz Ceccanti Kiewa Valley Wines.
Bay Creek Lane, Mongans Bridge. 2021 Reisling
second medal. A word of warning, this can become slightly addictive. Taking part in this year’s Hoppet from overseas will be Robert Palliser (CAN) 29 medals; Josef Kral and Ivana Kralova (CZE) 24 medals; Jay Weiner (USA) 19 medals and Minoru Matsuyama (JAP) 16 medals. Leading the field from Australia are Marg Hayes 12 medals and Jim Finnie 8 medals. •
Sam Miranda Wines. Snow Road, Oxley.
2018 Sangiovese Barbera
2024 Sam Miranda Saperavi
2022 Super King (Cabernet / Sangiovese) Gapsted Wines.
Great Alpine Road, Gapsted.
2023 High Country Tempranillo
2022 Valley Selection Cabernet Ceccanti Kiewa Valley Wines.
Bay Creek Lane, Mongans Bridge.
2019 Merlot
Even if you can’t make it to the Hoppet Office during Hoppet Week, there is no excuse not to drop in on one of these cellar doors to try out the wines on offer and take some home to share with friends. And for those of you who don’t drive home along the Snow Road, you can always stop by the Mount Beauty Supermarket which has a great range of wines from all three wineries, but no tasting! •
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.
open 7 days from 10am to
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. •
Sunday to Thursday: 10am - 9pm Friday & Saturday: 10am - 10pm
5 Hollonds St, MOUNT BEAUTY Ph: 0434 691 864
& Fri: 4pm – 10pm
3:30pm – 10pm
3:30pm – 9pm
It was a big week at Falls Creek with some of the most-loved community events taking place and the excitement continuing to build as the Kangaroo Hoppet draws closer. The weather has been fantastic, with plenty of bluebird days and fast tracks, just don’t forget your sunscreen. With a full calendar of activities and some of the best skiing of the season still ahead, it has been the perfect time to make the most of it.
NE Schools Laser Biathlon Relays
On Friday 8th August, 44 students from The Scots School Albury, Trinity Anglican College, Albury High School and Catholic College Wodonga took part in the Northeast Victorian Laser Biathlon Relays in the Nordic Bowl. The event was organised by Telemark
Slip on in to
'
The new coffee window and express take away!
• Fresh cakes & slices daily
• Ham/cheese/tomato toasties
• Wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce
• Home-made dumplings
• Specials - gravy beef/ pork rolls
• Fresh Sushi
• Lasagne- pre-cooked and only need to heat
Check Insta page for specials
Merchant Coffee Roaster – House Party Blend
HALLEY’S HOLE | 11 Slalom Street
50 metres up from Halley’s Comet
Nordic Ski Club and the Sporting Shooters Association Australia (SSAA) Biathlon Wodonga, following an introduction to crosscountry skiing run by club members.
A perfect bluebird day set the scene for seven relay events, with both beginner and experienced skiers embracing the fun competition. A big thank you goes to Falls Creek and the groomers for creating additional classic tracks and a competition loop around the perimeter of the Nordic Bowl.
In the results, Albury High School took the win in the Boys Relay ahead of The Scots School in second and third. The Scots School also claimed first and second in the Girls Relay, with Trinity Anglican College in third. Trinity Anglican College dominated the Mixed Relays, taking first and third, with Catholic College Wodonga in second. •
Ski de Femme Turns 30 – A Milestone Celebration
Saturday 9 August saw over 220 women take to the snow for the 30th anniversary of Ski de Femme, and the weather could not have been better. Blue skies, smiling faces and a celebratory atmosphere set the tone for this iconic event.
Ski de Femme is a much-loved part of the winter calendar, offering women of all ages and abilities the chance to try crosscountry skiing in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The day began with a free ski lesson before participants took on fun freestyle races over 1 km, 2.5 km or 5 km. Afterwards,
8am – 7pm Daily
Extensive grocery range • Bottle shop: beer, wine, spirits • Fresh fruit and vegetables • Hot pies and sausage rolls
• Heat and eat meals
• Phone re-charge
• ATM
• Newspapers and magazines
Located in Slalom day carpark at the bottom of Halley’s Comet Chairlift. Phone: 5758 3009 For pick and pack deliveries please visit https://mountbeauty.myfoodworks.com.au/
everyone enjoyed a generous spread of homebaked treats, great spot prizes and plenty of time to connect on and off the trails.
A big thank you goes to all the volunteers, organisers and supporters who made the 30th Ski de Femme possible. •
Rocky Valley Rush and Sun Valley Ramble On Sunday 10 August, the focus shifted to the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club’s Rocky Valley Rush and Sun Valley Ramble. Perfect conditions greeted skiers tackling the freestyle course options of 22.5 km, 15 km and 7.5 km. Winding through Sun Valley giving the races a taste of what’s to come at the Kangaroo Hoppet.
In the Rocky Valley Rush 22.5 km, Lauro Brändli claimed the men’s win in 50:13, with Ross Hamilton second in 57:15 and Daniel van der Ploeg close behind in 57:40. In the women’s field, Kerryn Rim took the victory in 1:09:43 ahead of Marion Baines in 1:37:42. The 15 km race saw Harri Silvester take the men’s title in 35:56, followed by Jacob Huseby in 39:46 and Anthony Brewergray in 50:39. In the women’s race, Maddie Hooker posted a strong 36:23 for the win, ahead of Hannah Price in 37:26 and Hannah Gray in 42:22. • Coming Up – National Championships Weekend
Get ready for a huge weekend of racing at Falls Creek. On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, the trails will come alive for the Australian Open and Junior Sprint Championships (Classic) and the Australian Open, Junior and Masters Championships (Freestyle). Australia’s fastest cross-country skiers, including national team athletes, will go head-to-head for national titles in a showcase of speed, endurance and tactics. Whether you are a die-hard ski fan or a first-time spectator, this is your chance to see elite racing up close
management with X-ray facilities,
and
Bogong High Plains Rd At the base of the Gully chairlift – between Gebi’s Apartments and Falls Creek Country Club. 9am to 5pm, Seven Days a week! Walk in, no appointment needed.
HOURS – On Call 5pm to 9am Contact: 03 5758 3238
This winter, seven very special Ganggang Cockatoos completed an extraordinary journey back to the Alpine Village of Falls Creek after many weeks of care and rehabilitation.
Each of these endangered birds was rescued at different times over the season, found grounded in the snow, often after strong cold fronts, too weak to fly. Their survival was made possible by a dedicated network of community members and wildlife carers, including the Falls Creek community, Deb Howie, Whitney Webster Cook, Jo Mitlehner and Erin Whitford, whose tireless work ensured their arrival home.
Why Didn’t They Leave the
In past years, Gang-gangs have usually moved down into lower valleys before heavy snow arrives in June. This winter, however, many stayed in the alpine environment well into the snow season.
At first, it was thought the early snowfalls caught them by surprise, preventing their migration. However it was Campbell Ford who noticed an unusual event: the snow gums had flowered twice due to an extended autumn. This rare second bloom provided a steady food source, encouraging the birds to stay longer than usual.
Unfortunately, it was the juveniles, hatched in late summer, that were most at risk. Lacking the fat reserves and experience of older birds, they were unable to cope when the cold fronts hit, leading to the rescues.
A Growing Conservation Concern
The Gang-gang Cockatoo is now officially listed as endangered, with numbers continuing to decline. The threats are many: loss of tree hollows, the effects of climate change, and the devastating impact of the 2019–2020 bushfires, which destroyed vast areas of breeding habitat.
The events at Falls Creek this year underline how changing weather patterns can influence wildlife behaviour in ways that put them at further risk.
The rescued Gang-gangs were cared for by experienced rehabilitator Erin Whitford, who works closely with Jo Mitlehner at Staghorn Wildlife Shelter, a sub group of the Kiewa Catchment Landcare Group.
Erin’s approach focuses on keeping the birds calm, providing the right gum nuts in large quantities, along with almonds, walnuts and corn. To minimise stress, the birds were not handled or weighed daily. Instead, their progress was monitored by how much they ate and their general activity.
Only two juveniles required extra feeding
with porridge for a few days. The others were strong enough to recover naturally with shelter, warmth and the right food.
The successful release of all seven Ganggangs back to Falls Creek was the result of collaboration between dedicated wildlife carers and an observant, engaged community. These efforts highlight not only the resilience of the birds themselves but also the power of local action in protecting our native wildlife.
A big thank you to the many members of Falls Creek Primary School who joined us for the release.
The experience this year has provided valuable insight into how seasonal changes, particularly unusual plant flowering patterns, can affect the survival of endangered species.
Continued monitoring and community vigilance will be essential in ensuring these remarkable cockatoos remain part of the High Country’s natural heritage for generations to come. •
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.
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.
Located in the tightly held Village Hub complex, Apartment One is a rare opportunity to secure an unmanaged generously sized alpine property. Measuring approximately 188.3sqm and sleeping up to 12 guests, this three bedroom, two bathroom apartment is listed for $1,500,000, walk-in, walk-out.
Bathed in natural light throughout the day, the apartment showcases sweeping views across the International ski area and the majestic Spion Kopje mountain range. The expansive open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area comfortably accommodates large groups,
flowing seamlessly onto a private balcony, perfect for apres-ski relaxation.
The well-appointed bedrooms include a mix of queen beds and built-in bunks, ideal for family and group stays. Practicality is also a highlight, easy access to the property, with huge long entrance way for ski/snowboard storage, a dedicated laundry, two drying rooms, and an oversized storage area, great for those looking to capitalise on the holiday rental demand. Originally designed as a two bedroom, the
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
apartment combined with the spacious studio apartment and was reconfigured to offer a massive single level three bedroom layout. However, the former studio retains independent access and facilities, providing flexibility to either rent it separately or keep it as a private owner's retreat.
With reasonable body corporate fees for a property this large and a Long head lease until 2060, the Village Hub offers great ski in, ski out access to Gully Chair and International Poma and has a dedicated ski/snowboard hire & retail shop on the top level and is withing easy walking distance to quality local restaurants.
Over the last decade, much work has gone
Ed 11 * 22.08.25 * Australia’s Worldloppet event, the Kangaroo Hoppet, the Birkebeiner and the Joey Hoppet
Ed 12 * 29.08.25 * Kangaroo Hoppet Wrap. Mike & Mim’s Three Day Programs. Summit masters Ed 13 * 05.09.25 * Summit Masters; Retro Weekend. Father’s Day Mini Pipe Masters
Ed 14 * 12.09.25 * Oakley Freestyle Series Banked Slalom and The Dreamer
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 wide) = $16.00 per cm. 4cp = $21.00 per cm.
• 2 column (12.5cm wide) = $26.00 per
CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when you sell.
BUSINESS DIR.: • $6.90 per line per Edition.
DEADLINE: • Friday 2.00pm prior to publication date
CONTRACT: • A Winter Season Contract is available for advertising in all 16 editions of the winter season offering a 15% discount – invoiced four editions in advance.
into developing and securing summer trade. The resort now boasts in excess of 40km of mountain bike trails (with more planned) –with most being accessed from Slalom Plaza. 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 Ignition – the launch of the mountain bike season;
the Alpine Challenge; the Mile High Dragon Boats; Feastival, the regional Longest Lunch; the Bicycle Network Peaks Challenge Falls Creek; the Easter Festival as well as regular mountain bike shuttles.
Whether you're seeking a comfortable family getaway, a flexible investment, or both ? Apartment One in The Village Hub delivers on space, location, and lifestyle.
For further information or to arrange an inspection, contact Christa Smit on 0402 277 808 or email christa@zirkyrealestate.com.au. •
WHERE 2D Tawonga Crescent.
WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays.
HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments
WHO Doctors: Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delanay, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cusson, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson and Jacinta O’Neil. Your local practice
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) FOR SALE BY OWNER
Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent Condition. $200 or best offer. No longer needed – got married – wife knows everything. Mb: 0400 350 488
JUST FOR LAUGHS
A chicken and an egg got into bed for a passionate love-making session. After an indecently short period, the chicken rolls over and lights a cigarette! The egg huffs “Well I guess we’ve answered that question!”
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.
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 43 years of service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.
CONTACT Ph: 03 5754 3400
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 5754 3400. 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.
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
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.
CAR DETAILING
Give Steve a call in Tawonga South. Ph: 0423 499 086.
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
CIVIL CELEBRANT – HEATHER MULL
Quality Ceremonies – All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125.
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.
Natalie Raymond, Birds Nest Salon, 26 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty. Open Six days a week and evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.
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
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.
Open 5pm Daily for Food & Drinks
Chicken Wings Plate - 8, 25 and 75 Meat Platters
Brisket, Lamb or Pork… freshly cooked in our smoker
Crusty Bread Roll with Smoked Meat of the day
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.
Substantial Bar Snacks 5pm – 9pm
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Sweet Potato Fries / Beer Battered Potato Chips Corn Ribs
Sprouts, Onion and Bacon
Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli Florets
AUG 16, 23, 30 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Ave. All welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeauty@parkrun. com
AUG 16 Oakley Freestyle Series – Storm the Park Slopestyle. Panorama Park from 9am
AUG 16 TDFNL Rd 18: Thurgoona V Dederang Mount Beauty
AUG 16 Aus Open & Junior Sprint Champs. 9:30am Nordic Bowl. Emily Harvey Mb: 0428 364 590
AUG 17 Aus Open, Junior & Masters Champs. 10am Nordic Bowl. Emily Harvey Mb: 0428 364 590
AUG 23 9:30am: Kangaroo Hoppet, 42km. 9:40am: Birkebeiner, 25km. 9:50am: Joey Hoppet, 7km. https://www.hoppet.com.au/
AUG 23 TDFNL Qualifying Final. Sandy Creek
AUG 24 TDFNL Elimination Final. Sandy Creek
AUG 28 Rudi Pendl Cup GS Race on the Summit –honouring a much loved resident. From 12noon. https://www.skifalls.com.au/whats-on/events/ racing-series/rudi-pendl-cup
AUG 29 Start Mim’s three day women’s program and Mike’s three day men’s program.
SEP 6 & 7 Summit Masters – Two days of GS and Bumps on the Summit. https://www.skifalls.com.au/whatson/events/racing-series/summit-masters
SEP 7 Father’s Day Junior Mini Pipe Masters presented by Burton. Highway 83, 10am – 12noon For further details on coming events, go to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/
