Falls Creek Primary School has begun work on its Nature Playground Project, an exciting initiative that will transform the school’s outdoor area into a vibrant, nature-based learning and play space - proudly supported by the AGL Hydro Community Grant Program.
Teaching Principal, James Eggleston, said the project represents a next step forward in creating an environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and connection to the alpine landscape.
“We’re thrilled to begin the first steps on our new Nature Playground space. This project is about creating a space where children can
Live and work in the heart of Falls Creek, at one of the resort’s founding club lodges, Myrtleford Ski Club. The Lodge Manager position is available for the 2025/26 summer and/or winter 2026 season.
This contract position to manage a 38-bed lodge is ideally suited to a couple (individuals are also invited to enquire). It requires a love of Alpine life, energy and excellent communication, organisation and people skills. Prior experience in a similar position, venue management and knowledge of the resort is preferred.
Ensuite accommodation and attractive remuneration is offered and flexibility for additional employment may be negotiated.
Responsibilities include:
Guest services - fostering a welcoming communal lodge atmosphere, ensuring members/ guests complete their allocated duties before departure, overseeing adherence to Club Constitution, Standing Rules and policies, providing resort knowledge
Management of the day-to-day operation and presentation of the Lodge – including cleaning, laundry, maintenance, and stock levels
Bookings management – reservations including payments and refunds, optimising occupancy
Communication – timely and professional interaction with members, guests and external stakeholders, monthly reports to Committee, in-resort representation of the Club
Membership Subscription – managing invoicing and payments, maintaining member data and confidentiality
Proof of the following is also required: Working with Children Check, First Aid Certification, valid driver’s license and National Police Check. Applicants will be required to provide 3 referees.
This is a fantastic hands-on and unique role. We look forward to hearing from you. Send your application, including cover letter and CV to myrtsec@gmail.com.
Applications close Friday 14 November 2025.
explore, learn, and play in a way that reflects our beautiful natural surroundings,” Mr Eggleston said.
“The support from AGL Hydro has been instrumental in helping us bring this vision to life. It’s a collaborative, community effort that celebrates sustainability, creativity, and connection.”
The new playground has been designed by local landscape designer Millicent Gunner, and will feature a range of natural and interactive elements designed to encourage imaginative play, environmental learning, and community gathering. Features will include a yarning circle with a central table and firepit for shared storytelling and outdoor learning, a dry creek bed, sandpit, timber climbing frame, and boulders and log edging for climbing, balance, and seating. These features will create a tactile and dynamic environment where students can connect with nature while building social and physical skills.
promoting environmental awareness and cultural learning, while the mural will provide a creative and colourful expression of place, connection and belonging.
AGL Head of Hydro Stu McQuade said AGL is proud to support community projects that connect people with their environment.
As the project progresses, students will work alongside First Nations members, AGL’s environmental experts, and local artist Benii Squiggles to create a native garden and a community mural celebrating the region’s alpine environment and cultural identity. The garden will serve as a living classroom,
November at the Tavern!
Weddings • Parties • Anything
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Morning tea, brunch and lunch.
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Parmies, Fish Chips salad and Calamari. Google and Facebook
Bogong Jacks Tavern Ph: 0492 877 044
‘Come and enjoy the beautiful flowers!’
“Falls Creek Primary School’s Nature Playground Project is a fantastic example of what’s possible when schools, local experts, and communities come together. At AGL we are passionate about the role we can play in supporting community projects like this one. It’s creating something that will benefit students for years to come, while strengthening local connections and environmental awareness.”
Principal James Eggleston also acknowledged the many contributors whose expertise and enthusiasm have made the project possible.
“This project wouldn’t be possible without the support and guidance of our students, School Council, Falls Creek Alpine Resort, the Victorian School Building Authority, landscape designer Millicent Gunner, and our Koorie Education Support Officer, Tammy Campbell. Their involvement has ensured that the design reflects our values of inclusion, sustainability, and respect for Country.”
The Nature Playground Project is on track to be completed by the end of the school year, with a community launch and celebration planned for December. The event will mark the official opening of the new playground and acknowledge the generous contributions of AGL Hydro, community volunteers, and local partners who helped make the project a reality. •
Check
Local trail enthusiasts Niknok and Zac are turning their shared passion for running, nature, and community into something truly exciting - FOMO Trails, a brand-new adventure events company built to bring runners of all abilities together on some of Australia’s most beautiful and challenging trails.
What started as two mates chasing sunrise runs and exploring the Aussie wilderness has evolved into something bigger. Over the years, Niknok and Zac have built a reputation for pushing limits, inspiring others, and creating connections through the sports they love. With FOMO Trails, they’re taking that spirit and giving it a home - a place where everyone, from first-time trail runners to seasoned ultramarathoners, can find challenge, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. The First Big Adventure: The Aussie Alpine Backyard Ultra
Kicking off this new chapter is their first official event, The Aussie Alpine Backyard Ultra. Set high in the stunning alpine country, this unique race format is equal parts endurance, strategy, and community. Runners have one simple rule: complete a 6.71 km loop every hour, on the hour - for as long as they can.
Each loop packs around 200 metres of elevation gain, offering a perfect mix of runnable trails and rewarding climbs. Far from a deterrent, that elevation - combined with the crisp mountain air and sweeping viewsmakes this one of the most exciting and scenic challenges on the circuit. Some are already calling it the ultimate test of backyard ultras in Australia, and possibly even the world.
“This event is about more than just running,” says Zac. “It’s about people surprising themselves, supporting each other, and experiencing the beauty of the High Country and the beauty of pushing past what they thought was possible.”
All Welcome - No FOMO Here
FOMO Trails isn’t just for elite athletes. Niknok and Zac want to make sure everyone feels welcome - whether you’re chasing a personal best, your first trail finish, or just a good story for Monday morning. The Aussie Alpine Backyard Ultra is as much about community as it is about competition. Spectators, families, and volunteers are all encouraged to come along and be part of the atmosphere.
Just the Beginning
And this is only the start. FOMO Trails has big plans brewing: more trail events, training camps, and coaching programs designed to help people grow, learn, and fall in love with the trails. “We want to build something lasting,” says Niknok. “A community that celebrates the adventure of running - in all its forms.”
So, whether you’re looking for your next challenge or someone just starting out, lace up your shoes and join the FOMO Trails journey. Because the only thing worse than a DNF...
To learn more or register for The Aussie Alpine Backyard Ultra, visit www.fomotrails. com or FB and IG @fomotrails. Subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on socials for updates on future events, coaching, and camps. •
Fresh faces behind a local favourite should be apparent if you’ve been down to Hydro Park on a sunny Saturday. You will also see just how special the Mount Beauty Market is, and now it’s got a brandnew crew behind it!
The newly formed Mount Beauty Market Inc. committee is made up of locals who love this community as much as you do. They’re keen to keep the market growing, bring in new stallholders, and make sure each event keeps that relaxed, friendly vibe we all enjoy. The next market is coming up on Saturday, 1 November from 9am until 1pm. With the Melbourne Cup long weekend set to bring plenty of visitors to town, it’s the perfect excuse to wander down, grab a coffee, and see what’s new.
If you’ve ever thought about having your own stall - whether it’s handmade crafts, garden goodies, baked treats or something totally different - now’s the time to jump in! The market team would love to have you. Get in touch at Em: mountbeautymarket@ gmail.com to find out more. In: @ mountbeautymarket. Fb: Mount Beauty Market. •
Ahuge thank you to all those who took part in the Clean Up Falls Creek Day on Thursday 23rd October. The teams from Vail Resorts, Falls Creek Alpine Resort, the Falls Creek Primary School, Falls Creek Early Learners Hub and community members
came together to collect an astounding amount of litter and rubbish from all around the village. Together, we managed to fill three Ute-loads with rubbish, taking it from our waterways, paths, buildings, tracks and trails and taking it to the waste transfer centre where it belongs.
The collective effort was celebrated with a good old fashioned sausage sizzle! Thank you to everyone who took the time to get involved and help us keep our alpine environment as pristine as possible! If you see some rubbish –don’t walk past it, pick it up and pop it in the bin! •
To all residents and visitors, please be reminded that as part of Falls Creek Alpine Resort’s Pest Predator Management Program, targeted cage trapping of feral cats will be conducted this week across the resort. Please see the key details below: Trapping Dates: 28 October – 3 November.
Location: Resort-wide, including areas of the village where feral cat activity has been observed.
Instructions for community members and stakeholders:
• Do not intentionally approach or interfere with the cages. These are checked regularly, and approaching may cause further distress to a trapped animal.
• Ensure that dogs remain on a leash at all times (except in designated off-leash areas as per dog registration conditions) to avoid interference with cages or trapped animals. Why this is important:
• Predation by feral cats is the single biggest threat to the survival of Victoria’s at-risk native wildlife.
• They pose a direct threat to the success of the recovery program for threatened species in the resort, such as the Mountain Pygmy-possum. Report sightings:
• To report any feral cat sightings across the resort, please call 03 5758 1200 or email info. fallscreek@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au. •
As we slide in to a comfortable spring and summer, we all look forward to getting out and enjoying the walking, the riding, the relaxing and the sun.
And while we love it and look forward to it, these is another little group of natives that also love to sun themselves! Serpentes – better known as common snakes and these amazing critters have been known to frighten the bejeesus out of many – as well as potentially doing damage to kids and pets.
To help deal with this, here is a list of local Snake Catchers you may be able to call upon as required.
Tom Nicholson (Bright) Mb: 0481 285 576
Michael Gibson (Bright) Mb: 0413 378 809
Michael Whipps (Mount Beauty) Mb: 0408 123 801
Jarrod Payne (Mount Beauty) Mb: 0408 126 990
If you’re seriously going bush, having a suitable first aid kit in your pocket would also be a good idea. Also, keep your eyes open and if you do spot a snake, try not to panic. Just move quietly away – and there is every chance, once disturbed, the snake will quietly wander off. •
Skiing on the Bogong High Plains grew in popularity in the early 1930’s. Access then for the enthusiasts was “…to catch the 8:35am train from Flinders Street to Bairnsdale. - ...car to Omeo, arriving at 9:15pm the same evening.” From Omeo, it was by car to Glen Wills or to Shannon Vale, where packhorses were used to reach the snow line. In 1945 the packhorse trip to Cope Hut would have cost 12 shillings and sixpence per skier. The initiation of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme was to change access. Plans for dams necessitated the construction of a road which was to follow the packhorse tails blazed by the Ropers - mountain cattlemen who held leases in Rocky Valley in the 1920s. By the early 1940’s, skiing had become a popular pastime for workers based at Bogong Village, then the administrative headquarters of the SEC Kiewa Hydro Scheme. Due to WWII, private vehicles were a rarity and petrol was rationed so enthusiasts had to walk and ski 20 kilometres to their skiing base. Taking
up to four hours, they were, according to SEC worker Fred Vines, “generally considered to be mad!” Another Bogong based worker, Patricia Dunn, recalled “the problem of shouldering our skis and stocks up the mountain each weekend was a weighty one, but we solved that by finding a hollow log near Howman’s Gap into which we pushed our gear so we could pick it up again on the following weekend. This went well until we discovered that a wombat had made a meal of the raw-hide bindings and we were left with only metal parts. From then on we either took the bindings home with us or carried a spare set.”
According to Fred Vine, “For many people that first trip on skis to Rocky Valley was their last. It was a strenuous hike in good weather, but in poor weather conditions, skiing was cursed by some as pure masochism.” Particularly hazardous were the last kilometres to the Rocky Valley Dam workers huts, as large snow drifts built up round and above what is now Windy Corner. On more than one occasion conditions forced then to turn back at this point.
The first residents at Falls Creek in 1946, Skippy and Toni St Elmo, skied down to Howman’s Gap once a week to collect their mail and fresh food supplies. Skippy was to become a keen ski racer, and she recalled “one Friday we were delighted and thrilled to meet a few skiers who were going to the Bogong Lodge for a week. The girls gave Toni a look when I, as I had learnt to do, slung the heavy pack onto my shoulders. Toni, meanwhile, carried the mail in a small hip bag. They were not to know I was training (for ski racing).”
In the post war years, interest in skiing at Falls Creek grew, especially from the towns of the North Eastern Victoria. This resulted in the Chief Engineer, H.H.C. Williams, of the Hydro Scheme, to introduce a permit to use the road with, “applications to travel beyond Mount Beauty in private cars made direct to the Electricity Commission.” According to Skippy, “Williams gave instructions that a permit had to be applied for at the office of the SEC in Mount Beauty and presented at the gate-house, a mile up the road. No club, to my knowledge was informed of this arrangement. When the Albury Ski Club members arrived at the gate they were told it was necessary to produce a permit. It is understood the fact that all SEC operations closed down for the weekend had been completely overlooked. The gate?? Oh I almost forgot to mention it! Someone dismantled it and threw it over the bank!
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ONLINE:
• Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/ WEBSITE: • www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au
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.
CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when you sell.
It was a few years later, in 1958, that it was reported in Schuss magazine that “Access to Falls Creek has been facilitated for the coming winter. Permits can now be obtained at the Gatehouse without prior notification, although an authority from the club secretary or a booking voucher should be produced. The road will be kept open to Howman’s but cars staying longer than the weekend will need to be parked at Turnback Creek.” However, wouldbe skiers still had to walk or ski from
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)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT #1
“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits!” Albert Einstein FOOD FOR THOUGHT #2
Someone once asked me “Why do you still do so much for your grown children?” My answer was simple:
“Because being their parent is not a phase – it’s a lifetime promise – one I’ll keep until my very last breath!”
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.
Howman’s Gap to Falls Creek. Carrying their gear and food this trip would take one to one and a half hours.
Various locals saw this as a business opportunity. In 1955, Bob Hymans trialled the use of a horse and sled to overcome the problem of transporting stores and personal gear - but it was not a success. At the same time Cec Dobson (builder of Winterhaven) resorted to manhauling from Howman’s, using old skis attached to platforms to carry the loads. Reportedly, it was while hauling a load, he encountered Ory Frueauf (builder of Snowhaven) who volunteered to assist. This became the start of a partnership which in 1956, saw them run an oversnow service to Falls Creek. Luggage was weighed on a fish scale and was 4 pence a pound per pack weight. It was loaded onto a sled behind a track-driven tractor, ‘Leaping Lena’, while guests walked from Howman’s Gap. A
year later the SEC began clearing the road and the long walk became a memory of the past. In 1960 access to Falls Creek was further improved, the area immediately below the Village “enlarged almost beyond recognition” to provide for an immense number of cars and buses - (the Gully Carpark).
By 1960 the foundations of the village had been laid. A village management advisory committee had been established and Falls Creek was acknowledged as a destination for tourists. Its place on the map of Victoria was further confirmed with the opening of the Bogong High Plains Road to Shannon Vale by the Country Roads Board, in conjunction with the State Electricity Commission, the Tourism Development Authority and the Forests Commission on the 3rd December, 1966. •
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.
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.
Your local practice – supporting the community!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
At Mountain Creek Property, we pride ourselves on connecting the right buyers with the right homes—often before they even hit the market. Our recent off-market sale at 76 St Bernard Drive, Tawonga South is a perfect example of what’s possible with experience, a strong local database, and proactive communication.
Set on a low-maintenance 532m² block, this property isn’t just a house—it’s a lifestyle. Imagine sunny mornings on the front deck, a backyard that rolls seamlessly into peaceful reserve land, and the majesty of Mt Bogong in the distance.
From the street, the immaculate gardens and maintenance-free lawns create instant appeal. The home features a concreted undercover carport, multiple garden sheds, and a secure yard—perfect for pets, kid’s play, veggie boxes or tool storage. With solar panels, irrigation, and thoughtful low-maintenance design, everyday life here is easy and enjoyable.
Inside, the soaring timber ceilings and sunfilled living and dining areas give the home a welcoming and expansive feel. Comfort is assured year-round with a woodfire heater, reverse cycle system, and ceiling fans. At the heart of the home, the well-appointed kitchen is both practical and central, ideal for everyday family living.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom layout includes a master retreat with walk-in robe and private ensuite. Bedrooms are filled
with natural light, and the front bedroom opens directly onto the sunny deck for its own private sanctuary.
Experience Matters
This home has been exceptionally maintained, thoughtfully designed for real life, and located in a sought-after area that rarely becomes available. At Mountain Creek Property, our off-market strategy— combined with targeted marketing and swift action on viewing opportunities— ensures buyers don’t miss out.
76 St Bernard Drive, Tawonga South VIC 3698—a truly special address, sold to the right buyer before the rest of the market even had a chance to see it.
Exclusive Off-Market Opportunities with MCP!
If you’re looking for early access to properties before they hit the market, contact us today to join our exclusive buyer database. Call (03) 5714 9730 or visit our website and fill out our buyer database registry. https://mountaincreekproperty. com.au/buyer-database Courtney, Gabby and Amee
NOV 1. 8, 15, 22 & 29 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Ave. All welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeauty@parkrun.com
NOV 1 Mount Beauty Community Market. 9am –1pm Hydro Park, 1 Lakeside Ave. You make it, you bake it, you grow it – you’re welcome! Enquiries to: mountbeautymarket@gmail. com
NOV 4
NOV 4
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Melbourne Cup Day Luncheon at Bogong Jacks Restaurant, Bogong Village NOV 11 Remembrance Day Service 10:45am at the Cenotaph
NOV 21 – 23 Ignition Mountain Bike Festival. Three days of MTB action, lessons, entertainment and laughs at Falls Creek to welcome in the MTB season. https://ignitionmtb.com.au/
DEC 6 Mount Beauty Community Market. 9am –1pm Hydro Park, 1 Lakeside Ave. You make it, you bake it, you grow it – you’re welcome! Enquiries to: mountbeautymarket@gmail. com
DEC 31 Aussie Backyard Ultra – A new event! Go to: FOMO Trails | Falls Creek Trail running
JAN 1 Mount Beauty Community Market. 9am –1pm Hydro Park, 1 Lakeside Ave. You make it, you bake it, you grow it – you’re welcome! Enquiries to: mountbeautymarket@gmail. com
JAN 17 Rooftop Run – Bogong to Hotham. info@ trailsplus.com.au. 0418 557 052
JAN 24 & 25 Mile High Dragon Boat Regatta
JAN 26 Australia Day Celebrations across the Shire FEB 7 & 8 Victoria Gravity Enduro Tour – Falls Creek. Wb: https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/ registrations/rg555/
FEB 13 – 15 Feastival – a celebration of culture, music and living in the Alps at Falls Creek
FEB 21 Australian Grand Traverse
FEB 28 Mount Bogong Conquestathon. info@ hoppet.com.au 0480 530 104
FEB 28 – MAR 1 Downhill MTB National Series – Falls Creek. Wb: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/ listing/downhill-mountain-biking-nationalseries-falls-creek-falls-creek/
For further details on coming events, go to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/
