Regular readers of this column will know, the content of this article appears at least once a season. And, with good reason. Last week I spoke about risk management and mitigation. Exhibit A in today’s article is how the use of a ski helmet is a very simple and effective way to reduce the risk of traumatic injury to one of the most important parts of the body… your “noggin”.
The message must be getting through, because the percentage of snow sports enthusiasts using a helmet has increased to a record 92.3% at the end of the 2023 season. In fact, the acceptance of and appreciation for wearing a helmet has dramatically improved since the Australian Ski Areas Association began measuring this statistic in 2013.
In 2013, the very first survey, only 57.4% of people used a helmet. But to now be at 92.3% is a tremendous improvement. Well done to 92.3% of you.
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 7th June and Sunday 6th October 2024. 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 $64 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 online for $599 and can be collected at Howman’s Gap Ticket Office or the Visitor Information Centre.
Resort Entry Fees fund the essential services of:
• Ski Patrol • Car Parking
• Water Supply • Snow Clearing
• Waste Management • Visitor Information Services
PLAN YOUR TRIP
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
As you know, I love a good a stat, and more so when those stats have tangible evidence that choices being made are having a legitimate impact in the context of their application. Studies conducted over the last 17 ski seasons across resorts around the world confirm that as helmet usage increased, potentially serious head injuries (PSHI) dropped. The study’s author concluded that there was a dramatic improvement in the decline of potentially serious head injuries, particularly concussions. This is pertinent when three quarters of all PSHI’s from skiing or snowboarding are mild concussions, and 90% require some form of medical
Contact Falls Creek Alpine Resort via: Em: info.fallscreek@alpneresorts.vic.gov.au or Ph: 03 5758 1200
All the Pros wear helmets – do you think there might be a reason? Pic Aiden Haynes
treatment. The study also concluded that use of helmets have been extremely effective at preventing skull fractures and virtually eliminated scalp lacerations.
So, whether you wear a helmet to keep your head warm, use it to put your gloves in during lunch or après, or simply use it brag about all the resorts you’ve skied with stickers from where you’ve skied, the evidence is pretty clear…wearing a helmet is a no brainer.
If you’re still not convinced, watch “The Crash Reel” or several other movies centred around traumatic brain injuries, all emphasise the use of a helmet when on snow, with two sticks or a plank strapped to our feet and generally on terrain that has varying gradients, might suggest that anything that helps protect the grey matter shouldn’t be that tough of a choice.
Wearing a helmet is a choice, it’s a bit like insurance. You can choose to have none, a little, or a lot, but ultimately you make a decision to protect yourself, your family and your friends from the unknown…or not. I choose to keep my head warm; the rest is a bonus.
The Last Hoot (03 5758 3088)
At the base of the mountain, “the Hoot” is the go-to for burgers and the best pizza. The good thing is they are open all year round too. My now grown-up young men make a b-line for their burgers at every opportunity. The venue is a great meeting point during the day and when events are held in the Plaza, it has a balcony with vantage points second to none. The standard fare being cheesy bacon garlic bread, the American Cheese burger, the Double Classic, Butter Mild Fried Chicken – you can’t go wrong. They’ll also pretty much make anything not on their extensive pizza menu, but its expansive to say the least. A good selection of local wines and beers to wash it all down with.
Rightyho – time to get out there and lay some tracks. •
Stuart Smythe Falls Creek Alpine Resort
WINTERHAVEN STORE FITTINGS ARE FREE WITH OUR EXPERTS BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED, WALK-INS WELCOME 5758 3500
•
The team at Falls Creek Alpine Resort are very excited to announce the new Falls Creek Community Gateway Hub is ready for bookings and will be open for use from this Friday 12th July!
This community space is dedicated to support and connect the people that live and work in Falls Creek. The long-awaited project has come to life thanks to the joint State and Australian Government funding received to support our community that endured the impacts of the October 2022 Landslip on Bogong High Plains Road.
The Gateway Hub is a bookable space for our community to study or work from, host a meeting or gathering, or simply to come and connect. Comprising two smaller meeting rooms and a larger open space that provides facilities for video conferencing resources, monitors to plug in to, free Wi-Fi, Alice the massage chair and basic
BREAKFAST 7:30AM - 10AM
LUNCH 12PM - 3PM FROM 24 JUNE HAPPY HOUR 3PM - 6PM DINNER 5PM - 8:30PM
tea and coffee facilities. This space can host a maximum of 24 people, with flexible seating arrangements to suit your needs!
The Gateway Hub is also the place you can drop in and catch up with the Community Team - Lisa and Rhona – who will be there on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays to provide information and resources, and welcome feedback and ideas about community recovery, resilience and strengthening.
Located at Number 1, Bogong High Plains Road, at the bottom of the Gully Chairlift, in the office space next to Alpine Pepper Café. Look out for the colourful signs and orange and white doors!
While this is a free facility for our community users, users are required to book, agree to the terms and conditions, and provide a form of identification upon collection of the key from the Falls Creek Visitor Information Centre.
To book a workspace or meeting complete the Form; https:// fallscreekresortmanagement.snapforms. com.au/form/community-hub-bookingform – or scan the QR Code.
To contact the Community Recovery Team: Email: lisa.logan@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au or rhona.weir@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au
Mental Wellbeing Workshops and Support is offered every Tuesday from July 2nd through to October 1st. 10am to 3pm
2 July – 1 October 2024, Tuesday 10 am – 3 pm
This is an initiative to promote and educate about health, wellbeing, and productivity for the Falls Creek Community.
• Onsite Mental Wellbeing practitioner.
• Regular 90 minute group wellbeing workshops.
• Individual private sessions.
• Drop-in resource centre.
• Connection through communal activities including creative and arts, hobby and boardgames, relaxation and mindfulness sessions
This program is delivered by Rita Hojnik Counselling Contact directly to book a private session: 0431 875 344 or ritahojnik@ icloud.com. •
BOTTOM OF SCOTT’S CHAIR WALK IN ONLY
South Australian school students will be the focus of the state’s annual Interschools Snowsports Championships at Falls Creek next week.
SA students enrolled in reception to year 12 will compete in slalom and ski cross events on Wednesday, July 17, and Thursday, July 18.
“The annual interschools championships, run by Interschools Snowsport South Australia, provide an opportunity for Australian school students of all ages to experience competitive snowsports,” SA committee chair David de Lacy said.
“The event is focused on participation, meaning competitors of all ability levels are encouraged to enter.
“Most importantly, we want students to have fun while also gaining skills and confidence. The courses really are the safest places for young skiers and snowboarders.”
The SA championships form part of the National Interschools program run by Snow Australia.
“We’re always thankful to the Falls Creek’s incredible racing team as well as the resort management in supporting our annual event - we couldn’t do it without them,” Mr de Lacy said.
“With the help of the many parent and teacher volunteers as well as our committed South Australian committee members, the annual event has continued for decades.
(We’re not sure, but think at least 25 years. Ed).
“This year is more significant as it is the first year the South Australian championships
fall under the Snow Australia family umbrella, following our unification with Snow Australia in the past year.
“In past years, the event was run by South Australian Snowsports Association Inc - and we must pay tribute to the many dedicated parents who played a key role in ensuring not only its success but its longevity. The event is a credit to those past and present members. Despite the new look and new name, this year you’ll still find many familiar friendly faces on the slopes at the SA event.”
“Importantly, we’re still offering the same opportunities for South Australian students plus our event is open to students from the Northern Territory and Tasmania. I have no doubt the unification with Snow Australia will provide even more opportunities for
keen skiers and snowboarders from South Australia.”
“For families on the mountain, we’d encourage you to enter your children into the ski and snowboard events - to meet new friends and to participate in an encouraging event.”
Late entries are open until Monday, July 15th - to enter individuals, go to: https:// www.snow.org.au/events/239453
Remember to have a SnowracerID (sign up at https://www.snowracer.com.au/snowid), to make payment immediately and ensure you have completed the individual waiver with each entry.
To find out more about the Interschools event, go to https://www.interschools.com. au/home-nsw-act-qld-sa/sa-champs/. •
After a successful season in 2023 for Disabled Winter Sports Australia (DWA) Falls Creek across our ski camps and resort services, we are grateful to be back on snow and excited about the season ahead.
First, a big thank you to the Falls Creek and Mount Beauty Community, and to all the guides that provided their time, passion, skill and commitment during the 2023 ski season. The following are a few fun facts from last year:
• There were 9 DWA camps in total, which provided opportunities for 40 participants along with their families to get on snow at Falls Creek.
• In addition to the camps program, DWA Resort Service provided more than 50 days on snow for individuals and their families.
• We ran three guide training camps for those wanting to be a volunteer guides.
• Open 7 Days • 11am to around 9pm
Full Menu, great Pizzas & Burgers Dine In or TakeAway Bookings Recommended Slalom Plaza, Falls Creek Bottom of Wombat’s Ramble. Map Ref: F3 www.facebook.com/TheLastHoot
• The season ended with a successful fundraising event which was held at PowderKeg Bar at St Falls. Forty businesses and organisations donated 60 items in the form of goods and services to the value of $18,000. We sold more than seven hundred raffle tickets. In total, DWA Falls Creek raised $25,000 from raffle ticket sales and a live auction.
• In collaboration with Falls Creek Ski School, we provided support, ski instruction and adaptive ski equipment for individuals.
• Thanks to the generosity of Chief Operating Officer Stewart Smythe
Open Six Nights a Week (Closed Tuesdays)
A la carte and dégustation menu available
Extensive wine list Bar open from 4pm Dinner from 6pm
Book through ‘Open Table’ on our website Web: https://summitridge.com.au/ Email: ski@summitridge.com.au
Hub in Slalom plaza which provides members, families and guides a place to based themselves on mountain, toilet facilities, equipment storage, and somewhere warm to rest and socialise.
• Worked with Lara Cann and her team of lifties from Falls Creek Ski Lifts throughout the season to ensure safe and efficient lift usage for those skiing with disabilities and our team. Loading and unloading a sit-ski is not always for the faint hearted!
• And finally, and most impressively, we managed to avoid injury on snow from rogue snowboarders thanks to the quick thinking and skilled DWA Guides!!
HAPPY HARVEY HOUR 3:30pm – 4:30pm each day! Tuesday 16th & Thursday 18th The fabulous ‘Damon Stone!’ For reser vations call 03 5758 3800 or Em: ski@summitridge.com.au Schuss Street, Falls Creek Map Ref: K3
8 Schuss Street, Falls Creek. Map Ref: K3 Phone: 03 5758 3800
• Following on from that last point, something to keep in mind, if you’re considering cutting in front a DWA guide piloting a sit-ski (which happens often), our combined weight ranges between 140kg to over 200kg! Therefore it’s unlikely to go well for you… It’s akin to getting run over by a rhinoceros! And remember, a ride with Ski Patrol is free, but the medical centre is not! $$$
As for this season, we’ve hit the snow with a flying start! Since ‘opening for business’ we’ve had participants and guides on the
snow every day for 18 days straight thus far! Our participants have ranged from ten years through to over 60 years of age. With varying challenges such as cerebral palsy, auto-immune disease, autism, paraplegia and intellectual disabilities, we’ve been not only put a smile on the faces of participants and their families, but also played a role in people with disabilities achieve their personal goals when it comes to skiing.
It’s a humbling experience to be a part of, as being able to ski, walk, talk, see, hear, think and move independently it something we so easily take for granted.
In amidst all the participants, we’ve also facilitated two volunteer guide training camps over two weekends during the school holidays, which resulted in bringing on another 25 volunteer guides into the DWA family, and to improve the existing skills of 15 existing guides to assist across resorts both in Victoria and NSW.
If you’d like to be a part of the DWA family, don’t hesitate to contact us by dropping in for a chat at the DWA Hub in Slalom Plaza, call us, or even better, come ski with us! Everyone has a part to play, whether that be time on or off the snow, or if you know the right people, we’d love some more snow!!
Jeremy Limpens Mb: 0400 995 939 and Lincoln Budge Mb: 0428 986 536 DWA Falls Creek Resort Services. •
Falls Creek as a ski resort – and also as a village and community – has produced many Olympians like Ross and Malcolm Milne, Joanne Henke, Jenny Altermatt and Steven Lee in Alpine skiing. Dick Walpole, Chris Heberle, Paul Gray and Mark Gray in Cross Country skiing. Britteny Cox, Paul and Adrian Costa in Freestyle Moguls. (Next week we will print a full list of Winter Olympians to set the record straight).
But this article comes from a different direction. Bob Jones was the Falls Creek Area Manager in the mid-eighties through until the early nineties – during the period when the resort moved from the management of the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee (under the control of the State Electricity Commission – being in the Kiewa Works area for the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.) In that 1984 – 86 period, the Alpine Resorts Commission was created to manage all snow resorts in Victoria. The Alpine Resorts Commission lasted until mid 1998.
Bob and his wife Mary lived in the Kiewa
Valley and raised four children. Son David has a couple of kids and this story sort of starts when the two girls (Aislin and sister Renae) spent a couple of years following dad David around the local gun club during events on the weekends while her mum was at work. As David said “One day we offered her go and the rest is history.” Aislin started competing at the age of 12.
At the moment Aislin is seven times national champion in Women’s Olympic Skeet for Australia, having won her first national championship at the age of 16.
Aislin made selection for the Olympics at Rio de Janeiro in 2016 – and was the youngest individual athlete at Rio for the Australian Olympic team and the youngest out of 390 Olympic shooting athletes at Rio. She’s has also held former junior women's world records in 2018.
In November 2023 Aislin won the Oceana regional championship in Brisbane, which gave Australia a quota to send an athlete to the Paris Olympics. She then had to win the selection series which were between January
and May 2024 - four events in Australia, and best placed Aussie in two international events to secure that place for herself to represent Australia in Paris.
This is when life gets busy. After the selection series Aislin travelled to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan where she won the mixed teams Bronze medal at the World Cup with Sydney local Joshua Bell. For the first time at this Olympics mixed teams will be an Olympic event in skeet.
Things have changed a bit from the trip to Rio. At that time Aislin was a school girl living at home with very few bills. Taking two weeks off for competition wasn’t too much of a drain.
Now as a 24 year old she has commitments. She’s the senior estimator for a window company in Bairnsdale. She’s studying a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Planning and just because that’s not enough she’s training to run her first marathon at the end of the Olympics in France – the Marathon Pour Tous.
Like most other Olympians, she can’t do it without the assistance of the rest of the village that support her. The family are incredibly lucky to have a great community to connect with down in Gippsland and to have David’s Mum and late Dad in Mount Beauty who have supported her. Unfortunately, GrandDad Bob did not get to see Aislin competing in Rio or make her first international team, but he’d be so proud of her.
The family have had a long connection with Falls Creek and Mount Beauty through growing up in the area. This long association with the area is proving invaluable as David said “I was so pleased when I reached out to Lisa Allport (nee Spargo) that she offered to help. My Mum and Dad and Rob & Blanche Spargo have been friends for many many years. Their pursuit of skiing at elite level has probably given some idea of the commitment and sacrifice required.”
Therefore, the Falls Creek Hotel has generously offered a weekend accommodation with meals and ski hire in high season in 2025 to be used as a fundraiser.”
At the conclusion of the Olympics, Aislin will still not have any annual leave and then there are plans to go to the World Championships in 2025 and the journey to the Los Angeles Olympic Games has already started.
The fundraising that Aislin is doing is with the Aussie Athlete Fund, and the Australian Sports Foundation (which is tax deductible) has been vital in assisting her to manage the three months of unpaid time this year that it’s taken to get to Paris.
If you would like to help a young Olympian represent her country, have a crack at this link. Every little bit is appreciated.
The link to her fundraiser is: https://asf. org.au/projects/aislin-jones/aislin-jones-toparis—beyond.
On behalf of the community, this paper wishes Aislin all the best and we will try and keep everyone up to date. Regards, Ed. •
Falls Creek is one of the first resorts to recycle organic matter! We recycle:-
• Cardboard – baled and sold for re-manufacture.
• Co-mingles – plastic, glass and paper – in the clear plastic bags with the RED print.
• Organics – anything that has ever lived – food, paper, oyster shells, bones – in the clear plastic bags with the GREEN print – all sent to be composted.
Falls Creek Garbage is collected seven days a week during winter If you require supplies of bags, have a question, or see a problem, phone us on 0427 411 415.
www.4siteaustralia.com
Glühwein, gløgg, mulled wine, hot spiced wine, call it what you like. It’s delicious!
What’s the difference between all the above? Who makes the best glühwein on the hill? Are the packet mixes an acceptable alternative to making it from scratch? Do people even like hot wine? In its most basic form, that is what all the above is with other stuff chucked in.
Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is an alcoholic drink usually made with red wine, along with various mulling spices and sometimes pieces dried fruit, served hot or warm. It is a traditional drink during winter in Great Britain, Europe, and Scandinavia, especially around Christmas. In the dim dark past, people heated their mug of wine by inserting a hot poker from the fire into it. Nowadays, we’re more likely to heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
The German mulled wine features wine, spices, citrus, vanilla, and sugar. It is most often made with red wine, although I discovered you can use white wine if you prefer. This warmed wine beverage has been around since at least 1420 in Germany. This is based on the discovery of a Glühwein tankard which is thought to have belonged to Count John IV of Katzenelnbogen. He was a German nobleman and was also the first grower of Riesling grapes.
OPEN: 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
Although this is the first known evidence of German Glühwein specifically, mulled wine has existed for even longer. Roman troops were known to drink warm spiced wine in the First Century CE and spread the tradition across the different regions they conquered. I mean, if you’re conquering a people, introducing them to a delicious beverage is going to be better received in the long run than the introduction of smallpox (side note: have you seen the ABC program “Stuff the British stole”? So good). In Scandinavian countries the drink is known as gløgg and it often includes aquavit, cardamom and dried fruit. There is even a non-alcoholic version called Kinderpunsch, so the great oracle google tells me.
When I was in Munich in last year, I tried white Glühwein for the first time. It was nice, but it was a bit like drinking cold coffee, i.e., it did the job, but my brain kept thinking ‘I like the other version better’. All this reminiscing made me wonder where I can get a good Glühwein spice mix so I can
have it whenever I want it without having to leave my apartment.
That’s where Gewürzhaus comes in. I love this brand with a passion! When we lived in Melbourne one of their shops was down the road from us.
Cooking from the heart is at the centre of four generations of women in the Gewürzhaus family, laying the foundations of Gewürzhaus. Fast forward to now and Maria, Eva and Gabi, have stores throughout Australia. In the words of - The Age Epicure “Think of the lolly shop of your childhood dreams, substitute herbs and spices and you’re at Gewürzhaus.” Gewürzhaus makes a delicious Glühwein Gewürz spice blend that I’m now stocking in store, as well as their Feel-Good Hot Chocolate mix (OMG so good), Chocolate Spice mix that elevates any chocolate cake /biscuit /dessert recipe and their infuser bags.
So how do make you glühwein? Easy peasy, all you need is:
• 1 bottle of red wine (preferably Merlot)
• 60g Vanilla Bean Sugar (alternately, substitute sugar with a drop of vanilla essence)
• 2 tsp Gewürzhaus Glühwein Gewürz
• 1 Infuser Bag
Directions
• Place two teaspoons of the Glühwein Gewürz into the infuser bag.
• Pour the wine into a medium saucepan and add the Vanilla Bean Sugar (you can substitute for brown, raw or white sugar) and the infuser bag with Glühwein Gewürz. Heat for approximately 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to boil.
To serve
For pick and pack deliveries please visit www.foodworkshighcountry.com.au
‘Experience the fabulous views and relax in the lounge while enjoying warm hospitality and wonderful food and wine!’
• Serve your mulled wine warm in glasses and as an option, add in a slice of orange and cinnamon quill. •
Cheers, Nyree www.idreamofsnow.com
Last week, Falls Creek hosted the Australian National Team for their annual intensive on-snow training camp, finally allowing for our Aussie athletes to get back together as a team to train ahead of the home race season. With a focus on fine-tuning technique, the camp aimed to further foster team bonds and motivation, crucial for year round and upcoming competitions. While XC Skiing is mostly an independent sport, a healthy and positive team environment helps excel these athletes further than just the physical aspects of training.
We spoke with national team member Bentley Walker-Broose; "We really honed in on our general technique right from the start," shared Bentley. "It's about getting that feel back on skis early on and setting a solid foundation for the season ahead." When we spoke to Bentley, he had just finished a 30-hour training week! A huge effort, and I’m sure makes most tired just thinking about it.
Despite the challenges posed by early season snow cover, spirits remained high among the team. "The snow was thin but being back on the slopes felt like coming home," expressed Bentley. "It's always special, regardless of the conditions."
Looking ahead, the focus shifts towards the upcoming race season, which promises to be significant for many team members taking on new and sometimes unconventional training approaches. "This season is different for me," Bentley noted enthusiastically. "I'm gearing up for a strong showing in the Northern Hemisphere winter, though I'll definitely be racing in the Australian Nationals at Perisher and Falls Creek, along with other exciting events like the Hoppet."
Throughout the week following the Australian National Team Camp, the focus shifted to the Victorian Junior State Team’s camp. Andrew Paul, the Coaching Coordinator, provided an insightful update on the team's progress, emphasising their spirits are high despite thinning snow conditions. "Despite poor snow the Victorian XC ski team has made good use of an on-snow training camp to prepare themselves for the events to come” remarked Andrew Paul.
The next big event on the horizon for these Victorian based juniors is the Victorian Junior Championship. This competition is a great opportunity for the juniors to get some great racing practice in ahead of the Open National Championships and later in the season the Junior Nationals. As anticipation builds for the upcoming racing season, the Victorian Junior Championship stands as a gateway event for these aspiring junior athletes to demonstrate the hard work put in from their summer of training.
What: Victorian Junior Championship
Events: Freestyle Sprint & Classic Distance
Where: Falls Creek
When: July 20-21, 2024
Who: Age classes from U10 to U20*
* All entrants must be Snow Australia members - either paid XC racers or free Snowracer members.
Register in the link below: https://www. snow.org.au/events/243192
Other upcoming Events:
Over the weekend we have some XC events here at Falls Creek, and it’s not too late to get involved! Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner eager to join the fun, there's something for everyone this weekend.
Saturday 13th - Cross Country Skier High Plains Tour (Freestyle) 1/2.5/5/10km: Join the action with a family-friendly race day featuring a variety of distances to suit all skill levels. Whether you prefer skating or classic, this event promises to be a highlight of the weekend. Wax up your skis and gear up for a fun day on the snow. Let’s hope for some good weather and snow conditions! For more details, please contact organizer Len Budge at 0417 352 845.
Sunday 14th - Birkebeiner Classic (Classic) 2.5/5/10km: Hosted by one of our local ski clubs, Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, the Birkebeiner Classic offers another fun race opportunity for all. This event is always a good time, and often with an exciting array of spot prizes. To learn more, please contact the organizer at 0409 332 642. •
Katerina Paul
Alpine Shire Council is calling on all users of its swimming pools and sports stadiums to provide feedback to inform the preparation of an Aquatics and Indoor Sports Feasibility Study.
The study is part of Council's commitment to ensuring aquatics and indoor sports facilities in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford are fit-for-purpose, safe and accessible to all members of the community, including people with disabilities.
The need for a dedicated aquatics analysis was highlighted in the Sport and Active Recreation Plan, adopted by Council in March 2022.
Extensive community interest in aquatics facilities in particular has underscored the importance of upgrading our ageing facilities to support our growing communities.
got a load for the tip? call
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr John Forsyth, emphasised the significance of this initiative. "Our community has clearly expressed a strong desire for improved aquatic and indoor sports facilities across the Shire," he said. "With valuable input from our community, the outcomes from this study will be incorporated into the Sport and Active Recreation Master Plans wherever possible. Identified upgrades to our swimming pools and stadiums will then be assessed and prioritised alongside other sport and active recreation facilities."
Cr Forsyth said that while the benefits of participating in aquatic activities are wellrecognised, providing these facilities in areas with lower population density presents economic challenges.
"Our goal is to conduct thorough research to determine the types of aquatic
opportunities our community desires, so we can develop the most effective and achievable plan for pool allocation across Alpine Shire," he said.
A survey is currently open on Engage Alpine, Council's online engagement platform, with printed copies also available from Council's Customer Service Centre in Bright, and libraries in Mount Beauty and Myrtleford.
Cr Forsyth said the feedback collected through this survey will be crucial in understanding the specific needs and preferences of the community.
"We encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas on how we can improve our aquatics and indoor sports facilities," he said. "Your input will help shape the future of these vital recreational resources."
You can complete the survey online now at https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/ aquatics-and-indoor-sport-feasibility-study.
Submissions close on Sunday, 28 July 2024. •
Damon Stone has been playing/ singing/song-writing professionally for over 30 years in original and cover bands in the Perth, Melbourne and Queensland music scene.
Damon has toured singing, playing sax, guitar and 12 string acoustic in a Pink Floyd Project with the Adelaide, Auckland, Darwin and Queensland Philharmonic Orchestras to sold out arenas/concert halls over the last 10 years.
He tours the Whitsundays and Queensland as a solo acoustic and in party bands multiple times a year and has achieved over 200 trips to the region in the last 20 years.
Damon has over 200 original songs registered with APRA and has three albums which he wrote , played , sung , recorded, produced and mixed.
Damon played sax in the Tina Arena Band at the Millennium Concert at Crown Casino; has toured with blues artists playing sax with 8ball Atkien and Jimi Hocking (screaming jets, angels)
Add to this some jamming on stage with members of: Eric Clapton Band, Paul Simon Band, Hothouse Flowers, The Smithereens, Jeff Healey, The Angels, John Farnham band, Noiseworks, Jimmy Barnes, Diesel and many more.
Damon's new original band ‘Stone’ has opened for Daryl Braithwaite, James Reyne and more recently ‘10CC.’ The band’s first single ‘Here We Are’ has been mixed by Steve James (producer- Sex Pistols, Thin Lizzy, The Jam )
With that amount of experience and talent then you can pretty well guarantee that this week’s Harvey Hours are going to go off! Don’t miss out! •
Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre
Strength Training with Vicki Burton resuming for Term 3 on Tuesday, 16 July
Tuesday and Wednesday – 9:30am –10:30am
Thursday - 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Photography Course with Charlie Brown (5 sessions) $90
Commencing Saturday, 20 July
Barista Basics $50 (3 hours) Tuesday, 23 July
Hume Riverina Community Legal Service visit on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month
Phone (02) 6055 8090 or 1800 918 377 to make a free and confidential appointment
24 July, 14 August, 28 August
Pizza Lunches 4th Friday of the month –26 July, 23 August, 27 September,
$20 for pizza and beverage
$15 takeaway pizza
The
The Best Brands to Help you Conquer the #ToughestPlayground
Community Lunches $10 for 2 courses –second Tuesday of the month
Bookings essential 13 August, 10 September
Call the Neighbourhood Centre to book on (03) 5754 1166; email info@mountbeauty. org.au or book online via the website www. mountbeauty.org.au •
Your Ultimate Ski-In/Ski-Out Escape in the Village Bowl - Two Bed, 2.5 Bath on the market for $950,000 to $995,000.
Ideally located in Falls Creek's village bowl, the always popular Snow Ski Apartments enjoy convenient access to resort facilities and with one of the best ski-in/ski-out access in the resort. With the Gully Chair Lift right next to the complex and Eagle and Summit Chair Lifts only a stone’s throw away, your winter adventures are right on your doorstep.
Snow Ski 40 is a large 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property that sleeps 6. Offering a large lounge room, fully equipped kitchen complemented by large windows that immerse you within the Village Bowl precinct. Residing within the property is spacious with large bedrooms
both with built in robes and en suites. Dividing the living & dining room from the bedrooms is a well-appointed hallway with laundry facilities, large drying cupboard and a powder room.
A unique proposition for this property is a separate storage area located in the basement of the complex that is large featuring shelves and perfect for storing skis, snowboards, bikes and more if you were to rent out the property or to have as general overflow.
Snow Ski 40 is on the market for $950,000 with settlement from 1st of September or
5754 3500
Creek (closed in summer) 5758 3238
Beauty 5754 3400
(non-emergency) 131 444
Falls Creek 5758 3424
Mount Beauty 5754 4244 Wangaratta 5723 0600
REGIONAL ROADS VICTORIA 133 778 Falls Creek 5758 3287
RACV Falls Creek/Mount Beauty 5750 1230
BURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS
CFA 1800 668 511
STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE
Falls Creek 13 25 00
WILDLIFE RESCUE 0421 553 527 | 0408 374 200
Wildlife Victoria 03 8400 7300
available now for $995,000 if a purchaser wishes to take advantage of the winter bookings. Snow Ski has a head lease expiring 2051.
While the enjoyment of Falls Creek as a winter resort is undoubted, it is the growing suite of summer activities that adds untold value to a purchase in the village.
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
* 09.08.24 * Ski de Femme, Rocky Valley Rush/Sun Valley Ramble. Chicks Who Shred (C)
DISTRIBUTION: • All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club lodges & apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga & Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang & Tawonga & selected venues in Bright & Myrtleford.
ONLINE:
• Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/ WEBSITE: • www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au
ADVERTISING RATES:
DISPLAY: • 1 column (6cm wide) =
2
CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when you sell. BUSINESS
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. (See Fallscreek.com.au/events for a complete list).
The asking price is realistic and should therefore be seriously considered. For further detail and information contact the agent: Christina Smit (Christa) at Zirky Real Estate, Mb: 0402 277 808 www.zirkyrealestate.com.au •
CLEANER WANTED
Part time position for about one hour per week. Ph: 0400 350 488
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)
POSITION VACANT
Mash Accommodation Services is gearing up for exciting growth, but we need help. We're on the lookout for a casual, reliable individual to join our team as a cleaner. Enjoy very flexible hours – Hoping for a local who resides in the valley year-round. If you're a dedicated individual that wants to join a growing business and thrive in a flexible and friendly atmosphere, we want to hear from you! Call Ashleigh on 0484 908 606.
FOUND
Gold Band wedding Ring picked up near Ariel’s Laundrette. Give me a call & describe it. 0400 350 488.
MISSING BOOK
A hard-bound copy of Dr Ruth Lawrence’s Thesis titled ‘The Interaction between Land Use, the Environment and the Hydrology of the Bogong High Plains between 1850 and 1985’ was given to this community in the care of the late Bill Sutton. It has been loaned out –and not returned. This is a vital piece of the history of this area and it would be fabulous to have it returned. Any news, please call 0400 350 488.
WHERE 2D Tawonga Crescent. WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays. HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments
WHO Doctors: Mark Zagorski OAM, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cussen, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson & Andrew Mason.
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 42 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!
ALTITUDE PHYSIO & MASSAGE
Frueauf Village (below Ory’s Falls Creek), Ground Floor, Room 2, 43 Schuss St Falls Creek. Ph: 03 5758 3766. Em: fallscreek@altitude.physio
ARBORISTS
A fully insured, GST Registered, ethically minded local business. Alpine Valley Arborists. Call Kane 0428 287 814 or Hayley 0427 272 777 – for all things trees!
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. www.celebrant-ne-vic.com.au
COLLECTABLES & HOMEWARES
I Dream Of Snow - Vintage snow collectables & brand new homewares. Open on-line all year round. www. idreamofsnow.com
FREIGHT – ALB – MTB – FALLS CREEK
Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Tues to Fri inclusive. Refrigeration available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320.
HAIRDRESSER
Natalie Raymond, Birds Nest Salon, 26 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty. Open Six days a week and evenings by appointment. Ph: 03 5754 1177.
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.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Book On-Line: impactmassage.com.au
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com
This last week our groomers have been out working hard to get the trails ripe and ready for you! It's actually quite rewarding to see so many tracks already set up out there in our nordic area.
All inner trails and road have been lightly groomed. The snow is thin on some trails but hanging in there nicely especially with the real cool weather.
The team have cut in the full McKay loop and all the way to Pretty Valley Pondage for those keen to go farther! Classic tracks have been put down on the full loop.
Some of the off-track areas require more snow before a groomer can get onto them and with sun on the forecast, we’ll likely lose the beginning of BHP road and skiers may need to walk to the Nordic Bowl –especially the parts that are north facing. While the team are trying, the nature of the weather at the moment is such that conditions can change in 24 hours – but rest assured, the resort staff will be doing the very best they can.
For daily XC reports from our groomer, check out the snow report and XC tracker at fallscreek.com.au/snowreport. Be sure to tag @fallscreek in your XC adventures! •
JUL 13, 20 & 27 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park, beside the library in Lakeside Avenue. All Welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeauty@ parkrun.com.
JUL 13 High Plains Tour (F). 1; 2.5; 5; 10k. Len Budge 0417 352 845
JUL 13 Night Skiing. Wombat's Ramble lights up on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, allowing you to continue your ski and snowboard adventures as the sun goes down. As Australia's longest green run, Wombat's?Ramble is a favourite of many skiers and snowboarders.
JUL 14 Birkebeiner Classic (C). 2.5; 5; 10k. Race Secretary 0409 332 642
JUL 16 Twilight Tuesdays – taking place every Tuesday from now through to late August. 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the Village Bowl – a Street Party for kids and adults alike. Fire pits, marshmallows, games and music and possibly even Pete the Snowdragon. Further details: 03 5758 1200.
JUL 18 Fireworks Fiesta in the Village Bowl around 7pm every Thursday until 29th Aug.
JUL 20 TDFNL Rd 14. Beechworth V Dederang Mount Beauty
JUL 27 TDFNL Rd 15. Dederang Mount Beauty V Wahgunyah @ Dederang
AUG 03 TDFNL Rd 16. Wodonga Saints V Dederang Mount Beauty
AUG 10 The Ski de Femme is an annual cross country ski community event for women organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. Volunteers run free coaching clinics for skiers of all ages and abilities, for freestyle and classic technique. Additionally, there are spot prizes, snacks and beverages. It is a fun community event for women to learn and improve their cross country skiing skills.
For further details on coming events, got to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/
