Well, Spring has started off with a vengeance. I certainly can’t recall these sorts of temperatures so early in après season, nor can I recall it being this wet in September, as October historically is when precipitation really ramps up.
Whilst we’ve had a few storms this season, few eventuated into anything but emergency warnings and the occasional tree down on BHP Road. Unfortunately, with some extremely persistent high-pressure systems refusing to budge across central Australia, that magical barometric mark and ‘the right’ temperatures just couldn’t produce the goods. Of course, the crisp and clear nights enabled the snow making team to produce some magic and save the day (season).
Speaking of emergency warnings, Falls Creek
is fortunate, during the winter, to be serviced by some terrific agencies that ‘come rain, hail or shine’ are here to help protect and serve.
Whilst I’m a little biased, the team who are Falls Creek Ski Patrol are the public face
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
of mountain safety (noting it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the Alpine Safety Code) and often they are first on scene when it comes to ski field related incidents. The expertise and skill of this team is second to none in Australia. With many of the patrollers having in excess of 10 years’ service and the core of the team recognised as leaders in their field by other agencies. This is particularly so when it comes to the extensive terrain on the high plains and their close working relationship with Victoria Police, especially the Search and Rescue squad.
During winter, the mountain also has 24-hour coverage with both Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and the Medical Centre having teams permanently located on the mountain. The team at AV work extremely closely with the ski patrol and
Contact Falls Creek Alpine Resort via: Em: info.fallscreek@alpneresorts.vic.gov.au or Ph: 03 5758 1200
Medical Centre team and provide a critical service to both the community and guests. In any normal year, ski patrol would perform over 1500 call outs, with more than half of these being treated by the phenomenal crew from Respond Global in the medical centre and then an unlucky few needing further assistance from Ambulance Victoria for treatment off this hill.
The crew from Victoria Police are also a welcome presence on the mountain during the season. Much of their work ensures the village maintains its reputation as a safe and friendly holiday destination. Importantly, their work on enforcing road safety and managing bad behaviour helps keep everyone who travels to here, that little bit safer. In case you’re wondering, they do have a cell for lock up… and it does get used!
The CFA is another agency that stations a full-time commander for the season. The commander, amongst other duties, works with the team on training and education, coordinating drills etc, and undertakes essential works and site visits across the resort to ensure, that in addition to what the local volunteers do year-round, that all the sites in Falls Creek are compliant from a fire safety perspective. Like the SES, this crew swells in winter, with members from across the state joining the team and helping keep the village safe.
Then last, and by no means least, is the group of dedicated volunteers who make up the State Emergency Services team at Falls. Like the CFA, the corps swells in winter with volunteers from all around the state coming to Falls for the season and this crew supplements the core group of local residents who underwrite the SES team all year round.
In fact, this weekend, on Saturday the 14th, the Annual SES Fundraiser will be held at
the Falls Creek Hotel, from 12pm. For $25 you’ll get a gourmet BBQ and a beverage, whilst for kids, its $12. There will be an auction and raffles, with plenty of great items to bid for. All proceeds go the Falls Creek SES to help serve the local community. Come along, it’s a great day. Help support the crew and the community and farewell the season.
In last week’s column I expressed our thanks to all for their contributions in making Falls Creek such a tremendous place to live, work and for guests to visit. I extend that thanks to the emergency agencies for underwriting that feeling of safety that is so important to all who call Falls Creek home, or who visit us. Thank you from all of us.
And finally, to the Editor in Chief of this esteemed publication, Ken Bell… well done legend… another season done. Thank you for your continued support for the valley and the mountain.
With the lifts stopping for the final time this season at 5pm Friday the 13th of September, its farewell for Season 2024. Keep an eye out for the resorts transition to summer and we hope that some of you will return to visit us and see what all the fuss is about without snow on the ground. •
Stuart Smythe Falls Creek
Alpine Resort
The Traditional End of Season SES Fund Raiser
This Saturday 14th From around 12noon
Be There… to support the SES and to enjoy a final frothy with your mates!
ski@fcrc.com.au
The 14th Gay Ski Week Australia has drawn to a colourful and joyful close, capped off with Pride Day celebrations last Saturday. The festival, known for its vibrant mix of entertainment, snow fun, and community connection, finished on a high note that has everyone already excited for next year.
Friday’s T-Bar Trivia and Dinner at PowderKeg was a smash hit, blending general knowledge with a creative twistguests were tasked with crafting “runway” outfits from balloons, streamers, and rubber bands. Move over, RuPaul - these looks were next-level fabulous!
Saturday’s Pride Day brought even more excitement. Guests enjoyed a delightful feast at Cloud 9, where burgers were the star of the menu, and the mood was elevated by some cool announcements. Event Producer Adam Bold revealed that DJ Cliterally has officially been appointed as the first-ever “Resident DJ” for Gay Ski Week Australia. This title is a tribute to their incredible contributions to the event over the past few years - not to mention the show-stopping outfits they’ve paraded around the resort!
“This is so exciting,” DJ Cliterally said, reflecting the shared enthusiasm of the group. “I’ll have to check my diary now” they continued tongue firmly in cheek.
Following this announcement, Artistic Director Frock Hudson revealed the highly anticipated winners of this year’s Drag Up Your Business competition.
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
Special Mentions to Huski, Astra and I Dream of Snow (with Nyree’s outfit giving DJ Cliterally a run for their money!). And of course, Cloud 9, winner for the last two
years, continued to impress.
Due to the outstanding effort from Snow Monkey and their Music Video, a whole new category had to be created! They were awarded the new “Best Social Media Campaign”, for their creative and engaging approach.
But the Best Business, with their inaugural entry, was Cock and Bull, for raising the bar (literally) with style, glitter, and flair.
Winners received not only bragging rights for the next 12 months but also VIP tickets to the Farewell to Falls Party, along with some special content creation sessions featuring the festival’s fabulous entertainers.
After the announcement, the group gathered for the traditional group photo before hitting the slopes for the Rainbow Run, where the nightly rainbow flags lit up the snow in celebration.
Later in the afternoon, the hot tubs at St Falls Resort were overflowing with fun, as some of the group enjoyed tunes bouncing up from the Pit Viper event. To top it all off, Frock Hudson treated everyone to an impromptu performance from the penthouse balcony!
That evening, the grand finale unfolded at PowderKeg with the Farewell to Falls Creek Party. Guests were treated to a mouth-watering selection of canapés as they partied the night away in true Gay Ski Week Australia style.
In his thank you speech, Bold acknowledged the challenges of the 14th season, expressing gratitude to key partners:
- Falls Creek Ski Lift Company and Falls Creek Resort for their unwavering support, particularly the marketing and operations teams.
- Function Partners: Cloud 9, Huski, and Astra from the Traverse Alpine Group,
Lakeside, Sorella, and Apartment 3 for their fabulous food and cocktails.
- St Falls Resort, this year’s Host Hotel, and Kate Moegel and her team for the warm welcome and ongoing support.
- Peter C, for coming onboard this year in his support role and bringing a unique touch to the event.
- Evan of Evan Fowler Photography, for capturing the amazing action shots—official albums to be shared soon.
- DJ Cliterally, for being the heartbeat of
the festival as the resident DJ and fabulous entertainer.
- Frock Hudson, the festival’s Artistic Director, for being an incredible support and bringing so much energy to the event.
- And, of course, the guests who travelled from all over the country to be part of this magical alpine experience.
Bold closed by reaffirming the festival’s mission: to create an inclusive Australian Alpine Winter Pride Experience—a safe space where the rainbow community can gather, connect, make friends, and have fun. His parting message to the crowd: “Spread the word, come back next year, and bring one friend to help celebrate our 15th season.”
The night ended with an unexpected highlight—a quick photo op with the local area command in the DJ box alongside DJ Cliterally, making for an unforgettable finish to Gay Ski Week Australia 2024.
Mark your diary now, Gay Ski Week Australia returns for its 15th season from Friday 29th August to Sunday 7th September 2025. See you then! •
As the winter season draws to a close, the official end has been announced. The lifts at Falls Creek will cease operation this Friday the 13th, marking the end of the ski season. However, for those determined to get in some final crosscountry skiing in, there might still be some crust snow worth skiing on, provided there’s a good freeze. Be prepared for some walking to access these last remnants of winter!
In other news, Snow Australia had planned to partner with Falls Creek to host their SkiMo (Ski Mountaineering) Sprint Event this September. Set to take place over the 14th and 15th, the event promised a range of exciting race conditions and formats across Open and Youth categories. Unfortunately, despite its promising nature, the event has been cancelled this year due to an unforeseen lack of snow.
17
Beauty/ Tawonga 000
Mount Beauty 5754 3500
MEDICAL CENTRES
Falls Creek (closed in summer) 5758 3238
Mount Beauty 5754 3400
POLICE (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 0412 553 527 | 0416 166 775
Wildlife Victoria 03 8400 7300
For those eager to participate in future events, keep an eye on Snow Australia’s website for updates and information about next year's SkiMo Sprint Event.
What is SkiMo Racing?
Ever wondered what the deal is with SkiMo?
Ski mountaineering, or SkiMo, is an Olympic Winter Sport making its debut at Milano Cortina 2026. It combines endurance and skill through three main event types: Sprint Racing, Vertical Race, and Individual Race.
Sprint races are fast-paced, heat-based competitions involving a short, tight circuit that climbs 80 to 100 meters. Competitors ascend using skins, transition to skiing with their skis on their rucksack for part of the climb, and then make a single descent from the top. Each round is crucial, with completion times for the fastest racers around 3 minutes.
Vertical races focus on a single ascent completed entirely on skis using skins, without any boot packing or downhill skiing. The course typically features a
vertical gain of 500 to 700 meters. This gruelling event is designed to push athletes to their limits, demanding maximum effort and stamina.
Individual Race
Individual Races are the pinnacle of SkiMo, often comprising multiple ascents and descents. The longest ascent usually accounts for no more than 50% of the total elevation gain. These races, which last between 1.5 to 2 hours for top competitors, include challenging trails and a mass start of all participants, highlighting the sport’s endurance and technical demands.
Visit www.snow.org.au to keep in the loop.
Reminder: Wax Your Skis for Summer Storage
As the ski season winds down, don’t forget to prepare your skis for summer storage— or for a summer ski trip abroad. Here’s a quick guide to get your skis ready:
• Clean Your Skis: Use a base or wax remover to thoroughly clean your skis. Dirt from spring snow can build up, so give them a good wipe with a paper towel and brush with a clean waxing brush. Let them dry for about 30 minutes before applying wax.
• Apply Wax: When waxing, it’s okay to use any type of wax. Apply a generous coat and keep the iron moving to
ADVERTISING RATES:
DISPLAY: •
CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when you sell.
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
BUSINESS DIR.: • $6.50 per line per Edition.
DEADLINE: • Friday 2.00pm prior to publication date
CONTRACT: • A Winter Season Contract
avoid burning the base. Follow the temperature instructions on your wax packet.
• Storage: Store your skis in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight. This will help protect them from heat damage.
Properly preparing your skis will ensure they’re in great shape for the next season or your summer skiing adventures! •
Katerina Paul
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)
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Let’s raise kids who can name more plants and animals than celebrities and brand names!
FOR SALE
ROLA Roof Racks, to suit Commodore VB, VC, VH, VK & VL. Were anodized black but faded, so they have been powder coated black. $350. Ph: 0400 350 488
FOUND
Pool Cue in a well-made carrying case which has engraving on it. Call this number if you think it may be yours. 0400 350 488
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.
This little news item came to us separately and concerns our wonderful, yet reticent XC journo – thanks to Marg Hayes Falls Creek XC skier, Katerina Paul was the 3rd female in New Zealand’s recent Worldloppet ski race, the Merino Muster. It was the first time Katerina has been on the podium in a Worldloppet race. Two top US skiers, Jesse Diggins and Julia Kern, who have been training in NZ all Winter were 1st and 2nd respectively. With Australia’s Wordloppet race, the Kangaroo Hoppet being cancelled the last two years it was a superb achievement for the Australian skier.
Skiing the 42km course in just 2hrs 13minutes 39 seconds, Katerina was the 6th skier to finish the challenging, icy course held at Snow Farm between Queenstown and Wanaka.
Congratulations Katerina! •
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 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.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Book On-Line: impactmassage.com.au
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com
With Spring well and truly in the air, the Mount Beauty Writers Festival is ramping up for another exciting chapter of interesting authors visiting Mount Beauty on Saturday 12th October.
Coordinated by a passionate committee of volunteers, the group are working hard in preparation for another successful event.
Mandy van Gastel, Director of the festival, praises the efforts of the team in establishing such a high quality event for the community. We’ve secured some outstanding authors since we launched back in 2022, some BIG names including authors Chris Hammer, Ashley Kalagian Blunt, actor Gary Sweet and abc’s Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis to name a few.
It’s hard creating new events; you have to work hard to create a concept and even harder to build a network of supporters that trust and commit to your project. We’re now in our third year, and I can confidently say that we’re finally on our way to establishing ourselves as a quality writing festival for the region, one we’re all very proud of.
We are the recipient for this Year's Australia Day Award for the Alpine Shire's Best Community Event of the Year, which is a strong indication that we’re getting it right.
I’ve never been a big reader, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed listening to all the authors, hearing their back story, why they pursue a career as an author, how their stories evolve and their writing process, they are all very different and it makes for a very enjoyable day.
We’re also unique in that we offer an
intimate setting for both author and audience. We’re a small event, and we hope to keep it that way. The experience offers quality conversations that are more focused, more personal and more enjoyable by all. The authors particularly enjoy the intimacy and connection with the audience, as well as their co-authors, and have become our biggest advocates for promoting the festival to the literary world.
If you’re after an enjoyable day out I highly recommend you round up some friends and join us at this year's festival. We have award winning authors attending this year, including Satyajit Das, Professor Ian Lowe, Sulari Gentill, Lee Christine, Naomi Crisante, Jade Miles, Liz Foster and Fiona Lowe, all presenting on a range of different genres including lifestyle, cooking, crime, politics, environment & travel and more.
The Mount Beauty Writers Festival will be held at Mountain Monk Brewery on Saturday 12th October from 9am. To find out more about the authors, event details and ticket information head to www. mountbeautywritersfestival.com or follow us facebook. •
SEP 14, 21, 28 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park, beside the library in Lakeside Avenue. All Welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeauty@ parkrun.com
SEP 20 Start Victorian School Holidays.
OCT 5 Mount Beauty Community Market. 9am –1pm. Hydro Park. You make it, You bake it, You grow it – you’re welcome. The only contact I have is: 03 5754 1118
OCT 12 Mount Beauty Writers Festival. Everyone has a story... Come and enjoy the stories of award winning authors, from thriller and crime novelists, biographies, romance, lifestyle and adventure! More details to come
OCT 19 ‘Resilient Community Picnic’ will be held at the Mount Beauty CFA Training Track from 10am to 1pm with set up time from 8:15am. Further details from 03 5754 1166.
NOV 5 Melbourne Cup Day Holiday
NOV 22 – 24 Ignition Mountain Bike Festival. Three Days of action at Falls Creek. https:// ignitionmtb.com.au/
For further details on coming events, go to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/
