The Victorian snow industry is worth $2.4 billion dollars to the state’s overall economy annually. The six alpine resorts of Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain – all contribute to a diverse range of economic benefits for regional areas including over 12,000 regional jobs (Economic Contribution & Benefits of Victoria’s Alpine Resorts report from SGS Economics & Planning).
However, as a micro business owner, it didn’t feel like it this year. My whole business plan and strategy, which I developed over a decade, was based on this type of government & industry data. But do you know what I also integrated into by business plan and strategy? Bad snowfall seasons and a
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
downturn in the economy. Considering that I launched my business online in 2022 the year after Victoria finally released itself from COVID lockdown restrictions, I felt that there would be an economic price to pay for all the spending that occurred over the COVID years. Unfortunately, I was right, but even more unluckily interest rate rises and people living pay check to pay check again coincided with a second poor snow season in a row for Victorian Alpine Resorts.
Small independent snow businesses have done it tough this year. I can’t speak for other Australian alpine resorts, but here at Falls many Chamber of Commerce members have commented on the downturn in discretional spending. Instead of going out for dinner five out of seven nights, people have gone out for a meal once or twice only during their stay. Instead of having hot chocolate at morning teatime on the slopes every day, they’re going back to their lodge instead. Instead of buying a new jacket, people buy a fridge magnet as a reminder of their trip. When you run a business in an industry that is 100% discretional as well as seasonal, this has an impact. I love the snow with everything in my soul, but I also know that it's not part of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. I knew that when I planned my business over the past decade, but knowing something isn’t the same as experiencing it. It’s been a tough season, and as someone with a terrible poker face and the unfortunate habit of wearing her heart on her sleeve, I know even passing acquaintances have noticed my resting worry face.
The ABC reported that ‘Higher temperatures mean higher food prices’ (22/03/2024).
• In short: "Weather and climate shocks" will cause the cost of food to rise 1.5 to 1.8 percentage points annually within a decade or so, researchers say.
• The study looked at monthly price tags of food and other goods, temperatures and other climate factors in 121 nations since 1996.
• What's next? By 2060, the climatetriggered part of inflation should grow, with global food prices predicted to increase 2.2 to 4.3 percentage points annually, the study said.
All Falls Creek businesses are at the mercy of our climate. With climate change, comes cost of living changes/increases and changes in discretionary household spending. Running a business at elevation costs more than running it elsewhere. That’s a fact. What’s also a fact is that people love the snow. They want to experience the snow, the fun and joy to be found in snow sports and the alps all year round. So, while guests may have to save to be able to afford a snow/alpine experience, the stats show that they will continue to do that. As business owners we need to work out how to adjust what we do in line with the climate and economy we exist in and still be able to make a profit. No one is in business to just break even.
Small businesses are the bread and butter of our economy, even though at times they are the underdogs next to multinational companies, global banks, and large supply chains. It’s not just our guests that benefit from local independent businesses. The best holiday experiences for Falls Creek & Mount Beauty guests are those where there is choice and variety available in the hospitality, retail and accommodation options, thanks to independent businesses that supply the daily essentials, life’s little luxuries and those quirky products not found anywhere else (Sydney Morning Herald, 2018).
Thank you to all the people that have shopped with me this winter. I am so grateful to each person who visited my Falls Creek store, who spent money in my store, who ordered products online and had them delivered, who told a guest or friend about my shop, who shared my social media posts, who told me they loved what I was doing, who left me a Google Review. It’s been an interesting winter that is over way too soon. But you know what, I can’t wait to do it all again in 2025. •
Cheers, Nyree www.idreamofsnow.com
Above Foodworks, through the public seating, head towards the bathrooms & up the short flight of stairs, or shop on line!
ski@fcrc.com.au
Join us for the Resilient Community Picnic, an engaging and informative event organised by the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre. This community-focused gathering will take place on Saturday, October 19th, from 10am to 1pm at the Mount Beauty CFA, located on Lakeside Avenue, Mount Beauty.
The Resilient Community Picnic is designed to foster connections among local organisations and residents, providing valuable information and resources to strengthen our community’s resilience. Here’s what you can expect:
• Mount Beauty & Tawonga CFA (Country Fire Authority): Meet local firefighters
and learn about fire safety, emergency preparedness, and community protection measures.
• Ambulance Victoria: Engage with Ambulance Victoria representatives to get vital information on emergency medical services, first aid, and health safety tips.
• Alpine Radio: Enjoy a live outside broadcast from Alpine Radio, featuring local music, news, and engaging discussions that bring our community together.
• Landcare: Discover local environmental initiatives and learn how you can contribute to conservation efforts and sustainable practices in our area.
• Red Cross Tawonga Branch: Find out about the Red Cross’ role in disaster response and community support, and how they assist in times of need.
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
• SES (State Emergency Service): Meet the volunteers from the SES who play a crucial role in emergency situations and learn about their preparedness and response strategies.
• Alpine Health: Explore the health services available through Alpine Health and find resources that support your well-being and that of your family.
• Mount Beauty Men's Shed: Enjoy a free BBQ provided by the Men’s Shed, an organisation dedicated to mental health, community connection, and hands-on projects.
• Hume Riverina Community Legal Service: Offering free and confidential appointments Hume Riverina will be on-site to provide legal advice and support. This service is crucial for those in need of legal guidance, and their presence at the event reflects their commitment to serving the community.
• TREK (Towards Renewable Energy Kiewa): Learn about local efforts in renewable energy and sustainability, and how these initiatives are making a
difference in our community.
• UMFC (Upper Murray Family Care): Discover the support services offered by UMFC for families and individuals, providing valuable assistance and resources.
• Wellways Australia: Wellways, a national mental health and disability support organisation, will also be participating, offering resources and information on mental health care, advocacy, and recovery services for those in need of support.
As an added bonus, attendees will receive a free emergency kit bag from the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre stand packed with essential items to help you stay prepared for unexpected situations.
This event is proudly supported by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), reflecting a strong commitment to building community resilience and fostering local connections.
The Resilient Community Picnic promises to be a day of learning, sharing and community spirit. Bring your family and friends and join us in celebrating and strengthening the bonds that make the Kiewa Valley a great place to live. •
Mark was born in Melbourne and undertook his medical training at the University of Melbourne and the Austin Hospital. Mark and Jane moved to Mount Beauty in August 1981. Mark said ‘finally the perfect job appeared – a small country town, Mount Beauty with a small hospital where I could exercise my anaesthetic and obstetric skills”. Mark and Jane began not only their long term careers in Mount Beauty but also their family.
In 1982 Mark and Jane became partners of the Mount Beauty Medical Centre. They raised both their children in Mount Beauty and they are thrilled to see their children return to live in Mount Beauty along with their grandchildren.
Mark has been on the committee of Rural Doctors Association of Victoria for over 25 years and has been an active member of many local committees and organisations such as the Rotary Club of Mount Beauty.
Mark has been instrumental in teaching Medical Students, Medical Interns and General Practice Registrars and this has paid off with students, interns and registrars returning to the Medical Centre to work as fully qualified General Practitioners - with one being his daughter, Dr Laura Zagorski.
Mark is a truly dedicated Rural GP who has cared for his patients from the cradle to the grave and while we don’t know how many babies Mark has delivered over the years we know that he has delivered two generations of the same family. A feat in itself.
Mark has received many awards including;
• Rural Doctors Association of AustraliaAustralian Rural Doctor of the Year 2008.
• Victorian Rural Health Awards – Length of Service award 2017 – 35 + years.
• Royal Australian College of Surgeons –Gordon Trinca award 2018 – Lifetime Commitment to Teaching General Practice Registrars.
• General Practice Supervisor Australia –Recognition of Service Award – 2021 –Nurturing the next generation of General Practitioners.
• Australian College of Rural and Remote - Peter Graham Cohuna award 2023–Outstanding advocacy and medical service to the Mount Beauty community.
• The Order of Australia – 2019 –recognition and lifetime commitment to the community of Mount Beauty and surrounds.
In recognition of Mark’s exceptional contribution to both the community
and the field of medicine, Mount Beauty Medical Centre has established an annual Mark Zagorski Humanitarian award to be presented each year to a Mount Beauty Secondary College student pursuing a career in the field of medicine.
Mark ‘handed over the Medical Centre partnership reins’ to his daughter, Dr Laura Zagorski in 2023 and Laura will have the guiding hand of her Medical Centre partner Dr Jeff Robinson to help steer her through the complexities of running a medical practice in a small rural town.
Mark has been the driving force and backbone of the Medical Centre over the years and while he will be sorely missed by his colleagues, staff and patients, we are pleased that he is taking time to enjoy the many opportunities that retirement bring.
Well done and a sincere thanks Dr Mark Zagorski. •
Well, well, well... sadly, this is the final edition of our beloved "This Week at Falls Creek" for the winter season. Although it has been a shorter snow season than usual, we’ve enjoyed some truly wonderful skiing days. The season felt somewhat anticlimactic with the cancellation of the Kangaroo Hoppet and the limited spring skiing, but as this season comes to a close, we eagerly anticipate the start of the next one. For many of our skiers, it will begin with exciting opportunities overseas, including competitions and tours across Europe, America, and Japan.
World Loppet, World Masters, & the FIS World Championships
We have an exciting array of international events lined up for our local skiers from Falls Creek, Mount Beauty, and the surrounding areas. During March, Klosters, Switzerland—famed as a favourite skiing destination of Princess Diana and King Charles—will host the World Masters Games. Australia is set to send one of its largest teams ever to this prominent event, where our skiers will have the opportunity to compete against some of the most dedicated and skilled Masters skiers from around the world. This is a great opportunity for our Masters athletes to showcase their dedication on a global stage.
New Stocks of Seedlings & Plants! Plus a great range of Garden Pots! Soils, Potting Mixes, Micro Irrigation Systems!
Mowers, hedge trimmers, whipper snippers
Pool Chemicals and water testing!
Fire Prevention Equipment – extinguishers, smoke alarms, fire blankets!
Super Gas Agent – Swap & Go Gas Bottles Re-Glazing Service
North Eastern Home Improvement Company Pty Ltd
TRADING HOURS
Monday to Friday: 7am - 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 1pm Ph: 03 5754 4384 | Fx: 03 5754 4803
Em: nehicomp@westnet.com.au
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
In addition to the World Masters Games, there will be a variety of World Loppet races. There are 20 World Loppet races across the globe, only the best race events from each country can be a member. These events are affiliated with our Kangaroo Hoppet and offer exciting opportunities for skiers to compete internationally. Personally, I’m excited to participate in several of these races and am hopeful to make it to China for the China Vasaloppet, an event that promises to be both challenging and exciting.
Our elite racers will also be heading to the FIS
Ed 01 * 01.11.24 * Summer Edition One for the Melbourne Cup Day weekend & summer events!
Ed 02 * 15.11.24 * Ignition Mountain Bike Festival at Falls Creek. High Plains Tours
Ed 03 * 06.12.24 * Pre-Christmas Shopping Special. Special Christmas Gatherings.
Ed 04 * 20.12.24 * Christmas Shopping, Christmas and New Year Activities.
DISTRIBUTION: • All accommodation houses, restaurants, businesses, club lodges & apartments in Falls Creek, Bogong Village, Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga & Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang & Tawonga & selected venues in Bright & Myrtleford.
ONLINE: • Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/ WEBSITE: • www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au
ADVERTISING RATES:
DISPLAY: • 1 column (6cm wide) = $16.00
• 2 column (12.5cm wide) = $26.00 per
CLASSIFIEDS: • Like the Trading Post. Send in your Classifieds and pay when you sell.
BUSINESS DIR.: • $6.50 per line per Edition.
DEADLINE: • Friday 2.00pm prior to publication date
CONTRACT: • A Green Season Contract is available for advertising in all 14 editions of the Green Season offering a 15% Discount – invoiced four editions in advance.
World Championships in Trondheim, Norway. This event is sure to be an exciting experience, providing our top athletes with the chance to show their skills against the best in the world. The competition will be fierce, and we are excited to support our Aussie skiers as they take on this high-profile event.
For those following the action from home, join our community Facebook group, "Falls Creek XC Skiing & Touring," for all the latest updates and results. This is a great way to stay connected and cheer on our skiers as they compete internationally.
If you’re interested in watching any World Loppet races live or on demand, be sure to check out Ski Classics Play, also known as SC Play. This platform allows you to stream races from anywhere in the world, including on your
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
Never confuse education with intelligence. You can have a master’s degree and still be an idiot! 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 FOR SALE BY OWNER
Complete set of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent condition, $200 or best offer.
No longer needed, got married, wife knows everything! 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.
phone. It’s an excellent resource for viewing past races and getting a glimpse of what to expect in upcoming events like the Vasaloppet. The service also has technique videos and a TV
docuseries on the life as a long distance XC skier, named “Ski or Die.”
Looking ahead, we can already feel the excitement for next season. The off-season will be a time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for what promises to be another exciting year of skiing.
See you next year!
Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has followed our updates each week. Connecting with our community has been a highlight of the season for me. Although I spent less time on the snow this year compared to previous seasons, the relationships and connections I’ve built with local skiers have been incredibly rewarding. Your support has been invaluable, and I look forward to reconnecting with all of you next year. Until then, happy skiing and best wishes for a fantastic off-season! •
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.
ARBORISTS
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!
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
FENCING
Colourbond and other fencing requests welcome. Free quotes. Ph: Kane from Alpine Valley Arborists on 0428 287 814
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
Mount Beauty United Cricket Club (MBUCC) are a proud local Club that offers Mount Beauty and surrounds the opportunity to be involved in cricket. For any gender from the age of five through to seniors, MBUCC offer the chance to participate in a team sport.
Our 5 – 9 year olds learn the basics in our ‘Blast’ program that runs in Term 4 each year. We then progress to U/12s and U/14s that play against other teams within the Cricket Albury Wodonga (CAW) association. Our senior teams also play within CAW and for many years, our small Club at the end of the Valley, has been able to field three highly competitive teams. We are currently seeking more players to ensure we have enough each week to maintain those three teams.
To get involved:
• Senior training is 1pm on Sundays throughout September, and then 5:15pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the beginning of October.
• Junior training is kicking off on Tuesday
8th October with a ‘Come and Try’ afternoon from 4pm, followed by a free BBQ at 5:30pm.
• Information regarding the Woolworths Blast program for 5 – 9 year olds will come out later in October.
For community members that may not be looking for a game – we have social memberships available, and we are always looking for volunteers to help through the week or on Saturdays.
A couple of other dates for the diaries where any community members are welcome to come along and attend – an informal ‘Meet the Coach’ night will be held on Friday 4th October; We are hosting a ‘Spirit of Cricket’ workshop on the 31st October from 7:30pm; and we’re looking at having pop-up dinner options once per month located at the Club.
The season kicks off mid-October, so now is the time to let us know if you’re interested in becoming a Club member. For further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to:
Ross Wilson; President, MBUCC. Ross.Wilson@education.vic.gov.au. Mb: 0499 818 164 •
SEP 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. For bookings and enquiries, please phone: 0466 211 113
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.
OCT 24 UKV Community Association 2024 Annual Community Forum. 7:30pm at the Auditorium (next to the VIC). Guest Speakers will be: Helen Haines, MHR, Indi. Tim McCurdy, MLA, Ovens Valley. Will Jeremy, CEO, Alpine Shire.
NOV 1 Summer Edition One of This Week hits the streets
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/
