YES OR NO From the Chief Operating officer
Round One - Falls Creek
The National Gravity Enduro Series acts as the qualifying series for the Enduro World Series. See mention in the article with Ben McIlroy.
really) and whether God is or is not.
Mountain Bike Australia in conjunction with Falls Creek Resort Management are pleased to present Round One of the 2017 Gravity Enduro National Series. The series is Australia wide with Round Two being held at Stromlo Forest ACT in May. Round Three will be at Balingup WA in June; Round Four will go to Rockhampton in July and the final round will be held on Woodford Island, on the Clarence River in northern NSW in August.
It’s not what you think, I’m not referring to the Referendum, there’s enough info on that already filling your letterboxes. I’m going to chat about Climate Change. Pertinent given the season we have had, the recording of the hottest August on record, globally and the ongoing El Nino discussion ahead of this summer.
Whether you believe or don’t believe in climate change and its impact on our environment, there’s a very good philosophical argument, known as Pascals Wager. Firstly, Google it… because its way to complicated to explain fully, though I am going to use the premise of it in this article. Briefly, the premise of the ‘Wager’, is founded in probability theory, with some decision theory thrown in, plus a healthy debate about God (or your chosen faith
The popularity of mountain biking continues to grow. From the great efforts of some Mount Beauty locals in the 90’s - to hosting the Nationals in Feb 2000 - to the point where we have some of the best tracks in the country - both in Mount Beauty and in Falls Creek. The growth and the success means we can continue to host fabulous events.
The ‘Wager’ and logic behind it can be applied to the debate around climate change too. The game of the ‘Wager’ asks humanity to analyse a position, where any action taken can be spectacularly consequential, but our understanding of those consequences is flawed, or imperfect. In the ‘Wager’, the use of reason and logic justifies taking action and ultimately it makes sense to do so. But, without full and complete knowledge we are effectively forced to gamble (hence ‘Wager’)…. Confused? What does this have to do with climate change?
Well, think of it this way. The debate and theories around climate change are nothing if not emotive, akin to talking about The Voice, politics in general, whether Maynard deserved a harsher sentence at the AFL tribunal, can Melbourne win the flag, who’s the best skier on the mountain, what are the best ski bindings, where in
Round One of the GE National Series will be staged this weekend, beginning with practice sessions from 11am Friday. During the course of the weekend, several of the trails will be closed to general riders although Blue Dirt will have shuttles running on Friday from 11am to 6pm and again on Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Cost is $50 per day or $90 for 2 days. Go to www.bluedirt. com.au to book. On Sunday the trails will be closed to the general public, but will progressively open as the different sections of the event are completed. Pretty Valley Road will also have closures and be subject to delays should anyone be travelling back from the horse yards or Pretty Valley Pondage. Now this Gravity Enduro is a different sort of mountain bike racing to what we know as Downhill or Cross Country. The Gravity Enduro is both. The athletes will start with a warm up ride from Slalom Plaza, out the Bogong High Plains Road, up the Pretty Valley Road and then across to the Trig
Falls Creek has the best feed… you get the point. Ultimately, no one can claim, aside from conviction in their beliefs to be right or wrong, nonetheless everyone has an opinion!
So, if climate change does result in catastrophic global warming, the steps being proposed, and effort taken now to address it will be worthwhile. The consequences of not doing anything, given what we know, suggest it’s reasonable to assume forecast change will be disruptive, to say the least. Therefore, reason suggests that any sensible person would decide to act. Much like the reasons behind why insurance exists, to parlay the risk.
No time to be smelling the roses during this weekend’s Gravity Enduro. Pic - Jiri Cech.
Point on the Frying Pan Spur. The aim of the game is to ride each section no faster than the fastest time allowed, and no slower than the set slowest time. Then they do the competitive bit, before riding to the start of the next competitive bit without beating or exceeding the times permitted. At the time of going to print, the final course had not been set, but they look like taking in High Voltage and Wishing Well, then heading to Flowtown, completing that before heading to Thunderbolt and then to Generator and Vortex before finishing in Slalom Plaza. Sound like a pretty easy day!!
RESORT ENTRY PERMITS
Open by Appointment
Hence, the use of the ‘Wager’ principle to draw the parallel. To believe or not to believe… this is the question. It triggers an individuals’ subjective validation and cognitive bias. That means, a person will consider a statement or information if it has personal meaning or significance to them and they will ignore and dismiss information that conflicts with them.
WHEN THE BRIGHT YELLOW FLAGS ARE OUT
– WE’RE OPEN Usual Hours 12noon – 4pm
For Groups, Clubs etc
Phone: 03 5758 1200
Locate 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!
The weekend’s program sort of goes like this. Saturday: 9am to 16:00 is compulsory practice. 10am to 18:30 is rider registration and Info Tent open. 17:00 to 17:30 is rider briefing. From 18:00 on there is a social evening at Last Hoot Restaurant and Bar in Slalom Plaza.
Please try to allow 24hours notice.
And, talk to any member of our team about the rewards of volunteering in the Falls Creek Museum.
For further information:
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
www.fallscreekmuseum.com.au info@fallscreekmuseum.com.au Facebook/fallscreekmuseum
Hence, the analogy to God and religion and Pascals original theory. Whether you can prove or disprove the existence of God, it would make sense to wager that “s/he, they/them etc” does exist, because there’s a lot to gain if it turns out “s/he, they/ them” does and not much lost if said deity doesn’t (speaking of opinion, grammatically what’s with plural pronouns being used in a singular construct, its grammatically wrong, FWIW).
Sunday: 8am to 9am Rider Briefing and Timing activation. 8:30am to 1430pm Trails Open for GE competition.1500 to 1630 Presentations. If you’re into biking and would like to enjoy some good action, be at Falls Creek this weekend. Further detail from 03 5758 1200. •
A Resort Entry Vehicle Permit is required for your vehicle when entering the resort between 10th June and 1st October 2023. 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 $56 if you purchase your entry permit on-line. An additional $7 applies to purchases at the 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 on-line for $550 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
• Water Supply
• Waste Management
• Car Parking
• Snow Clearing
• 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 and gym memberships. Ph: 03 5758 1200.
Map Ref: E4
Accommodation Transfer Service (ATS)
Operating from the Terminal Building on Bogong High Plains Rd, 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
For More Information
St Falls West. Open 10am - 5pm daily. Ph: 03 5758 3009.
For more details about Falls Creek Resort, please visit: www.fallscreek.com.au
are now closed to traffic.
Falls Creek Child Care is open Mon - Fri and is located in Slalom Plaza next to Stingray. The Centre is open to children aged 12 weeks to 5 years old and is run by fully qualified educators and is eligible for government rebates.Booking is essential. Phone 03 5758 1244 or
Upstairs Resort Management Office (above day shelter) Open 9am - 5pm weekdays and 10am - 3pm weekends
As any regular reader of this column will know, I’m a numbers man. Love a good statistic and when I can’t make sense of something, I revert to the irrefutable (at least in my opinion). So, I went to the snow stats, all 88 years of them, to see a) have there been similar years to this one (answer is yes – many!), b) what’s the average snow depth trajectory look like over this time. So, does that 88 years of snow data provide any suggestion that the anthropogenic contribution to the currently observed rise in the earth’s temperature and the correlation with carbon dioxide levels rising would in fact show snow fall declining over the most polluted period in human history.
Crunching the old State Electricity Commissions records that justified the building of a dam up here on the High Plans, then added the Falls Creek Ski Patrol data from more recent times (1984), I created a pretty volatile looking chart, then adding in a line of best fit (linear trendline) through it all, …I’d have my answer.
I was thinking, “this should show me if snow has increased or decreased and at what rate”. Effectively a line, where the slope angle would represent whether the average snow depth over the last 88 years had in fact risen or fallen.
Guess what… the line has a marginal, I mean marginal, in fact it’s almost flat trajectory. That can’t be right I thought, so I threw in a polynomial trend line, which more accurately represents movements from year to year. It’s got a few curves, but in more recent times, it’s in fact trending upwards. Yep!
Looking at just the recent history (last 36 years) the data shows the number of times it has snowed (snow incidents) and for how
long (the consecutive snow days) has become quite erratic.
The table show a dramatic reduction in the maximum consecutive days of snow. For example, the highest recorded number of days straight where snow fall was recorded occurred in 1991 – it snowed for 35 days straight. Whilst the shortest period recorded was in 2003 – where the longest number of days of snow falling was just 3. Another finding from the more recent data showed that when it does snow, the snow incidents are dumping bigger and bigger amounts when they happen.
This season, the highest recorded snow fall in a 24 hour period dumped 28cm on the resort. That’s below average, insofar as ‘dumps’ are concerned. We had just 10 snow events (also below average), however total average accumulation wasn’t that bad. The season average depth was in line with historic data, albeit trending down marginally, but the maximum depth was more steeply sloped (in the wrong direction).
To put the season into perspective, we’ve had worse and we’ve had better, but, over the long term, the average snow depth presents as effectively having moderated around the same, but the way it is snowing, and the intensity, appears to be changing.
Service & Demo Centre
New Range of Salomon Ski & Snowboard Boots have just arrived!!
Expert Master Boot Fitter’s on site to fit you up.
FREE Pick-up & delivery for all ski and snowboard rentals!
Generous Discounts off some stock for September!
Be part of the team!
As a member of the Falls Creek Race Club, young members can... Race Club
• Learn life skills in a wonderful rewarding environment.
• Make friends for life – with opportunities to travel the world.
• Learn to ski and board in a family friendly surroundings.
Programs from primary to late teens – including tertiary tuition for full-time athletes.
‘An integral part of Falls Creek and its history!’
FOODIE TIP OF THE WEEK:
Oktoberfest – Get along to the Village Bowl this weekend (Saturday, Sept 16th) for bratwurst, pulled pork rolls, beer and wines… Lederhosen and Dirndls encouraged…Prost! Und Ein Toast!
Now, get out there and enjoy the conditions, hit après early, work on the google tan and soak up what’s left of the season. •
leah.walker@each.com.au
SHOP DOGS Good for Business
My Chief Happiness Officer, @spot. sir.spotsalot gets a lot of attention. During the July school holidays, there was an adorable little girl who was staying in the St Falls West building and would walk past my shop every day, several times a day, to get to the boot & ski rooms. Every morning, at around 10am she would stop in front of my shop window where Spot’s dog bed was, put both hands up the window and joyfully cry out “Spottieeeeeee! I’m going skiing. I’ll give you a pat after!” before traipsing off after her parents to grab her skis and get wrangled into her boots. She was good to her word too. She came back every day, several times a day and gave Spot pats and dog treats from the jar I keep on my counter.
Having a shop dog has proven to be a great retail strategy, especially a dog as friendly and affectionate Spot. Honestly, he’d try and make friends with a fence post if it were
animatronic. Each time a person comes into the store, he greets them like a long-lost friend who he’s been desperately waiting to see. None of this comes as any surprise to me. Spot’s exuberance is well known to locals in the village, who’ve watched him drag me up and down the streets for the past six seasons. It did, however, come as a surprise to my husband and kids who all thought Spot would be a disaster as a shop dog. Why? A considerable predilection for licking toddlers. They thought Spot would kiss a small face at his head height and it would be all over red rover. And to be fair, the risk of this happening was, and still is, quite high.
So why incorporate a dog into my strategy for my store?
Over the past six seasons that Spot’s been with my family at Falls, I am constantly stopped by people asking if they can pat my dog and by mountain staff telling me how much they miss their dogs that they’ve left behind to come and work in the snow.
People love a happy dog, and Spot always looks happy. On our numerous daily walks, he struts out in front of me, often holding the lead in his mouth and wagging his tail jauntily. Quite simply, he exudes happiness which people respond positively to.
I knew one of the drawbacks of my shop was going to be a lack of street frontage. While I have great windows at the front of the shop because I’m not at street level I knew I needed to give people a reason to look again when they did walk past my shop and come in the door. Enter the shop dog. I felt that people would come into my store just to see my dog wagging his tail excitedly in anticipation of their impending pats. Turns out I was right.
A shop dog is a great conversation starter. Spot is a Kelpie German Shepherd, which can be difficult to see given that he is a white dog with black spots. I can’t tell you how many discussions I’ve had about his breed, his colouring, the softness of his fur, how gentle he is when accepting dog treats.
Complete strangers begin chatting with each other because Spot goes over to them and leans against their legs in the hope of more pats.
He’s a medium-size dog with a very sweet, submissive demeanour brings smiles to people’s faces, which is good not only for their happiness but also for my business. I have people who come into my shop every few days just to give Spot a cuddle before heading off to work. A friend who visited me shortly after I opened the store asked me if it was irritating when people did this. I said no, it’s great. She looked at me quizzically before commenting ‘but they’re not buying anything’ to which I replied, ‘not today, but now they know where I am, and they go to work in a good mood because of Spot’.
One very direct customer asked me ‘aren’t you worried that people won’t come into the store because of the dog?’. That’s a risk I’m willing to take. Over the past three months there have been two people who have said they fear dogs, at which point I promptly put Spot into his play pen, and only two people who have told me they are allergic and couldn’t stay in the shop. I’m ok with those numbers as they are a tiny percentage of my total store visitors.
It's well documented that pets are good for your emotional and physical health, so I was happy to take the risk that having my pet in store would be good for my business.
Research has shown that shops with a four-legged assistant benefit from increased footfall and customer loyalty, that 47% of UK adults admit to going into a shop specifically because it has a dog, and 4/5 of people say the presence of a pet encourages them to spend more time –and money – in store than they planned.
If you’re missing your furry friend, feel free to pop into store and give Spot a cuddle. He’ll be the one with the waggly tail, looking expectantly at the treat jar on the counter. Have a great week and see you in store! • Cheers, Nyre www.idreamofsnow.com
Above Foodworks, through the public seating, head towards the bathrooms & up the short flight of stairs.
DISABLED WINTERSPORT AUSTRALIA
A Major Thanks
As was published in last week’s paper, our DWA crew held a fabulous fundraiser at Powderkeg at St Falls last Saturday week. As a result, DWA were able to raise on the night a fabulous $25,000 from raffle ticket sales and the auction. Our local DWA crew are extremely grateful and appreciative of the generosity of this community which enabled this fantastic result. The bit we were not able to do was to thank those who donated to the auction which made this result possible. This paper is therefore very happy to print the list of those who contributed – with a sincere thanks for your generosity.
Adaptive Concepts Australia; Altitude Physio; Arcarcteryx outdoor clothing;
Attunga Restaurant, Falls Creek; Australian Ballooning Company; Books in Homes Australia; Bruny Hotel Tasmania; Bumps –Elsternwick; Charlie - ski instructor; Charlie Brown - Mountainside Gallery; Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA); Falls Creek Back Country Tours; Falls Creek Distillery; Falls Creek Resort Management; Falls Creek Snowmobile Tours; Foodworks, Falls Creek; Frueauf Village, Falls Creek; Furphy's; Halley's Ski Shop, Falls Creek; I Dream of Snow - Falls Creek Vintage Snow; Kiewa Valley Sports – Mount Beauty; Mark ‘Macca’ McDonald – Falls Creek Guides; Mountain Fitness Club; Northcote Chiropractic; Sando's Snow Monkey; Sassy Road - Mount Beauty; Scicluna's Highest Quality Food Supply; Silverski Accommodation, Falls Creek; Ski Plus - Mount Beauty; Slides coffee bar - Slalom Plaza; Snow Ski Apartments, Falls Creek; Someplace Else, Falls Creek; St Falls Resort & Restaurant; Summit Ridge Restaurant, Falls Creek; Tawonga South Butchery; The Man Hotel, Falls Creek; Traverse Alpine Group (TAG); Vail Resorts; Yogi's Ski and Snowboard Hire, Falls Creek.
We are so fortunate at Falls Creek, with the newly acquired on-mountain facility located in Slalom Plaza, and the commitment from Falls Creek Resort Management to create the best accessible ski resort facilities in Australian for people affected by disabilities; and these funds raised will go a long way to bringing our vision to fruition.
As Jeremy said last week “thank you again to all those that support the DWA, and on behalf of myself and Lincoln, and the participants and their families that benefit from the generosity shown by the Falls Creek community and beyond, we are so very grateful.”
“We look forward to seeing you all at next year’s social and fundraiser event!” •
Myrtleford and Albury
The Foundation Cup Club Races at Falls Creek between the Myrtleford and Albury foundation lodges took place on morning of Saturday 3rd on the NASTAR course. The event was made possible thanks to the excellent preparation by the Falls Creek staff.
This marked the second year of the races, with Myrtleford Lodge currently holding the trophy from their victory in 2022. The racing commenced at 10am, featuring a slalom course that was in slick condition, making it a challenging course for all participants. Both clubs brought together a total of over 50 competitors, consisting of a mix of junior and adult skiers and boarders, all eager to showcase their snow racing skills. The event had the honour of having Di Gavin, the Mayor of Falls Creek, as the official race caller for the day. The Team Captains for the respective lodges were Nell Showers for Myrtleford and Peter Shannon for Albury, leading their teams in the competition. It was a fiercely contested event that brought together skiing and boarding enthusiasts from both lodges, and the NASTAR course provided the perfect backdrop for the thrilling races. All competitors raced twice on the slalom course with some outstanding times.
Results:
ADULT WOMAN:
Kasha Schwarzbacher Albury 22.06
Kate Sanderson Myrtleford 23.20
Joe Shannon Albury 24.37
ADULT MEN:
Scott Sanderson Myrtleford 18.89
Ivo Schwarzbacher Albury 19.37
Adam Crapp Albury 20.7
JUNIOR GIRLS:
Camilla Crapp Albury 21.55
Sage Milne Myrtleford 21.30
Claire Shannon Albury 21.76
JUNIOR BOYS:
Jimmy Shannon Albury 18.86
Louis Sanderson Myrtleford 19.13
Archie Showers Myrtleford 22.15
H Jimmy Shannon taking out the overall fastest time on the hill.
After all results were tabulated and verified Albury was declared the Foundation Cup winner for 2023 with the rivalry to continue next year in 2024
After all the celebration and trophies were presented Myrtleford held their annual presentation nigh with ‘All Hail the king dress up night!’ • Steve Weston
• Open 7 Days • 11am to around 9pm
Full Menu, great Pizzas & Burgers
Dine In or TakeAway
Bookings Recommended
Slalom Plaza, Falls Creek
03 5758 3088
GRAND FINAL TIME Be There!
Dederang Mount Beauty Football & Netball Club have been far from success over the past years, last tasting the ultimate success back in 2013, with the then U14’s team, coached by our Tawonga South Butcher, Will Hood. Now it’s time for our current crop of kids to enjoy success.
“Rewards for Effort” has been our mantra for this year, but it’s a long story why.
To say it’s been a long slow burn for this crop of U14’s is an understatement.
To know what they have already achieved, you need to know where they came from. Back in 2018, there was no pathway for these kids past Auskick, which most of these kids had been doing for the past five years.
I knew that the TDFL did have a U12’s competition, but DMB did not have a team, but asking the question why to the then President of the club, sparked the process and within five days of that initial conversation, we were running out for our first game as a team. That first year was tough. With most players under 10, playing in their first year against 12 year olds that were in their 3rd year of playing was hard.
We scored 1 goal that season… in the last game of the year, but the excitement in scoring that goal, is what set us up. The following two years, as the team got older, we started to get better, even scoring goals in most games, but our first win always alluded us until 24th April 2021, when we finally won our first game as top age U12’s. The button had been pushed and these kids finally got their ‘Reward for Effort’ and they were keen for more.
2023 has seen the teams old U12’s Coach, Brad Redmond join Aaron Lutter-Wood as co-coaches of the team. Both Coaches bringing their extensive football knowledge to the table with a sole purpose to bring the flag back down the valley. They have been lead on-ground by their captain, Jack Coulston, gun left footer with silky skills who was runner up in the league B&F; as well as their vice captains, Beau Duggan and Jai Redmond. Beau has the engine to run
▼ Falls Creek
MEDICAL SERVICES
WHERE Bottom of Gully Chairlift.
WHEN Open Daily 10am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 5pm (Map Ref J6)
HOW Ph: 03 5758 3238 all day! 24 Hours for Emergencies
WHO General Practitioners experienced in Family and Snow Sports Medicine.
WHAT First fully accredited snowfields practice in Australia based on 37 years experience.
Mount Beauty ▼
WHERE Tawonga Crescent.
WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12noon Saturdays.
HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments
WHO Mark Zagorski OAM, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton, Lauren Cussen, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson, Andrew Mason, Jacinta O'Niell & Matthew McAlpine.
WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 43 years service to the Upper Kiewa Valley.
“You’ve only got one head – put a lid on it!”
Falls Creek
GRAND FINAL TIME
with anyone and is by far the loudest on any ground and Jai will be seen streaming out of Full Forward. Jai recently picked up the league’s goal kicking award with 56 goals from 12 games.
This year has seen the team go from strength to strength, singing the song after every game and making this year’s Grand Final, to be played at Sandy Creek this weekend. The Grand final will have us pitted up against our old rival, Yackandandah (who we kicked our first goal against all those seasons ago.)
Players to watch: Darcy Fallon - hard as nails left footer who came 6th in the league B&F. Fergus Gardner - staring since being switched into the backline. Our small brigade - lead by Rowan Jones, these kids, including Tully, Hudson, Ollie, Zelk, Ryan and Hamish; punch WELL above their weight (and height).
It'll be a great game and if you can get down to watch, I implore you to do so. Watch these kids get the ‘Reward for Effort’ they deserve. 8:50am at Sandy Creek Reserve. •
WELCOME TO ❀ SPRING ❀
Time to get plan work around the home. Hardware, Homewares, Workwear, Clothing, Boots, Garden gear, Gifts & Outdoor supplies! Gift vouchers and free gift wrapping available.
Mount Beauty Hardware & Drapery Store
Mon – Fri: 9am –5:30pm Saturday: 9am 4pm Sun & Public Hols: 9am 2pm
12 – 14 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty Ph: 03 5754 1999
We wish our team all the best for Saturday’s game!
FEATURE PROPE RTY
Location,
10 Beauty Avenue, Mount Beauty
This property has the distinction of being the only vacant allotment of residential land currently available in the township of Mount Beauty.
Step out onto the footpath to see the local Bakery and the shopping precinct.
Only metres from doctors, hospital, shops, cafe's, schools, kindergarten/child care, parks, sports facilities, swimming pool, BBQ area, walking tracks and our lake - Beauty Avenue is the undisputed golden street of the township and this is a unique opportunity to secure a vacant block in the town itself. Comprising approximately 650sqm with a gentle slope and mountain views, this opportunity to build so close to town is a rare.
Services available for connection:- sewerage, town water, telephone and power.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!
Pic– Courtesy the Coach
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
National Team 23/24
This week in Falls Creek the National Team are making the most of this fresh drop of snow and beautiful sunny spring weather by hosting a training camp in the high country. With a mix of on-snow and dry-land training, the team is focusing on getting in as much valuable technique work and ski-specific endurance building before the athletes return to their respective cities to gear up for the fast approaching northern hemisphere racing season.
While the team is still months away from being officially announced, the racing season is too close around the corner for anyone to hold back on their training now. Last season our team was made up of Aussies who are living all over the world, with a significant number of our athletes residing in Norway or the USA for the majority of the year. It will be exciting to
Altitude Physio
see who makes up our team this season and who the fresh faces will be, and which events these athletes qualify for and compete in!
Target events for the national team this year include:
FALL LINES
throat singer. The World Cup racing at the start of the season in Norway was also top quality and gave me a taste for more World Cup ahead”
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Hard Waste Collection
• Pre-World Championship World Cup races in Trondheim (Norway) in December and some other targeted World Cups throughout the season.
Falls Creek Resort Management will be collecting hard waste on Wednesday 26th April - the day after ANZAC Day.
• World Junior and U23 Championships in Planica (Slovenia) in February.
• Youth Winter Olympic Games in Gangwon (South Korea) at end of January. Recent Olympian and Falls Creek athlete Seve De Campo had some really exciting results last season, and this is what he had to say about it:
Please see our Hard Waste Collection guidelines on the website, or if you require any additional information, please contact the FCRM Office on 03 5758 1200. • Summer Debrief
It has been a record year for visitation this summer and Resort Management would like to get your feedback on events, visitor demographic, mountain biking and general observations.
Seve: “My main highlight was competing in Lake Placid in upstate New York in January at the world University games and skiing really well there. I was just out of the top 10 in 14th in the individual classic event but overall it was fun being up there with the top guys as well as meeting lots of different people in the athletes village including a Mongolian
Therefore you are invited to join the relevant Resort Management personnel and other members of the community for a summer season debrief meeting.
This meeting will take place on Wednesday 26th April from 9:30am to around 11:30am in the Boardroom above Foodworks in QT.
If you have any specific agenda items, please email http://joprothero@fallscreek.com.au. We
This year, Seve’s goal event for the season differs from the team’s targeted plan, and it includes the Tour de Ski, which in my opinion is one of the most exciting races for spectators to follow each season, and is an incredible athletic feat for any skier to achieve.
Seve: “This season I plan to race in Sweden and Trondheim for World Cup in December, the 2025 world championships are in Trondheim and I have a main goal to do the whole Tour de Ski this season, so I’ll have to be skiing fast but I’m up for the challenge”
Gaining it’s inspiration from the Tour de France, The Tour de Ski is a cross-country skiing event held annually in Central Europe with 6-9 stages over the course of less than two weeks. Each stage sets its own qualification challenge to be able to continue to the next stage, with bib’s designated for sprint champions, distance champions, youth champions, and the combined time of the stages deciding who becomes the overall winner of the tour. The final stage of the tour is something every athlete strives to reach and is a famous event in its own right. The stage is always held in Val di Fiemme, Italy, and consists of a long ascent up an alpine ski run to the top of the Alpe Cermis mountain. So far only one Australian athlete, Jessica Yeaton, has made it to this final stage of the Tour
A Life to Remember
A celebration of Lyn’s Life will take place on Friday the 28th April 2017 in the Village Bowl at Falls Creek for anyone who wishes to attend and pay tribute. Commencing at 12 noon, the afternoon will reflect Lyn’s enormous contribution to Falls Creek. Some wine and a light BBQ will be provided, but we ask that you bring other beverages and also a plate to share. In the case of wet weather, a contingency plan will be in place. Friends are welcome to pass this invite on and it is understood that members of Lyn’s family will be in attendance. •
Trade Fair @ Falls Creek
Something of an institution since 1982, the Trade Fair @ Falls Creek is an opportunity
2023 WINTER PUBLICATION SCHEDULE & RATES
Ed 16 * 22.09.23 * End of Season Pond Skim and Oktoberfest. Summer Activities & Ignition. (C)
Ed 1 * 03.11.23 * Melbourne Cup Weekend. Ignition MTB Festival. Remembrance Day (C)
Ed 2 * 17.11.23 * Ignition MTB Festival. Alpine Challenge. Christmas Shopping Program (C)
Ed 3 * 08.12.23 * Superflow MTB Competition, Christmas Shopping Specials. (C)
ADVERTISING RATES:
DISPLAY:
CLASSIFIEDS:
• 1 column (6cm wide) = $16.00 per cm. 4cp = $21.00 per cm.
• 2 column (12.5cm wide) = $26.00 per cm. 4cp = $37.00 per cm.
• 3 column (19cm wide) = $36.00 per cm. 4cp = $49.00 per cm.
8:30am
• 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:
ENQUIRIES
Drs Mark Zagorski, Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Angela Stratton & Anoop Pem.
de Ski, so it will be really awesome if Seve is able to become the first Aussie male to achieve this in the coming season. Either way, it will be great to follow the action!
Hannah Price is another Falls Creek athlete and National Team member has been doing some awesome things here and overseas. Here are some of her reflections from her time at Falls Creek this season, what she got up to last northern winter, and what’s next for this hardworking athlete.
Hannah: “This season has gone far too quickly! It felt like one minute, I was prepping for my first sprint in months at the Perisher nationals and the next, crust cruising with friends in September. I’ve been pretty happy with my results this season - overall, they’ve been consistent for me and I even managed to pull out a really good classic sprint (anyone who knows me will know that this is a big achievement as I don’t usually enjoy anything under 10km!) It was obviously devastating that we weren’t able to hold the Hoppet this season. All the same, getting to spend a few extra days cruising loops of Mt McKay, catching up with old friends and seeing the entire XC community still getting out there for some hot laps and a good time reminded me how awesome the people that do this sport are.
CROSS COUNTRY NEWS
Last Northern Winter, I travelled to North America to train and race for a few months with the Sun Valley Teams in Idaho. I was so stoked to race in Canada and across the US in the Super Tour series and met some incredible people (and dogs) while I was at it. Later on, I met the Australian team in Lake Placid, New York for the World University Games which was a wild party and some of the most competitive and crazy racing I’ve done. It was such a cool experience - particularly getting to meet elite athletes from other Winter sports from across the world. I now know a few Dutch speed skaters and British curlers!
My favourite race and achievement last year was probably the 10km skate at US Senior Nationals. I’d been really sick with the flu for the entire week following and was still coughing every time I stopped during my warm up. I decided to ski my own race, not putting pressure on myself to get results but focusing on skiing with excellent technique and a lot of joy. In the end, it was one of my best races that season in terms of national rankings and I felt amazing. While I was proud of result, I was mostly stoked that I was able to calm my brain and focus on what I could control. It showed me the power of a good headspace, even when the preparation has otherwise been sub-optimal!
TRADING POST CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE
Stubby series 1000 universal woodturning lathe, as new, $9,000. Ph: 0408 466 790.
Cane Armchair and footstool. $30. Six metal framed dining chairs upholstered in burgundy vinyl $30. Ph: 0477 443 964.
ROLA Roof Racks to suit Commodore VB, VC, VH, VK, VL. Were anodized black but faded so I had them powder coated black. Can come with mounting brackets for a single road bike. $350 or near offer.
Ph: 0400 350 488.
Blade X rollerblades, as new not yet used, men’s size 43, $100. Ph: 0408 466 790.
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!
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
BONNIE LUVE BEAUTY
Exciting new business opening in Yackandandah and servicing the Upper Kiewa Valley, Bright and Myrtleford. Offering services such as Massage, Waxing and Lash and Brow Tints. In the coming weeks Facials, Body Treatments and Nails will be available also. Call Bree on 0438 680 440.
BOWEN THERAPY & MASSAGE
Tawonga South. Ph: Heather 0428 993 125.
BUILDING & ELECTRICAL
Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service. Please cal Justin Mb: 0458 220 879.
CAKE MAKING & DECORATING
Elene Wood at www.studioecakes.com.au in Tawonga – for all occasions. Mb: 0409 673 192 or Em: hello@studioecakes.com.au
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. 0410 480 697.
VALLEY FUN & FITNESS CLASS
Every Tuesday at 9am at the Ladies Facility, Dederang Recreation Reserve. Bring a drink bottle and towel. $6 per session. Classes by Narelle Jones. Enquiries: Sharon McEvoy 0438 289 293 (the6maccas@bigpond.com)
FALLS CREEK REUNION
Being Planned. Potential dates are 7th, 14th or 21st October at the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne. Touch base with Rod Drill on Mb: 0412 481 711.
DON’T COMPLAIN
I was walking in the woods with my girlfriend, and she started whining about how it was getting dark, and she found it creepy. I told her, “you’re ok, I’m the one who has to walk back home alone!”
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Altitude Electrical – no job too big or too small. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial. Ben Svarc Mb: 0419 801 109.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Electrik Charge – Cade Piera – Licensed Local Electrician. Mb: 0400 827 060.
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.
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.
I’m still working out the details [for this season’s skiing goals], but I’m hoping to race in Central Europe throughout December and January. If I get speedy enough, I would also love to have a crack at the World U23 champs in Planica in February but if not, I might try my hand at a few longer races instead!”
Best of luck to all of our Aussie athletes overseas this winter, and to everyone on the mountain, enjoy the beginnings of wildflower season and the remains of this beautiful snow! • Ella
JacksonMISSING 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. If you are going through your old bookshelves, keep an eye out for it. Fortunately your Editor has obtained a Digital Copy form the Melbourne University for reference. Any news, please call 0400 350 488.
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.
PROPERTY INSURANCE
With over 15 years experience as Alpine Industry Insurance Brokers, we are very happy to help you and your business. Call Tim on 0429 852 452, or Em: tclarke@northeastib. com.au
SPORTS MASSAGE
Book On-Line: impactmassage.com.au
STORAGE
Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com
TECH SUPPORT
For anything tech related home or business, call Ray! Ph: 0412 812 263 or Em: ray@raystechsupport.com
FALL LINES
Horsemanship for kids
Spring Spur is proud to announce horsemanship for kids' classes are back up and running!
This eight week program allows your kids to learn the fundamentals of horsemanship and riding in a fun and safe environment. We will be focusing on communication with the horse both through groundwork and riding, understanding horse behaviour and safe interaction, horse care and feeding as well as equipment.
Through learning about their own energy, attitude, and communication skills, the kids will learn how to gain solid communication with these wonderful animals, as well as the basics of movement, energy, and timing.
This program is suitable for all abilities, and equine experience, everyone will get something out of it. Parents are welcome to fence sit.
Inclusions:
• 8 weekly sessions (2 hrs) beginning at 4pm.
• Suitable horse and equipment.
• Riding helmets and boots.
• Experienced horsemanship instructors. There will be two weekly sessions. Mondays for 11yo+ and Thursdays for 6-10yo starting 2nd October
The program can be booked directly through our website www.springspur.com. au and we are happy to answer questions through email or phone calls on 0455 944 459 or info@springspur.com.au •
WHAT'S ON IN 2023
COVID-19 Restriction changes and weather may impact some of these events. Please check with the organiser for the most up-to-date information.
SEP 16 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park 23, 30 beside the library in Lakeside Avenue. All Welcome. Enquiries to 03 5754 1118. No Park Run on 26th because of Hoppet.
SEP 15 Start Victorian School Holidays.
SEP 15 Alpine Blue Light Disco 6:30 – 9pm Mount Beauty Community Centre. For Primary students.
SEP 16 Oktoberfest 12noon – 5pm. In the Village Bowl. All Welcome. Brought to you by the Falls Creek Tennis & Social Club.
SEP 30 SES End of Season BBQ Lunch at the Falls Creek Hotel, 12:30 start followed by the Grand Final.
OCT 7 Mount Beauty Writers Festival. West Peak Hotel. More detail in next editions.
AND FOR SUMMER...
NOV 17-19 Ignition Mountain Bike Festival – The start of the mountain bike season at Falls Creek. https://bluedirt.com.au/ignition-mtb-seasonopener/
NOV 25-26 Alpine Challenge – Running the High Plains with distances from 30km to 160km. https:// www.runningwild.net.au/alpine-runs/alpinechallenge.html
DEC 9-10 Fox Superflow MTB Competition @ Falls Creek.
JAN 27-28 Victorian Gravity Enduro Tour – Falls Creek Round.
For further details on coming events, got to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/