This Week in Falls Creek & Mount Beauty - 13 February 2026

FALLS CREEK OLYMPIANS

A Proud Crew

The qualification for Falls Creek Olympians was that they did not Have to live in Falls Creek, but did have Falls Creek as their home skiing base. The following is a complete list of the team that have done us proud over many years –and we thank each and every one of them and wish our current Aussie Olympians the very best for their competition in Italy.

Alpine Skiing

Ross Milne 1964 Innsbruck, Austria

Malcolm Milne 1968 Grenoble, France 1972 Sapporo, Japan

Joanne Henke 1976 Innsbruck, Austria

HOURS FOR FEASTIVAL

Jenny Altermatt 1980 Lake Placid, United States of America

Steven Lee 1984 Sarajevo, Yugoslavia (Now Bosnia Herzegovina) 1988 Calgary, Canada 1992 Albertville, France

Cross Country

Richard Walpole 1960 Squaw Valley, United States of America

Chris Heberle 1988 Calgary, Canada

Paul Gray 1992 Albertville, France 1998 Nagano, Japan

VALENTINES DINNER

Booking Closed Wednesday 11th Feb. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am Trading late on Weekends with Sam in the kitchen Friday to Sunday evening. Closed Mondays Pool Table, Dart Board, rustic vibes and good people!

Email or call us for bookings and we’ll keep the doors open for you!

Ph: 0492 877 044

Fully Licensed – Great Deck! Falls Creek Staff Re-Union Saturday 14th March

Bookings through Air B & B Come and join us for a fun reminisce!!

Anthony Evans 1992 Albertville, France 1994 Lillehammer, Norway

Mark Gray 1994 Lillehammer, Norway

Claire-Louise Brumley 2006 Torino, Italy

Esther Bottomley 2006 Torino, Italy

2010 Vancouver, Canada

2014 Sochi, Russia

Paul Murray 2006 Torino, Italy

2010 Vancouver, Canada

Phillip Bellingham 2014 Sochi, Russia

2018 Pyeongchang, South Korea

2022 Beijing, China

2026 Milano Cortina, Italy

Seve de Campo 2026 Milano Cortina, Italy

Mogul Skiing

Adrian Costa 1992 Albertville, France 1994 Lillehammer, Norway

1998 Nagano, Japan

2002 Salt Lake City< United States of America

Paul Costa 1994 Lillehammer, Norway

Britteny Cox 2010 Vancouver, Canada

2014 Sochi, Russia

2018 Pyeongchang, South Korea

With Falls Creek producing eighteen Olympians, our community should be pretty proud of their success – as we are proud of our current group competing in Italy. As well as those listed above, there is a great tie-up with out cross country competitors as many have been involved in or have won the Kangaroo Hoppet with several also achieving the much valued AGL Scholarships. Add to this the support of Finn Marsland and Esther Bottomley (Technical Support Team) and Tim Retchford (Team Physio) and our Falls Creek crew total a pretty formidable part of Australia’s Winter Olympic history. Well done everyone and “Go Team!” •

The Antarctic Connection

Many of our summer visitors take advantage of one of Falls Creeks great assets, Rocky Valley Dam (courtesy of the SEC Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme). This lake with a capacity of 27,000 mega-litres has hosted many events including the 2km swimming leg part of an ultra Triathlon back in 2012 and 2013.

The lake has also played a vital role in some of the National Fly Fishing Championships held on a regular basis in the area.

It also fills that beautiful community role where local residents, friends and visitors just head off to the dam for a relaxing afternoon, possible BBQ and/or a spot of fishing or sailing.

Another vital activity is the ‘Ice Plunge’ held annually on the first day of June to welcome in the winter, treat the new staff to a cold dip and generally appease the snow gods!

But how many people actually care to take a look at, or understand the old building that overlooks the Western Bloat Ramp and the new pontoon. It is this ‘shed,’ close to the boat ramp, that the more tangible connection to Antarctica lies. To many, the old corrugated iron clad structure is known as the ANARE Shed. It has been there so long that most people would not even appreciate that ANARE stands for Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions. The first ANARE base was established on Heard Island (1947), followed by Macquarie Island (1948), Mawson (1954), Wilkes (1959 and replaced by Casey in 1969) and Davis (1957).

In the early days the Antarctic Division headquarters was located in Melbourne. With only one ship visiting the station each summer for resupply and changeover of personnel, general expeditioner field training was initially undertaken in Victoria at the Anglesea Scout camp. By the early 1970’s the Division was looking for an alpine field training facility and, it transpired, that there was a redundant SEC storage shed at Rocky Valley. The plan then was for the Antarctic Division to upgrade the shed by recladding it and installing a mezzanine floor. Meanwhile, the training which included pitching the polar pyramid tents, learning to use stoves and other equipment were held in snow near the shed - which was primarily used for storage. Navigation exercises were conducted around the dam and on Heathy Spur. For many expeditioners, this was their first experience of snow.

In 1973 the Federal Government decided to base the Antarctic Division in Hobart so, whilst the proposed redevelopment did not go ahead, the shed continued to be used as a training facility until the relocation of the headquarters in 1981. In more recent years, field training has been carried out in Antarctica; however in 1994 the introduction of long range helicopter operations

between Australia’s Antarctic stations saw the helicopter crews back at Falls Creek for on snow training. They spent some uncomfortable nights sleeping in snow caves they made in the snow drifts behind the AGL workshop.

The connection to Antarctica and ANARE history has long been severed, an item about the shed in the club’s “Aurora” newsletter earlier this year generated only one response which provided the information included above.

An item on the Falls Creek website explains Alpine Resorts Victoria is proposing to the development of the Rocky Valley Lake foreshore on Bogong High Plains Road, Falls Creek, including restoration of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition shed building and undertake associated vegetation clearing and civil works. The proposed action was determined to be a controlled action under the EPBC Act and has potential to impact listed threatened species and communities (Sections 18 and 18A) protected under Part 3 of the EPBC Act. It would be a wonderful asset if this was to go ahead.•

AUSTRALIAN TARMAC RALLY

Who Are We?

Australian Tarmac Rally (ATR) was rebranded and officially launched in May 2020. Owned and operated by passionate tarmac rally enthusiasts, ATR is dedicated to delivering high-quality, valuefor-money tarmac rally events across some of Victoria’s most spectacular regions, including the Alpine, High Country and Gippsland.

ATR currently delivers five Victorianbased events each year, with two based in Marysville, and single events held in Lakes Entrance, Mt Buller and Mount Baw Baw.

Since 2020, ATR has successfully delivered 19 tarmac rally events, establishing a strong reputation for professionally run, competitorfocused events.

While small in size, the ATR team brings together more than 15 years of combined experience within the tarmac rally landscape. Our background spans competing, volunteering and organising internationally recognised events. This depth of experience underpins ATR’s ability to design, promote and deliver world-class tarmac rallies across Australia.

Australian Tarmac Rally is proud to be the first and only fully female-owned motorsport event management company in Australia, continuing to break new ground within the sport.

Great Alpine Rally

Australia hasn’t seen a brand-new tarmac rally in almost ten years, until now...

The Great Alpine Rally makes its thrilling debut on 28–29 March 2026 at Falls Creek, Victoria, offering competitors the rare chance to rally on roads never used in motorsport. Over two adrenaline-fuelled days, crews will tackle almost 400 kilometres of competitive tarmac across, navigating the legendary Bogong High Plains Road from Mount Beauty to Falls Creek, over the summit, and to the Omeo Highway.

A standout feature of the rally is the 35-kilometre back section of the Bogong High Plains Road. This pristine, neverbefore-rallied tarmac offers a unique challenge and a once-in-a-lifetime racing experience.

Brittany Wilson, Event Director of Australian Tarmac Rally, said: "Falls Creek approached us to bring a rally to the mountain, and we jumped at the chance. The Great Alpine

Bar Open from 12noon every day except Christmas Day

BISTRO

Rally is exactly what modern tarmac rallying should be: world-class stages, stunning scenery, and a true test for competitors. It’s the perfect setting for Australia’s first new tarmac rally in over a decade."

Following the revival of the Mt Buller Sprint in February 2026, the Great Alpine Rally marks ATR’s boldest expansion yet, cementing its role in growing high-level competitive tarmac rallying across Australia.

Overview

The Australian Tarmac Rally offers a competitive motorsport category for properly prepared rally vehicles that meet strict safety and technical requirements, are fitted with an approved full safety cage and include winged race seats, harnesses and an approved head and neck restraints.

Every ATR event is overseen by trained marshals, safety officers, and stewards who monitor the stages in real-time. These measures, combined with rigorous vehicle checks before competition, ensure that tarmac rallying in Australia remains as safe as it is thrilling.

ATR’s approach allows competitors to push the limits of their cars while maintaining confidence in their safety, making it one of the country’s premier and most professionally managed tarmac rally competitions. More details in future editions. •

Legendary Dederang Picnic Races

The Mount Beauty & District

Community Bank Dederang picnic races have been held annually since 1865 raising thousands of dollars for the local community through the efforts of local volunteers. The races attract spectators from all over the eastern states, maintaining its proud history and securing it’s standing as one of the premier picnic race meetings in country Victoria.

There is a six-race program, with the feature event the Milestone Dederang Cup. Once the horse racing is finished stay on to experience the spectacle that is the famous Dederang Mile. Speedsters of all ages put their bodies to the test and take on a full lap of the course proper under race conditions. This is followed by the

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Valley

winner takes all Tug of War challenge. Umbrella packages, Marquee packages and catering packages are selling fast. Spoil yourself and your friends with the luxury of one of these great packages to really make your day. Marquee packages are available in two sizes ranging from $550 with tables and chairs for 10-20 people or a larger size for 20 plus people, and plenty of space to watch the races in comfort.

Umbrella packages include a great view of the track, 10 chairs and a large table $250. Check out our website and buy your tickets and packages before they all sell out. Come along and have a fabulous day for the

whole community - put on by the community. Don’t forget that we even have free camping spots with toilets and a shower on-site for 2026. A donation to the community for camping is appreciated. First in get the best camping spots. You will need to book a race day ticket ($20) online or at the gate.

Gates open 11am, so join us for a fantastic day of racing, music, food, and community pride. https://country.racing.com/dederang/ calendar/dederang-cup

The best advice – Get your booking in early –don’t miss the live action at the Dederang Pub afterwards – and don’t even think of driving if liquor has passed your lips!!! •

LOVE ALL

Wow... What a Day!

Great things happen because people care and people love. This day happened because people care and love Jo Macklan. She would never have asked for it… but she would be the first person to put her hand up to help someone else.

The ‘Love All’ day started with a kids clinic, around 25 kids turned up for an hour of tennis based fun & games. Parents mingled over an egg & bacon roll and coffee while stretching the hamstrings and warming up the arm for the Challenges that followed. Tennis orientated challenges such as hitting blow up targets saw some unexpected early eliminations and young heroes stand up.

This seamlessly lead into the Parent/child doubles tournament. Many more teams than we had expected and great sportsmanship on show. It was great to see everyone having so much fun. The prestigious trophy was taken home by Sam Retchford & Dean Bensted (Uncle Dean).

Then it was on to the auctions & raffles. Some amazing prizes and donations were received leading up to the event. They were matched by overwhelming acts of generosity throughout the day and from all corners of the community.

Finally the "1 POINT SLAM' with an amazing prize up for grabs and a large crowd, people were not only tested against an opponent but their own nerves. With a long list of competitors and an option to buy back in, this final event kept on giving. Finally after an hour of breath holding, cheering, sighs and laughter it came down to 1 point - and this was won by Tully

EMERGEN C Y

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

WILDLIFE

WILDLIFE RESCUE – Alpine Shire

Jody Michelle

Duggan, who then proceeded to give the new prize tennis racquet to his dad - a more fitting ending to the day could not have been scripted.

Thanks to everyone who helped, volunteered, donated, participated, supported and shared some LOVE. A special thanks to our coach, Andy Shuttleworth and his family, Sarah, Billy and Zelk for the great work behind the scenes. Well done all. The good news –significant funds were raised for our great mate and her family. •

ADVERTISING RATES:

DISPLAY: • 1 column (6cm

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BUSINESS DIR.:

ONLINE: • Available in PDF form at: www.fallscreek.com.au/whatson/ WEBSITE: • www.thisweekinfallscreek.com.au

Tawonga South, Tawonga & Dederang, plus the RMB’s between Dederang & Tawonga & selected venues in Bright & Myrtleford.

– or Lack Of!

‘Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says!’ Really? Ya' think so?

‘Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers!’ Now that's taking things a bit far!

‘Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over!’ What a guy!

‘Miners Refuse to Work after Death!’ Thosegood-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!

‘Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant!’ See if that works better than a fair trial!

‘War Dims Hope for Peace!’ I can see where it might have that effect!

‘If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile!’ Do you think so!

‘Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures!’ Who would have thought!

CLASSIFIEDS

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) CLEVER!

Whoever put the S in fastfood is a marketing genius! FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Don’t just teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything. The value of an education is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think! George Carlin FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits! Albert Einstein MISSING BOOK

This ‘Missing Book’ advert has appeared for quite some time now. Your Journo has purchased a digital copy from Melbourne University. But, the book itself is important – because it was given to a member of the community to be kept in perpetuity for the community. Titled “The Interaction between Land Use, the Environment and the Hydrology of the Bogong High Plains between 1850 and 1985” it is a vital piece of local history. If anyone can help us, call 0400 350 488.

‘Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges!’ You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?

‘New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group!’ Weren't they overweight enough?!

‘Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft!’ That's what he gets for eating those beans!

‘Kids Make Nutritious Snacks!’ Do they taste like chicken?

‘Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half!’ The Chainsaw Massacre all over again!

‘Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead!’ Did I read that right?

MEDICAL SERVICES - Upper Kiewa Valley

WHERE 2D Tawonga Crescent. WHEN 8:30am – 5pm Mon – Friday 10am – 12 noon Saturdays. HOW Ph: 03 5754 3400 for appointments

WHO Doctors: Jeff Robinson, Libby Garoni, Skye Delaney, Laura Zagorski, Lauren Cusson, Damian Heman, Daniel Florisson and Vanessa Cservid.

WHAT Fully accredited General Practice with 50 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!

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BOWEN THERAPY & MASSAGE

Tawonga South. Ph: Heather: 0428 993 125

BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

Duggan & Hanlon, your complete building service. Please cal Justin Mb: 0458 220 879.

CARPET CLEANING

Call Nathan of NatWest Home Maintenance, your local Carpet Cleaning Service. 0429 933 492.

CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES

Oztek Constructions Pty Ltd. We do local building work, renovations, extensions and maintenance. Email Dave at: oztekconstructions@gmail.com. Or Ph: 0466 990 862

CIVIL CELEBRANT – HEATHER MULL

Quality Ceremonies – All Types. Mb: 0428 993 125.

COLLECTABLES & HOMEWARES

I Dream Of Snow - Vintage snow collectables & brand new homewares. Open on-line all year round. www.idreamofsnow.com

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

LANDSCAPING

Design and landscaping - quality work. Contact Hamish at External Solutions: Em: admin@externalsolutions.com.au. Mb: 0400 160 532.

LD’S HOME PET CARE

Pet Care and Dog Walking. Ph: Lisa 0407 541 695.

LOCKSMITH & HANDYMAN

Codi Coutts – servicing the Kiewa Valley & North East Victoria. Ph: 0475 388 990. Em: kiewavalleylocksmith@yahoo.com

PAINTING SERVICES

Interior/Exterior, Domestic/Commercial. Obligation Free Quotes. Quality & Service Guaranteed. KLM Alpine Painting Services. Ph: Laif: 0437 023 921.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Kiewa Valley Sports & Spinal Therapy, 5A Hollonds St, Mount Beauty. Out of Hours & Home visits available. HiCaps. Ph: 03 5754 1270.

Altitude Electrical – No job too big or too small. Domestic, Commercial & Industrial. Ben Svarc. Mb: 0419 801 109

FREIGHT – ALB – MTB – FALLS CREEK

Remo’s Transport from Albury/Wodonga to Mount Beauty and Falls Creek Mon to Fri inclusive. Refrigeration available. Ph: John or Esther 0417 414 320.

PILATES

Reformer, Group or Individual for a better quality of life. Wildflower Pilates Ph: 0433 017 660.

REMEDIAL MASSAGE

Altitude Physio, Massage & Myotherapy. Ph: 03 5758 3766. Text: 0403 854 525

STORAGE

Caravans, Vehicles, Pallets, Large Lock-Up Units. Ph: 0428 361 497. www.alpinewarehousing.com

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

12 Vails Road, Tawonga South

Hidden Vails Road family haven with Mt Bogong views - tucked away at the quiet, top end of Vails Road, this much-loved Tawonga South home blends privacy, views and genuine family flexibility in a setting that feels a world away. From the deck, soak up sweeping outlooks to Mt Bogong, while the bush reserve opposite creates a calm, leafy buffer and keeps neighbours to a minimum, a peaceful edge-of-forest feel that’s hard to find this close to town. And that’s the magic here: you’re mere metres from Tawonga South’s main strip, with Crank Handle Brewery, Rocky Valley, The Settlers Tavern, The Sanctuary @ Lilli Pilli and Grass Valley all within easy reach for coffee, a meal, or an afternoon wander or relax - yet once you turn into Vails Road, the pace slows and the greenery takes over.

Inside, multiple living zones make everyday life effortless, space to spread out, entertain, work from home or simply relax by the wood fire heater. The home has been renovated throughout, anchored by a fantastic kitchen with a walk-in pantry, and practical comforts like ducted vacuuming, lots of storage, split system A/C, lots of power points in home + garden and bedroom fans.

Outside is a true highlight: an established spring garden with a fish pond and firepit sets a beautiful scene for long afternoons and family get-togethers. Add undercover carport, shed/garaging and a separate studio for hobbies, storage, teens, or creative/work space - and you’ve got a property that adapts as life changes. Private, scenic and perfectly positioned, this is Tawonga South living at its best.

Features We Love:

Approx. 1200sqm allotment in a quiet, top-end Vails Road position • Mt Bogong views from the deck • Reserve/bushland opposite and minimal neighbours • Four bedrooms, two bathrooms • Renovated throughout • Fantastic kitchen with walkin pantry • Wood fire heater + split system heating and cooling • Ducted vacuuming + fans in bedrooms • Undercover carport • Shed/garaging plus studio for hobbies or work-from-home • Established spring garden with fish pond and firepit • Metres to Tawonga South favourites: Crank Handle Brewery, Rocky Valley, The Settlers Tavern, Grass Valley, The Sanctuary & Lili Pilli

WHAT'S ON IN 2025

FEB 14, 21, 28 Park Run. 8am at Bicentennial Park, Lakeside Ave. All welcome. Enquiries to: mountbeauty@ parkrun.com

FEB 14, 21, 28 The Man Walk - Bicentennial Park 10am Saturdays, 3km easy walk around the pondage, for anybody that would love a walk and a chat. https://themanwalk.com.au/

FEB 13 – 15 Feastival – a celebration of culture, music and living in the Alps at Falls Creek

FEB 21 Dederang Picnic Races. Gates Open 11am https://country.racing.com/dederang/calendar/ dederang-cup

FEB 21 Australian Grand Traverse. Run Falls to Hotham. https://www.peakadventure.com.au/ agt

FEB 28 Mount Bogong Conquestathon. www.hoppet. com.au/conquestathon

FEB 28 – MAR 1 Downhill MTB National Series – Falls Creek. Wb: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/listing/ downhill-mountain-biking-national-series-fallscreek-falls-creek/

MAR 6 – 9 Peaks Challenge, Falls Creek. 2000 cyclists challenge themselves to the ultimate 235km ride. www.fallscreek.com.au

MAR 7 Mount Beauty Community Market, 8am – 1pm Hydro Park, Lakeside Avenue. You make it, you bake it, you grow it – you’re welcome! Enquiries to: mountbeautymarket@gmail.com

MAR 13 Falls Creek Longest Lunch @ Cloud 9. More details and ticket info in next edition.

MAR 14 Falls Creek Staff Reunion at Bogong Jack’s Tavern, Bogong Village. Accommodation Bookings via Air B & B. Contact Rod Drill on Mb: 0412 481 711

MAR 28 – 29 Great Alpine Rally – the inaugural event based out of Falls Creek. https://www. australiantarmacrally.com/greatalpinerally

APRIL 3 – 6 Falls Creek Easter Festival

APRIL 11 – 13 Alpine Challenge, Falls Creek. The greatest run in the Alps From smaller distances to 100 mile. Runningwild56@bigpond.com. Mb: 0418 136 070

APR 25 ANZAC Day Falls Creek 5am Eagle Rock. Dawn Service 7am Bicentennial Park. March & Service 10:45am Hollonds Street and Cenotaph.

MAY 5 – 6 Trade Fair @ Falls Creek. Open to all members of the hospitality industry. Oh: 0400 350 488

MAY 16 Mount Beauty Running Festival. Great courses, great fun. Em: info@hoppet.com.au

For further details on coming events, go to: https://www.fallscreek.com.au/whats-on/events/

Please call Gemma Lutz today to view this beautiful home on Mb: 0417 006 963.

OPEN TIMES SATURDAY 14th FEB

10am - 10:30am

76 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga 11am - 11:30am

309 Simmonds Creek Road, Tawonga South 12pm - 12:30pm

12 Vails Road, Tawonga South