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Balcony Cam Current Album All Albums

Some old news can still be be found at aacfallscreek.blogspot.com. The blog was retired some years ago and may contain information that is no longer correct

New 4 day anytime lift pass

If you don't expect to ski enough this season to justify an Epic season pass, you might be interested in this new pass from Vail. It entitles you to ski or board on any 4 days of the 2025 season at any mix of Falls Creek, Hotham and Perisher. There are some discounts on other things too.

The Epic Australia 4-Day Pass is now $609. That's about $152 per day, significantly less then full day pass rates. See epicaustraliapass.com.au/passes/epic-australia-4-day-pass  for details.

(Keep an eye out for a similar pass next year. It was $565 when initialy released, but the price increased on 23 April)

Published: 28 March 2025

Good booking system news for Mac users

For a few years there has been an incompatability between the booking system and the Safari web browser. This meant that the main booking matrix could not be displayed properly. The workarounds were to use the simplified booking screen that was originally designed for mobile phones, or to use another browser such as Chrome.

An update to the booking system means that recent versions of Safari on Mac can now display the booking matrix correctly. Safari users will still be initially shown the simplified booking screen. You can toggle between simplified and full booking screen using the button with the phone and down arrow symbol.

 Screenshot 20250411 170001 Chrome

Published: 11 April 2025

Opening of Bookings 2025

It's almost time to book your winter stays, so this is a good time to highlight any changes in booking procedures and at the lodge.

Logging on has changed and there is a new payment option. These changes are aimed at increasing security of the booking system and payments.

  • YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU CAN USE THE BOOKING SYSTEM
    Passwords and 2 Factor Authentication have now been turned on in the booking system. To log on you will need to set a password and record it securely, eg in your browser password manager.

    Every time you log in you will now need to use the password and also a verification code. By default the code will be sent to your email address recorded in the booking system. You can also go to Login Security settings in the Members menu of the booking system to choose SMS or an authenticator app as your preferred method of receiving the verification code.

    If you have not set up your password and tested your logon yet, we strongly recommend that you do that well ahead of needing to make bookings.

    If you are having any difficulty with the new login arrangements, please read the full instructions at australianalpineclub.com/pdf/2FA.pdf . If all else fails, contact the Secretary but don't leave it too late.

  • More secure EFT payments
    Annual subscriptions and accommodation can be paid with a credit or debit card using the Eway secure payment gateway. However other special payments still need to be paid by EFT, and some members prefer to use that for subs or accommodation as well. If you need to make a payment to the club via EFT rather than credit/debit card, we strongly recommend that you use PAYID instead of BSB and account number. This is another measure to reduce opportunities for hackers to intercept payments.

    Our PAYID is the same as our ABN. Your banking app can tell you who the PayID belongs to before you complete the payment and you can also verify it against the Australian Government Australian Business Register. 

    You can log onto the booking system to pay using the Eway secure payment gateway or to see the club's PAYID. If you see BSB/Account details in emails, the email has probably been modified by hackers. Do not pay into that account. Our PAYID is the same as our ABN. Your banking app can tell you who the PayID belongs to before you complete the payment and you can also verify it against the Australian Government Australian Business Register. 

Here are some timely reminders of important notes from the last few years:

  • Eligible waitlist requests will now be confirmed in early April, not on 1 June as previously. Eligible means: 

    • only members, spouse and their children, and

    • the preceding midweek is full, and

    • the booking is paid for immediately on request from the booking officer.

Other waitlist requests will continue to be confirmed 19 days prior to stay for members (16 days prior for other AAC members and 15 days prior for guests). See the Book page for an explanation of waitlisting.  

  • You are encouraged to nominate an emergency contact by updating your member details in the booking system.

  • Members can register their immediate (non-member) spouse and children in the booking system to make it easier to book them in, especially during the Family priority booking period from 8-14 March. If you haven't already done this then you might like to consider doing it ahead of making bookings for 2024. See Registering Family Members in the booking system for more information.

  • Prompt payment for bookings is expected. The Booking Officer will cancel bookings not paid for in the appropriate time. This is within 7 days for normal bookings and 1 day for approved waitlist requests.

  • Continental breakfasts will be provided on peak season Sundays, not cooked breakfasts. 

  • Please also remember that the ski cages are only to be used for skis, poles and boards, in bags labelled with your name. Boots, clothes and other items must not be included. Otherwise, no items are to be left between visits unless they are stored in a locker.

The Ski Lodge Details tab in the booking system and the Book tab on the club website cover most of the information you need to make a booking and prepare for your stay. The email that is sent 7 days prior to your stay has important information about your stay, including the door code. Please check these resources to see if they answer your questions before contacting the booking officer. Please also forward copies of the reminder email to all your guests.

Published: 08 January 2024
Hits: 1679

Opening of Bookings 2024

It's almost time to book your winter stays, so this article highlights changes in booking procedures and at the lodge.

There are no major changes in the booking system this year, but there are a few minor tweaks:

  • Room 7 will no longer be included in the rooms available for exclusive single occupancy. It is being converted to a twin room similar to rooms 5 and 12.
  • Some members have asked if waitlist bookings can be confirmed earlier. This needs to be a balance between optimising lodge occupancy, giving members some certainty, and preserving member booking priority. Eligible waitlist requests will now be confirmed in early April, not on 1 June as previously. Eligible means: 
    • only members, spouse and their children, and
    • the preceding midweek is full, and
    • the booking is paid for immediately on request from the booking officer.

Other waitlist requests will continue to be confirmed 19 days prior to stay for members (16 days prior for other AAC members and 15 days prior for guests). See the Book page for an explanation of waitlisting.  

Here are some timely reminders of changes that have been made in the last few years:

  • Sadly we need to be more aware of hackers and scammers. Invoices and emails from the booking system no longer include EFT details. You can log onto the booking system to pay using the Eway secure payment gateway or to see the club's EFT details. If you see EFT details in emails from the booking system, the email has probably been modified by hackers. Do not pay into that account.
  • You are encouraged to nominate an emergency contact by updating your member details in the booking system.
  • Members can register their immediate (non-member) spouse and children in the booking system to make it easier to book them in, especially during the Family priority booking period from 8-14 March. If you haven't already done this then you might like to consider doing it ahead of making bookings for 2024. See Registering Family Members in the booking system for more information.
  • Prompt payment for bookings is expected. The Booking Officer will cancel bookings not paid for in the appropriate time. This is within 7 days for normal bookings and 1 day for approved waitlist requests.
  • Continental breakfasts will be provided on peak season Sundays, not cooked breakfasts. 

The Ski Lodge Details tab in the booking system and the Book tab on the club website cover most of the information you need to make a booking and prepare for your stay. The email that is sent 7 days prior to your stay has important information about your stay, including the door code. Please check these resources to see if they answer your questions before contacting the booking officer.

Published: 08 January 2024
Hits: 2530

Notice of 2024 Annual General Meeting

Notice is given that the 2024 Annual General Meeting of AAC Falls Creek Inc will be held:

DATE: Tuesday, 21 May, 2024
VENUE: via Zoom videoconference and at Royal Brighton Yacht Club (253 Esplanade, Brighton)
TIME: 7:30 pm - Annual General Meeting to commence

This will also be a Special General Meeting to make some minor modifications to our Rules of Association.

RSVP by 19 May 2024 is essential

AGENDA

  1. Apologies
  2. Receive and adopt the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting
  3. Business arising from the Minutes
  4. Correspondence
  5. Receive and adopt the Committee's Reports
  6. Receive and adopt the Profit And Loss Account and Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023
  7. Proposed New Annual Subscription & Levy for 2025
  8. Receive and adopt the Auditor's Report
  9. Appoint an Auditor for 2024
  10. Election of the Committee
  11. Special Resolutions to change the Rules of Association
  12. A.A.C. Business
  13. General Business

Preparation and conduct of the meeting

  • To be admitted to the meeting, and to participate in the election if required, you must RSVP by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 5pm AEST Sunday 19th May. Prior to the AGM you will be sent a link to join the meeting, whether you intend to attend in person or via zoom.
  • The meeting will be kept as succinct as possible. We also need to make voting as uncomplicated as possible, while ensuring that it is done faithfully.
  • Therefore all proxies, items of general business must be submitted to the Chairperson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 5pm AEST Sunday 19th May. Any proposed Motions must also be provided to the Chairperson by this date.
  • You are strongly encouraged to send any questions to the Chairperson by the same date. There will be an opportunity to submit some questions on the night but questions with notice will be more manageable with the technology.
  • Voting may be a bit laborious. Please be patient if votes need to be counted.

For Zoom attendees

  • Please prepare in advance. Install Zoom on your computer, tablet or phone and use Zoom’s facilities to test that your audio and video are working.
  • If you have a headset with microphone, please use it to reduce background noise.
  • Please keep your mic muted during the meeting unless the chairman recognises you to speak. The chairman or his assistant may mute you if necessary.
  • We prefer having all cameras active during the meeting but you may be asked to “mute” cameras if there are difficulties.

For in person attendees

  • Please wait to be recognised by the chair before you speak. You will need to use a microphone so that you can be clearly heard by zoom attendees.

Eligibility

  • Only financial full members aged 18 and over may participate in the meeting. This includes nominating candidates for election, standing for election, voting in elections or on motions at the meeting, assigning or receiving proxies and speaking at the meeting.
  • For Proxies and Nomination forms to be valid, both nominator and nominee must be financial at the time of lodging.
  • Attendees must be financial by close of business on Monday 20th May. To be recognised as financial, any outstanding payments must be received in the club's bank account.

Election of committee members

The committee recommends that a total of 9 committee members be elected:

  • 3 executive members
  • 6 ordinary committee members.

At the committee meeting after the AGM, the committee elects members to specific positions. If a ballot is required, ballot papers will be sent to all who RSVP-ed. Completed ballot papers are to be to returned by 10pm AEST Sunday 19th May 2024. (If you RSVP after 16 May, you may not receive a ballot paper until 19 May and still need to return it by 10pm.) Results to be announced at the AGM or shortly thereafter.

If you are interested in serving on the committee, you can find out more by contacting the Chairperson or other committee members.

Nomination forms are available from the link below and must be returned by 5pm AEST Sunday 12th May 2024. If a ballot is required, you will be advised by Monday 13th May and asked to submit a short candidate statement by Thursday 16th May which will be included with ballot papers. 

At the time of this notice, all current committee members are intending to stand again this year, however some are considering retiring in 2025. 


Special Resolutions to modify the Rules of Association (our constitution)

  1. That the proposed changes to replace the provision for written polls at General Meetings with “counting of hands” be adopted
  2. That the proposed changes to improve Disciplinary hearings and appeals be adopted
  3. That the proposed changes to introduce a Conflict of Interest Register be adopted
  4. That the proposed changes to expand the Purposes of the club to explicitly include summer sports be adopted
  5. That the proposed changes to simplify wording on use of technology be adopted

An explanation of the proposed changes follows below.


Documents

  • Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting can be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2024/MinutesAGM2023.pdf
  • Proxy Forms may be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2024/ProxyForm2024.pdf
  • Nomination Forms may be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2024/NominationForm2024.pdf
  • Financial reports (including Auditor's report) can be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2024/FinancialStatements.pdf
  • Committee reports may be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2024/CommitteeReports.pdf
  • Specific changes proposed to Rules of Association may be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2024/Details_of_Proposed_Changes.pdf
  • Current Rules of Association are available at aacfallscreek.com/xDocs/rules/Rules2021.pdf

 

Jenny Hughes (Secretary)
C/- ProAcct Advisors & Accountants Pty Ltd
PO Box 166 Heidelberg Vic 3084
Phone: (03) 9880-9600
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Explanation of Proposed Changes to Rules of Association

A. Summary

Incorporated Associations, of which Australian Alpine Club Falls Creek Inc is one, are governed by Victorian legislation and regulations. These are updated from time to time. There is also a set of model rules, the default constitution for incorporated associations. These reflect general good practice but clubs are free to modify them to suit their circumstances.
Ten years ago, when the regulations and model rules were last updated, we were compelled to change some of our rules to be consistent. Even where not compelled, we made some rules consistent with the model rules for the sake of simplicity.
In November 2023 the Victorian government confirmed changes to regulations for incorporated associations and changes to the model rules. Some of the model rules have changed for the better and we propose to change ours to match the improved versions
Changing the Rules can only be done at a Special General Meeting. This can coincide with the AGM with additional notice. A 75% majority is required to adopt changes to the Rules. There is also a fee (currently $413.40) from Consumer Affairs Victoria whenever we lodge changes to Rules. If changing one Rule, it makes sense to consider whether there are other beneficial changes at the same time. 

We propose making changes to

  1. Replace the provision for written polls at AGMs with “counting of hands” (and proxies). This would not change the need for secret ballots for elections.
  2. Improve provisions for disciplinary hearings and appeals, in particular to have appeals heard by an appointed subcommittee rather than general membership
  3. Introduce a Conflict of Interest Register
  4. Expand the Purposes of the club to explicitly include summer sports (eg cycling)
  5. Simplify wording on use of technology

The specific changes are detailed in aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2024/Details_of_Proposed_Changes.pdf

The current Rules of Association can be found at aacfallscreek.com/xDocs/rules/Rules2021.pdf

B. Reasons for Proposed changes
1. Replace the provision for written polls at AGMs with “counting of hands” (and proxies)
The new model rules improve the provisions for running general meetings and elections with attendees using zoom etc. We identified the inadequacies the model rules about elections a few years ago and modified our rules to allow better procedures. Our rules are still generally better than those in the new model rules.
 
However, our Rule 46 talks about polls (written votes other than for an election) to be consistent with the old model rules. But the new model rules have changed this to just a count. It would be much simpler to have a count rather than require written votes. It would be very difficult to really conduct a written poll during an AGM except perhaps by SMS. Fortunately, the need for a poll rarely arises.
 
2. Disciplinary hearings and appeals
When we were compelled to add new provisions for disciplinary hearings and appeals to our rules, we adopted the model rules for those aspects with only minor changes. It always seemed problematic that all members were invited to vote at a disciplinary appeal meeting. The person appealing could probably round up supporters but it might be hard to get enough other members to participate and vote. It could be very hard to make a disciplinary ruling stick. Now the new model rules provide for an appeal subcommittee that is appointed. General members do not vote. There are also new provisions about procedural fairness.
 
We should update our rules to reflect the new model rules for disciplinary appeals, and also clarify that we can recover costs (eg extra cleaning or repairs) from a member without that being regarded as a fine.
 
The move to an appeal subcommittee would be a significant improvement and we should adopt the new model rule wording as far as feasible.
 
It would be a good opportunity to add some other grounds for disciplinary action. In particular breaching of the Equal Opportunity or Privacy policies. The club has legislated responsibilities in these areas but our disciplinary rules need to be broadened to support enforcement. E.g. Our Equal Opportunity Policy states
 
Members reasonably suspected of sexual harassment in these circumstances may be asked to terminate their stay. They may also be subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with the Rules of Association. This also applies to members whose guests sexually harass others.
 
Under our current Rules of Association, we would have to rely on “conduct prejudicial to the Association” to discipline someone for policy breaches.
 
It would also be good to clarify that recovering cost of extra cleaning or repairs is not included in the rule against fining members.
 
3. Conflict of Interest Register
It would be prudent to add the conflict of interest register provision from the new model rules. 
 
4. Expand the Purposes of the club to more explicitly cover cycling and other summer sports
There is a greater focus of ATO on non-profit status. In particular they are concerned about revenue from things not covered under the Purposes of the Association that form part of the Rules.  Explicitly adding summer alpine sports (incl cycling) to the Purposes section of the Rules of Association may strengthen our position with the proposed tax free status reporting.
 
5. Simplify wording on use of technology
While Rule 40 (Use of technology in a General Meeting) and Rule 68 (Use of technology in a Committee Meetingg) are not inconsistent with the new model rules, the new wording is a bit simpler. This is not a high priority but would be an improvement if we are changing the rules anyway
Published: 30 April 2023

FCAA discount cards 2024

Our membership of Falls Creek Alpine Association entitles the club to a limited number of discount cards. The cards need to be shared so they are pinned to the board on the firewood cupboard. If you are using a card, please return it asap so that others can benefit too.

Some of the establishments need to see the actual card

This year the discounts offered are

 Falls Creek Hotel  10% off food & drink at lunchtime
 Attunga   10% off dinner meals 
 Feathertop   10% off food & drink when dining in
 Ory's (at Frueauf)

 10% off breakfast before 11:30am (not just coffee)

 Sorella (at Elk)  Forr a free drink on arrival, book online for Feed Me menu, claiming the deal
 Central Snowsports   20% off rental in FC & Japan
 Yogi's   10% off gear hire and some retail (excl boots)
 Halley's   10% off all hire equipment & clothing
 JB's (at Karelia)   10% off all main meals
Brown Brothers   20% off 6 or more bottles at cellar door
Sam Miranda

15% off 6 or more bottles from cellar door

Complimentary glass of wine with main meal/platter at restaurant

EMC at Snowski

 10% off, excl already discounted and skiboots

 25% off Masterfit Instaprint footbeds (appointment essential

Roof Carrier Systems  10% off rentals of chains and ski boxes
 $30 allowance on Thule, Rhino, Yakima ski carriers
 $30 allowance on Konig, Rud, Thule chains
Published: 25 June 2024

A great start to the season 23

June snowfalls meant that most lifts were open for school holidays. And by 13 July, even International was running. 

snowfall graph

This graph from This Week in Falls Creek still tells the story of our June snow against the average year. There is still time to grab a few vacancies in August and plenty in September

The resort is trying to reduce waste so information is mainly online. The Insider Guide has all the most important info about Falls Creek, including taril maps, ski lesson information, places to eat. You can download it here of via a QR code poster in the foyer at the lodge. There is also a QR code for making bookings for the Windy Corner toboggan slope.

Jess is posting some beautiful photos as the season unfolds. You can see images like this at @lodgemanageraacfc on Instagram.

summit

 

 Also check out @aacfc on Instagram and @fallshuette on Facebook for more snowy goodness

 

Published: 18 July 2023

Emergency contacts - add one in the booking system

A member became ill during his lodge stay and had to be transported to hospital. Everything turned out OK, but it made us think about how we could contact next-of-kin or another emergency contact in a similar situation. We recommend that you add an Emergency Contact to your member record in the booking system.

In menu Members->View My Details you can insert in the Comment field something like Emergency Contact: Fred Bloggs 0412 345 678. Then hit the Update button near top left. In an Emergency the booking officer or other authorised club officials can then look up that record.
emergency contact

This is a recommendation for the peace of mind of you and your family/close friends. It is by no means compulsory.

(If you choose to write an Emergency Contact in the Guest Notes for a specific booking, it may not be found for other bookings. Putting it in the member details should make it easier to find)

Published: 25 July 2023

Race Results 2023

The race was held in foggy conditions on Father Fosters. A good course, with few icy sections but very low visibility.

Thanks to Ella B for the video

Sam Barker Memorial

Sam Barker podium - 12 and under

  1. Reeve R
  2. Carrie H
  3. Gerard B

Women

women's podium

  1. Melissa C
  2. Emma P
  3. Natasha P

Men

men's podium

  1. Ross B
  2. Mathew W
  3. Tim C

Masters - Women

masters women's podium

  1. Vivienne W
  2. Bronwyn W
  3. Lynn C

Masters - Men

masters men's podium

  1. Ross B
  2. Gerard G-S
  3. John C

Overall Results

14

Ross B

36.31

37.85

1:14.16

 

17

Mathew W

36.81

37.55

1:14.36

+0.20

19

Tim C

37.97

38.22

1:16.19

+2.03

18

Harry C

38.55

37.88

1:16.43

+2.27

20

William C

40.04

38.86

1:18.90

+4.74

15

Melissa C

38:91

40:16

1:19.07

+4.91

15

Gerard G-S

40.06

39.11

1:19.17

+5.01

5

Emma P

41.46

44.05

1:25.51

+11.35

8

Natasha P

42.75

43.15

1:25.90

+11.74

24

Jonathan G-S

47.00

45.18

1:32.18

+18.02

23

Andrew R

46.52

46.15

1:32.67

+18.51

6

Vivienne W

45.55

47.74

1:33.29

+19.13

22

John C

45.42

48.21

1:33.63

+19.47

7

Sophie W

51.11

52.10

1:43.21

+29.05

30

Malcolm M

54.55

49.41

1:43.96

+29.80

13

Jess M

56.45

53.88

1:50.33

+36.17

10

Bronwyn W

56.58

58.31

1:54.89

+40.73

33

Paul B

56.84

58.59

1:55.43

+41.27

31

Robert H

59.23

57.71

1:56.94

+42.78

25

Noel P

1:00.50

1:00.46

2:00.96

+46.80

32

William H

1:02.93

1:00.28

2:03.21

+49.05

11

Susan H

1:01.29

1:02.14

2:03.43

+49.27

3

Reeve R

1:03.87

1:04.47

2:08.34

+54.18

1

Carrie H

1:06.04

1:09.53

2:15.57

+1:01.41

9

Lynn C

58.26

1:21.78

2:20.04

+1:05.88

2

Gerard B

1:10.78

1:16.84

2:27.62

+1:13.46

12

Deborah K

1:21.40

1:25.25

2:46.65

+1:32.49

Published: 12 August 2023

Early end of season announced - Wed 20 September 2023

Falls Creek Ski Lifts have announced that the season will end on Wed 20 September because "this last week of warm and windy weather, along with the forecast of more of the same, with some rain, means we will not be able to operate safely past this Wednesday".

Time to start planning your Green Season visit to the lodge. 

Published: 18 September 2023
  1. Non-essential emails
  2. Renovations update, January 2024
  3. Minimum fee free Green Season weekends 2023/24
  4. 2023 Interclubs race weekend
  5. Balcony Cam 2024
  6. 2024 Working Bee
  7. Village News, January 2024
  8. Easier bookings into other AAC lodges
  9. AAC National Social Night - May 11 2024
  10. Privacy of member information
  11. Lodge Manager extending!
  12. Race Dinner 23
  13. Annual Subscription Invoices - improved security
  14. Peak bookings still available
  15. Mountain Muster 2023
  16. Welcome to winter 2023
  17. FCAA discount cards 2023
  18. Christmas in July
  19. Sunny September
  20. Busy weekends
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