They say that all good things must come to an end and for AAC Falls Creek, it is true. Andrew and Myra are moving on after ten amazing years as our Lodge Managers.

For many of us it will be hard to believe it’s been ten years, but it’s true. I’m sure for Andrew and Myra, all those early mornings, all the bed-making and all the cleaning makes it feel well and truly like ten years!

With Andrew and Myra being Lodge Managers for so long, we all got to know them (along with Reeve, Deb and Russell) pretty well, so we couldn’t let them move on without a few of our strongest memories being mentioned.

First up has to be Andrew’s shorts, right? When you see someone flying down the Summit in shorts, you know immediately who it is. When someone on the lift next to you says, “who’s that idiot wearing shorts when it’s minus 2 degrees”, you proudly turn to them say, “That’s Andrew our Lodge Manager, and if you haven’t tried it, don’t knock it!!”. What you might not know is that Andrew even made his own personal tool belt to suit his shorts! No overalls here, he was often seen skating from job to job on the mountain, with hammers, chisels, tape measure and screwdrivers all clinking and clunking away getting as he made his way around the village. 

Next thing about Andrew is his cleaning. Man can the guy clean! Not satisfied with even the most fastidious cleaning by us members, or even Myra or Deb, Andrew just HAD to re-clean the same area to ensure it was “Risty Clean”! And we can’t not mention Andrew’s personal transport machine during snow season, the Axtrack. What I bet you didn’t know is that he bought it for the price of a pot of beer! I’ve heard of “buy me a drink and I’ll love you forever”, but I’ve never heard of “buy me a drink and you can have my Axtrack!”  

And now on to Myra. No Myra you don’t get off that easily! We all love how comfortable Myra is in the lodge and wearing her PJ’s in the dining room showed just how comfortable Myra was around us all. Did you know that the year that Myra was pregnant, we hardly saw her? Everyone was asking “where’s Myra” and of course Andrew said nothing. It wasn’t until the committee meeting in September that Myra let on that she was pregnant and the reason why she wasn’t being seen was because the poor thing was suffering so badly with morning sickness! But it was all worth it, with the little bundle of joy that you both produced, and in doing so providing so much entertainment for members who got to play with Reeve whilst staying at the Lodge.

One thing we did notice, Myra, was the VIP treatment we all seemed to get once we made it known to the oversnow guys that we were from AAC! Once you made it clear you were going to “Myra’s place” it was like magic, you would be plucked out of the queue, brought to the front and be put onto the first available oversnow! I’m going to miss that! The other thing we’ll miss, Myra, is the annual Jam run where you and Deb would deliver abundant jars of every which flavour of jam you ever wanted. Yum! 

The key memory I think everyone has from Andrew and Myra’s tenure is just how much they made you feel at home. If you didn’t know how something worked, they would take you through it. Wanted some advice on where to eat out? No problem. Couldn’t get the TV to work because the snow had covered the Foxtel satellite dish? No problem, Andrew would clear the snow (yes, in his shorts) and the footy match coverage would come back on. Disaster averted. And race night dinners – they were always something to look forward to, no matter how bad your time down the course!

And it’s not just AAC where Andrew and Myra have left their mark, they are well known around the mountain for chipping in and helping out others. Whether it’s putting on wood fired pizza nights, or attending SES call outs, they’re the first to help. Andrew, Myra and Reeve will continue to reside at the Lodge for the immediate future, keeping an eye on things and continuing to chip in on the mountain as they always do.

So, from all AAC Falls Creek Members and our Guests, we want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to Andrew and Myra. We wish you all the very best in the next chapter of your lives and we hope to see you both, along with Reeve and Deb and Russell at the Club in 2021 and beyond.

THANK YOU!

Published: 09 August 2020

Notice is given that the 2020 Annual General Meeting of AAC Falls Creek Inc will be held:

DATE: Tuesday, 25 August, 2020
VENUE: via Zoom videoconference
TIME: 7:30 pm - Annual General Meeting to commence

RSVP by 20 August 2020 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 2019
7. Proposed New Annual Subscription for 2020
8. Receive and adopt the Auditor's Report
9. Appoint an Auditor for 2020
10. Election of the Committee
11. A.A.C. Business
12. General Business
    1. Bushfires
    2. Covid-19
    3. Life Members

Preparation and conduct of the meeting

• COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne will not allow a normal AGM to be held by the current deadline. Instead, attendance will be via Zoom videoconference only. This will create some challenges but the committee thinks that these are manageable. Various snowsports clubs and other associations report success with this approach.
• To be admitted to the meeting you must RSVP by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 7pm Thursday 20th August. Prior to the AGM you will be sent a link to join the meeting.
• 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 nominations, proxies, items of general business must be submitted to the Treasurer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 7pm Thursday 20th August. Any proposed Motions must also be provided to the Treasurer by this date.
• You are strongly encouraged to send any questions to the Treasurer 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. (Questions on the night will be via SMS or Zoom chat.)
• If you will be attending the meeting, 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.
• Voting may be a bit laborious. Please be patient if votes need to be counted.

Motions to be voted on

• That the committee reports be accepted
• That the meeting accept the Financial Statements as recommended by the committee
• That the adult annual subscription rate remain at $370
• That the meeting accept the Auditor’s Report
• That E F McPhail and Partners be appointed as auditor until the next AGM
  (our current auditor John Watty will be operating under this name)
• That 4 ordinary committee members are required for the coming year, in addition to the 3 executive members

Election of committee members

The committee recommends that a total of 7 committee members be elected (3 executive members plus 4 ordinary committee members). At the previous meeting 9 were elected but the committee believe that the roles can be consolidated this year. At the committee meeting after the AGM, the committee elects members to specific positions. At the time of this notice, Nigel Cowie and Tony Ryder intend retiring. All other current members are intending to stand again.

Documents

• Committee reports can be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2020/CommitteeReports.pdf
• Financial reports (including Auditor's report) can be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2020/FinancialStatements.pdf
• Summary of AAC Falls Creek COVID Response can be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2020/CovidReport.pdf 
• Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting can be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2020/MinutesAGM2019.pdf
• Proxy Forms may be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2020/ProxyForm2020.pdf
• Nomination Forms may be downloaded from aacfallscreek.com/pdf/AGM2020/NominationForm2020.pdf

Jenny Hughes (Secretary)
C/- ProAcct Advisors & Accountants Pty Ltd
PO Box 140 BALWYN VIC 3103
Phone: (03) 9880-9600
Fax: (03) 9880-9699
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published: 06 August 2020

We were about to confirm that the AGM would go ahead on 25 August at the usual venue. However the new restrictions mean that we will reassess that. The proposed date is less than a week from the date that Stage 3 restrictions are scheduled to ease. There is no guarantee that we can hold an in-person meeting then. We may either defer again, subject to what the regulator allows, or organise a video conference AGM. 

The annual reports were provided previously. If you would like to discuss any matters ahead of the AGM, please contact the relevant committee member/s.

Published: 10 July 2020

Thank you for your patience about when and if the lodge can open this year. We know that many of you are very keen to know when you may be able to enjoy skiing and boarding at Falls Creek. While the committee has spent considerable time preparing for a season, ultimately we have had to wait for government permissions and guidelines.

Both the lift company and resort management have set final dates for requesting refunds on season passes: 18 June for resort entry passes and 19 June for Epic Australia Passes. This update aims to give you information that might help you decide how much you might ski or board this year.

1. The lift company has announced that
   1. There will be no same-day tickets for sale, only pre-purchased tickets
   2. Multi-day tickets went on sale on 15 June
   3. Day ticket sales open on 24 June
   4. Season pass holders wishing to ski from 24 June to 12 July must book a place but cannot do so until 23 June. There is an allocation set aside for season pass holders but these reservations are “limited, and are not guaranteed”.
2. At Thredbo, when day tickets went on sale on 11 June, all school holiday dates were sold out within hours. It is impossible to predict if this would happen at Falls Creek.
3. We are preparing to open the lodge from 13 July, with a small pilot group of existing bookings in the week prior.
4. The committee has been working on a detailed Covid Lodge Management Plan which is a prerequisite for opening. We are awaiting some final guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services to finalise the plan. If official guidelines are eased, our plan will also be reviewed. We think out approach is cautiously optimistic and are preparing as best we can, given available information.
5. THIS SEASON WILL BE LIKE NO OTHER. When the lodge opens, with our current understanding of the regulations, you need to assume
   1. Bookings will be capped at 20 people
   2. Access to the dining room will be restricted to ensure 1 person per 4sqm
   3. Kitchen access will be limited to short allotted times with only 6 people allowed in the kitchen at a time, for any reason. 1.5m spacing will need to be adhered to
   4. You will not be allowed to have any visitors
   5. The spa and sauna will be closed
   6. The games room sporting facilities will be unavailable. There will be restrictions on the use of the drying and ski rooms. The laundry facilities will be unavailable to guests
   7. You will need to observe social distancing and diligent hygiene and be more involved in cleaning during your stay and prior to departure
   8. You will need to agree in writing to special conditions before bookings could be confirmed. You would need to complete documents on arrival and departure
   9. You will be sent home if you or your guests, including children, do not comply with covid conditions
   10. You would be sent home if you or your guests developed any covid symptoms or if the lodge has to be closed
   11. There is still a risk that you or your guests could be infected with covid-19 
6. When the club can open bookings there will be restrictions
   1. The only bookings accepted will be Monday to Sunday to allow for deep cleaning of the lodge as part of changeover
   2. Check-in time would be no earlier than 2pm Monday. Check-out time would be no later than 11am Sunday. Luggage could not be stored before check-in or after check-out. No return to the lodge after check-out would be permitted
   3. No unaccompanied guests
   4. No sharing of rooms between people who are not partners or do not live together
   5. The accommodation rate will be unchanged. A 6 night stay will be at the normal 7 night rate
   6. People with 2-week bookings will need to depart the lodge between 11am Sunday and 2pm Monday
7. It is not clear what services will be available on the mountain
   1. Village shuttle and the road shuttle will not run
   2. Restrictions on lifts may mean longer queuing times than usual
   3. The number of lifts may be limited, even if snow is plentiful. (There is no guarantee yet that Eagle will operate)
   4. Food and beverage outlets will be restricted
   5. Most mountain businesses will not accept cash
   6. Ski school may be limited. No lessons for children under 6

The committee will finalise the Covid Lodge Management Plan, advise you further about lodge operation for 2020 and open bookings for those who wish to use the lodge under these stringent conditions. The committee will continue to review the operation of the lodge as Covid restrictions change.

Please think very carefully about whether you, your family and guests are willing to accept these risks and conditions. Please refrain from booking if you are not confident that you can enjoy your stay under these circumstances.

Published: 17 June 2020

• covid

When the snow fell in mid-May, Reeve was featured in Melbourne's Herald-Sun. Myra wasn't too far away.

Published: 23 May 2020

The Chief Medical Officer was more upbeat about non-lifted skiing. "There's probably nothing to stop individuals going out on cross-country skiing now [in resorts and national parks that are not closed]". That's good news for those who can day trip to areas that reopen but might be salt in the wounds for those further away. No overnight stays are allowed yet.

​At the time of writing there was nothing official about reopening of Falls Creek resort area or the Alpine National Park.

Published: 12 May 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 23/3/2020

In line with today’s State and Federal Government announcements, regarding the closure of many non essential businesses and restrictions on non essential travel, the committee has decided to close the lodge to members and guests from today until further notice.

Andrew Rist and his family expect to remain in residence during the period that the lodge is closed, however long that may be.

As stated in my previous COVID-19 update, full refunds will be given to all members and guests who have paid for accommodation this season.

We will keep you informed of any changes as they occur.

Nigel Cowie
President

Published: 30 March 2020

Usually in summer the club needs to apply a minimum fee of $300 to cover the costs of opening and closing the lodge. This can be an obstacle for small groups wanting short stays. For the last few years we have waived the fee at popular times to encourage members and guests to enjoy Falls Creek in "green" season.

Unfortunately some of the minimum fee free opportunities were lost due to the bushfires. To make up for this, no minimum fees will apply for the rest of the green season (to end April 2020). Mountain bike shuttles run every weekend till 26 April, or ride the trails anytime under your own steam. Autumn walking and fishing are great or just explore the High Plains or tour the valleys below with an #EmptyEsky.

The fires did not touch the resort or mountain bike trails. The road across the Bogong High Plains is open all the way to the Omeo Highway and many tracks have reopened. (Some further parts of the Bogong High Plains closed see https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/media-releases/park-and-forest-closures for details)

 #RollonBack to the high country and have a great stay at AAC Falls Creek

Published: 10 March 2020

This week there have been some announcements of interest to frequent visitors to Falls Creek. You will soon need to decide whether to seek refunds on season passes.

The lift company have announced that the final payment for season passes will not be deducted on 1 June as scheduled. Instead they will make further announcements by 15 June. They expect to offer different passes that are more appropriate for the covid-19 affected season. You can choose to purchase a new pass or get a full refund on the Epic Australia Pass. (Reading between the lines suggests that the normal Epic Australia Pass won’t be available.) Details at https://www.epicaustraliapass.com.au/epic-australia-now/86-2020-eap-update

Resort Management had deferred the final payment of resort entry passes until 3 June. They now say they will not process the payments until it is clearer when the season can start. They have announced a refund policy whereby you can apply for a refund or credit to 2021 by 10 June. This will only be actioned if the government has not allowed the season to begin on 6 June. Details at https://www.fallscreek.com.au/resortentry/2020-refund-policy . STOP PRESS: The season will officially start on 22 June but no accommodation with communal facilities can operate then. If the resort management refund policy remains unchanged we will not have the option of a refund. We can only hope that this is reviewed.

Queensland has said that it is unlikely to relax interstate quarantine restrictions till at least September. WA, SA and Tasmania have not announced any relaxation of their border restrictions.

The committee is monitoring information available from government, resort management and industry bodies. Unfortunately it is still very unclear if, when and how the lodge can operate. We are however very focused on finding some way that the lodge can operate safely and legally this year. Nothing can be decided yet but we are sharing some possible scenarios with you to help you make decisions on season passes. This list is not exhaustive, nor have any decisions been made about changed conditions.

• The lodge is very unlikely to open before July, at best. We guess that August is more likely but not assured
• The number of people able to stay at any one time is likely to be reduced significantly
• Some rationing of lodge stays may be necessary
• The lodge may need to be completely closed for 1 or more days a week for thorough cleaning. This could restrict the types of bookings available
• Entry to kitchen and dining room may have to be rostered (with time limits on meal preparations). Other common areas may also need to have restrictions. You may need to spend significant time in your room
• Table sitting may have to be pre-allocated for the duration of stays and continually sanitised by members
• The spa and sauna may not operate. Neither may the games and TV rooms nor the spare toilet and shower
• You may be required to sign legal documents before, during and/or after your stay
• If there is a suspected infection at the lodge, you could have to depart immediately.
• Strict enforcement of mandated covid-19 rules and related club procedures, with termination of stays for non compliance
• Even with diligent compliance, the risk of infection at a ski resort or ski lodge cannot be eliminated
• It is possible that lift operations and other services may also be limited

We very much hope that drastic measures are not required. Before deciding whether to seek season pass refunds, you should, however, consider whether you would make enough use of the passes if some of these scenarios played out.
The committee very much regrets that we cannot give you more definite guidance. We will continue to monitor the relevant announcements and refine plans to match the unfolding situation and communicate these with you.

Published: 24 May 2020

• covid

q Do you love AAC Falls Creek and Falls Creek?

q Do you like writing and sharing interesting and important information & photos?

q Are you familiar with Facebook and Instagram or willing to learn?

q Are you happy to learn (easy) new web-based applications for creating and sharing content (like this article and newsletter)?

q Would you like to contribute to the overall running of the club through membership of the committee?

Then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for someone to take on the committee role of Communications Officer. IT background would be great but not essential. It's more important to be enthusiastic about communicating with members and reasonably comfortable with using technology. There is support for anything complicated.

Find out more from our Secretary, Jenny or President, Nigel

 To be clear: this is a volunteer position

Published: 18 March 2020