Overview
In 2006, Thredbo My Story started life as a small slide show. The author’s intention was to give a presentation to the Thredbo Historical Society for their Thredbo Museum. Friends of his enjoyed the slide show and commented, ‘you have many stories from the past — you should write a book.’
Here it is.
The book is dedicated to the hundreds of men and women who have lived and worked in Thredbo Village. ‘My Story’ both reflects and embraces theirs.
It’s a story that ranges from Roger’s first trip to the Village in May 1963 to — in the next phase — working in Thredbo full-time and living in the Village for nearly five years in the early seventies; and continues right up to his last visit in September 2010. He found found in most cases the front line staff thoroughly enjoy their work, while they go about helping to make the visitors’ stays visits to enjoy and remember.
‘My Story’ is not about the well known names of the ski fields. It’s about the many unknown people who with Roger enjoyed working, skiing, living and partying in the Village. If a person was lost or overdue, night or day, at the drop of a hat the volunteers would help — without the need for reward or accolades. Living in Thredbo Village and looking at the ever-changing moods of the mountain was their reward.
Roger’s book includes stories about the building of the village, working at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel, driving snow grooming vehicles (including early models that were a considerable challenge to drive), the ill-fated plan to take skiers out to the Ramshead Range on the snow groomers, repairing chairlift lines in blizzards, rescuing the lost, helping out in the 1975 bus crash, and many more fascinating stories.
Author Information
The Author was born in Melbourne Victoria Australia – in 1940. He had a loving family life in Footscray, an inner western suburb of Melbourne.
After becoming a qualified tradesman, he returned to night school to further his studies,culminating in qualifications as an Engineer and Duty Engineer in both private and public hospitals. Roger is a past Associate Member of the Institute of Hospital Engineering, Australia. He retired recently, and says his 40 years experience in hospitals will not be lost.
After promoting his book, The Author would like to be a volunteer for the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. His belief is that he build the stage for other people to tap dance on.
He has a passion for photography especially landscape, golf (two hits and a throw), and helping people in need — hopefully unseen.
Roger maintains a continuing love of the Snowy Mountain area, in Victoria and New South Wales.
He is quoted as saying, ‘The area has it all, fresh air, spectacular scenery, and caring people’.
