Mirrabooka Ski Lodge

In 1959, two independent groups of enthusiastic skiers, from the Sydney & Goulburn offices of the Lands Department, were considering the formation of a club. Somehow they learnt of each others approach, combined and met on the Bank Holiday weekend of this year at the Sundeck Hotel to discuss building their own lodge. The meeting comprised: Ernie & Lorna Phillips & Barry Hannan of the Sydney office and Ross Philip, Jim Govan, Ron & Gwen Hamblen from Goulburn. On the Easter weekend in 1960, Ernie & Lorna went down and staked a claim on the "best site in Perisher", great view facing north, downhill to tows and downhill from the "Deck". They chose lot 100 overlooking the first Telemark lodge - an area 33m x 28m (924m²). Ernie & Lorna, with experience from their earlier lodge, designed the original layout and, after gathering together many interested persons, the inaugural meeting of about 40 was held at Barry Hannan's house in 1960. A draft Constitution was approved, a joining fee (later becoming shares) was set and the name "Mirrabooka", aboriginal for "Southern Cross", was chosen. The club was incorporated on 1st February 1961, the 7 applicants being Ernie Phillips, David Hurley, Janet Hurley, Justin O'Brien, H Kelly, H. The club was formed as a Society registered under the Co-operation Act 1923 (NSW), now the Co-Operatives Act 1992 (NSW). Such societies were formed for "promoting the economic or social interests of its members". The initial Board of Directors chosen by members at their first meeting on 26th February 1961 comprised David Hurley, Lou Anderson, David Vincent, Mal Hussey and Margaret Ryan.