How long have you been skiing?
Hard to answer that one. My family never skied, but my friends at school did. After completing Year 12 or HSC back in the day, I had the opportunity to travel to Europe with my best mate (Andrew) and his family. My first ever ski lesson was in 1984 in Cervinia Italy.
From there I did a week here and there at Mt Buller with mates but never really pursued it. Then in 2006 a couple of my friends and I decided to introduce our sons to skiing and spent a week at Mt Hotham. Since then, I have scratched that itch each year.
1984 – 1st ever ski lesson, Cervinia Italy
How long have you been a member at AAC Falls Creek?
Became a member in 2011, so 14 years and counting.
What made you choose our Lodge?
Around 2010 my son Remo and I decided we would visit Falls Creek for the first time. Back in Bright after our first day we both said this mountain is us and we needed to join a lodge.
Remo and I on our first trip to Falls Creek
We made a couple of enquiries at other lodges and during our search I had spoken to Jennifer Noye about becoming a member, then one day out skiing with Remo I just decide to just rock up, ring the doorbell and see what happens.
Garry Hayes answered the door and led us on a tour of the lodge, we meet Greg (the manager at the time) and was warmly welcomed by the members in the lounge, which was certainly lacking at a couple of other lodges we inspected.
Garry Hayes & myself.
In the end what made me choose AAC Falls Creek was the welcome from members, ensuite bathrooms, supplied linen, the view and breakfast included was a bonus.
How long have you served on our Committee?
Joined the committee in 2012 when I started as the Lodge Supervisor, then became Chairperson in 2020.
Where do you live?
Based in Melbourne born and bred.
What do you do when you’re not skiing?
Have had a couple of different careers, but for the last 10 years I have run my own handyman business, looking after several Primary schools and a community of Religious Sisters, plus work a couple of days at Bunnings in the paint department.
What do you like about our Lodge? What keeps you coming back?
The lodge is in a great location and is a true ski in ski out club, even though I’m not competent enough to do that, I have enjoyed watching other members clicking into their skis outside the front door then zooming off into the distance.
Love the view from the dining room plus having a drink on the balcony while watching the fireworks is just a joy.
The other members make the lodge what it is – a home away from home. I’ve been fortunate enough to make great friendships with fellow members through our mutual love of skiing, impromptu dinners and the late-night port and chocolate “we can solve any problem” evenings.
Tell us something we might not know about you?
Spent 27 years as an audio engineer in commercial radio making station promotions and id’s, but my specialty was breakfast radio and comedy sketches.
For the older members reading this, I started at 3XY in the 80’s their heyday then moved to Triple M and worked on The Richard Stubbs breakfast Show, freelanced at The ABC with Red Symonds and the finished my radio career after launching Smooth FM.
PS. Also even though I love it, I’m still an average skier.
Skiing with David Parkinson
What is your most embarrassing (or amazing) skiing story (or stack)?
Well, where do I start. Anyone who has ever skied with me knows that I can just fall over standing in a queue.
Best stack happened on Main Street with Remo and his friend Brenton. I had downloaded the Ski Trails app that tracks your runs and max speed. Beautiful blue bird day what could go wrong?
Completed one run with a top speed of 72kph, on my second run, skies touched, missed my edge and then went flying and cracked a few ribs on landing. Much to humour of Remo and his mate as they watched from the chairlift. Ski trails app had stopped at 74kph (obviously my limit).
I no longer feel the need for speed.
Sharing a chair with Remo
Most embarrassing personal story happened on the drive up to Falls. Made the bold decision to stop renting skis and to purchase my first ever pair of the K2 Rictors. While driving up the Hume we just get past Seymour when I hear a strange sound from the roof of the car, looking quickly back through the rear-view mirror only to see my brand-new K2’s flying through the air, crashing to the ground, then to add insult to injury get driven over by the following semi-trailer. Most importantly no one was hurt, and a valuable life lesson learnt. Lock your ski racks – when in doubt lock again. (bad Justin)
My happy place