Book - The Summit Road

"A Mountain Love Affair" - working title

About the time that Perisher Historical Society was incorporated, Andrew Harrigan was the Resorts Manager, National Parks & Wildlife Service in Jindabyne.  He became aware that the history of the area of interest to the Society was not recorded in book form.  The mandate of the Society is to capture, record and conserve the history of the area defined as accessed by the Kosciuszko and Summit Roads.  The area is most important in skiing terms as its development dovetails with the initial Australian skiing activity carried out in Kiandra.

Thus it was that Andrew approached the Society with an initiative that it could rectify this situation and if so, NPWS would be keen to make a substantial contribution to assist in funding a properly researched, quality publication authored by a proven and recognised person.

Understandably, whilst overwhelmed by the offer, the Society was delighted and set about defining a scoping document for the work.  However, the committee held concerns over the significant decision to be made regarding the selection of a suitable author and the management practicalities involved.

Concerns evaporated when Peter Southwell-Keely generously offered to author the book gratis.  Peter had only just completed and published a significant work for Kosciusko Alpine Club covering the clubs first one hundred years.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have made good their offer and Perisher Resort has responded with equal generosity, matching NPWS funding of $20,000; the Society has committed to contribute $10,000.  This will ensure that a well researched and quality publication results.

Peter Southwell-Keely is well into his research and has already drafted a number of chapters.