"WITH its silvery patina on a foggy Buller day it (the statue of Hans Grimus and canine companion Captain) will almost look like a memory."
These were the words of Dr Michelle Stevenson, Curator of the National Alpine Museum Australia (NAMA) when launching the statue at the Mt Buller museum recently.
And it was as if Hans himself had ordered the day's weather for this big event [as the snow fell heavily] which celebrated the life and memory of Mt Buller's 'true Legend'.
"I hope that for most of you in this room, like me, it sparks memories of Hans," Dr Stevenson went on to say.
"What I love are the small details that tell other less obvious stories like the orange lifts badge reflecting on the blue vs orange competition.
"I hope this sculpture provides an opportunity for each of you to remember Hans, connect to some of those bigger stories and create new memories, because as you'll see, I'm sure it will be Mt Buller's newest photo spot," she said at the gathering of more than 100 people for the major event.
"We come together to celebrate not just a charismatic and much–loved member of the Mt Buller community, but also reveal a new piece of public art that speaks to some of the stories of this place and the wider alpine community, and to celebrate the strength of community spirit that brings a project like this to life."
Dr Stevenson went on to acknowledge the contributions made by both major and minor donors who together made this statue possible.
Firstly she thanked artists Dean Colls, Peter Corlett and Louise Skacej for their combined experience and love for Victoria's mountains in producing this wonderful bronze piece.
"Finally, this sculpture wouldn't have been possible without everyone that generously donated to make this memory substantive," Dr Stevenson said.
Mt Buller resort Chief Operations Officer Mark Bennetts said "Hans Grimus was a huge part of this resort and all we have here today.
"When he died it was a huge loss and having this statue will allow us to remember Hans and his contribution every time we come into this resort."
Hans's son Anton Grimus also spoke of his dad and the contributions made to the resort.
"I think for us as a family it has given us the chance to pay our respects to dad and acknowledge what he achieved up on the hill and however everyone saw him.
"At the end of the day he did a lot of great things up here and made a lot of great connections; a lot of good memories and he is now immortalised in a bronze statue just like Ron Barassi, Norm Smith and Don Bradman at the MCG.
"I think it's an absolutely great idea.
"Dad came from very humble beginnings back in Austria and moved to Australia and in a situation where he always made friends.
"He made a life for himself and made a life for us up here on Mt Buller that touched so many people, impacted on the resort and grew the resort to what it is today.
"I can't thank him enough for the life he has given us and a lot of people on Mt Buller and the greater surroundings thank him for his contribution.
"I think he will be looking down today at the statue and with a twinkle in his eye and a little smirk on his face – that was dad."
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On Sunday June 11 there will be an official statue unveiling.
11:00am - 11:15am: Hans Grimus Statue Unveiling - next to Village Toboggan Park
For all Mt Buller June long weekend events click here
Visit Mt Buller website for additional Hans Grimus story
