REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
DECEMBER 2012
Successful consular consultation days at the Swiss Club If you can’t go to the Consulate General in Sydney, the Consulate will come to you! Over four days, from 19 to 22 November, officers of the Swiss Consulate General in Sydney set up shop on the Second Floor of the Swiss Club. Around 150 Swiss citizens were spared the journey to Sydney and instead could simply visit the Swiss Club to complete whatever consular business they had to do. In most cases that was to arrange travel documents (passports, identity cards) for which biometrical data was needed. That involves taking a digital photograph, signature and finger prints. All the necessary equipment was at hand to collect that information. Other services included life certification, document sighting, citizenship interviews or simply giving advice and answering questions. In the absence of a local Consulate General, portable biometric data collection equipment that can be deployed around the country and consular ‘home visits’ to avoid long distance travelling is a much appreciated and valuable community service. It is hoped that it can be repeated on a regular basis. To make these consular consultation days possible, the Swiss Club of Victoria made the Second Floor available free of charge, as a service to members and in support of the wider Victorian Swiss community.
Consular Officer Mr Jürg Bettschen, Consul General Mr Markus Meli and Consul Ms Claudia Schor
89 Flinder s Lane • Melbour ne 3000 • Victor ia • Australia • www.s wissclubvic .com.au
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FEBRUARY
QUEENSBRIDGE SQUARE SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE ENJOY
SWISS FOOD AND DRINKS TRADITIONAL AND MODERN SWISS ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY MEET
ALL SWISS GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN VICTORIA SEE
SWISS COMPANIES SHOWCASING QUALITY PRODUCTS & SERVICES VISIT
WWW.SWISSFESTIVAL.COM.AU
SWISS CLUB OF VICTORIA Founded in 1899 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000 T: 1300 893 968, F: (03) 9650 3104 E: info@swissclubvic.com.au W: www.swissclubvic.com Club Opening Hours Lunch: Mo - Fri from 12noon Dinner: Wed, Thurs & Fri from 6pm Bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 Swiss Club Catering For all Functions contact Chef & Catering Manager Roger Moullet T: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104 M: 0409 040 249 E: swissclub@hotmail.com The Second Floor Function Bookings CBD Function Room with a difference! Info and/or bookings: T: 1300 893 968 E: thesecondfloor@swissclubvic.com.au
SWISS CLUB SUB-GROUPS Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au Swiss Companion Singers Convenor: Heidy Giger T: (03) 9889 9321 E: adelheid1@bigpond.com Ladies Luncheons Convenor: Heidy Giger For bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 For information: T: (03) 9889 9321 E: adelheid1@bigpond.com SwissKids Convenor: Esther Blaser-Tokarev T: (03) 8521 3739 M: 0424 220 523 E: esther.blaser@gmx.ch
Pro Ticino President: Claude Rossi 5 Falls Road, Hoddles Creek Vic 3139 T: (03) 5967 4542 E: marclas@dcsi.net.au Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn President: Chris Hostettler 19 Lockwood Road Belgrave Heights Vic 3160 T: (03) 9754 7390, M: 0428 427 434 E: helvet@bigpond.com W: www.swiss.org.au/matterhorn Swiss-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) General Manager: Marcel Svatos T: (02) 9262 1511, F: (02) 9290 1928 E: admin@sacci.com.au Postal address see: www.sacci.com.au Swiss-Australian Academic Network (SAAN) E: info@saan.id.au W: www.saan.id.au
COMMITTEE
The Swiss Diners Club Convenor: Damian Schaller M: 0410 461 364 E: damianschaller@swiss.org.au
Barbara Kündig President T/F (H): (03) 9005 4938 M: 0402 018 363 E: barbara@swissclubvic.com.au
Swiss Festival Chairman: Rolf Huber T/F (H): (03) 9807 0282 M (B): 0425 805 854 E: rolf@swissfestival.com.au
Consulate General of Switzerland T: (02) 8383 4000, F: (02) 9369 1334 E: syd.vertretung@eda.admin.ch
Rolf Huber Immediate Past President T/F (H): (03) 9807 0282 M (B): 0425 805 854 E: rhuber@swissclubvic.com.au
SWISS COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
Postal address and further information for all above see: W: www.eda.admin.ch/australia
Urs Derrick Wildi Treasurer & Membership Administration T/F (H): (03) 9824 7930 M: 0403 040 930 E: uwildi@swissclubvic.com.au Sigrid de Castella Membership Relations & Building Management Support M: 0416 088 000 E: sigrid@swissclubvic.com.au Antony Anderson Building Management M: 0416 069 666 E: antony@swissclubvic.com.au Damian Schaller Marketing Manager M: 0410 461 364 E: damianschaller@swissclubvic.com.au w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Swiss Society of Victoria (Benevolent Society) President: Franz Schnellmann T: (03) 9449 2245, M: 0412 203 893 E: schnellmann@dodo.com.au Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Australian/Swiss Cultural Society President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au Groupe Romand du Victoria President: Rémy Favre 1 Hughes Street, Malvern East Vic 3145 T: (03) 9571 2835, M: 0412 135 095 E: remy@favrecranage.com W: www.swiss.org.au/chfrvic Unless otherwise stated, postal address for all is: 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000
Embassy of Switzerland T: (02) 6162 8400, F: (02) 6273 3428 E: can.vertretung@eda.admin.ch
Consulate of Switzerland T: (03) 9824 7527, M: 0413 042 728 E: melbourne@honrep.ch
Organisation of the Swiss Abroad Council Member: Roland Isler Contact details: see below under Editor W: www.aso.ch / www.swiss.org.au/csa
Impressum ‘Edelweiss’ appears quarterly in March, June, September and December. Circulation 500. For all enquiries contact: Roland Isler, Editor T: (03) 9524 6335 (B) M: 0412 935 565 E: risler@swiss.org.au 67 St Georges Crescent Heatherton Vic 3202
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President’s Message Dear members and friends of the Swiss Club, We trust you had a good 2012 and that you enjoyed the facilities and events the Swiss Club organised for you during the year. There were our usual calendar events, but also some one off functions such as the recent joint event with the La Trobe Society. It was well attended and interesting insight in our own club history, as well as life lead during the times of the La Trobes. We hope to offer future events with the La Trobe Society and thank their committee for suggesting this joint function. After a decade of Samichlaus visits in the Park, we thought it is time to do something different. On 8 December, we are going to make Grittibänz together, a very Swiss and well loved tradition. While Samichlaus, hopefully accompanied by Schmutzli, promised he would pass by, this event is for anyone, any age, who likes to create something special during the preChristmas period to take home. See page 8 for details.
Anyone for French? Some members asked if French Conversation sessions could be organised. Great idea, let us know if you are interested. Beginners, experienced and lapsed Francophiles all welcome. Expand your French conversation skills in a friendly casual environment. Please email Sigrid de Castella at swiss@andec.biz to register your interest. Sigrid de Castella
Newsletter Deadlines 2013
Barbara Kündig - President
Thank you! A BIG thank-you to the following members for their energy, goodwill and generosity in making the Swiss Club a great club and a Swiss home away from home. Our thanks also go to their partners and families for their support in giving each the time and space to be active in the Swiss Club. • Sylvia Hochuli, Folk Dance Group Alpenrose & Seniors activities • Roger Moullet, Renee Moullet and their friendly team back and front of house • Esther Blaser-Tokarev, SwissKids
March Issue: Covering March/April/May Editorial Deadline: Monday, 4 February Mailing: Wednesday, 20 February
• Roland Isler, Newsletter Editor
June Issue: Covering June/July/August Editorial Deadline: Monday, 6 May Mailing: Wednesday, 22 May
• Heidy Giger, Companion Singers & Ladies Luncheon
September Issue: Covering Sept/Oct/ Nov Editorial Deadline: Monday, 5 August Mailing: Wednesday, 21 August December Issue: Covering Dec /Jan/Feb 2013 Editorial Deadline: Monday, 4 November Mailing: Wednesday, 20 November
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Planning a special Christmas event? Please consider the Second Floor for your private or business function. Members get a very special rate! The club will be closed during Christmas/New Year, so that Roger and his team can enjoy a well deserved rest. They are back at your service on 7 January. The upcoming Swiss Festival, 17 February, will be held, after many years, finally again, in the city; this time at Queensbridge Square. The new venue offers new opportunities and challenges, but with the engagement of all the Swiss groups, it will bring us together as a community and showcase to the rest of Melbourne our great home country and traditions. Please come along, bring your friends, get involved and volunteer your time. See also page 21. Enjoy the Festive Season, have a wonderful summer and all the very best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013. We look forward to seeing you at the club. Your Swiss Club Committee
• Patrick Rychner, Graphic design projects • Rolf Huber & Committee, Swiss Festival • Louis Schneider, Billiard • Paul Eisenegger & Hans Keller, Jass Activities • Rita Schwärzler-Abbt, Seniors activities • Damian Schaller - Swiss Diners Club • Antony Anderson, Sigrid de Castella, Rolf Huber, Barbara Kündig, Damian Schaller, Derrick Wildi – members of the Swiss Club Committee
Swiss Club of Victoria
Fritz Hochuli
Welcome to our new members We welcome Ian & Margarit Aston, I Chan, Stefan Gscheider, Hubert Lehmann, Morris Milder, Paul Nixon, Greta Weissmann, Sophie Kalin and Erika Lesch. We are looking forward to your participation in our club.
Congratulations Hans Brunner’s daughter Anthea gave birth to a baby girl called Tahlia. Everyone, including grand-dad, is very happy.
Happy birthday to the following members who were celebrating their milestone birthdays recently: Theodore Wyrsch, Paul de Castella, Kurt Rietman and Peggie Schurch could commemorate their 80th, while Rina Wanner and Hans Muhl celebrated their 90th. We congratulate you and wish you good health in many years to come!
Get well Our best wishes go to Margrit Schneider, Franz Schnellmann, Ruth Tschanz and Swiss Club Samichlaus & Drummer Gert Schwärzler who had to stay in hospital recently. We wish all the best for a speedy recovery.
The last farewell We are saddened by the passing of Margaret Staubli. Our deep sympathies go to her husband and member John Staubli and family. Johanna Markocki Kaderli passed away on 5 October. Our sincere condolences go to her family. Dear members, please tell the committee or the editor if your partner, your friends or fellow members have a reason to celebrate, are unwell or have left for a better place.
Marco Unternährer Marco Unternährer, President of the Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn, passed away suddenly on 11 September. The Swiss Club of Victoria conveys sincere condolences to his family and to the members of the Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn.
Login and get the latest info: www.swissclubvic.com
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Fritz Hochuli, Swiss Club Honorary Life Member, passed away on 2 August 2012. Fritz was a fixture of the Swiss community in Melbourne and a great supporter of the Club and its activities from its early days in the 1950s, when groups of recently arrived “new Australians” would gather to share tales of their adventures in their new home. Born on 11 October 1930, Fritz grew up on the family farm in Reitnau. The third of five children, four of them boys, he aspired to become a butcher from an early age and took up and an apprenticeship soon after leaving school. He fuelled his passion for learning more about his craft by taking up a position in Geneva for 4 years followed by 7 years in Lugano. These experiences gave him a uniquely Swiss perspective on the art of smallgood making, reflected in his capacity to blend the best of German, French and Italian cultures in his quest for great sausages. He yearned for adventure and moved to Australia in 1958. His early years in his new homeland were characterized by Winter working export in Townsville and the rest of the year in one of Melbourne’s emerging continental butcher shops. On a brief trip to Switzerland in 1963 he met the love of his life Sylvia and realised that his future was in Australia. He established the iconic Swiss butcher shop in Ormond in 1968. Slowly introducing the delicacies he was so proud of making, he was integral in changing the palates of many of his new countrymen as well as providing comfort for homesick Swiss longing for a cervelat or bratwurst. Fritz was also a keen golfer and a lifelong supporter (and critic!) of the St Kilda Football Club. Fritz is missed by his wife Sylvia, son Dieter, daughter in law Karen and his treasured grandsons, Sam, Max, and Felix. Dieter Hochuli
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all members! 5
Laughter Club is a great success! Laughter Club Helvetia Laughter Club Helvetia started in October and had a great group for the first session.
The reason why Laughter Yoga is such a good exercise routine is because: Laughter releases endorphins, giving us the ‘feel good factor’ Acts as aerobic exercise and is like ‘internal jogging’ Unleashes inhibitions, breaks down barriers Great team building tool, encourages better communication Helps boost our immune system which helps us resist disease Tones muscles, improves respiration and circulation Encourages positive thinking and creativity Relaxes the whole body by reducing stress and tension Laughter Club Helvetia meets every 3rd and 4th Thursday at 6pm at the Swiss Club, 2nd floor. Why not come and see for yourself how good you feel afterwards. Everybody welcome. Contact: laughter.club.helvetia@gmail.com Marianne Bishop 9432 2421 or Heidy Giger 9889 9321
Kaffeeklatsch Sunday, 9 September The Seniors received a very warm welcome by the many ladies wearing their beautiful costumes. The delicious cake buffet had something for everyone. Conversations in the Swiss dialects, supported by lots of laughter were heard throughout the club. On behalf of the group, I like to say a big thank you to the Swiss Club and Roger Moullet for letting us use the premises. To our supportive members, to the ‘Schwing Club’ and the Swiss Society, thank you all for the generosity. On behalf of the group, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. Sylvia Hochuli
Want a taste of Switzerland? Visit the Swiss Club Restaurant
Swiss Festival 2013 Sunday, 17 February 2013, 11am Queensbridge Square Southbank, Melbourne www.swissfestival.com.au Facebook ‘Swiss Festival Australia’ Twitter @SwissFestivalAU SWISS NEWS, WORLD WIDE
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Swiss Club of Victoria
80 people had the privilege to listen to three lectures delivered by Dr. Dianne Reilly and Dr. Marguerite Hancock from the La Trobe Society and Roland Isler representing the Swiss Club. The evenings topic was ‘A joint celebration of the early Swiss settlers in Victoria’. In particular, Dianne Reilly spoke about ‘Neuchâtel in the 19th century’, Marguerite Hancock made ‘Sophie de Montmollin La Trobe of Neuchâtel’ her topic and Roland Isler spoke about ‘The Swiss Club of Victoria – from the beginning to the present’. It was a most interesting evening and the guests left inspired. We hope that such ventures can be repeated; especially as the Second Floor of the Swiss Club of Victoria is an ideal venue. Rita Schwärzler-Abbt
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La Trobe Society meets at the Swiss Club
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Swiss Society evening Friday, 12 October Around 50 guests followed the invitation by the Swiss Society of Victoria to attend an information evening. Guests of honour were the Swiss Ambassador Mr Marcel Stutz and his wife Esther. The evening presented an opportunity for the Swiss Society and the various Swiss community groups represented to inform guests about their aims and future plans. The survival of all groups depend on people getting involved and become members, and that, ultimately, was the purpose of this reception. It proved to be a worthwhile effort as quite a number of guests did sign up. On behalf of the Swiss Society, we thank everyone for their attendance. We thank the Ambassador and his wife for the honour of their presence and we especially thank all those that committed themselves to becoming new members. Franz Schnellmann - Hon. President ent
The presenters, Marguerite Hancock, Roland Isler and Dianne Reilly
The Swiss Club Singles Championship was held on Friday night, 26 October at the Swiss Club. Adrian Besley triumphed over Peter McGrath in an exciting final. Congratulations to the winner and thank you to all for partaking. Bookings are essential, please ring Roger at the Swiss Club or myself on 9439 7593 or 0418 645 313. Cost: Only $20 per person which includes dinner. New players are always welcome! Louis Schneider
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Switzerland Tourism holds event at the Swiss Club
Samichlaus visiting the Swiss Club
Wednesday, 24 October
Saturday, 8 December
Switzerland Tourism held a roadshow event on the Second Floor of the Swiss Club of Victoria for travel agents from around Melbourne to introduce our home country as the ideal travel destination for Australians. Delegates from some of the major Swiss tourist destinations were part of the roadshow: Lucerne Tourism, Jungfrau Railways, Titlis Rotair, Rail Europe, Switzerland Tourism, Rail Europe, Lake Geneva Tourism, Verbier Tourism and SWISS. Rolf Huber
Follow the Swiss Club on Social Media! You can find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ Swissclubvic, on Twitter @SwissClubVic or on YouTube http:// www.youtube.com/SwissClubVictoria
Please join us for traditional Swiss Samichlaus celebrations for young and old on the Second Floor from 2-4pm on Saturday 8 December at the Swiss Club of Victoria. Make your own Grittibänz to take home followed by a visit from Samichlaus. Event includes materials for Grittibänz, light refreshments and a Samichlaus bag.
Cost: Members: $8 per participant, Non-Members: $16 per participant RSVP: no later than Monday, 3 December via our website swissclubvic.com.au or email for further info to info@ swissclubvic.com.au or call 1 300 893 968. All bookings must be prepaid, preferably EFT SCV ANZ BSB 013-375 A/C 353682406. Please put your name and event date (8 Dec). Let’s see who makes the most beautiful or funny Grittibänz!
Bovine Switzerland As a whole, Switzerland has 1.59 million cows, or one for every five people. The top five cantons, in terms of the bovine population, are:
Das wöchentliche Radioprogram über alles Schweizerische in Australien, der Schweiz und der Welt. Eine Viertelstunde Aktuelles, Musik, Reportagen und Interviews auf Schweizerdeutsch mit Christian Froelicher. Jeden Sonntag von 20:45 bis 21Uhr auf 93.1fm SBS HOTLINE: (03) 9949 2191 http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/yourlanguage/german
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Bern – 320,581 cows Lucerne – 151,076 cows St. Gallen – 141,464 cows Fribourg – 135,227 cows Vaud – 115,066 cows
Geneva trails way behind with 2,621 cows, surprising though that it had that many! But it’s Appenzell Innerrhoden that wins hands down: With 15,688 people and 14,956 cows, it’s almost 1:1! This must mean that each cow is personally looked after…Well, yes, of course they are!
Swiss Club of Victoria
Schmutzli: the Swiss Santa’s sinister sidekick On 6 December a red-cloaked figure with a white woolly beard and sack of presents will be paying calls on children across Switzerland. TThis is not the Santa Claus kknown to English-speaking ccountries but the Swiss version – who is normally accompanied bby a strange-looking individual with a blacked out face. w TThe Swiss Father Christmas was bbased on Saint Nicholas, whose ffeast day was celebrated on SSaturday – his Swiss German nname, Samichlaus, alludes tto that. But the origins of his ssinister companion are less easy tto make out. K Known as Schmutzli in the G German part of the country and Père Fouettard (from ‘whip’) in French, Samichlaus’ alter ego usually carries a broom of twigs for administering punishment to children whose behaviour throughout the year has not been up to scratch. Over the years though, and despite retaining his foreboding appearance, Schmutzli has evolved into a more benign figure. At a Samichlaus parade in Bern’s old town on the last Saturday of November he helped hand out gifts of gingerbread and mandarins to the assembled hordes. There is evidence though that in more conservative parts of the country the traditional Schmutzli is still alive and well. Lucerne resident Margareta Simons reports that at a St Nicholas gathering there a group of teenage Schmutzlis started chasing some of the children. When they caught a boy, they thrashed him with a broomstick. “It was quite frightening,” she said. “Later they were roaming round the district, knocking their broomsticks on the buses to scare the children inside.” Origins The celebration of St Nicholas Day goes back centuries. According to ethnologist Paul Hugger, writing in the Historical Lexicon of Switzerland, the cult of the saint spread from Italy in the 11th century. St Nicholas of Myra was said to have shown particular kindness to children and became associated with the giving of gifts. Kurt Lussi, the curator of religious folklore at Lucerne’s History Museum, says that the St Nicholas custom in Switzerland became interwoven with a festival of noise and masks dating back to pre-Christian times. Schmutzli, he says, was a symbol of the evil spirits which these ancient festivals sought to drive out with a combination of noise and light. Winter processions involving loud noise and lanterns continue to this day in many parts of Switzerland. “From 1910 we have documented evidence of a strange figure w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
who appears on St Nicholas Day and is called Butzli, which was later changed to Schmutzli,” said Lussi. “Schmutzli means an ugly character with a concealed face, and this figure appeared with a black face, red eyes and a black cap.” According to Lussi, Schmutzli is a figure that derives from the Perchtenlaufen – festivals of driving out demons that are held in Germany and alpine countries. He gives the example of an illustration from 1486 that depicts a demon who abducts children. “This child-stealing motif returns again in Schmutzli,” he said. “There’s also the Sträggele, another child-stealing figure which I would call a native Swiss demon. Birch brooms are associated with it and that’s also what Schmutzli carries.” Recent times Hugger says that the December 6 tradition was originally a form of “letting off steam” for groups of young men, an occasion for them to dress up and make a lot of noise. It was also about protecting their patch. “Schmutzlis normally appeared in groups. That’s because it was originally a custom observed by groups of boys, who wanted to defend the local girls from boys from outside their village. It was about protecting the marriage market against outsiders.” But later the Catholic Church tried to “civilise” this rowdy custom by introducing the character of St Nicholas the bishop. And Schmutzli became his companion. Until the Second World War Schmutzli was known only in Catholic areas – mainly in central and southern Switzerland, according to Hugger. “It’s new that he’s spread. And that’s because he’s a colourful character. “Schmutzli brings a touch of fear, which makes the whole thing more attractive. He provides a contrast with the figure of St Nicholas.” Here to stay While St Nicholas Day is a quite separate celebration from Christmas, its proximity to December 25 has led to a certain confusion between the Swiss Samichlaus and the American Santa Claus. Today’s Samichlaus is more often seen with a red hood over his head rather than the traditional bishop’s mitre. If globalisation means Samichlaus’s position is threatened by the growing popularity of the North American Santa Claus, what will become of Schmutzli? Lussi is convinced both Samichlaus and Schmutzli will survive. “The American Santa Claus has, like Halloween, no big future here. There’s no demand. His appearance is limited to stores and maybe shopping malls or as a figure scaling a building,” he said. “But that he would at some point take over from St Nicholas and the wild chasing away of spirits – the chances of this are nil.” Morven McLean, swissinfo.ch
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Invitation to the Seniors of the Swiss Community Swiss Nationals born 1941 or earlier and Partner
Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea Saturday, 1 December 2012 at 2pm The Swiss Club of Victoria with the support of the Swiss Society of Victoria, the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess, the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose and the Swiss Companion Singers invites Swiss Nationals born 1941 or earlier and Partners to a Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Swiss Club of Victoria, 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. This event is free of charge. RSVP by Wednesday 29 November 2012, either by phone or email to: Rita Schwärzler-Abbt, 9561 7811, ritaherbert@bigpond.com Sylvia Hochuli, 9531 6575, hochuli@tpg.com.au
Der Stern Hätt’ einer auch fast mehr Verstand als wie die drei Weisen aus Morgenland und liesse sich dünken, er wäre wohl nie dem Sternlein nachgereist, wie sie; dennoch, wenn nun das Weihnachtsfest seine Lichtlein wonniglich scheinen lässt, fällt auch auf sein verständig Gesicht, er mag es merken oder nicht, ein freundlicher Strahl des Wundersternes von dazumal. Wilhelm Busch
Ding Dong Merrily on Heidi As an eventful year comes to a close, swissinfo revisits Johanna Spyri’s children’s classic. The figures have been seasonally and socially adjusted. Poking a log fire was more enjoyable than almost anything else in the world, Grandfather remembered his own grandfather telling him as a boy. Watching the pine embers crackle and dance in the fireplace, he decided he preferred crunching through fresh snow, but his hips were grateful for the warmth. He sat down, lit the candle on the table and looked out of the window of his log cabin. Were it not for some of the biggest snowflakes he had ever seen, the valley would be glistening with village lights like a starry ocean. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of bells. He put on his reading glasses and leant over the table. “Don’t w8 up – 2 much snow 4 bus. 1ndrfl! Will walk home with L. CU 2moro. H.” Grandfather shook his head. What had the world come to? His granddaughter could study politics at Zurich University but appeared unable to string a word together let alone a sentence. He leant back and caught sight of the calendar. 2012 – what a year! Strong francs, weak politicians, he muttered to himself. The next morning Grandfather tiptoed into Heidi’s bedroom and drew back the curtains. “Wake up, little one! The early bird gets the worm!” “The early worm gets eaten...” Heidi mumbled from under the duvet. “And I’m 19 – stop embarrassing me in front of Liesl.” It was only then that Grandfather noticed a third foot sticking out. Liesl was Heidi’s flatmate in Zurich. He didn’t know much about her other than she came from a large Austrian family and was currently having problems with her boyfriend. “Are you two flibbertigibbets hungry? I can reheat some of last night’s cheese fondue…” The duvet groaned. Half an hour later the two girls surfaced and slumped at the kitchen table. The nightlife in Maienfeld, the nearest town, obviously didn’t compare with that in Switzerland’s biggest city – “What happens in Zurich stays in Zurich – otherwise we’ll sue you back to the Stone Age with our secrecy laws” – but the Christmas market had looked fun. “My head,” moaned Heidi. “How many Glühweins did we have last night?” “Sixteen going on 17,” said Liesl, before falling asleep again. That seemed unlikely, thought Heidi, but going to a bar afterwards certainly hadn’t helped. That said, she had enjoyed deflecting the advances of local farmers and Liesl had forgotten about her relationship problems for a couple of hours, monopolising the karaoke machine. Heidi was about to go hunting for food when Grandfather entered the kitchen, followed by Peter, her childhood friend
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Swiss Club of Victoria
who lived just around the corner and was an apprentice mechanic. “And that’s why I voted not to ban army guns from homes,” Grandfather told Peter. Uncharacteristically, Heidi didn’t have the energy for an argument. Grandfather saw the two lifeless guests sitting at the table. “Right, what can we get you? There’s some parsnip rösti somewhere. Can you get Zopf loaves in Zurich? You know how they get that yellow colour? Before baking, an egg yolk is brushed over the dough…” “… a deer, a female deer!” shouted Liesl, suddenly coming to life. She looked around and then went back to sleep. Grandfather looked nonplussed at Liesl, then Heidi. Before he could give his usual drugs lecture Heidi jumped in and asked whether he had any fruit. “Fruit, fruit – I think I’ve got a melon somewhere…” “No, I used it,” said Peter. “What do you mean you used it?” “For my snowwoman. Up by the barn.” Grandfather shook his head – something he did a lot. “Not again. You know what the police told you after that Sennentuntschi incident,” he said, referring to a rather unsavoury alpine myth involving a homemade doll. “Go and destroy it immediately.” He turned to Heidi and Liesl. “Chilled melon, anyone?” The sky was bluer than robins’ eggs and Heidi and Peter moved to the terrace for a cigarette. “So how was summer?” Heidi asked. “Don’t you get a bit bored up here?” “They tried to make me go to boot camp, but I said no – three times,” Peter answered. “Unfortunately the army recruitment officers didn’t buy that. I spent July fiddling with trucks in a barracks in Bern.” Grandfather appeared, waving a postcard. “I almost forgot,” he said. “This came from Klara a couple of weeks ago.” Klara was a German friend of the family and had been Heidi’s best friend since they were about 11. She had needed leg braces as a child but physiotherapy had sorted that out and she was now spending a year as an exchange student in the United States. “Hi H, Wish U were here in New York. Been getting out loads – went for a jog in Central Park last week. When I got to the edge of the park, I thought maybe I’d run to the end of town. And when I got there, I figured since I’d run this far I’d just run across the state. Anyway, I saw the Occupy Wall Street protests and thought of you. CU soon, K.” Heidi wanted to travel. She had met loads of interesting people recently while “camping against capitalism” in Zurich’s Paradeplatz. She smiled when she thought of one of the songs they used to chant: While bankers watched their stocks by night, All seated on fine leather, The chairman of the board came down And called them all together. w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
“Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled thoughts. “Fat bonuses for all I bring With six or seven noughts.” “The situation with the euro is a disgrace,” Peter declared. “Shocking leadership. So much misery. And all because of the damned Welsh!” Heidi looked at him. “You mean the Greeks?” “I mean the Welsh – losing 2-0 in Cardiff knocked us out of Euro 2012. They must be about a hundred places below us in the rankings…” Heidi had always liked Peter, but he’d never been the sharpest prong on the fork. They returned to the kitchen. Liesl was still slumped at the table and in danger of drowning in a bowl of muesli. Heidi and Grandfather were on different political wavelengths, but she was interested to hear his thoughts on the Swiss foreign minister, who was retiring at the end of the previous year. “Grandfather. If I were to say to you Micheline Calmy-Rey…” “…a drop of golden sun!” shouted Liesl, stirring for a few seconds. “She’s drunk, isn’t she?” said Grandfather. “There’s an app for that,” said Peter, who lifted Liesl’s head and tried to get her to blow onto his iPhone. “Lovesick,” said Heidi, unconvincingly. Later that day Grandfather cast his line into the lake. It was his sanctuary from all the curtain-twitchers and gossips in the village, but he had gone 84 days now without taking a fish. He shook his head. Switzerland’s five nuclear power stations were all in the north of the country and nowhere near Maienfeld, but he was convinced they were affecting his fishing. He welcomed the government’s decision to phase out nuclear power over the next 20 years. He had his doubts about how the country would keep the lights on, but he figured he’d be long gone by then anyway. Back at the chalet, Heidi was having power problems of her own. She was wandering around the terrace holding her laptop above her head trying to get an internet connection. In addition to filing an overdue essay, she wanted to update her blog about life as a single girl in Zurich. “Wuthering Heidi” was basically Sex and the City without shoes, but she preferred to see her posts as anthropological documents. “Did you know that almost half of Swiss marriages involve a foreign partner?” she asked Liesl, who was watching a documentary about bird flu. “My heart wants to beat like the wings of a bird,” she sighed.
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“Of course it does, honey,” Heidi replied. “But look, I’m just going to nip up the hill to try to get a signal. Won’t be long.” The sun was falling behind the mountains and the sky was beginning to bruise, but Heidi could still make out the track which led to an open area where she hoped to make contact with the outside world. Ten minutes later, she reached the gate of a little chapel. Christmas was a time for miracles, she told herself – surely Jesus could turn water into Wi-Fi... She was about to boot up when she suddenly got the feeling she wasn’t alone. She turned round and spotted two orange eyes through the mist. “What the Federer?! Vicar – is that you?” A piercing howl echoed around the valley. Heidi screamed and ran into the cemetery – she had read about so-called problem wolves killing farmers’ sheep but had always assumed they avoided humans. Where was Peter when you needed him? The wolf crept closer. Heidi ran up the church path and started banging on the thick wooden doors. This was not how she had planned spending Christmas. She could hear breathing and was shocked to find the wolf staring at her less than two metres away. Neither of them moved – blinked – for what felt like minutes. This was the first time Heidi had ever seen a wolf, but she realised she wasn’t frightened. Maybe they just have a bad press, she thought – after all, they have to eat too. But she wasn’t taking any chances. A bird flew out of a tree and distracted the wolf. Heidi gripped her laptop and brought it down as hard as she could on its head. The wolf yelped and darted back into the woods. Heidi sprinted home faster than a CERN neutrino. “Where on earth have you been?” Grandfather asked, as Heidi stumbled into the kitchen and breathlessly tried to explain the past half hour. “And that’s another reason why I voted to keep my gun at home!” he said. A couple of seconds later Peter walked in. “Where on earth have you been?” Grandfather asked, pointing to a cut above his eye. “Car door,” he said, adding something random about keeping an eye on idiots who wander around alone at night. Grandfather had decided decades ago that life was too short to believe young people, but everyone was there now and dinner was ready. He gestured proudly at the fine trout on the table, which he had bought with his own bare hands. They took their seats. “Right, before we start, we’re going to do what my grandfather used to make us do before Christmas dinner. We’re going to take it in turns to explain what this time of year means to us. Say whatever you feel and talk for as long as you want. Peter – you can go first. What does Christmas mean to you?” “Change.” “OK,” said Grandfather after a brief pause. “I was hoping for a bit more, but that’s a start. Liesl, how about you?”
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“Feeling homesick – even when you’re at home.” “Yes, you’re slightly missing the point of this – it’s meant to be heart-warming, uplifting, fun. Heidi?” “Roses are reddish, violets are bluish, if it weren’t for Christmas, we’d all be Jewish.” “I give up,” said Grandfather, who was beyond shaking his head. “In the old days Christmas used to mean something. If Tiny Tim could get into the spirit, I don’t see why you can’t.” Heidi was pushing a potato around her plate when all of a sudden a little tweet came from the windowsill. Grandfather looked round hoping it might be the robin he had befriended the previous winter. “Twitter!” Heidi exclaimed. “My mobile! I’ve got reception!” Peter’s iPhone also started ringing; Liesl’s iPhone burst into life. The room was filled with a choir of celestial ringtones, singing in exultation. Heidi rushed to her laptop and logged on to Facebook. “Klara’s poking me!” she said. “She’s wishing me season’s greetings. So’s Pippi … and Annie …. It’s a Christmas miracle!” Grandfather sat there holding the fish knife. He looked at the others’ faces: there was no denying they were very happy. Could they have a point after all? Did traditions need to evolve somehow to survive? That didn’t sound right, he thought. And was it not possible to enjoy what you had without comparing it with others? He wasn’t sure. But suddenly he had a vision of Heidi one day telling her grandchildren that, once upon a time, poking a friend was more enjoyable than almost anything else in the world. Thomas Stephens, swissinfo.ch
Eine kleine Engelsgeschichte Eines Nachts traf ich meinen Schutzengel. Er lud mich ein mein Leben zu betrachten. Er zeigte mir verschiedene Situationen meines Lebens: Schöne, weniger schöne, fröhliche, traurige und auch schwere Zeiten. Wir wanderten so zusammen durch meine Vergangenheit. Aufmerksam schaute und hörte ich ihm zu, aber etwas konnte ich nicht verstehen. Auf der ganzen Reise waren immer zwei Spuren zu sehen, nur ausgerechnet in den schwierigen Situationen war nur eine Spur zu sehen. “Warum hast du mich ausgerechnet in den schwersten Stunden alleine gelassen?“ “Mein Freund, da wo du nur eine Spur gesehen hast, da habe ich dich getragen“, antwortete mein Schutzengel. Supplied by Rita Schwärzler-Abbt
Swiss Club of Victoria
The history of the Swiss in New South Wales now documented in a new book ‘THE SWISS IN NEW SOUTH WALES: A HISTORY’ launched and for sale!
THE SWISS IN NEW SOUTH WALES: A HISTORY
The book ‘The Swiss in New South Wales: A History’ was launched at the National Day Reception at the Swissotel Sydney, on 1st August 2012 hosted by Consul General Markus Meli and Mrs Christa Meli. Heidi Gmuer, foreign correspondent with the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, who was MC for the evening, introduced the book in an interview with Bettina Boss, who as President of the Swiss Historical Society coordinated and edited the contents compiled by a team of twelve contributors. Among the features of the book they mentioned the striking figure of Helvetia, the embodiment of the Swiss Confederation, on the cover of the book – combined with an image of the ‘Resolution’, the ship which brought the first Swiss, John Webber, to Australia. Thanks to the initiative of Armin Roth, the silk flag showing the original Helvetia, made for the Swiss Society of New South Wales around 1900, had been expertly restored and was displayed in the Swissotel foyer where copies of the book were on sale after the launch. Similarities between our own book “The Swiss Club of Victoria – the first 100 years” exist, however, this book does not focus on the history of one club alone, but that of the whole Swiss community in NSW. The Swiss Historical Society of NSW has produced a truly fine book. It is carefully researched and attractively illustrated including historic documents, stories of Swiss migrants and their descendants, histories of Swiss clubs and societies, insights into Swiss industries in NSW and numerous historical photographs. The book is a treasured gift and a priceless resource for: • members of the Swiss community throughout Australia • people and organisations with an interest in Switzerland and the Swiss • researchers in the field of migration studies If you wish to purchase a copies of the book, see below. How to order “The Swiss in New South Wales: A History” Price: $38.00 per copy, includes postage and handling. Payment by cheque or Paypal, credit cards not accepted. Send your cheque to: Swiss Historical Society C/- Schweizer Kobras PO Box H283 Australia Square NSW 1215 Order online: www.theswissinnws.com Contact us: mail@theswissinnsw.com
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The Swiss folklore groups have lost a dear friend and supporter in Marco Unternährer. Our condolences to Rita and the family. We have many fond memories. We look forward to join the other groups and entertain the elderly residents at the Tabulam and Martin Luther homes. The last performance this year will be at the Seniors Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Swiss Club. Our next ‘Unterhaltungsabend’ is on 4 May, 2013. Keep the date in mind. On behalf of the Dance group, I wish you all a peaceful Festive Season and good health in the New Year. Sylvia Hochuli
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Jumping the Rösti-ditch Rémy Favre, you are at the helm of the Groupe Romand du Victoria, which is not a sub-group of the Swiss Club of Victoria, but a Swiss Community Group that most members would know a little bit about. Before we speak about the Groupe Romand, I’d like to find out a little about yourself. Tell us about your childhood and family. I grew up in Leysin, a mountain village in the ‘Alpes Vaudoises’, the third of four children. Dad’s family came from Valais and Mum’s from Vaud. Dad owned a small springs factory. We grew up running wild in Summer, skiing, tobogganing and covert ‘night bobsledding’ – with real bobsleds - through the village streets in Winter. Survived the lot and had a great childhood. We had to take a cogwheel train down to Aigle for secondary school – a near 1000m-altitude change twice a day, which often caused our ears to feel funny. I learnt German from the age of 10 and English from the age of 12. Both turned out to be very useful later. I always loved foreign languages. To me, they are like a secret code asking to be cracked. I participated in linguistic school exchanges that took me first to Bassersdorf near Zürich, then Leibniz in Styria, Austria. I realised other languages are not only a different way of speaking, they also mirror a different way of being. I saw that life was much more fun if we embraced and enjoyed cultural differences instead of feeling threatened by them. I got my ‘maturité’ (VCE) at 18, and with no idea of what to do with my life, I asked to do my military service ahead of time. I was sent to Schwyz to train alongside people from all linguistic regions of Switzerland. My best mate there was studying business at the HSG in St.Gallen and suggested I went there to study, which I did. How was University Life in St.Gallen? St.Gallen in 1974 was a nice, quiet and very safe place, but somewhat devoid of attractions for young students. We’d go to the movies on Saturday night and had to race across the square to squeeze in one beer afterwards, because ‘Polizeistunde’ was at 11pm and strictly enforced. There was one disco, but the cost of drinks was prohibitive. So, we tried to party at home, but if we had any music going at 11.01pm, police would turn up less than 10 minutes later. There were hardly any female students either. Deprived of distractions, and facing a very tough marking system, we studied harder than we would have liked, which I guess goes some way towards explaining the good reputation of the HSG. Any Romand vs. Swiss-German cultural issues? Oh yes! I went back to Schwyz because I had been picked to become a corporal. Within a few days, the Swiss-German colonel in charge rounded up the French-speaking corporals and told us that the Romand mentality ‘could not, and would not be tolerated’ in his outfit. He was a great motivator. We played to his prejudices and nurtured our ‘natural’ indiscipline. Our understanding of the German language became highly selective, with hilarious results. The hierarchy did not see the funny side of it and over the following months, all Romand corporals spent at least one spell in the ‘Kiste’ (military jail). I
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narrowly escaped having to repeat my sojourn in Schwyz because of the number of days I spent in private accommodation. All this taught me a few things: I was not to be the next Général Guisan, I was ill-suited to the large, hierarchical organisations that the HSG was churning graduates for, and there is no place like home. My Dad needed help. I interrupted my studies and went home. We moved the business to Valais and set out to develop it. I was just over 20 Away from the army, was there reconciliation with German-speaking Switzerland? Definitely. In the following years, Dad was often ill and I was regularly left in charge of the business. I was only a pup, and thank my lucky stars that we had wonderful people working for us. I gained in confidence and started travelling across Switzerland for the business. We also had foreign customers and suppliers. That’s when I discovered ‘Swissness’, which I would define as reliability plus attention to detail. It was much easier to deal with Swiss firms of any language than with those over the border. I started to enjoy my trips over the ‘Rösti Graben’ and was again perfectly at ease in a Swiss-German environment. What made you come to Australia? Well, I met Susan, an Australian girl who was travelling across Europe on her motorbike. I was a bit less keen on the bike, but the three of us got on all right. After a 6-month visit to Australia, we decided to go back to Switzerland and get married (the bike was not invited to the ceremony). We also decided that we’d live in Australia after a few years. My parents were very good about it, and one of my brothers offered to take over the business, which made it easier for all. Susan and I migrated in 1983 when our firstborn Marc was just one. Luc, Nicole and David followed. I am very glad that they all speak French, thanks to Susan’s efforts, stays in Switzerland and the frequent visits from my parents. Nicole’s German is not bad either. What work did you do here? I initially worked in a springs factory, then moved on to eventually become a self-employed business consultant for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies. In 1999, an opportunity arose to establish the Australian subsidiary of the Swiss pruning shears manufacturer Felco. We took it, worked at it for 11 years, then sold the business to our Sales Manager. We are now happily retired. What came first: you becoming a member of the Swiss Club, or the Groupe Romand? The Swiss Club. I joined for a short period after our arrival here,
Swiss Club of Victoria
but did not renew my membership because I rarely went to the Club. I felt at the time that it was more important for me to assimilate into the Australian society than to cultivate links with compatriots. Another issue was that although Frenchspeaking people are about 23% of the Swiss population, we represent just about 10% of the Swiss community in Australia, and I felt a bit isolated and ‘out of place’ at the Swiss Club. I rejoined nonetheless a few years later and have been a member ever since. How did the Groupe Romand come about? Other Romands felt the need to have our own little club, and at the 1989 National Day function at the Swiss Club, we decided to go for it. We would meet several times a year for family-oriented functions, our operating language would be French, and whilst we would adhere to Romand ways and traditions, we would be open to French-speaking people and their partners regardless of nationality. The ‘Groupe Romand de Melbourne et du Victoria’ was born in 1990. I was its President for just one year, until resuming the role last year. How is the relationship with the Swiss Club? Our friends at the Swiss Club initially suggested that we should become a sub-group of the Swiss Club, but that would have meant that we would be bound by Swiss Club rules and protocols. We preferred to remain independent and free to work in our own ways. The entreaties from the Swiss Club were well-intentioned and perceived as such, but minorities sometimes need to keep a little distance in order to maintain their identity. This was fully accepted by the Swiss Club and we have enjoyed a cordial relationship for over 20 years. Quite a few of our members belong to both clubs. Our Committee is very happy to meet at the Swiss Club when suitable, and we have organised a few functions there as well. What challenges has the Groupe Romand encountered in its 22 years’ history? Around the year 2000, the Groupe Romand had grown to about 45 families plus about 20 individual memberships. Demographic changes were afoot, though. New arrivals consisted more and more of single young professionals on temporary assignments. There were fewer families in our midst, as our Vegemite kids grew up, proud of their Swiss heritage and fond of Switzerland, but with little enthusiasm for ‘Cenovis’ parties Down Under! By 2010, our membership was shrinking, our devoted, hard-working Committee was tiring. We had to re-invent ourselves. We re-focused our activities to better suit the new demographics, and resolved to add a maximum of variation. It seems to be working, and we now sense a bit of a renewal in the support that our events are attracting. There is still room for recurring events, though, like our commitment to the Swiss Festival. Doing our own thing is very important to us, but we also want to remain a visible and active part of the multifaceted expression of Switzerland in Victoria. If you could invite five people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be? It would be very interesting to hear what Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Moses, Buddha and Karl Marx think of what too many murderous crackpots have made of their teachings. If w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
they were not available, a session on how to reverse global warming with Archimedes, Da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin, Nikola Tesla and Einstein could be quite instructive. OOPS, no girls… what about a night with Cleopatra, Reine Berthe, Marie Curie, Mata Hari and Nancy Wake to hear about their adventures? Or a combination of any of the above? Sounds exciting Rémy. Thank you very much!
SWISS CLUB MOVIE ‘Happy New Year’ Wednesday, 20 February 2013, 8pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor CH/2008, Drama, 89 min Swiss German/English subtitles Director: Christoph Schaub with Nils Althaus, Denize Virieux and Jörg Schneider New Years Eve, every year people reminiscent about what was, what could have been and how to do better but also many have a strong compulsion to party: Schaub’s film takes us on a nocturnal taxi ride through Zürich to an empty villa, an encounter with a lost dog whose owners are a retired old couple who are never up to much. A late night police shift giving the real experience of life as well as a serious babysitter problem. The story puts nine people into situations that could change their lives. Will they take the chance and start anew? Free for members, non-members gold coin donation. Enjoy dinner at the club, before or after the movie. Please book with the restaurant on 9650 1196.
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is fun!
4th Jass Night Results – Swiss Club, 15 Sept Singles
1. Louis Blöchlinger.......................................2831 2. Robin Martin .............................................2751 3. Ernie Hugli ................................................2717
Teams
1. Luzia & Louis Blöchlinger ..........................5492 2. Doris Conrad & Hans Keller .......................5226 3. Marlise & Sepp Krumenacher....................4758
Swiss Club Jass König & Champion Team 2012 – ERNIE HUGLI TROPHY König
1. Ernie Hugli ................................................8595 2. Robin Martin .............................................8464 3. Hans Keller ................................................8041
Team
1. Doris Conrad & Hans Keller .....................15791 2. Brigitte & Dolf Bohren.............................14860 3. Luzia & Louis Blöchlinger ........................14823
Melbourne Jass König & Champion Team 2012 – GÜNTER BRITSCHGI TROPHY
You are not really Swiss if you don’t know how to play Jass. Something needed to be done about that lack of education and the Swiss Club came to the rescue. I was among a dozen fellow Jass greenhorns to take up the opportunity to learn about Switzerland’s national sport. Admittedly, it was quite a challenge especially for those who have never seen Swiss playing cards and do not speak SwissGerman – Schieber, Schälle, Schilte – all pretty much sound the same and to remember what ‘Trump’ means, what a ‘Bock’ is, why the Nine is called ‘Nell’ and the Under is called ‘Puur’ or ‘Bueb’ is, well, more than a bit confusing. After a couple of hours, we started to get the hang of it and understand why this game can become quite addictive – it challenges your intuition, your memory but most of all it’s FUN! Many thanks to Barbara Kündig, Roger Moullet, Hans Keller, Martin Hürlimann, Sylvia Hochuli and Paul Eisenegger, the organisers and tutors, for two great afternoons! As new recruits it might be a bit to soon to participate in the competition, but who knows, there might be a future Jass König among us! If you are interested to learn to Jass but couldn’t make it this round, please email your interest to info@swissclubvic.com.au also indicating if evening or afternoon sessions are preferable. If there is enough interest, the course might be repeated! Roland Isler
Combined Swiss Club & Matterhorn König
1. Robin Martin ...........................................13844 2. Sepp Goldiger .........................................13400 3. Roger Moullet .........................................13023
Team
1. Luzia & Louis Blöchlinger ........................24770 2. Brigitte & Dolf Bohren.............................24657 3. Simone & Alex Bahler .............................24166
Information supplied by Paul Eisenegger 9544 4681
Matterhorn Jass Champions - 2012 Men
1. Sepp Goldiger ...........................................5628 2. Markus Villiger ..........................................5490 3. Fritz Hochuli ..............................................5367
Ladies
1. Margrit Schacher.......................................5861 2. Ida McDonald ...........................................5386 3. Robin Martin .............................................5380
Team
1. Margrit & Sepp Schacher ........................10568 2. Sylvia & Fritz Hochuli ..............................10560 3. Helen & Franz Gabriel .............................10431
Information supplied by Marco Unternäher It’s your Club. Get Involved!
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Upcoming Jass Nights - 2013 Swiss Club
1st 2nd 3rd 4th & Final
23 March 1 June 6 July 14 September
Matterhorn
1st 2nd 3rd
23 February 11 May 10 August
Swiss Club of Victoria
Swiss Club Tennis Championship Sunday, 24 February, 2013 Glenburn Tennis Club, (Melway 62/B11) Mulgrave Street, Glen Waverley Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a fun day playing tennis. All matches will be played in ‘Round Robin’ format. This year’s championship will be at a new venue and also nonplaying guests are welcomed. As in the past food and drinks will be provided for all. Cost: Members: $30; Non-Members: $40 Juniors (under 14): $20; Non-playing guests: $10 Time: 10am for a 10:30am start
To assist for catering purposes please complete below registration form and sent to: Derrick Wildi 2/17 Talbot Cresent Kooyong Vic 3144 or SMS to 0403 040 930. RSVP by latest 18 February Payment to be made on the day (cash or cheque only). Book early as numbers are limited. Please wear correct tennis attire.
Personal insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
Swiss Club Tennis Championship - Registration Form Please indicate the standard of play for each player. Please choose from the following: W = Worldclass R = Regular player S = Social player Contact phone:
Ranking
Category
Name Player 1:
Adult / Junior
Name Player 2:
Adult / Junior
Name Player 3:
Adult / Junior
Non-playing guest 1: Non-playing guest 2: Total payment:
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$
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Estate Planning Today I am writing to you on the topic of Estate Planning. It’s a subject that has an aspect of sadness and can sometimes be a bit scary and naturally many would like to avoid for these reasons. After all, who likes thinking about dying... Throughout my career I have come across numerous families who had lost a loved one due to an unforeseen event or illness. Some were well prepared but others did not manage to get their affairs in order before they got ill or passed away. This unfortunately made a sad situation more challenging for the ones left behind as they had to sort out and take care of the individual, the family and the estate. What made the matter even worse was that in the case of the unprepared, the ones that should have received the funds did not get their full entitlements, had to deal with a cumbersome legal process and a large share of their inheritance ended up with the tax man, the solicitor and the accountant. These are some of the key points that you should consider when dealing with structuring of your affairs and setting up a plan for your estate: Structuring your affairs during your life time allows you to limit legal claims (asset protection), minimise tax, make provisions for incapacity and put in place strategies to pass wealth on death to the intended beneficiaries. By following a number of simple rules your next of kin will know what to do in the event of an unforeseen illness or death: - if you are over age of 18 years you should have a will and power of attorney’s in place; - appoint an executor (handle the execution of your will); and - keep a list of your key contacts (solicitor, accountant, investment advisor, etc); and - common life events (marriage, divorce, birth of child, new
About the author: Patrick Albert, was born and educated in Zurich, Switzerland. He initially worked in marketing and sales in manufacturing and logistics. From there he moved to finance where he worked as a regional manager for Switzerland’s largest leasing company. Between 1997-2012 he worked for some of Switzerland’s largest banks; starting in institutional banking he soon moved to private banking where he spent the last twelve years in various management and advisory roles in Australia, The Bahamas, Cyprus, Geneva, London, Singapore and Zurich. Since 2009 he lives with his family in Melbourne. In 2012 Patrick joined E.L. & C. Baillieu as Head of International Equities & Investment Advisor to Private & Corporate clients. Patrick speaks English, German and French. Contact: Patrick Albert Baillieu Holst Ltd Level 26, 360 Collins Street Melbourne Vic 3000 Direct: +61 3 9602 9318 Mobile: +61 44 9999 645 Office: +61 3 9602 9222 W: www.baillieuholst.com.au E: palbert@baillieuholst.com.au AFS Licence # 245421 Participant ASX Group Participant Chi-X Australia Participant NSX
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business, etc) should trigger a review of your will; and - please don’t take anything for granted. An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPoA) gives you the power to choose a relative or friend to manage your lifestyle and/or financial affairs if you become incapacitated through illness or accident (physically and/or mentally). An EPoA continues to have effect even if you become mentally disabled at a later date. If you don’t have an attorney to act for you, you and your loved ones could lose control over your medical treatment and personal care as well as your financial decisions and the courts might appoint a guardian or administrator to make decisions on your behalf. The Guardian also plays an important role when children under age 18 are involved. Here it is important to note that the selected guardian who will be responsible for the longterm welfare of the child(ren). This person will normally have all the powers, rights and duties that are usually vested with the child’s natural parents. However a guardian does not have to deal with the care of the children and a memorandum of wishes can be used to deal with this particular aspect. Death does not trigger a capital gains tax (CGT) liability. A CGT event will be triggered on the subsequent sale or transfer by the beneficiary (heir). This also applies to investment portfolio’s where holdings can be sold and cash be distributed or shares, funds etc can be passed on to the beneficiaries, as per the will of the deceased. To ensure that all beneficiaries are getting the maximum benefit from their inheritance, you need to consider what asset you are leaving to each beneficiary, what the CGT status of the asset is and what the real value of the asset will be after any CGT. Assets purchased after 19.09.1985 are treated differently to assets purchased before 20.19.1985. The family home is usually exempt from CGT upon sale. Property owned under a joint tenancy is treated differently from a property that has tenants in common. In a deceased estate the family home retains the CGT exemption upon sale if as long as it meets one of three conditions: - sold within 2 years of date of deaths; or - occupied by spouse of deceased; or - occupied by individual with right to occupy; Superannuation (whether held in an Industry Superannuation fund or a Self Managed Super Fund) must be paid to a dependant or your estate. A binding death benefit nomination (BDBN) will offer certainty, the trustee must comply with the request and it can not be challenged. It helps to simplify distribution on death but is not offered by all super/pension funds. The BDBN needs to renewed every three years. Testamentary Trusts are established by a will and funded by the assets of a deceased estate or by payments to the estate in consequence of death, eg superannuation death benefits or insurance proceeds paid to a deceased estate rather directly to dependants or nominated beneficiaries. Life insurance can be used to increase the value of your estate and to enable you to make adequate provision, especially if your assets might not suffice to cover the income required by your spouse and children, including repayment of debts.
Swiss Club of Victoria
Challenges to your will can be made from someone who has a relationship with you and wants to make a claim on your estate when you die. In this case the court will consider if you have made adequate provision for them in your will. In such a case the legal fees for the challenger are paid from the estate. It is therefore important to make provisions for potential claimants and to leave reasons for the distribution of your estate. Summary Whilst illness, incapacity and death are not pleasant topics to discuss, it is important to address them while you still have the capacity to deal with all aspects of estate planning and can pro-actively take steps to protect your family and assets, which will ensure that the beneficiaries you nominated receive what you want them to. I hope you find the above information useful and invite you to contact me should you have any questions and would like to discuss this topic any further. It is important that you understand that above information is considered general advice and does not take into consideration your personal circumstances. You need to seek professional advise from a qualified person for any estate planning, investment advice and related matters. Patrick Albert – Bus Ec FH, Prof Dip Securities & Derivatives
We just got home from a very nice weekend in Hepburn Springs where we participated in the Swiss & Italian Festa. Now we are looking forward to perform with the Matterhorn Yodlers and the Dance Group Alpenrose at the Tabulam and Martin Luther Nursing Homes. We will be there on Sunday, 18 November. It is always such a joy to bring a little bit of Christmas Joy to the residents there. We practise at the Club on the 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month and if you like to sing and enjoy good companionship come and join us! The last couple of Thursdays we sang a song in the Restaurant in front of the diners after the practise. This was very well received, everyone seemed to enjoy it. Together with the children we will also sing at the Senior Christmas Lunchen on 1 December in the Club. On behalf of the Swiss Companion Singers, I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a joyful healthy New Year. For more information phone the Convenor, Heidy Giger on 9889 9321.
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Test your Swiss Knowledge 9 1
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Across 1. Assumed name of Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, famous Swiss architect. 3. Swiss Air-Ambulance and Rescue Service celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. 5. Swiss surrealist artist who won an Oscar in 1980 for Best Visual Effects in ‘Aliens’. 6. Executive Council of the old Swiss confederacy. 2. 4. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Down First name of current Swiss Federal President. Appenzell hero who died at the battle at the Stoss in 1405. In which city is the oldest university in Switzerland? Swiss Arts Council. Oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. Where is the oldest Benedictine monastery in Switzerland? Surname(s) of world-champion orienteering runner that won gold for Switzerland in Lausanne.
For answers go to page 25
Book the Second Floor at the Swiss Club for your next function
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Recently, on a very hot and humid day in Melbourne, my fiancé mentioned: “it smells just like Christmas!” Which reminded me that not only is it still strange for me to celebrate Christmas in shorts and a T-shirt, but that I should start thinking about presents for my loved ones. Christmas is just around the corner and despite the fact that I have 11 months to prepare for it and get presents sorted, in my household gifts are purchased in the very last month of the year. This year I’m hoping to purchase some of the gifts online therefore eliminating the mad rush in the shopping centre and getting convenient home delivery. So in this edition of Damian’s Websurf I thought I should have a look at Swiss and Australian gifts available online. Swiss Gifts Online retailer Zazzle offers a great selection of vintage Swiss postcards and posters as well as fridge magnets on their homepage www.zazzle.com.au/ switzerland+gifts while CafePress has a diverse range of T-Shirts and Jumpers, I personally like their gift ideas for aprons and bibs which you can find at shop. cafepress.com.au/switzerland Oddly, some of the major Swiss brands don’t have online webstores that operate in Australia and Swatch is one such example. Don’t worry though as local retailers e.g. www. justwatches.com.au on the Gold Coast allow you to order the iconic Swiss plastic watch online. And while Lindt established its first chain of cafes in Australia, they don’t have an online shop. My recommendation is to try www.sweetas.net.au/lindt. html which gives you the opportunity to shop for most of the famous Swiss chocolate brands online. In my mind, one of the most useful gifts to come out of Switzerland is the Swiss Army knife. The official online retailer for Victorinox knifes in Australia is www.myswissarmyknife. com.au and I should mention that Wenger also makes ‘Sackmesser’, as they are known back home, which I found to be available online by searching on www.myshopping.com.au But did you know that according to the ‘International Gift Giving Etiquette’ for Switzerland ‘knives, scissors, cutlery or other sharp objects of any kind are not appropriate gifts since they symbolise the severing of a friendship or other close bond’? See: www.1worldglobalgifts.com/ switzerlandgiftgivingetiquette.htm
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Thankfully Victorinox nowadays also offers a fantastic array of high quality luggage which you can purchase online in Australia via theluggageprofessionals.com.au/brandscategory/ victorinox-luggage.html Australian Gifts Some of you might head back to our home country for Christmas and come up with the age-old question, which gifts to bring from Australia? While there are many shops selling cheap souvenirs I set myself the quest to gift something uniquely Australian, yet still practical. I found clothing to be appropriate for my Swiss friends and as AFL and NRL only exist down under, a team T-Shirt will make them stand out from the crowd. You can either visit the official AFL store shop.afl.com.au or shop online from a more affordable retailer such as www. goodscore.com If your family members are fluent in English then a good idea is to visit the ABC online shop shop.abc.net.au which features an entire category about Australian books, music and DVDs for adults as well as kids. Australian Geographic has a rather unique range of gifts in their online store shop. australiangeographic.com.au such as high-quality calendars and books as well as some funny ideas like the Australian Ice Cube Tray. My personal favourite is Zetta Florence, a chain of stationary stores which allow you to order online on zettaflorence.com.au By searching for ‘Melbourne’ you will be presented with a selection of calendars, notebooks and wrapping paper featuring some iconic shots of our city taken in the 1950s. I’m certain that you have your own favourite online shopping destination that you use for gifts and if you have suggestions for the Swiss community in Victoria please share your thoughts on our Facebook site www.facebook.com/swissclubvic Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Damian Schaller - Marketing Manager
Test your Swiss knowledge. Go to: www.gemeindequiz.ch
Swiss Club of Victoria
…for…
The Swiss Festival will take place on Sunday, 17 February 2013 at Queensbridge Square. Most of your Interest Groups are already busy getting involved in the Swiss Festival for their own group. The Swiss Club would also like to participate. As you know, most of our budget goes toward maintaining our club facilities, so the Festival could be a welcome opportunity for us to generate some additional funds towards member events. We thought of having a Soft drinks and food stall as well as manning an information booth about our club and facilities. But here is the problem: one third of the Committee is already engaged in the organising committee of the Swiss Festival, the reminder of the committee is stretched to the limit with the day to day tasks of upkeep of the club.
We need your help and support. We are not only looking for volunteers to help us on the day, but also a couple of individuals who would take charge and be involved in the organisation and coordination of our stand(s). If you can help, PLEASE let us know ASAP. Email your interest to info@swissclubvic.com.au or call us on 1 300 893 968. We can’t do it without you! Thank you for your kind consideration and help! Your Swiss Club Committee
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Spiced Bread (Magenbrot)
Mix all above together in a bowl 1½ tsp of baking powder 125ml / ½ cup of milk Stir baking powder and milk together, then pour into the mixture above. 250g / ²/³ cup of honey 250g / 1¼ cups of sugar Mix in a pan and heat to 60°C (use meat or jam thermometer to check). Add to mixture and stir in with a spatula until smooth dough is formed. Knead briefly, then cover and leave to stand at room temperature for 12 hours. Method Cut into 8 pieces and roll to make logs approx. 2cm thick. Place on baking tray 4cm apart. (See 1 below)
Th G The German wordd M Magenbrot, b which hi h translates l as ‘‘stomachh bread’, might not sound very appealing. But this traditional bake contains many spices which, in past times, were thought to aid digestion or settle an upset stomach. In the Middle Ages, only pharmacists were allowed to sell spices and food like Magenbrot. Magenbrot was originally called Morsellen (Gewürz-, Zucker- oder Leckerbissen), Morsäl or Mursäl. No Swiss village fair or festival is complete without a stand selling this sweet and spicy speciality, which captures all of the flavours of winter. The village fair is still a very important occasion in Switzerland. Also called Chilbi* in the SwissGerman part of the country, they usually take place around autumn time and unofficially usher in the colder months. They usually include a fun-fair, music and dancing and stands selling all manner of things. One of the most well known and largest is the Autumn Fair (Herbstmesse) in Basel. The autumn fairs are a foretaste of the Festive Season when you can ‘relish in its manifold sweet delights’. As usual, food is central to Swiss festivities and the autumn fairs offer a rich variety of goodies. Look out for local cheese and sausage specialities, onion tarts and soup on the savoury side, and Magenbrot, caramelised almonds (gebrannte Mandeln), rose cake (Rosenkuchen) and lots more. *The word Chilbi has a religious heritage, originally meaning the opening or blessing of a new church. Ingredients (makes enough for two large baking trays) 500g / 3¾ cups of flour 25g / ¼ cup of Zwieback (or rusk) grind to crumbs 1tsp of cinnamon ¼ tsp of ground cloves 50g / ¹/³ cup candied lemon peel 50g / ¹/³ cup chopped hazelnuts
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Baking Bake on the middle shelf of a pre-heated oven at 180°C for approx. 15 minutes. Leave to cool, then cut diagonally into pieces about 2cm thick. (See 2 above) Icing 300g / 1½ cups of sugar 100ml / ½ cup of water Bring to boil for 3 minutes stirring continuously. Then reduce to a low heat. 35g / ¼ cup of dark chocolate Crumble in and stir until melted together Coating In a bowl pour a quarter of the icing mix over a quarter of the Magenbrot pieces. Mix carefully with a spatula, then put on baking paper to dry. Repeat until all are coated. From ‘Swiss Cookies’ Bergli Books The first exoplanet (planets outside our solar system) was discovered by Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz from the Geneva Observatory in 1995. In 2007 Mayor and fellow astronomer Stéphane Udry discovered the first Earth-sized exoplanet, some 20.5 light years or 194 trillion kilometers away. It has a mass five times that of our planet, which is regarded as a possible candidate for sustaining life.
Swiss Club of Victoria
Jochen’s Swiss challenge
crate in a few days on his way back to Australia, this was alarming. So far, everything is fine and his back also seems fine.
The first Australian search dog team going to Switzerland to contest the toughest canine USAR (Urban Search & Rescue) search test, held in Les Epeisses, on 26 & 27 October.
HOW DID WE DO IN THOSE SEVEN SEARCHES? Firstly, Jochen did really well. One assessor said to me this morning that he is a mature, experienced dog who is very creative in how he goes about his work. Throughout his alerts were strong and convincing and he searched with calm focus. Depending on the situation he would either alert quickly and strongly or he would spend a fair amount of time trying to get as close as possible to the ‘victim’ before alerting. Other feedback was that when he has the scent of a ‘victim’, he follows through, does not leave the victim and alerts strongly and reliably and that I have a very good dog. I know that. The story of my work is a little more complex. As a team we did not function as well as I am used to. I was not always able to support him as well as he needed to do his work more effectively. It became clear to me quite quickly that I simply did not have enough practise at this level to be able to manage the search and the time effectively. Peter said in most cases my tactical decision making was good but converting the decisions and managing the search was often a weakness. DEBRIEFING At the end of each day’s searches, via a projector the assessors give a photo description of where the ‘victims’ were placed, what they were looking for in setting up their searches and how generally the teams worked (there are two assessors per site). This provides valuable information and gives the candidates very good insight into what worked, what didn’t work and why. (I actually find this system more useful than the debriefing system we have in Australia.) I certainly felt much better about my own performance and came to understand that whilst I am used to performing at a much higher level than I did at this test, given the complexities, the lack of experience at this level, I actually did well. In the end, even if Jochen had been allowed to continue, I doubt very much whether we would have passed. Nonetheless, I will always remember with pride and the biggest grin on my face the second search in particular where everything flowed, both Jochen and I were on fire and we did top work. My only regret in respect to this test is that given all that I have learned in fighting my way through I cannot come back and put it to the test again next year. I would do that test again in a heartbeat and do my best to reproduce that second search again and again. THE END OF THREE MONTHS IN SWITZERLAND And that was the end of 3 months of the most amazing, challenging, stimulating and exciting time I have ever spent working with any of my dogs In 45 years of dog training. Jochen was an even better travelling companion than even I could have imagined. His personality and temperament is such that he was able to cope with anything that was thrown at him. In every way he fully justified the effort, energy, time and expense it cost to take him on this journey. And yes, I feel very sad that it is over. Please keep visiting this blog as I have not yet finished writing. After all, Jochen still has to come out of quarantine back in Australia: jochensswisschallenge.weebly.com
Here is an other update following on from the previous edition of the ‘Edelweiss’. JOCHEN FAILS VET TEST After seven searches, four Friday afternoon and three during the night, Jochen was declared unfit to continue working at the vet check Saturday morning. I had anticipated either of us not doing well (more specifically me) and therefore not passing the test, but I had not anticipated Jochen failing the vet check. VET CHECKS ARE OBLIGATORY The Swiss take enormous care of their dogs and ensuring that the dogs are fit and healthy to continue the test is one aspect of their care. All dogs must be presented for a vet check at 6.30am on the first day of the test. The next check is after that day’s work, the next is the following morning and there is a final check at the end of the last day’s work. This is like the vet checks that are done in the horse eventing world. Jochen was fine in the initial check but some concern was voiced in relation to his back after the four day searches. I had to keep him warm, and walk him a lot so that he would not stiffen up. Then came the three night searches. I massaged his back but at the Saturday morning’s check when the vet touched him along his back he had muscle spasms. Two vets looked at him and after discussions with a number of key people and of course me, I was advised to withdraw him from the test. Anti-inflammitory medication was given. WHAT HAPPENED? So much of the work requires the dogs to crawl through small and tight gaps, long shafts, tunnels and pancakes. Jochen is a big dog and he crawled and squeezed himself through spaces that he barely fitted into. Given that he is on the longer side of the ideal height-to-length proportions, the physical demands of those seven searches was obviously too much for his back muscles. HOW DID I FEEL? Shocked, concerned and disappointed but the decision was quite easy to make. The fact that so much time, money and effort was invested into giving Jochen and me the chance to participate in this test was irrelevant in making that decision. Obviously, his welfare comes first. The next consideration was regarding the medication. I was told that it can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in some dogs. Given that he will be in an airline w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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90th Congress of the Swiss Abroad Lausanne, 17-19 August The Congress of the Swiss Abroad and the Council of the Swiss Abroad had their meeting this year in Lausanne from 17 August 2012 – 19 August 2012. The main agenda items and presentations and following discussions can be summarised as follows: 1. Electronic voting and electing the Swiss Abroad: Progress has been made, currently 12 cantons have participated in the June 2012 Federal vote, when 52% of the Swiss who are resident abroad have participated electronically. The Canton of Zurich had to momentarily suspend electronic voting for technical reasons, there seemed to be no Central Register in the Canton of Zurich. Furthermore, the cantons want to achieve that the majority of the Swiss Abroad can also take part in Federal Elections by electronic means by 2015. 2. Swiss Banks and the Swiss Abroad: not much progress can be reported on this item, since the Swiss government cannot interfere in the service cost structure of the various banks. It is up to the Swiss Abroad to deal directly with their bank about the fees. Nevertheless, efforts are being undertaken to ameliorate the situation with the ASO having talks with Postfinanz. Some members report that Raffeisenbanks are low cost banks, as is Coop with its 33 branches or Migros. 3. Global network of Swiss Consulates: The Swiss Abroad made it clear that the shrinking network of Swiss Consulates abroad makes it very difficult for many people to obtain services such as new passports, registration of personal details such as births, visa applications, etc. It was proposed that more Honorary Consuls be appointed. The Swiss Authorities replied that they are under instruction to cut costs. It was reported that in the last 23 years some 60 Consulates were closed, whereas only 9 new ones have been opened. This has a negative influence on the presence of Switzerland in general. 4. New law regarding the Swiss Abroad: the new law is being drafted to regularise and to accept the status of the Swiss living outside Switzerland. Their relationships to Switzerland are to be serviced in future by one Federal department alone in Switzerland and not by various offices as now. Foreign Affairs will take care of the Swiss Abroad once the law is in effect. 5. The mandate of the current delegates of the Swiss Abroad to the Swiss Council will end 2012. New elections are to be held by the end of 2012 and validated in 2013. Therefore, elections are to be held worldwide. The modality of the elections is to be the same as before, i.e. the Swiss Clubs abroad in each country formalise these elections. In Australia the four current delegates, Noemi Bangel, Marc
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Godat, Roland Isler and Beat Knoblauch are standing for re-election for a second four [4] year term. Finally, the spring session of the Council of the Swiss Abroad will be held in Bern on 16 March, 2013 and Davos will be the host of the summer session and the 91st Congress of the Swiss Abroad from 16-18 August, 2013. Beat Knoblauch - Council of the Swiss Abroad With regards to item 2: this information was correct at the time of the Congress in August. The situation is changing constantly and readers are advised to make their own enquiries regarding the banks mentioned. A good source of information is the discussion forum on www.swisscommunity.com Roland Isler - Council of the Swiss Abroad
Tannegsang Wie en Chor vo Chloschtermanne stöhnd im Wald dei öseri Tanne. Gohd e Löftli, kum isch draa, stimmid s erni Harfe n aa, ä äsmols hört mers singe, suuse, onnedöre, obenuse, ond wie Welle of em Meer ruuschid all die Strophe her. Määrlizauber, Sonnesege, Blitz ond Tonder, Storm ond Rege, Mooschiiglanz ond Sternepracht, tüüfverschneiti Weenternacht. On dim Juuchze dren e Stöhne, will üüs niem die Welt versöhne? Ond em Herz werds wohl ond bang bi dem ernschte Tannegsang.
Swiss Club of Victoria
Ticino meets its diaspora online Southern canton Ticino has joined forces with the online platform of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), SwissCommunity.org, to reach out to its diaspora around the world. On October 4, the Ticino government and the OSA signed in Bellinzona a partnership agreement covering the project OltreConfiniTI (‘beyond borders’), which will be implemented at the beginning of next year. “Ticino is the first non-German-speaking canton to participate in this virtual community,” said Marco Borradori, president of the Ticino government, at a presentation of the project. So far, only cantons Zurich, Lucerne and Aargau have been active on SwissCommunity.org. Ticino will be the first though with its own dedicated page on the OSA’s social platform. Massive emigration “Out of the 700,000 Swiss who live abroad, 100,000 are of Italian-speaking origin. The project will allow Ticino to get better acquainted with the history of its emigration, a pivotal event in the canton’s history,” Borradori stressed. Emigration from Ticino was one of the most important and substantial in Switzerland. From the middle of the 19th century, poverty drove inhabitants from their valleys to seek fortune somewhere else in Europe, in Italy or France for example, where some of them prospered as plasterers, sculptors architects, pastry chefs or chocolatiers. But many preferred even more distant places such as Australia, the United States or Latin America. “Some of them returned to Switzerland after having made their fortunes, while others died far from home in abject poverty,” added Borradori. Migrant communities today often have two passports, but nevertheless often feel a strong attachment to Ticino. “The canton is a pioneer in many domains such as the economy, the culture, research and historiography of its diaspora, and it is a reference for the historiography of the Swiss abroad,” explained Rudolf Wyder, president of the OSA. The site SwissCommunity.org “will encourage the authorities, associations and private individuals to interact with the Swiss Italian-speakers abroad and bring this community closer to its canton of origin,” said Giampiero Gianella, chancellor of the Ticino government. Beginning of 2013 But what does the project OltreConfiniTI, which will be part of SwissCommunity.org, exactly consist of? Initiated by journalist and emigration expert Piergiorgio Baroni, a working group developed the project over the past two years. The Ticino government accepted the group’s propositions and conclusions on September 19. “The page OltreConfiniTI will be available in Italian on our site from the beginning of 2013,” said Ariane Rustichelli, who oversees SwissCommunity.org. Gemma d’Urso, swissinfo.ch w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
As this is the last Newsletter of the year I want to thank all the lovely Ladies for their continuous support during the year. It is always so nice to catch up with new and old friends for a nice Lunch and a chat. Many thanks to Roger and staff for looking after us so well. Dates for the forthcoming Luncheons in 2013:
• Wednesday, 6 March
Th first guest speaker The k off the h year iis ‘Th ‘That certain i JJessiquoi’ i i’ – a 23-year old Swiss Musician living now in Melbourne
• Wednesday, 1 May Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas time and a joyful healthy new year. I’m looking forward to your company again next year. Price $22 pp for members, $25 pp for non-members. Includes 2-course meal, wine, soft drinks and coffee. New-comers most welcome. For information and bookings ring me on 9889 9321 or Roger at the Club on 9650 1196. Bookings are essential! Heidy Giger
Test your Swiss Knowledge - Answers Across: 1. LeCorbusier; 3. Rega; 5. HansRudolfGiger; 6. Tagsatzung Down: 2. Eveline; 4. UeliRotach; 7. Basel; 8. ProHelvetia; 9. Hilti; 10. Disentis; 11. Niggli-Luder
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Swiss Events & Functions Please note that this calendar also list events other than those organised by the Swiss Club of Victoria and its subgroups. Please book all Swiss Club functions (bold entries) with Roger, phone 9650 1196 or fax 9650 3104 and check website for latest information and details of upcoming events. For all other events please contact the relevant organisation (see page 3 for contact details).
DECEMBER
Saturday Thursday Saturday Friday
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Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea (by invitation) Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Samichlaus visiting Swiss Club Club Restaurant closes after dinner (reopens on Monday, 7 January 2013 for lunch)
JANUARY
Monday
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Club reopens for 2013
FEBRUARY
Saturday Monday Thursday Sunday Wednesday Thursday Sunday Thursday Saturday
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SwissKids Editorial Deadline - Newsletter March issue Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club SWISS FESTIVAL, Queensbridge Square Swiss Movie Night: Happy New Year Laughter Club Helvetia Swiss Club Tennis Championship Laughter Club Helvetia Jass Night - Matterhorn
MARCH
Saturday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Thursday Wednesday
02 06 07 13 21 23 28 27
SwissKids Ladies’ Luncheon Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Annual General Meeting Laughter Club Helvetia Jass Night - Swiss Club Laughter Club Helvetia Comedy Festival starts (The Second Floor unavailable until 21 April)
OTHER REGULAR SWISS CLUB MEETINGS: Committee Meetings: every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose: practice every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm Swiss Companion Singers: practice and social gathering every 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month at 8pm Laughter Club Helvetia: meets every 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month at 6pm SwissKids: meet on the 1st Saturday of every month, from 2pm to 4pm The Swiss Diners Club: dates for get-together can be found on www.swiss.org.au or on our Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/YoungSwissMelbourne
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Half-Yearly General Meeting
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Swiss & Italian Festa