REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
JUNE 2013
Annual General Meeting
RO U CLU
THE
Swiss Festival
On Sunday, 17 February the Swiss Community of Victoria celebrated the much loved Swiss Festival right in the heart of the city at Queensbridge Square for the first time. This place is centrally located, it’s only a 5 minutes’ walk from Flinders Street Station and is a major pedestrian plaza located by the Yarra. It connects Southgate (near the Arts Centre), Southbank Boulevard, Queensbridge Street, Crown Plaza, the Freshwater Place apartment tower and Sandridge Bridge. The relocation of the festival from the Austrian Club in Heidelberg to the city of Melbourne had two main objectives: A) to attract a larger audience in order to present our home country Switzerland with its rich cultural heritage to all Melburnians and B) to appeal to a larger pool of sponsors to improve our offering on the day. I can happily say, we were successful on both accounts. The official count revealed, we had 5,000 people coming through on a hot 34C day (!) and we were able to get the support of our major event sponsor Switzerland Tourism. Other important sponsors were the Consulate General of Switzerland/Embassy of Switzerland, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the City of Melbourne, the Swiss Club of Victoria and Henkell Brothers. At this point I would like to thank all our sponsors for their generous support. I must also mention the important assistance the committee received from the Dutch Community who has been using Queensbridge Square for the last seven years; their guidance helped us enormously in our planning and organisation of this unique event. The hard working Swiss Festival Committee with Bruno Giger (Treasurer), Damian Schaller (Marketing) and his fiancée Melinda Varley (PR consultant), Patrick Albert (Sponsorship & Logistics), Roger Moullet (Food & Beverage), Sylvie Eggertswyler
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ABOU D N B
The Swiss Festival has gone to town!
IS SW S
Society AGM
40th Anniversary Dinner Swiss Festival Unterhaltungsabend
(Entertainment), Vreni Welsh (Volunteers) and Thomas Schmocker (Swiss Liaison) also reorganised the running of food & beverage by giving the Swiss Community groups the opportunity to manage their own stall. The Swiss Club of Victoria, Groupe Romand du Victoria, the Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn and Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess took up the challenge and sold drinks, sausages, crêpes and gaufres, ice-cream, trash & treasure and much more to the visitors. Roger Moullet, our Swiss Club Manager had its own stand selling imported Swiss wines & beer to thirsty patrons. The Red Stairs, a permanent purpose built stage adorned with a huge Swiss flag, was the venue where most of the entertainment took place including the traditional part with choir singing performed by the Swiss Companion Singers, yodeling by the Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn and Swiss Yodelers from Sydney, folk dancing by the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose with Chris Thalmann (Schwyzerörgeli) & Tom Webb (Singing Saw) and the fabulous ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’. Modern Switzerland was represented by a gifted break-dance performer Coskun ‘Tuffkid’ Erdogan & Moses Iten’s Delire Nostalgique DJ set by the Swiss Conspiracy. The fabulous Swiss Finale with Schwyzerörgeli/ Singing Saw, Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn/Swiss Yodelers of Sydney & Beat Stuber on the bass heralded the end of the festivities around 4pm. Our tried and trusted MC Joe Bovalino from Gold 104.3 led through the program with his usual wit and charm. Switzerland Tourism together with Holidays on Location & Swiss International Air Lines manned a very busy stand and gave away a major prize including a seven day holiday package in Interlaken and flights to Switzerland. The lucky winner was Mr. Yannick Jarnet. Continued on page 6
89 Flinder s Lane • Melbour ne 3000 • Victor ia • Australia • www.s wissclubvic .com.au
CBD FUNCTION AND MEETING ROOM WITH A DIFFERENCE The Second Floor at the Swiss Club
BUSINESS FUNCTIONS, CONFERENCES, SMALL MEETINGS
• Theatre style seating for up to 90 • Work shop seating for up to 55 • Cocktail set up for up to 120 • Private meeting room for up to 16 • Architect designed space • Choice of catering from the Swiss Club Restaurant or Terra Rossa • Modern amenities
• Basic coffee making facilities • Parking close by • 5 minutes walk to Flinders Street or Parliament Station • 2 minutes walk to Tram 75/70/48 • Friendly venue with Swiss history • Competitive rates
OR DINNER/ DANCE FUNCTIONS, LAUNCHES, PRIVATE EVENTS
• Unbeatable location • Ample parking close by • Train, tram and bus close by • Dinner seating for up to 80 • Cocktail set up to 120 • Dance floor • Architect designed modern space with lots of ambience
• Modern amenities • Choice of catering from the Swiss Club Restaurant or Terra Rossa • Choice of BYO caterer • Catering kitchen with 4 ovens, microwave and industrial dishwasher • Friendly venue with Swiss history • Competitive rates
AT THE PERFECT VENUE – THE SWISS CLUB OF VICTORIA Contact us on E: thesecondfloor@swissclubvic.com.au T: 1300 893 968 to check for availability, more information or a quote
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: Tue - Sat from 6pm Club Nights: Wed & Thurs 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
COMMITTEE Barbara Kündig President T/F (H): (03) 9005 4938 M: 0402 018 363 E: barbara@swissclubvic.com.au Sigrid de Castella Vice President M: 0416 088 000 E: sigrid@swissclubvic.com.au Rolf Huber Immediate Past President T/F (H): (03) 9807 0282 M (B): 0425 805 854 E: rhuber@swissclubvic.com.au Urs Derrick Wildi Treasurer & Membership Administration T/F (H): (03) 9824 7930 M: 0403 040 930 E: uwildi@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 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 The Swiss Diners Club Convenor: Damian Schaller M: 0410 461 364 E: damianschaller@swiss.org.au
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 Embassy of Switzerland T: (02) 6162 8400, F: (02) 6273 3428 E: can.vertretung@eda.admin.ch
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
SWISS COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
Postal address and further information for all above see: W: www.eda.admin.ch/australia
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
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, With one of the hottest summers on record behind us, the days considerably cooler and the nights even more so, it is time to spend more time with your friends and fellow members at the Swiss Club! The club’s opening hours have been extended to include Tuesday to Saturday evenings. This is possible with a new Swiss Chef, Ruth Messerli, supporting Roger in the kitchen. The committee welcomes Ruth and wishes her all the best in her new position. Wednesday and Thursday evenings are our official club nights and members are encouraged to come along, have a drink or a meal, meet fellow members and play a game of Jass. The committee meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. We are in the club restaurant between 6-8pm and would love to get to know more members and have a chat. Should you be at the club, come and say hello! Our club house 40th anniversary dinner dance on 16 March was a fun night with everyone dancing to 70s music. It was especially nice to have Bruno and Aida Jenny amongst us. Bruno was the club’s manager back then and was quite involved in the successful move to 89 Flinders Lane. We also received some valuable input from Peter Meury, then President, on how it all came about. The interview on page 18 with Urs Biedermann is another interesting testimonial to the events 40 years ago. Thank you to all the members and guests, who celebrated this milestone with us. Many thanks to Rita and Roland for organising the event with me. The Unterhaltungsabend on 4 May, was a very enjoyable and entertaining event. It was also an opportunity to say farewell
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to the Consul General of Switzerland, Markus Meli and Christa Meli, who are departing for their new posting in Germany at the end of May. We wish them well and success in their new challenge. Sylvia Hochuli and all the members of the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose are to be congratulated on putting together, year after year, this important night on our social calendar. For Sylvia it was her 25th anniversary as organiser. What an achievement! Thank you so much to Sylvia and her team. John and I had a great time, and we left with some cool prizes won at the fabulous Tombola. The Comedy Festival has come and gone. It was well attended as there were three popular acts scheduled at the club. It created quite a buzz for our club and gave Melbourne an opportunity to discover our club facilities. Thank you to all the sub-groups for their understanding during April. After each Comedy Festival, the Second Floor gets a spruce up to have it back in shape. Sigrid has been taking the lead for the past few years and has spent a considerable amount of time organising and doing this ‘mini renovation’. Thank you Sigrid. Congratulations to our editor, Roland Isler, on his re-election to the Council of the Swiss Abroad. Roland is one of four delegates representing Australia. The CSA represents the interests of all Swiss abroad. Roland is attending this year’s congress in Davos from the 16-18 August. We wish him a pleasant trip and look forward to his report. Swiss National Day, our ‘raison d’être’ is just around the corner. Without Switzerland, would there be a Swiss Club? This year’s National Day falls on a club night, we certainly hope that the Lampionparade with be well attended and the restaurant will be filled by our members. Come and listen to Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand who will entertain us, it would be lovely to see as many of you there as possible. Barbara Kündig - President
Swiss Club of Victoria
Thank you! We appreciate the generosity of the following members who have decided to ‘round up’ their membership fees: Peter Spring, Ernest & Dorothy Baenziger, Paul & Janette Eisenegger, Ruth Tschanz, Agnes Zimmermann, Edwin Zimmermann, Robert & Madeleine Gasser, John Wanner
Welcome to our new members We welcome Susan Brealey, Roger & Rosemary Hochstrasser, Derek Ritzmann, Mark Jaeggi, Ann Pask, Mikael Glandberger, Claudia Marquez, Reto Andre Hofmann, Elizabeth Sarah Oswald, Dominic Collins, Hans-Peter Schlitter, Fabian Spescha. We are looking forward to your participation in our club.
Happy birthday to the following members who were celebrating their milestone birthdays recently: Greig Foletta and Ernest Baenziger commemorated their 80th and Marcel Theiler, Margrit Meier and Hans Brunner celebrated their 85th. We congratulate you and wish you good health in many years to come! Congratulations to Amanda Wildi on her 18th birthday. We wish you all the best for a bright and happy future!
Sylvia Hochuli and Barbara Kündig visiting Hans Bless at his nursing home residence
Get well Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Sue Schnellmann and Erna Kathriner who are not too well at the moment. We hope to see you soon at the club again.
Best wishes We wish Urs Marfurt all the best in his new home at Embracia retirement home in Templestowe.
New Members Evening, March
Comedy Festival snapshots
Roger with comedians Tom Ballard, Lawrence Leung and Jeff Green w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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From front page
Official Switzerland was represented by Mr. Markus Meli, Consul General of Switzerland whose tenure in Australia has now come to an end – he and his team answered many questions at their stand and fulfilled a much needed service at the festival. The Swiss Australian Academic Network (SAAN), the Swiss Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) as well as the Organisation for the Swiss Abroad (OSA) represented by Roland Isler were also ready to attend to any enquiries. Our friends from the Australian Swiss Search Dog Association presented their four legged friends to the delight of the many visitors and the Laughter Club Helvetia made sure people had fun and much to laugh about. SBS German Radio conducted interviews and supported the festival with free coverage pre and post event which was much appreciated. Another innovation at the festival was the sale of Choclo – a new chocolate drink from Switzerland, the first of its kind, combining the enticing pleasure of chocolate with fresh water and sparkles. In addition Swiss merchandise was for sale, always a favourite! Sigrid de Castella, Vice-President of the Swiss Club of Victoria promoted her first book ‘Half the woman I was’ & DVD’s promoting a healthy lifestyle. Kids also had their share of fun with a bouncing castle. Say cheese! Yes, there was plenty of cheese to be had. Have you heard of the Red Cow before it was at the festival? The Red Cow is the exclusive importer of the world famous Sélection Rolf Beeler range of es artisan Swiss cheese. Their current Beeler range includes OC, the raw milk Gruyère AOC, Toggenburger, Emmental AOC, Vacherin Fribourgeois AOC and Alp Sbrinz as well as thee famous Swiss Raclette. Rounding off our Swiss Festival offerings were Swiss iconic companies such as Lindt giving away free chocolates, Jura promoting coffee made on the world’s smallest one-touch automatic cappuccino machine andd Mövenpick with its collection of timeless flavours of icee cream. In recognition of the great support for the Swiss Festival by the Swiss Community of Victoria the Swiss Festival Committee is pleased to announce a profit sharing of A$200 going to each of the participating groups such as Groupe Romand du Victoria, Ladies Luncheon, Swiss Companion Singers, Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose, Swiss Kids, Swiss Yodel ruppe choir Matterhorn, The Swiss Club of Victoria, Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Australian/Swiss Cultural Society as well as to the Sydney Yodelers for enriching the festival with their yodeling and Alphorn blowing. After much feedback and soul searching with groups and sponsors the committee has decided to continue using Queensbridge Square with a tentative festival date of Sunday 6th April 2014 (to be confirmed). For up to date information please visit: http://swissfestivalaustralia.com/ The committee and the Swiss Community Groups of Victoria look forward to seeing you next year. Rolf Huber – Chairman Swiss Festival Committee
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Swiss Club of Victoria
We are the Swiss Society of Victoria
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SOC I SS
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Federation Square exploded with Laughter on Sunday, 5 May for World Laughter Day. Members of Laughter Club Helvetia joined in the Festivities and continued celebrating in the afternoon at the Swiss Club.
V IC T O R
We help Swiss citizens living in Victoria who need financial or social support. Because charity begins at home. You can help us in helping them.
For more information about us or if you know any Swiss citizen in Victoria who could benefit from our services contact: Supporting the Swiss Community of Victoria since 1879
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
Franz Schellmann T: 9449 2245 M: 0412 203 893 schnellmann@dodo.com.au
Celebrate Switzerland’s 722nd birthday!
The Swiss Club Doubles Championship was held on Friday, 15 March. Last year’s winners John O’Reilly and Greg Gibbs repeated the dose. Congratulations to the winners! Customised English Written and Oral Communication Skills for Professionals. • • • • •
Business Writing Skills Speaking Skills Australian Workplace Inductions In-Company Consultancy Online Solutions
Tel: 03 9421 5348 Email: info@solutionslingua.com www.solutionslingua.com
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The next dates to mark in your diary are: • Friday, 7 June - Bernard Sandoz Cup • Friday, 25 October - Swiss Club Singles Championship Cost: Only $20 per person which includes dinner. Bookings are essential, please ring Roger at the Swiss Club or myself on 9439 7593 or 0418 645 313. New players are always welcome! Louis Schneider
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th
Groovy 40 Anniversary Dinner Dance Saturday, 16 March
Around seventy people met on the Second Floor to commemorate tthe opening of the present Club premises on 89 Flinders Lane, in 1973. Among them was former club managers Bruno and Aida Jenny, who could join us at short notice. Thank-you to Peter Meury, then w President, for the special reminiscing message, which was read out. It provided a great inside what happened 40 years ago. TThe Club was officially opened by Ambassador Max König in the ppresence of VIP guests on Friday, 16 February 1973. Celebrations w went on for a few days, starting with the ‘Uusplampete’ of the oold premises on 89 George Parade on Friday, 9 February with a Fasnachts-style party and free beer! Day two of the official opening oon Saturday, 17 February, was a day for the members. Well known SSwiss restaurateur Hermann Schneider who ran the ‘Two Faces’ rrestaurant in South Yarra, put up a great smorgasbord. The first Jass ccompetition was held on Monday, 19 February and the day after tthat was Jazz Night with Melbourne’s top band, the ‘Red Onions’. Following this, on Wednesday, 21 February, was traditional club nnight, for members to enjoy the four most pleasant Swiss things in life: a good meal, a nice glass of wine, good company and, of course, a game of Jass. Thursday was Businessmen’s Dinner Night. This ‘by invitation only’ event featured a dinner creation by Hermann Schneider and…“six gorgeous looking girls from the Bambi-Smith Model College presenting the latest fashion from Melbourne leading Haute Couture.” And finally, on Friday, 23 February, it was time to enjoy some hardy Swiss folklore where everyone was invited to contribute. Our anniversary party wasn’t quite such an elaborate affair, but we probably had just as much fun. It was a day of reminiscing seventiesstyle – the fashion, the music, the food. Thank-you to Roger and staff for a great dinner – Avocado Prawn Cocktail, Chicken Kiev and Coup Denmark were the culinary hits of the time. The Disk Jockey provided the musical ones and soon had everyone exercising to ‘Saturday Night Fever’ on the dance floor. The disco lights and colourful table settings provided the perfect backdrop, but most of all, it was the fashion that added that special atmosphere. A special thank-you to all those that took the effort to clean out their cupboards or searched through op-shops to find the right retro attire. What a groovy night it was! The organisers, Barbara Kündig, Rita Schwärzler & Roland Isler
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Swiss Club of Victoria
SWISS CLUB MOVIE ‘Hoselupf oder wie man ein BĂśser wird’ Wednesday, 17 July 2013, 8pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor 2011, 91min, Pop-Documentary, Swiss German, English subtitles Director: This LĂźscher with Beat Schlatter and Swiss Schwingers An homage to the national sport of the Swiss: Schwingen (Swiss wrestling). Comedian Beat Schlatter should have kept his mouth shut: he claimed being able to beat a young ‘Schwing Wrestler’. Just then, one was standing behind him and challenged him to a duel. Now, he has to start training. He is going to learn a lot about this discipline and so will you.
‘Madly in Love’ (Wenn die Liebe verrĂźckt spielt) Wednesday, 18 September 2013, 8pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor 2009, 85min, Romantic Comedy, Swiss German, Tamil/ English subtitles Director: Anna Luis with Monica Amgwerd, Stefan Kollmuss, Murali Perumal,Muraleetharan Sandrasegaram, Sugeetha Srividdunupathy, Laura Tonke Devan, a young Tamil raised and living with his extended family in Switzerland, wants to fulfill his father’s wish of an arranged marriage. However, a few days before the traditional wedding with his bride coming from Sri Lanka, Devan falls madly in love with Leo, a European woman. Will family and societies expectations or love be stronger and overcome cultural differences and traditions? 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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What a night! Unterhaltungsabend, 4 May 2013 Friends, passed members of the Dance Group and members from other folklore groups contributed to a fantastic night. ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’ under the leadership of John Wanner once again had their traditional effect on all the guests. Life music by the band for our performance was a privilege. Thank you John! To Roger and the whole team: congratulations for giving us the best meal and excellent service. The Tombola was the big winner. Due to the generosity of our supporters, we had over 300 prizes! We were honoured to have the Consul General Mr Markus Meli and wife Christa with us. This was their last visit to Victoria before leaving Australia for the next posting in Frankfurt, Germany. Our best wishes go with them. To everyone, thank you for being part in making the night a huge success. I especially would like to thank Barbara and the Committee of the Swiss Club and Roger for their continuous support. Sylvia lvia Hochuli
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Melbourne is a busy city and the traffic is horrific on a Saturday evening. We arrived just in time! Roger Moullet served a real healthy, tasty meal. Sylvia Hochuli invited everyone to have a jolly time and her speech was most interesting and to the point. Barbara thanked the group for doing a great job for over 25 years. It was fun to listen to Barbara, how she spoke about learning from Sylvia, how to fix up a great Tombola. Mr Markus Meli, Consul General of Switzerland spoke about the times he and wife Christa enjoyed visiting Melbourne. Of course also saying good-bye to us all. Everyone loved the performance of the group immensely. Tom played the singing saw and we all love his performance. It was heart warming to hear the band play all evening and see the people dancing. ‘O weh’ I cannot dance anymore. But meeting all my friends is the best. Of course the Tombola is a highlight. You see all the people busy opening the little papers and messing up the tables, but the fairies cleared it all up. The photographer working hard. We all had a great time as always. The Tombola table looked neat and nice until everybody picked up their winnings. Tired but happy we waved good-bye and some of us fell asleep on the way home. Thank-you for all the hard work and effort. Inge Kulmanis
Swiss Club of Victoria
The Dance Group Alpenrose spend Easter in Sydney. Under the motto ‘Auf geht’s’, we participated at the 20th Volkstanzfest at the German Club Concordia. Over 250 performers representing Austrian, German and Swiss groups from different states took part. ‘Die Brücke’, the National Council of the German speaking Clubs was the main sponsor. The colourful costumes and dances from different countries showed the diversity of our cultural heritage. I extend a big thank you to Teresa Sonntag and the organisation committee. The event went by all to quickly, the days passed and we were back in Melbourne to prepare for our Unterhaltungsabend. Sylvia Hochuli
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 auf 93.1fm Jeden Sonntag von 19:45 bis 20Uhr (Neue Sendezeit!) SBS HOTLINE: (03) 9949 2192 http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/yourlanguage/german
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Global Economy, Inflation and Income Streams For the last five years the USA has been on a path of rebuilding its economy through quantitative easing. This has helped it to gradually bring down unemployment and get the economy on a slow but steadily growth path. Europe and Japan have followed suit after initially pursuing a policy of austerity and have started to lower cash rates and increase money supply respectively, in the case of Japan that has led to a significant devaluation of the Yen against the major currencies. Consumer confidence however is low and the global economy is still fragile. Businesses are reluctant to invest and banks apply tight lending rules. A lot hinges around Asia (mainly China) remaining the global growth engine and Europe finding its way out of recession. Switzerland, despite the strong CHF has managed the bumpy ride relatively well. The official cash rate in Australia has dropped from 7.25% in May 2008 to a record low of 2.75% in May 2013 and the Reserve Bank of Australia has hinted that it might cut rates further. In the longer term all this money printing is likely to lead to inflation, but in the short to medium term low interest rates are likely to remain and therefore investors will continue to seek opportunities in the global share markets. Here in Australia we have 22 years of positive economic growth but cracks have started to show; high labour cost, inefficiencies, stiff competition from large corporates and a strong AUD are weighing heavily on businesses and cause SME business owners to consider their options. The strong AUD is not all that negative, it has been very welcome by Australians travelling to visit the old country, go on overseas vacations and shopping trips. Importers were able to boost or maintain margins and a number of new business emerged, successfully helping consumers buy overseas products directly via the internet. Overall however our economy remains challenged by the strong AUD. On top of that the overall cost of living has gone up dramatically. The Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) differentiates between goods & services for its CPI calculations; goods are then broken down into tradeable (40% of CPI weighting – goods whose prices are mainly determined by world markets) and non-tradeable (60% of CPI weighting - mainly goods that need to be consumed locally and whose prices are determined by the domestic market/regulator). The 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 Baillieu Holst. Patrick speaks English, German and French. Contact: Baillieu Holst Ltd, Level 26, 360 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Direct: 9602 9318, Mobile: 0449 999 645, Office: 9602 9222 E: palbert@baillieuholst.com.au W: www.baillieuholst.com.au
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cost of tradable goods has come down thanks to the strong dollar and increased competition whereas the non-tradeable goods have gone up dramatically; especially rents, rates, water, electricity, gas, education and healthcare. Interestingly petrol is cheaper than it was a couple of years ago and food has remained about the same. For details please refer to the ABS website. The Australian Consumer Price Index has come down since 2007 and is at 2.5% as of March 2013. The government has just announced its budget for the next financial year. On the political scene we have a change of government on the horizon and with that there will be in a new chapter of cost savings and spending cuts at federal as well as at state level. Coupled with changes to the tax legislation (Medicare levy and Superannuation tax) everybody from pensioners to students will feel the impact. Since the budget announcement I had several conversations with clients on how to best address the impact that the new budget will have on their business, their ability to save, their cash flow and how they live their lives. The ones that have the bulk of their savings in Super need to look at how they can optimise current investments to fund their cash flow needs in retirement. On the back of a weakening economy it is likely that the RBA will have to further lower the cash rate. Yields on Term Deposits are following the RBA cash rates down and yield between 2.70% to 4.50%, depending on how long and where the funds are placed. With inflation at 2.5% the real return is reduced significantly. Whilst lower rates tend to a devaluation of the AUD against the major currencies and help exporters it is likely to have a negative impact on consumers; overseas goods become more expensive and we ‘import’ inflation. For cash holders who use term deposits and depend on income from deposits it will become increasingly difficult to have positive real interest income. Managing your spending and savings is a key component to financial health. It is very important to establish a routine of using spare cash to firstly reduce debt and secondly use your money to build a portfolio of investments that will provide you an income for retirement. This portfolio ideally consists of real estate, fixed income (cash and bonds) and shares. The share market has seen its ups and downs over the years and whilst the US market has just recently surpassed its all-time high of 2007 the Australian market is still ~25% below its all-time high. Historically, over the last 30 years Australia has been one of the best performing share markets in the world with and average return of ~6.8% per annum. We are also in a unique situation where franking credits can significantly boost income from share investments (especially for Superfunds in pension mode). Over the last 18 months I have seen a lot of funds shift from cash and bonds to shares to improve income flow. Shares can help improve your income stream in times of low interest rates and help insulate a portfolio from rising inflation. It is important to continually build your portfolio and invest your savings in good companies of strong financial health and good management. This way you can build a sustainable portfolio that will ensure your financial freedom in retirement. Disclaimer: This information constitutes general advice only. There has been no consideration of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person or entity and the recipient of this information must not rely on the veracity of the information in making any investment decisions.
Swiss Club of Victoria
After a very successful Luncheon on 1 May, we raised $400 for Cancer Research. Thank you very much, great effort Ladies! The next Luncheon will be on
• Wednesday 3 July Our guest speaker is Mahes Karuppiah-Quillen who will talk about health and happiness.
National Day Celebration at the Club Thursday, 1 August, 7pm Get into the swing with our fabulous ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’!
September Ladies Luncheon will be on
3-course menu with Coffee & Tea
• Wednesday 4 September
Members - $35.00 per person Non-members - $40.00 per person Drinks at bar prices
Our guest speaker is Ursula Jansen who will talk about her experiences in amateur photography and movie making. Lunch is $22 for members and $25 non-members. Includes 2-course meal, wine, soft drinks and coffee. Newcomers most welcome. Please book with Roger at the club on 9650 1196 or Heidy on 9889 9321 Heidy Giger
Reservations essential. Book early on 9650 1196
The choir is in the middle of its rebuilding phase after the loss and retirement of some long time choir members. As part of our initiatives to attract new choir members (male or female) we have moved our practice sessions (Wednesday nights from 8pm) to a new venue closer to the city: St. James Uniting Church (Wattle Park), 1201 Riversdale Road, Box Hill South. Why don’t you give our President, Chrigel Hostettler (Tel. 9754 7390), a call to find out more about the Choir and why we get so much enjoyment from being part of it! The next time you will see (and hear) the Choir perform will be at the
Swiss National Day Picnic on Sunday 4 August, which will also be held at a new venue: the Austrian Club, 90 Sheehan Road, Heidelberg West (where the Swiss Festival was held for the last few years). We look forward to seeing you there on a beautiful winter day! Erwin Weinmann – Secretary, Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn
We have fantastic Ladies Luncheons. Many of them! Again, this one was a great success. Heidy Giger, our Convenor introduced this elegant versatile lady, and she entertained us with showing us how to dress and use make up, the quickest and most convenient way. Travelling around the world with two bags. I have never experienced someone changing that fast into various outfits, being used to different functions. And also weather wise. Humor and laughter combined with practicality, presented by image consultant Fiona Etty-Leal. Everyone received a gift voucher. Roger Moullet our chef, delighted us with an authentic Swiss lunch. The tables looked inviting with all the roses. Thank you again for a Ladies Luncheon to remember! PS: Last Ladies Luncheon with all the Fastnacht’s decorations and explanations was superb. Inge Kulmanis
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Swiss National Day Lantern Procession Lampionparade Thursday, 1 August, 2013 at 6pm for 6.15pm start. Where: Federation Square, near the big screen. Our lantern procession will start at Federation Square at 6.15pm. We will walk along the Yarra River and end at the Second Floor of the Swiss Club of Victoria. Bring your own lantern (bought or homemade), flags, bells etc. (lanterns with candles or batteries only, no flammable liquids). Parents are responsible for their children at all times. Members: Children free. Non-members: Children $5.00 Refreshments will be served for the children only Parents have the option of purchasing drinks at the restaurant bar.
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Must RSVP and PREPAY (no exceptions) by 25 July, 2013 via our website swissclubvic.com EFT BSB: 013-375, Account: 3536 82406 **Please state the event and your name in the Remarks Field!** Cheques made out to Swiss Club of Victoria send to 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000). Cash or Credit Card pay at the Club For more information ring 1300 893 968 or email info@swissclubvic.com.au
Swiss Club of Victoria
Liberty for Switzerland In the lead up to Swiss National Day, I’d like to print a poem with the theme of liberty. It’s by the English Romantic poet William Wordsworth (a befitting name for a poet!). The poem, or sonnet rather, has the most seriously un-poetic title of ‘Thought of a Briton on the Subjugation of Switzerland’.
Thought of a Briton on the Subjugation of Switzerland 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Two Voices are there; one is of the sea, One of the mountains; each a mighty Voice: In both from age to age thou didst rejoice, They were thy chosen music, Liberty! There came a Tyrant, and with holy glee Thou fought’st against him; but hast vainly striven: Thou from thy Alpine holds at length art driven, Where not a torrent murmurs heard by thee. Of one deep bliss thine ear hath been bereft: Then cleave, O cleave to that which still is left; For, high-souled Maid, what sorrow would it be That Mountain floods should thunder as before, And Ocean bellow from his rocky shore, And neither awful Voice be heard by thee!
William Wordsworth (1770 - 1850) Historical background Wordsworth travelled to Switzerland in 1790, eight years later the country was conquered by the French. By 1807, when he wrote this sonnet, Napoleon had made himself master of Europe. Wordsworth was directly inspired by the events of the ‘Stecklikrieg’ (wooden sticks war) of 1802 which resulted in the collapse of the Helvetic Republic, the renewed French occupation of Switzerland and ultimately the Act of Mediation dictated by Napoleon on 10 March 1803. The conflict itself was between federalist insurgents, mostly of the rural population, and the centralist government of the Helvetic Republic. The name Steckli ‘wooden stick’ refers to the improvised weaponry of the insurgents. Following the Treaty of Lunéville, the French troops left Switzerland during the summer of 1802, resulting in rapid destabilisation of the country. The insurgence originated in central Switzerland, the cities of Zürich and Bern as well as rural parts of Aargau and Solothurn. After several hostile clashes with the official forces of the Helvetic Republic, which were lacking both in equipment and motivation, the central government under Landammann Johann Rudolf Dolder at first capitulated militarily on 18 September, retreating from Bern to Lausanne and then collapsed entirely. It was succeeded by cantonal governments which were organised under the umbrella of a ‘Tagsatzung’ held in Schwyz and led by Alois von Reding. w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Napoleon was concerned that the instability of Switzerland could infect Europe at large, and re-occupied Switzerland immediately after the collapse of the central government. His Act of Mediation however made concessions to the demands of the insurgents, abandoning the centralist structure of the Helvetic Republic in favour of a more federalist approach. French intervention constituted a breach of the Treaty of Lunéville, which was taken as a pretext by England to declare war on France on 18 May 1803. The poem explained In his sonnet Wordsworth criticises the conquest of Switzerland by Napoleon and enforces the resistance against the foreign ruler: In the first two lines, Wordsworth shows his high appreciation for Switzerland: He equates the mountain’s voice, Switzerland, with the voice of the sea, England (1 & 2). The next two lines illustrate the connection between Switzerland and his home country of England. According to his view, in both countries liberty is held in high regard (3 & 4). This liberty is threatened by the tyrant (5), Napoleon, but despite brave resistance (6), he banishes the Swiss from their ‘Alpine holds’, in other words, robs them of their freedom (7). The murmur of the mountain stream, the voice of liberty, is silenced (8 & 9). Despite all that was lost, he urges noble Helvetia to hold on and defend what she has left of her independence (10 & 11). How terrible it would be if the voices of the mountain stream and the surge of the ocean can be heard no longer (11-14), if freedom is lost in Switzerland (12) and in England (13). Why would an Englishman write this? The poem draws on how Switzerland used to be perceived in the 18th century by an increasing numbers of wealthy observers from England: as the ideal democracy. Until 1776, when the United States declared its independence, Switzerland – then an assemblage of independent republics and democracies – was the only free state in the world. English travellers saw it as a kind of political experiment; they came to learn. There was a strong dose of romanticism in this view of Switzerland, accompanied by quite a bit of mythologising about the country’s history (William Tell et al) and swooning at its sublime natural endowments – mountains, valleys and lakes. These idealisations took a nosedive when, in 1798, Napoleon invaded Switzerland. There was this notion that a free state could never be invaded. Many felt let down by Switzerland, as if she’d betrayed them – and eyes and minds now opened more sharply to criticism of the country. Editor
In Kindergarten a French, Italian and a Swiss boy talk about where the children come from. Says the French boy: “I am not quite sure, but I believe it has something to do with l’amour”. The Italian boy replies: “Yes, but I’ve heard that first comes marriage, the church and god in heaven.” The Swiss boy thinks for a while and then says: “I am not sure either, but one thing is for certain, it’s different from canton to canton.”
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Spring Assembly Report of the
Council of the Swiss Abroad Bern – Saturday, 16 March 2013 1. The 91st Congress of the Swiss Abroad will be held on 16-18 August in Davos. The theme of this year’s Congress will be ‘Switzerland in time of Globalisation’. Discussion will centre around the strategy Switzerland should adopt for its future, being a non-EU member and having scarce natural resources. Also considered is the new situation as to the ‘Finance Place Switzerland’ created by the abuses of some banks. Participants in the Congress are able to express their views in various workshops. The highlight will be a speech by Swiss Federal Councillor, Mrs Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf. 2. For the 100th Anniversary of the ASO in 2016 the Swiss Abroad will be contacted in order to participate in the planning and realisation of special events commemorating this important anniversary. 3. The meeting was informed by State Councillor, Mr Filippo Lombardi, about the status of the new law for the Swiss Abroad, which is being discussed at the parliamentary level. The new article in the Constitution will regulate in a more coherent form, relationships between the Swiss Abroad and
I would like to sincerely thank everyone for your trust in re-electing me as your representative to the Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA) for another four-year term. Together with my colleagues, I will continue to support the local and Australian Swiss Community and I encourage you to maintain a dialogue on any issues that concern Swiss Abroad. I look forward to commence the 2013-2017 term by participating at the Swiss Abroad Congress in Davos on 16-18 August. With regards to the ‘Modus Operandi’ of the CSA elections, please see point 4 of Beat’s report above. Moving toward a system of direct elections by electronic voting is a very welcome development and we hope that for the next term 2017-2021 your CSA representatives can be elected in a more democratic way by all Swiss in Australia. It will be the first time that all four Australian delegates will travel to Switzerland to participate at the Congress together. In news just received from Bern, I am proud to report that we have been selected to conduct a presentation about our Swiss Community in Australia at the Congress’ main event. Only one country receives this honour at any one time. Roland Isler - Council of the Swiss Abroad
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Federal and Cantonal institutions. Switzerland should have a coherent policy regarding the Swiss Abroad which should clearly mention the rights and obligations of the various authorities involved. 4. In the lead up to the Council of the Swiss Abroad elections, swisscommunity.org, the online discussion platform for Swiss expatriates, carried a large number of messages from people angry that it is necessary to belong to an association recognised by the OSA in order to stand for the CSA or to elect its members. Carlo Sommaruga, member of the CSA and of the foreign policy committee of the House of Representatives, confirms that there’s a problem of democratic legitimacy. Most Swiss abroad do not belong to an association. This model, which worked very well in the 1960s and 70s, is completely outdated at a time when expatriates are more and more mobile. Lots of them don’t see why they should belong to any Swiss association in order to be represented. Whilst there are some advantages in delegating the organisation of elections to different national associations and organisations because they are closer to local reality, there is nevertheless a recognised need to expand the voting base. The idea is to move toward a system of direct elections by electronic voting. 5. The Swiss Abroad were informed by the relevant Federal Authority about current negotiations of Switzerland with some third party countries as to Double Taxation Agreements. It was mentioned on various occasions that the finance place of Switzerland has been severely tarnished by activities of some banks, and pressure has been put on the Federal Authorities to make sure that the Swiss Abroad can have adequate banking facilities in Switzerland. It was reported that some Swiss banks have cancelled bank accounts of some Swiss living abroad or are charging excessive fees to keep accounts. Beat Knoblauch - Council of the Swiss Abroad
Where do the Swiss Abroad live?
Swiss Club of Victoria
Test your Swiss Knowledge 8
Life Certificate Swiss retirees in Australia are reminded that the following authorities can certify the ‘life certificate’ required for receiving the Swiss pension: • Embassy of Switzerland, Canberra • Consulate General of Switzerland, Sydney • Honorary Consulate, Melbourne • Centrelink • Public Notary • Justice of Peace (with stamp/seal and registration number • Registration Office • Doctors, nursing homes and hospitals under the following condition: Doctor’s certificate compulsory. Inability to go to one of the above mentioned authorities has to be confirmed. • Police* • Council* • Lawyer* *These authorities are only able to certify the status of life. In case of doubt the Swiss Compensation Office might ask the pensioner to attest his/her civil status.
Enjoying Swiss Club hospitality: CSA delegate from London, and namesake, Walter Isler and wife Jean
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Across 2. Home canton of the Swiss Club President. 3. Tallest building in Basel. 6. One of the most successful Swiss movies, shown this year in Australia at the ‘Festival of German Films’. 7. Island in Lago Maggiore. 12. Organisation that promotes the arts in Switzerland and abroad? 13. The Folk Dance Group Alpenrose is the organiser of which event? 15. Claude Nobs, founder of a famous jazz festival, recently died. Where is the festival held? 1. 4. 5. 8.
10. 11. 14.
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The companion singers are still practising on the 3rd and 4th Thursday of the month. This year we focus on improving our singing and increase our social get-togethers. If you feel like joining us we are very happy to welcome you into our group. For more information ring Heidy on 9889 9321 or email adelheid1@bigpond.com
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Down River that flows through the Schöllenen Gorge. Event that took place on Queensbridge Square. Village in the Val Bavona (TI). Surname of Swiss Nobel Prize winner that visited Australia in May. ‘Chästeilet’ is an annual traditional festival held in which bernese village? Where is this year’s ‘Eidg. Schwing- und Älplerfest’ held? If you take the cable-car up to the Kronberg you are in which village? Where is the Congress of the Swiss Abroad held this year?
For answers go to page 23
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
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Meeting up with Urs Biedermann Urs, many of our older members would remember you, because you were quite an active committee member in the 1970’s. But the younger generation, including myself, don’t know much about you. I would like to change that by finding out a little about you. I start by asking you to tell us a bit about your early years in Switzerland? I was born in 1945 in Winterthur as a latecomer in the family – I have a sister 12 years older and a brother 10 years older. My father was running his own mixed business making Sauerkraut as well as distributing mineral water and wine. Anybody growing up in Toess (a suburb of Winterthur) would be familiar with the Sauerkraut factory. Outside school, I was quite active in the scouting movement and as a matter of fact, I am still in contact with my friends from that time – whenever I visit Winterthur, we still have a reunion even after 50 years. How did you start your professional life? I decided quite early that I would be spending my life in commerce and therefore started a commercial apprenticeship with Hausammann Textil AG in Winterthur. It was during the part time studies which were part of the apprenticeship, that I met my wife Christa. After I finished the apprenticeship, I was lucky that I could come back to work at Hausammann whenever I was between army and/or further studies. I went to England for 2 months to further my English language skills. I also absolved a course in textile production at Wattwil, preceded with some practical work in a weaving mill, a knitting mill as well as dyeworks. When and why did you come to Australia? After completing my further studies, the next obvious step (as was normal for people having absolved their commercial apprenticeship) was to go overseas and see the world. For various reasons (Canada – too cold, USA – call up into the army for Vietnam, South Africa – racial problems) I decided on Australia. As Hausammann Textil was exporting fabrics to Australia and had agents in the major cities, I asked their sales manager looking after this market to see whether he could find me a job when he next visited Australia. He came back indicating that his agent in Melbourne was looking for a new salesman. So I applied and in no time at all was accepted with the request to start as soon as possible. As Christa was not prepared to accompany me as a single person, we decided to get married in a hurry so that we could apply for the visa together. As was common in those days, this was for assisted passage with the commitment to stay a minimum of 2 years. I still remember that the cost was CHF180 each for a flight from Geneva to London, 2 days in London and then the flight to Melbourne. So we arrived on 8th April 1968. Was it easy for you to settle in Australia? As I had my job organised in advance, we did not have to go via Bonnegilla which was the camp where basically all new immigrants had to go to until they had jobs etc. My future boss and his wife met us at the airport, had us booked into a motel in South Yarra and then helped us look for a flat. So we ended
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up in a furnished flat in St. Kilda for the first year in Australia, which was a bit of an education for us. Once we decided that we liked Australia, we asked our parents to prepare a big wooden box and ship this out to us with most of our possessions. We moved into a new unfurnished flat in Wattletree Road, Malvern and later to a rented house in Brighton East before buying our own house in Wantirna South. In 1978, we built our current home in Plenty on 5 acres of mixed grass and bush. We started with lots of animals such as ducks, goats, coloured sheep, horses etc. when our two girls were growing up. However, over the years we reduced all this to now two dogs and quite a lot of kangaroos. You are working for the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Can you tell us how you got into this and what it is like to be a fire fighter? Actually, I am not working for the CFA although sometimes it would seem that way with the amount of time spent on their behalf. I have been a volunteer with the CFA for 33 years. Whilst our house in Wantirna South was in an area covered by CFA, I was not aware of this, nor what this actually meant. We moved into Plenty in October 1978 and were soon confronted by a bushfire threatening our new home on New Year’s Day 1979. Fortunately, there was a wind change and a little rain, which stopped it a couple of hundred meters away. Then two years later, there was another fire in the Plenty Gorge. Whilst I had been asked before to join the local CFA Brigade, I had resisted until then. But at that point I decided that I could not ask my neighbours to give their time and risk their life to protect my property without contributing myself. So, in March 1980 I joined the Plenty Fire Brigade. Recently, I was made a life member for my long service. My oldest Grandson asked me what this meant and after my explanation that I could now never resign, he cheekily asked whether this was really such an honour or rather a punishment! I must say that I enjoy the camaraderie enormously; we are a bunch of people from all walks of life and of all ages, who give their time freely to look after the community. At the Plenty Brigade, we cover Plenty and part of Greensborough in case of house or bush fires but we also cover a larger area for Road Rescue with jaws of life etc. 2009, Black Saturday. A tragic catastrophe that made headlines around the world. There was even a swissinfo interview with you and your colleagues at the Diamond Valley CFA. Can you reflect what that day was like for you? It is certainly a day which I will never forget – like Ash Wednesday – it is imprinted forever. These days I am heavily Swiss Club of Victoria
involved in Incident Management in addition to being an active fire fighter in my local area. Of course we knew that Black Saturday was going to be a day with extreme potential and therefore were on standby at local Fire Stations and in my case at the local Group Headquarters. When we became aware of a fire having started in Kilmore East, we decided to move to our secondary Group Headquarter in Whittlesea as we saw the potential for impact in that area. There I got tied up more and more with organising the fire fight and spent most of the afternoon on the phone inside the building. So, I actually did not see the fire race past just to the north of Whittlesea. The first visual impression of what had just happened was experienced by me when I took some commanders up to Kinglake West on Sunday morning. The devastation was just indescribable! I then spent nearly a month in various positions of Incident Management until things quietened down – of course all of this as volunteer. When and why did you join the Swiss Club? As I said before, I arrived in Australia in April 1968 and was lucky enough to have a job from the start with a Textile Agent. This meant that I worked for one of Hanspeter Frei’s competitors and through this I did meet Hanspeter. I also had two friends from Winterthur who came to Australia about 6 months before me. Through these contacts I was introduced to the Swiss Club in Spring Street. After the Club moved to George Parade, Hanspeter approached me to see whether I would be prepared to become Secretary. I agreed to this and therefore had to join the club quickly so that I would be eligible for election in 1970. We just celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Swiss Club at 89 Flinders Lane. As a member of the Building Committee you were very much involved in making the acquisition of our club building a reality. How do you remember this important event for the Swiss Club? Shortly after joining the Committee as Secretary, the Club was approached by CRA (now Rio Tinto) indicating that they wished to purchase the building at 32 George Parade. This was of course a complete surprise as we had only recently bought this building and moved in. What had happened was that the top management decided to build a new headquarters in Collins Street as 101 Collins Street – their current headquarter – was not large enough. They had bought the whole block bordered by Collins Street, Flinders Lane and George Parade but somehow just missed out on 32 George Parade so this was just a speck of land they missed from the total area. Therefore, they had no option than to agree to basically any term we wanted to put on the deal – they just had to have this small property. Lucky Swiss Club! We finally agreed to a sale provided CRA would pay for a new location of our choosing, fully fitted out, debt free. This is when a subcommittee was formed and the hunt for suitable premises began. I remember that we looked at several options – I remember Franklin Street and Albert Park. We then came across 89 Flinders Lane and finally settled on this. I still remember walking through the property and how crammed it was including one office for the sales agent for Knirps umbrellas. w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
We then engaged an experienced architect, Tony Armstrong who had just finished the refurbishment of the Naval and Military Club so had very good credentials. Again, many meetings to work out and finalise the interior of the club localities. Some very good ideas such as the BBQ and the servery upstairs for the function room but also some not so good ones such as the water powered hydraulic lift came from these many meetings. Whilst it was a very busy time, it was also very rewarding especially for a young Swiss working with so many experienced business people such as Peter Meury, Othmar Jaeggi and Franz Doos. I am not sure anymore, but I think I was Secretary for about 6 years. I certainly had an enjoyable and interesting time on the Committee of the Swiss Club. Until I moved the office to Collingwood in 1985 I was a regular for luncheons also. Now with living in Plenty it is a little more difficult to come into the city just to come to the Club, especially with my other activity for the CFA where it is a question of being on call 24/7. What are you passionate about? Do you have any hobbies? I keep referring to the CFA. I am certainly very passionate about volunteering for the CFA. I actually expected to reduce my activities by the middle of this year but it now looks that I am drafted for at least another 2 years in an elected position. Like any volunteer organisation, the CFA will take as much as you are prepared to give. I am sure that you can see this also with the Swiss Club! This does not leave me much time for hobbies as such but our property keeps me busy as well. There is always something that needs to be done on 5 acres, even if it is just mowing as we do not have livestock anymore and the kangaroos do not eat enough. If you would be on the committee now, what would you change? As I have not been really involved in the Swiss Club for some time now, I would not be so presumptuous as to tell the current committee how to run things. From what I can see, they are doing a very good job. If you could invite five people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be? This is really a difficult question, the answer to which I have not considered before. Maybe JFK – in my youth, everybody looked up to him although since then of course we all know that he was not that perfect. My Grandfather, with whom I spent many holidays wandering up the mountains of the upper Toesstal such as Bachtel, Scheidegg etc. It would also be great to get the old Committee of the Swiss Club together again such as Peter Meury, Franz Doos and Othmar Jaeggi. Thank you very much Urs!
SWISS NEWS, WORLD WIDE
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Swiss Made The untold story behind Switzerland’s success by James Breiding Publisher: Profile Books ISBN: 978-1-84668-586-6 Language: English Hardbound, 388 pages CHF 49.90 From poverty to prosperity - a small country’s remarkable achievement. As far as most people around the world are concerned, the Swiss excel at three things: banking, chocolate and watches. Author R. James Breiding aims to bust that myth with his new book, ‘Swiss Made’. The book, which has the subtitle ‘The untold story behind Switzerland’s success’, outlines how numerous global giants were created within this small landlocked country. Yes, the Swiss produce plenty of chocolate but they also dominate a wide range of industries from pharmaceuticals and electrical engineering to hearing aids and cement. Fifteen of the 500 biggest companies worldwide call Switzerland home, according to a list compiled last year by ‘CNN Money and Fortune’ magazine. That is ahead of many other countries, including the Netherlands, Brazil, Italy, South Korea and Spain, all of which have significantly larger populations. “If you Google Switzerland on Amazon, there’s just Lonely Planet guides and money laundering books,” Breiding says. “I thought it might be interesting to try to set the story straight.” It’s a topic close to his heart. A few years ago, he coauthored a book called ‘Wirtschaftswunder Schweiz’, which explored the economic success of Switzerland. With ‘Swiss Made’, Breiding aims to tell the story to an English-speaking public that still wrongly believes the Swiss are only focused on producing cuckoo clocks or providing questionable banking services. His background helps him in this task. The son of a Swiss immigrant to the United States, Breiding traced his father’s steps back to Switzerland in 1984 to attend IMD Lausanne and later founded the Zurich investment firm Naissance Capital. He honed his writing skills publishing articles on Swiss topics for ‘The Economist’ magazine.
Fonduta Valdostana Fondue from Valle d’Aosta (Italy) It’s getting cold outside and that means: it is fondue time! We claim fondue to be our very own Swiss signature dish, but culinary traditions do not know national borders. V Variations i i off this hi hhardy d cheese h di dishh can be found in France and even in Italy. Today I’d like to introduce you to ‘a taste of Italy’ from the Valle d’Aosta, which runs along the border of the lower Valais, up to Mont Blanc and the French border. Preparation time: 35 min plus marinating Serves 4 500g Italian Fontina or Swiss Fontal* cheese, coarsely grated 1½ cups whole milk 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten 2 tbs unsalted butter Shaved fresh truffle or truffle oil for garnish (optional) Rustic country loaf, cut into thick slices and toasted Combine cheese and milk in a small bowl. Chill mixture until milk takes on some flavor from cheese, about 2-3 hours. Reserving milk, drain cheese. In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup of the reserved milk and egg yolks; stir in cheese (discard remaining milk). Pour about 5cm water into a medium saucepan and bring to a very gentle simmer. Put butter in a medium heatproof bowl (see note). Set bowl over, but not touching, the simmering water and, whisking, heat until butter is melted. Whisking constantly, slowly add egg and cheese mixture into butter. Continue whisking vigorously until cheese has melted and mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer fonduta to a warmed fondue pot or bowl. Garnish with shaved truffle or truffle oil, if desired. Season with white pepper to taste. Cut toasts into large cubes. Serve fondue warm, with toast cubes for dipping. Note: If you have a double boiler-style fondue pot, you can make the recipe in the pot directly on the stove. Buon appetito! *Swiss Fontal is available from Fromart: http://www.fromart.com.au/shop/overview/swiss-fontal-1kg
Available online: http://www.english.books.ch Want a taste of Switzerland? Visit the Swiss Club Restaurant
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Swiss Club of Victoria
1st Swiss Club Jass Night Results – 23 March
Hans is trump! Congratulations to our member, Hans Keller, on winning the 25th Jass Championship of the Swiss Society of Queensland! The event took place on Sunday, 21 April at the Danish Club in Newstead. A group of club members traveled to Queensland to take part in this Jubilee event, and we are of course very pleased that they represented Victoria and the Swiss Club so well. The next big national Jass event will be the 3rd National Australian Jass Championship at the Gold Coast on Sunday, 9 June. Several of our members will be participating in this event and we wish them an enjoyable trip and much success! For details see: http://swiss.org.au/event.php?ID=1399&search=australian+jas s+championship
Singles
1. Ivo Buchel..............................................2843 2. Martin Weber ........................................2829 3. Ida McDonald ........................................2794
Doubles
1. Ida McDonald & Benny Hurlimann ........5362 2. Martha & Alois Schnider ........................5360 3. Simone & Alex Bahler ............................5280
Information supplied by Paul Eisenegger
1st Matterhorn Jass Night Results – 23 February Singles
1. Erni Huegli .............................................2922 2. Paul Leuenberger...................................2888 3. Sepp Schacher .......................................2872
Doubles
1. Trudi & Marcel Theiler ............................5408 2. Sepp & Margrit Schacher .......................5381
Information supplied by Sepp Goldiger
Upcoming Jass Nights - 2013 2nd 3rd 3rd 4th & Final
1 June 6 July 10 August 14 September
Swiss Club Swiss Club Matterhorn Swiss Club
Advanced Notice The President of the Jassgroup Rita von Rotz congratulates Hans Keller on the outstanding win
Marianne Pearson enjoys stamp collecting but in this day of emails they are getting hard to come by. She collects stamps from all over the world and would be grateful if any member of the Swiss Community would let her have stamps that they no longer want. She has also started collecting Postcards, with or without stamps. She can be contacted on mazpearson1@gmail.com or (02) 9486 3352, or please post them to P.O. Box 423, Forestville NSW 2087 (happy to reimburse postage cost.
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The Swiss Club of Victoria has schedule this years
Senior Members’ Luncheon for Monday, 30 September 2013 Please reserve this date for the special occasion. Cost: Complementary for Swiss Club members born 1940 or earlier, $45 for non-members. For information contact Sigrid de Castella E: sigrid@swissclubvic.com.au or M: 0416 088 000 Check further details in the September Newsletter
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‘Böögg’ forecasts lousy summer Switzerland can look forward to miserable summer weather in 2013 – if Zürich’s giant exploding snowman is to be believed. Fortunately, his powers of prediction are notoriously unreliable. The ceremony of burning the snowman, or ‘Böögg’, rounds off Zürich’s annual ‘Sechseläuten’ festival, which marks the end of winter. The ‘Böögg’, his head stuffed with firecrackers, is perched on top of a huge pyre. It is said that the less time it takes for his head to explode, the finer the summer will be. This year it took exactly 35 minutes 11 seconds from the moment the pyre was lit – an unusually long time. This contrasted with last year, when he exploded after only 12 minutes and seven seconds, promising a pleasant summer. However, he was wrong: it turned out rainy. In 2007 the national weather service, MeteoSwiss, carried out a study of his predictions over 50 years and found a correlation ‘close to zero’. Earlier that day, Monday, 15 April, thousands of spectators had lined the streets of Zürich to watch the parade of some 5,000 guild members. Guest of honour, among many others, included Swiss president, Ueli Maurer and guest canton St. Gallen, which planned a peaceful invasion under the motto ‘Züri iineh!’ swissinfo.ch
The ‘Old Lady’ is giving up some of her secrets Since the March edition of the Edelweiss, a new discovery about the origin of the historic flag has come to light. In ‘The Argus’ newspaper, dated Tuesday, 10 April 1860, the article on the right appeared, describing a gathering of Swiss colonists at a shooting competition near Geelong. It says that Samuel Rentsch, Swiss Consul in Melbourne…“ appeared on the platform behind the firing shed, and, in the name of the ladies of Zurich, presented a very handsomely-worked silk flag to the Swiss of Victoria.”… “He concluded by hoping that the Swiss would value the gift of their fair countrywomen of Zurich, and preserve its honour unsullied at all perils.” There is no doubt that this article revers to our flag. The reporter goes on describing it in detail and so we also know what the reverse side of the flag looks like: “…on one side was the emblem of strength – a bundle of rods, through which was passed a spear, a sword, and a rifle, with the motto in Swiss over – ‘Eintracht macht stark’…” Questions remain: how did the flag move from Geelong to Melbourne, ending up at the Consulate General were it was unearthed in 1983? And who were the ‘fair countrywomen of Zurich’? It could have been either a group of women in Australia that originated from Zurich, or – more likely – the flag was crafted by a womens group (Frauenverein) in Zurich and sent to Australia. But why and for what purpose? According to the ‘Victoria Government Gazette’, Samuel Rentsch presented his credentials to the Governor of Victoria on 8 September, 1859 – the same year that is embroidered on the flag. It is possible therefore, that he commissioned the flag himself in Switzerland, and presented it to the Swiss community as a gift commemorating the commencement of his appointment as Consul. Time will tell – I hope! Editor
For Sale: SWISS ALPINE HORNS Magnificent hand-crafted alpine horns for sale (3). Used & new, from $500 to $1800 (that is half price!). Comes with hardwood mouthpiece and carrier bag. G-flat with F extension. 3-piece, total length 3.5m approx. For brass players: manufacturer sells adapters for metal mouthpiece (horn, trumpet, bass). Contact the editor for details
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Swiss Club of Victoria
‘The Argus’ Tuesday, 10 April 1860 GEELONG.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Monday, April 9. 1860 This being the day on which the Swiss colonists of this district annually compete for prizes at rifle practice, a considerable number or persons patronised the exhibition, which was held on the flat at Fyansford 1. A good many of our Swiss friends attended, and those who did not choose to compete for the rifle shooting indulged in a game, which I suppose may be termed Swiss skittles. It approximates very nearly to the English game of that name, the principal points of difference being that the pins are set up at much greater distances from each other, and are smaller than those used in the English game, and also that the balls have each two holes in them, one for the thumb, and the other for the first three fingers of the throwing hand. The shooting commenced about half-past 9 o’clock in the morning. The targets were four double bulls’- eyes, working on pivots, by which contrivance one was always presented to the aim of the person firing at it, while the other was turned down below the embankment which was thrown up to prevent the persons appointed to indicate the various shots being struck by the bullets. The four targets were placed in a line, at a slight elevation from the firing ground, and at a distance of 200 yards. The firing was generally remarkably good, but the rifles used were of a very heavy, though perhaps very good, quality – such as no soldier would like to be compelled to carry had he to run from an enemy. About 1 o’clock, Mr. Ranche (as I understood the name to be) 2 appeared on the platform behind the firing shed, and, in the name of the ladies of Zurich, presented a very handsomely-worked silk flag to “the Swiss of Victoria.” Mr. Ranche made a short, but very impressive speech on the occasion. He said he was glad to see that so many Swiss were engaged in this district in advancing the natural resources (meaning the vine-growing) of their adopted country. He was proud to see them met there to compete for prizes in military discipline, without the intervention of police or magistrate, and represented that the Swiss people held rifleshooting in much the same light that Englishmen looked upon horse-racing. The former had, however, in his opinion, one advantage, that was, that their annual competition combined instruction with pleasure – they were taught the art of shooting, so that they might, in cases of emergency, turn out to defend their native land from the attacks of an enemy. He concluded by hoping that the Swiss would value the gift of their fair countrywomen of Zurich, and preserve its honour unsullied at all perils. Mr. Dunnoyer 3 received the flag from the consul on behalf of the Swiss present, and returned thanks in a speech of some brevity but of much sterling value. He concluded by urging upon his countrymen to prosecute the works of industry they had so manfully begun, and called for three cheers for their consul, which was duly responded to. Mr. Ranche again stepped forward on the platform, and holding the prize silver cup in his hand, said he would not allow the present opportunity to pass, but must call upon all present, Englishmen and Swiss, to drink the health of that noble Sovereign and excellent lady who wore the crown of England, Queen Victoria. This toast was accompanied by loud cheers, while the consul poured some wine into the cup, and drank Her Majesty’s health. Two bands of music attended during the day, and played various national airs. The flag was of silk, most beautifully embroildered: it exhibited a white Maltese, or federal cross, on a red ground; on one side was the emblem of strength, viz., a bundle of rods, through which was passed a spear, a sword, and a rifle, with the motto in Swiss over – Eintracht macht stark, or “Union is strength.” On the reverse was a kind of star with 22 rays, representing the 22 cantons of Switzerland, and on each point were the arms of the canton represented. Over this was the motto or inscription – Die Schweizer in Melbourne – or, “To the Swiss of Melbourne.” Up to the time of my leaving the ground the firing continued, and was likely to do so for some time, so that I cannot send you the report of the successful competitors. The day was very fine.
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
1 Fyansford
is a township on the western edge of Geelong, Victoria, named after Captain Foster Fyans who came to Geelong as a Police magistrate in October, 1837. It is located at the junction of the Barwon and Moorabool rivers. Fyansford is one of the earliest places of settlement in the Geelong region. Fyans established his police camp nearby where the Moorabool could be forded - giving the name Fyan’s Ford. 2 The correspondent did not get it right. Mr. Ranche is in fact Samuel Rentsch, Swiss Consul in Melbourne. 3The
following paragraph revelling something about the identity of Mr. Dunnoyer appeared in the ’Argus’ Monday, September 29, 1862: “It turns out that not less than five of the best samples of wine selected by the judges at the late exhibition, under the auspices of the Board of Agriculture in Melbourne, were from this district. These were the two prize samples-the Pinau Gris, grown by Mr. Dunnoyer, of Chillon, and exhibited by Mr. W. M’Mullen; a Pinau Blanc and a Hermitage, from Darrwill, exhibited by Mr. A. C. Macdonald.
Test your Swiss Knowledge - Answers Across: 2. Zurich; 3. Messeturm; 6. Verdingbub; 7. Brissago.; 12. ProHelvetia; 13. Unterhaltungsabend; 15. Montreux Down: 1. Reuss; 4. SwissFestival; 5. Roseto; 8. Zinkernagel; 9. Hasliberg; 10. Burgdorf; 11. Jakobsbad; 14. Davos
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Swiss research makes a bee line for success Movie: ‘More than Honey’ Battling inclement weather, a crowd of people gathered at Federation Square on Thursday, 18 April for the free (and first screening in the southern hemisphere) of the movie ‘More than Honey’, by Oscar-nominated Swiss film maker Markus Imhoof. The screening was part of the Festival of German Films organised by the Goethe Institut and supported by the Swiss Australian Academic Network (SAAN) together with the Consulate General of Switzerland. The movie’s popularity is growing and is not only winning over the hearts of the public but is also receiving prizes. It has recently won the ‘German Filmpreis’, the German equivalent to the American Oscars. The movie has been named best documentary of the year and was furthermore nominated for ‘best cut’.
The award has been applauded by Swiss newspapers and has helped the movie to more awareness. One of the biggest Swiss newspapers, the NZZ, has published an article (in German) on the movie and its important message: http://www. nzz.ch/aktuell/panorama/die-letzten-hoffnungstraeger-derbiene-1.18060505 The topic, the bees mass extinction affecting all living species, has been discovered by the press and media, which is now trying to find out more about bees and their importance for human beings. It builds on research results and – ignoring possible hollywoodian adaptations – documents bee research in Australia and illustrates the importance of bees all around the world. The movie screening was followed by a panel discussion with bee experts, and self-confessed bee activists, Barbara BaerImhoof and her husband Boris Baer, Director of CIBER – Centre for Integrative Bee Research at the University of WA (http:// www.ciber.science.uwa.edu.au/), and Vanessa Kwiatkowski and Mat Lumalasi from ‘Rooftop Honey’ (http://www.rooftophoney. com.au/)
Space is closer than you think
design, telecommunications and electrical systems within a few dozen kilometres. Both of Switzerland’s Federal Institutes of Technology – the ETHZ in Zurich and the EPFL in Lausanne – are relatively close.
Switzerland could be joining the space race and the lucrative satellite launch business if an ambitious project involving a reusable shuttle and recycled passenger jets comes to fruition in the small city of Payerne. What was once a furniture warehouse in the industrial zone next to the town’s military airfield is today a 2000-square metre building fitted out with ultra-modern equipment. To get in you have to pass through a series of checks, including fingerprint identification. It’s there that Pascal Jaussi, director of the ‘Swiss Space Systems’ project, or S3, is promising to propel Switzerland into orbit, or almost.
The S3 project includes the construction of a spaceport costing CHF50 million (A$51.9 million). The authorities in Payerne welcome the idea, but doesn’t it need permission from the Swiss government?
swissinfo.ch: You are working on a 22-metre long shuttle weighing 14 tonnes. How is it going? Pascal Jaussi: The design stage of the shuttle, named SOAR – or Sub-Orbital Re-Usable Aircraft – will be completed by the end of 2014. It will be able to launch into orbit satellites up to 250 kilograms. After that we shall assemble its components, in order to see how they work together. To save time and money we are using existing components from partner companies working on the Hermes [European] spaceship, and also systems from the Rafale and Falcon [Dassault] aircraft. The first test flight is planned for 2017, and the first satellite launch in 2018. Why did you choose Payerne to work on the project? It has an airfield, and there are many specialists in aviation,
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Well, if there isn’t a spaceship standing there, it isn’t actually a spaceport. It will only become a spaceport when space-related activities begin. By 2015, we shall have built a hangar next to the airfield in Payerne to house the two Airbus A300 aircraft modified to carry the shuttle, and the shuttle itself. At the moment there are no norms in Europe covering the construction of spaceports and other aspects of the development of the space industry. We have taken part in a number of workshops at the European Commission level to consider legislation for private suborbital flights. Our experience with S3 means that we shall be involved when it comes to drafting certification norms, and this should prevent a situation whereby someone spends huge amounts of money and then refused permission to fly. Suborbital flights are a halfway house between aviation and space. What makes them interesting and attractive? Aviation has now passed into private hands and become a business. But the space industry has always been a state affair, a matter of national prestige. Suborbital space is halfway between, which means we can work in space as a private company. Like the aviation industry we are interested in reasonable prices and the idea of technical support. After all, once a space Swiss Club of Victoria
ship has been launched, it has gone for ever – you don’t have to worry about post-flight maintenance. But after launch our shuttle will return to Earth. Having re-usable space equipment is a real revolution in the industry. Technical development actually means there’s no longer any need for big ground infrastructures (or launch pads). You just need an airfield and a pilot controlling the shuttle from the ground. The planes will fly between countries, returning to their ‘port of registration’ for technical servicing.
Fostering Swiss-Australian Scientific Collaboration The Immunology Example
The S3 project could make Switzerland into one of the most developed countries in the space business. Mightn’t others be jealous? They view little Switzerland like a referee and are willing to give it the ball. Specialists from France, Belgium, Spain, Malaysia, Russia, Morocco and Mexico are already involved in the S3 project. It uses some very secret equipment, and Switzerland’s neutrality is very important. As is the Swiss ability to keep secrets… The premises in Payerne were fitted out in conditions of great secrecy. Carpenters, electricians and plumbers all signed confidentiality agreements. Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier joked that it reminded him of secret building work during the Cold War. I tried that joke out on one of the engineers from Russia who replied he’d spent 21 years living in a town that wasn’t even marked on the map! There’s a whole pile of job applications waiting in our Human Resources department. And that’s good, because we are actively expanding: we started with a team of 20 and soon we’ll be a hundred. Do they all share your enthusiasm? We are introducing the American system of no fixed hours, which means the engineers can follow their inspiration. S3 shares its building with a fitness centre. People don’t realise it, but I do everything I can to keep them here and use them as efficiently as possible. Prepared lunches, free drinks at the bar, sport… You can stay at work from eight in the morning to ten at night. We’ve rented an apartment block in Payerne for the foreigners. We help them to settle in with their families. Specialists can come from Russia, Malaysia and other countries, for example, to learn how to work with our planes when they land at other airports.
Marcel Stutz, Peter Doherty, Rolf Zinkernagel, Ueli Nachbur A public symposia organised by the Swiss Australian Academic Network (SAAN) with the support of the University of Melbourne was held on Thursday, 2 May. Around 150 people followed SAAN’s invitation to listen to 1996 Nobel Laureate Winners, Professor Rolf Zinkernagel and Professor Peter Doherty. Rolf Zinkernagel is Professor Emeritus of Experimental Immunology at the University of Zurich. Together with his Australian colleague Peter Doherty he received the 1996 Nobel Prize in Medicine of Physiology for the discovery of how the immune system recognises virus infected cells. A high profile example of what Swiss and Australian scientific collaboration can achieve! Professor Zinkernagel spoke of ‘Vaccines against infections’ and Professor Doherty’s presentation was entitled: ‘Science in the public space: distinguishing truth from falsehood’. Both lectures were most interesting and thought-provoking and presented with an academic and non-academic audience in mind. Other speakers included SAAN President Professor Matthias Ernst and Secretary Professor Robert Medcalf, Swiss postdoctoral scientist Dr Ueli Nachbur and Swiss Ambassador Marcel Stutz.
It looks impressive. But you certainly have in mind the possibility of total failure... We discussed everything in detail with our partners in the space industry when we persuaded them to take part in our work. The European Space Agency, Dassault Aviation, the Meggitt engineering group and similar organisations could not afford to get involved in something that was doomed to failure. Anything that could have caused the project to fail should have happened by the beginning of 2013. Lioudmila Clot, swissinfo.ch
Newsletter Deadlines 2013 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
It’s your Club. Get Involved!
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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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).
JUNE
Saturday Saturday Thursday Friday Sunday
01 01 06 07 09
SwissKids Jass Night - Swiss Club Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains Billiard Competition - Bernard Sandoz Trophy Australian Jass Championship, Gold Coast
JULY
Wednesday Thursday Saturday Saturday Wednesday
03 04 06 06 17
Ladies’ Luncheon Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains SwissKids Jass Night - Swiss Club Swiss Movie Night - ‘Hoselupf oder wie man ein Böser wird’
AUGUST
Thursday
01
Saturday Sunday Saturday
03 04 10
National Day Lantern Procession, Federation Square Swiss Club National Day Dinner SwissKids National Day Family Picnic - Matterhorn Jass Night - Matterhorn
OTHER REGULAR SWISS CLUB MEETINGS: Committee Meetings: every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Planning your private or business function? The Second Floor is the perfect venue! Contact 1300 893 968 for information & bookings.
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
Advance Notice:
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
Kaffeeklatsch Login and get the latest info: www.swissclubvic.com
Kaffeeklatsch (Coffee, Cakes and a Chat) will be on
Sunday, 8 September All our Senior Citizens over sixty will be welcome. Mark this date in your diary. More information in the next newsletter.
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Swiss Club of Victoria
CBD FUNCTION AND MEETING ROOM WITH A DIFFERENCE The Second Floor at the Swiss Club
BUSINESS FUNCTIONS, CONFERENCES, SMALL MEETINGS
• Theatre style seating for up to 90 • Work shop seating for up to 55 • Cocktail set up for up to 120 • Private meeting room for up to 16 • Architect designed space • Choice of catering from the Swiss Club Restaurant or Terra Rossa • Modern amenities
• Basic coffee making facilities • Parking close by • 5 minutes walk to Flinders Street or Parliament Station • 2 minutes walk to Tram 75/70/48 • Friendly venue with Swiss history • Competitive rates
OR DINNER/ DANCE FUNCTIONS, LAUNCHES, PRIVATE EVENTS
• Unbeatable location • Ample parking close by • Train, tram and bus close by • Dinner seating for up to 80 • Cocktail set up to 120 • Dance floor • Architect designed modern space with lots of ambience
• Modern amenities • Choice of catering from the Swiss Club Restaurant or Terra Rossa • Choice of BYO caterer • Catering kitchen with 4 ovens, microwave and industrial dishwasher • Friendly venue with Swiss history • Competitive rates
AT THE PERFECT VENUE – THE SWISS CLUB OF VICTORIA Contact us on E: thesecondfloor@swissclubvic.com.au T: 1300 893 968 to check for availability, more information or a quote
REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
JUNE 2013
Annual General Meeting
RO U CLU
THE
Swiss Festival
On Sunday, 17 February the Swiss Community of Victoria celebrated the much loved Swiss Festival right in the heart of the city at Queensbridge Square for the first time. This place is centrally located, it’s only a 5 minutes’ walk from Flinders Street Station and is a major pedestrian plaza located by the Yarra. It connects Southgate (near the Arts Centre), Southbank Boulevard, Queensbridge Street, Crown Plaza, the Freshwater Place apartment tower and Sandridge Bridge. The relocation of the festival from the Austrian Club in Heidelberg to the city of Melbourne had two main objectives: A) to attract a larger audience in order to present our home country Switzerland with its rich cultural heritage to all Melburnians and B) to appeal to a larger pool of sponsors to improve our offering on the day. I can happily say, we were successful on both accounts. The official count revealed, we had 5,000 people coming through on a hot 34C day (!) and we were able to get the support of our major event sponsor Switzerland Tourism. Other important sponsors were the Consulate General of Switzerland/Embassy of Switzerland, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the City of Melbourne, the Swiss Club of Victoria and Henkell Brothers. At this point I would like to thank all our sponsors for their generous support. I must also mention the important assistance the committee received from the Dutch Community who has been using Queensbridge Square for the last seven years; their guidance helped us enormously in our planning and organisation of this unique event. The hard working Swiss Festival Committee with Bruno Giger (Treasurer), Damian Schaller (Marketing) and his fiancée Melinda Varley (PR consultant), Patrick Albert (Sponsorship & Logistics), Roger Moullet (Food & Beverage), Sylvie Eggertswyler
T
ABOU D N B
The Swiss Festival has gone to town!
IS SW S
Society AGM
40th Anniversary Dinner Swiss Festival Unterhaltungsabend
(Entertainment), Vreni Welsh (Volunteers) and Thomas Schmocker (Swiss Liaison) also reorganised the running of food & beverage by giving the Swiss Community groups the opportunity to manage their own stall. The Swiss Club of Victoria, Groupe Romand du Victoria, the Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn and Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess took up the challenge and sold drinks, sausages, crêpes and gaufres, ice-cream, trash & treasure and much more to the visitors. Roger Moullet, our Swiss Club Manager had its own stand selling imported Swiss wines & beer to thirsty patrons. The Red Stairs, a permanent purpose built stage adorned with a huge Swiss flag, was the venue where most of the entertainment took place including the traditional part with choir singing performed by the Swiss Companion Singers, yodeling by the Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn and Swiss Yodelers from Sydney, folk dancing by the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose with Chris Thalmann (Schwyzerörgeli) & Tom Webb (Singing Saw) and the fabulous ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’. Modern Switzerland was represented by a gifted break-dance performer Coskun ‘Tuffkid’ Erdogan & Moses Iten’s Delire Nostalgique DJ set by the Swiss Conspiracy. The fabulous Swiss Finale with Schwyzerörgeli/ Singing Saw, Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn/Swiss Yodelers of Sydney & Beat Stuber on the bass heralded the end of the festivities around 4pm. Our tried and trusted MC Joe Bovalino from Gold 104.3 led through the program with his usual wit and charm. Switzerland Tourism together with Holidays on Location & Swiss International Air Lines manned a very busy stand and gave away a major prize including a seven day holiday package in Interlaken and flights to Switzerland. The lucky winner was Mr. Yannick Jarnet. Continued on page 6
89 Flinder s Lane • Melbour ne 3000 • Victor ia • Australia • www.s wissclubvic .com.au