REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
JUNE 2014
Annual General Meeting
RO U CLU
THE
IS SW S
Swiss Festival
T
ABOU D N B
The Swiss Festival – Swissness at its best!
Unterhaltungsabend
On Sunday, 6 April, thousands of visitors flocked to the Swiss Festival to enjoy a sunny day on Melbourne’s Queensbridge Square at the banks of the Yarra. There were many musical highlights: the 15 person strong authentic Guggemusik from Auckland NZ with their electrifying energy – a first for the Swiss Festival – and the Swiss Kiwi Yodlers and their five Alphorn players also from Auckland left their indelible mark. And our trusted groups also added their own charm to the festival, including the Yodel Choir Matterhorn, the Swiss Companion Singers, the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose, Phil
showcase our beloved Switzerland to the public, emphasising our culture and reminding our fellow Australians of the many wonderful contributions the Swiss have made to this country. Swiss Community Groups representing different activities such as the Swiss Club of Victoria, the Swiss Companion Singers, the Laughter Yoga Helvetia and the SwissKids were present on the day and the ladies of the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess in their beautiful costumes helped us sell raffle tickets. The Vice Consul General Mr Bernhard Furger declared the SF open at 11am and was also available to answer questions regarding Swiss consular
(accordion) & Beat (contrabass) as well as Renee Moullet and the Shazam Band, (yes, Renee is the daughter of Roger Moullet, our Swiss Club Restaurant Manager.) There was plenty to eat and drink like Cervelats and Bratwürste, Raclette (by the way, the proceeds were donated to charity – see page 9 for more details – thank you Rémy!), Crepes and Gauffres, Mövenpick ice cream and of course Rivella was available. The Swiss Club was offering Swiss beer and wines and the ‘Heiweh-Lädeli’ from Walma’s Smallgoods was tempting visitors with Swiss chocolates, biscuits and other feel good Swiss specialties and products. Three huge Swiss flags on flag poles near Queensbridge Square and another three massive Swiss Festival banners greeted passers-by and alerted visitors of the nearby Swiss Festival. The aim of the festival is to play a part in the multicultural scene of Melbourne but also to join ranks as Swiss expats in Australia to
affairs, Nina Wirth fielded enquiries for SAAN and the SwissCham and Roland Isler also responded to questions regarding the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). The travel and tourism sector was represented by Swiss International Air Lines and Switzerland Holidays who gave away free flights to Switzerland and an accommodation package including free rail passes. Mobile phone communication provider Lycamobile also used the festival platform to promote their services. And our friends from the Australian-Swiss Search Dog Association were showing off their trained dogs in daring rescue operations on stage! The committee worked tirelessly to get the Swiss Festival off the ground. The team consisted of Rolf Huber, Chairman, Bruno Giger, Treasurer, Vreni Welsh, Volunteer Coordinator, Sylvie Eggertswyler, Entertainment, Roger Moullet, Food & Beverage and Thomas Schmocker, our Swiss based Consultant. Continued on page 8
89 Flinder s Lane • Melbour ne 3000 • Victor ia • Australia • www.s wissclubvic .com.au
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Please support fundraising for the Swiss Club by purchasing your Entertainment™ Membership. Visit: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/1968w70
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 www.swissclubvic.com Club Opening Hours Lunch: Mo - Fri from 12noon Dinner: Tue - Fri from 6pm Club Nights: Wed & Thurs Chef & Manager: Roger Moullet Restaurant and Functions Manager: Renee Moullet Bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 Swiss Club Catering For all functions contact Roger or Renee T: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104 M: 0409 040 249 E: swissclub@hotmail.com The Second Floor Function Bookings CBD Function Room with a difference! Info and/or bookings T: 1300 893 968 E: thesecondfloor@swissclubvic.com.au
SWISS CLUB SUB-GROUPS Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au Swiss Companion Singers Convenor: Heidy Giger T: (03) 9889 9321 E: adelheid1@bigpond.com Ladies Luncheons Convenor: Heidy Giger For bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 For information: T: (03) 9889 9321 E: adelheid1@bigpond.com SwissKids Convenor: Esther Blaser-Tokarev T: (03) 8521 3739 M: 0424 220 523 E: esther.blaser@gmx.ch Les Bavards - ‘The Chatterboxes’ Joint Convenors: Sigrid de Castella & Rémy Favre Contact: see SCV committee and Groupe Romand du Victoria
COMMITTEE
Laughter Yoga Helvetia Convenor: Marianne Bishop M: 0448 697 258 E: laughter.club.helvetia@gmail.com
Sigrid de Castella President M: 0416 088 000 E: president@swissclubvic.com.au
Swiss Festival Chairman: Rolf Huber T/F (H): (03) 9807 0282 M (B): 0425 805 854 E: rolf@swissfestival.com.au
Barbara Kündig Immediate Past President / Secretary M: 0402 018 363 E: info@swissclubvic.com.au
SWISS COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
Urs Derrick Wildi Treasurer M: 0403 040 930 E: treasurer@swissclubvic.com.au Vreni Welsh Membership M: 0423 513 843 E: membership@swissclubvic.com.au Antony Anderson Building Services Manager M: 0416 069 666 E: building@swissclubvic.com.au Arnold Kramer Assistant Building Manager M: 0419 268 503 E: committeemember@swissclubvic.com.au w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Swiss Society of Victoria (Benevolent Society) President: Franz Schnellmann T: (03) 9449 2245, M: 0412 203 893 E: schnellmann@dodo.com.au Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Australian/Swiss Cultural Society President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au Groupe Romand du Victoria President: Rémy Favre 1 Hughes Street, Malvern East Vic 3145 T: (03) 9571 2835, M: 0412 135 095 E: remy@favrecranage.com www.swiss.org.au/chfrvic
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 www.swiss.org.au/matterhorn SwissCham Australia General Manager: Marcel Svatos T: (02) 9262 1511, F: (02) 9290 1928 E: office@swisscam.com.au Further details see: www.swisscham.com.au Swiss-Australian Academic Network (SAAN) E: info@saan.id.au Further details see: www.saan.com.au Organisation of the Swiss Abroad Council Member: Roland Isler Further details see: under Editor www.aso.ch & www.swiss.org.au/csa Embassy of Switzerland T: (02) 6162 8400, F: (02) 6273 3428 E: can.vertretung@eda.admin.ch Consulate General of Switzerland T: (02) 8383 4000, F: (02) 9369 1334 E: syd.vertretung@eda.admin.ch Consulate of Switzerland T: (03) 9824 7527, M: 0413 042 728 E: melbourne@honrep.ch Further details of official representations see: www.eda.admin.ch/australia
Impressum ‘Edelweiss’ appears quarterly in March, June, September and December. Circulation 500. For all enquiries contact: Editor: Roland Isler T: (03) 9524 6335 (B) M: 0412 935 565 E: risler@swiss.org.au 67 St Georges Crescent Heatherton Vic 3202 Unless otherwise stated, postal address for all is: 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000
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President’s Message Dear members and friends of the Swiss Club, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival completed another very successful season upstairs at The Second Floor. Thanks to our Building Manager Antony (Tony) Anderson for liaising with the Comedy Festival crew and ensuring the building met all fire and council regulations. I’d like to thank all of our Sub-groups for their flexibility and willingness to make other arrangements whilst the Comedy Festival occupied The Second Floor. Shows seating up to 150 people 3 times a night, 6 nights a week meant the Club was packed to the rafters, and the Restaurant inundated with hungry and thirsty comedy-goers. Thanks also to the Members for their patience during this time when they may not have been able to get their usual table at the Restaurant. Sunday 6th April presented us with a truly idyllic day and perfect weather for the annual Swiss Festival at Queensbridge Square, Southbank. It was good to see much of last year’s feedback incorporated into this year’s line-up, enabling literally thousands of people to come and enjoy a little taste of Switzerland. Well done to Rolf Huber and the Swiss Festival Committee! On Saturday 3rd May the Unterhaltungsabend saw 124 guests enjoy an evening of Swiss traditional dancing and music with performances by the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose and Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand. There was a frenzy of buying when the Tombola sales started, many thrilled with their share of great prizes on offer. A special thank you to Sylvia Hochuli for co-ordinating such a wonderful event! See more on page 10. The weather has turned much cooler and the days shorter as we approach Winter. Despite the cold outside you can rest assured it’s always warm at the Club! Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the cheesy goodness of a fondue, or a hearty beef goulash with a glass or two of fine wine from the exceptional wine list put together by Renee Moullet, the Restaurant and Functions Manager. You can read an interview with Renee on page 24. And when dining at the restaurant don’t forget to leave room for the Apfel Strudel or Coupe Swiss! We’ve got quite a bit happening at the Club over the coming months. Our first Saturday Sessions happens on Sunday 24th May from 3pm featuring an afternoon of sublime Jazz with the Justine Jones Hammond Trio. Bookings at www. trybooking.com/77305. On Wednesday 28th May at 6.30pm we continue the beer theme with a Beer Challenge: Australia versus the World featuring some local boutique and international beers and three beer experts to guide you on the journey. More information and tickets available at: www. trybooking.com/85940 Our building requires constant maintenance to keep the high standards and so on Sunday 15th June from 10am we’re
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holding a Working Bee at the Club! If you have a few hours and some elbow grease to spare please volunteer to help. See page 6 for details. On Friday 1st August we celebrate Swiss National Day with the Lampionparade commencing at 6pm at Federation Square so please get in the spirit with your bells, flags and lanterns and join us. Afterwards you can choose dinner at the Club’s Restaurant or the more Children-friendly gathering on The Second Floor. See page 14 for details. Whilst we aim to keep you entertained with a range of Swiss events, we do require participation from Members and their friends to ensure these events continue. Please make sure you come along to as many events as you can and support the Club. We could not achieve such a successful and vibrant Club without the hard working (and short-staffed) Committee. In March we said ‘farewell’ to former President Rolf Huber who left the Committee to focus on his family and the Swiss Festival. Fortunately we also said ‘welcome’ to long-time member Arnold Kramer, who joins us as Assistant Building Manager. You can read his interview on page 7. I’d like to say a sincere ‘thank you’ to Barbara Kündig, Derrick Wildi, Vreni Welsh and Antony Anderson for all of their commitment and dedication. The Club is an expensive venue to maintain, and so this year we’re fundraising with the 2014/15 Entertainment Book. If you’ve used this book before you know you can save literally thousands of dollars when you shop, travel and eat out. I ask all members to see if this is something you think you’d benefit from, and to support the Club with your purchase of a book or digital membership. See the inside of the front cover for more details and please also tell your friends! Finally, please keep well, warm and dry over the coming Winter months and we look forward to seeing you soon at the Swiss Club. Sigrid de Castella - President
y a d r u t a S s n o i s s e S Saturday, 24 May – 3 to 6pm The Second Floor Featuring the Justine Jones Trio Swiss Club of Victoria
Welcome to our new members We are proud to welcome a full dozen of new members at the Club: Ann Elizabeth & Peter Brodbeck, Catherine Sutter, Bill Pollock, Jill Pearson, Sabine & Martin Stacher, Beatrice Haselroither, Sven Gsponer, Joanne & Martin Wagner, Ueli Terheggen. Please make them feel welcome. We hope you will enjoy great times at the club and find many new friends.
Happy birthday The following members will celebrate a special birthday between April and August this year: 80 years: Allen Aylett, Rena Bueler, Pat Calabresi, Kenneth Callinan 85 years: Elisabeth Knecht, Rolf-Alfred Zispin, 90 years: Rita Brockmann 95 years: Anne Ruthishuser, Marianne Waites Congratulation to all of you and we wish you good health for many years to come.
Congratulations Janette and Paul Eisenegger have become grandparents for the 4th time, a little girl Tora.
Get well Dealing with health issues at the moment are Les Gleadall, Eleanor Schmidig and Ruth Lambrides. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, we hope to see you soon at the club again.
NEW: Les Bavards - ‘The Chatterboxes’ French Conversation Group In March we commenced a new French Conversation Group called Les Bavards, or The Chatterboxes, jointly led by the Club’s President Sigrid de Castella and the President of the Groupe Romand du Victoria, Rémy Favre. The group was designed to provide an opportunity for beginners through to experienced linguists to practice their sometimes very rusty French speaking skills in a relaxed, informal and social setting. The group meets at 6.30pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, chatting in a semi-structured format for around an hour on The Second Floor before retiring to the Club’s restaurant for a delicious menu with matched French wines designed by Renee Moullet. And naturally French is spoken over dinner, at least mostly! So far around 30 people have shown an interest in the group. Some people make every session, others only pop in occasionally, but most stay for dinner. Over the Comedy Festival period we relocated the classes to Sigrid’s home in East Melbourne, and one night everyone brought the ingredients (and fondue equipment) and Rémy cooked us his amazing Fondue Valaisanne. It was a very cheesy dinner accompanied by some lovely Riesling and a sample of Rémy’s home-distilled pear brandy. The classes are free for members and non-members, you just need to cover the cost of your own dinner and drinks. So if you’d like to come along to a class, please email Sigrid at president@swissclubvic.com.au
Vanessa Wyder It is with great regret that we have to inform you of the passing of Vanessa Wyder, daughter of long time member Sigi Wyder. Vanessa has fought an inspirational and brave battle against cancer, surviving the dreaded disease twice in her early twenties. In 2012 she travelled around Australia in a campervan, fundraising more than $86,000 for the Cancer Council. But before reaching her destination, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma for the third time. Vanessa you are now painfree and at peace. Our thoughts are with her parents Helene and Sigi. We wish them strength for the difficult time ahead.
The Swiss Companion Singers had a fantastic time at this years Swiss Festival at Queensbridge Square. It was a perfect day and we felt very proud to be part of this annual event. We will continue to practice on the third and fourth Thursdays of each month at the club. For more information ring the Convenor Heidy Giger on 9889 9321 or Herbert Schwärzler on 9561 7811.
Be part of the Swiss Club family
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Adieu Rolf Sadly in March we bade ‘farewell’ to one of our beloved and longest serving Committee members, Rolf Huber. It’s time for Rolf to have a break from Committee life, at least for a while. Rolf has made some truly amazing contributions to the Swiss Club and he was also instrumental in my joining the Committee. Rolf will remain President of the Swiss Festival Committee so it is probably more appropriate to say ‘adieu’ rather than ‘farewell’. However we will sincerely miss Rolf’s input, insights and enthusiasm during our meetings. On behalf of the entire Committee I’d like to thank Rolf for his dedication and service, and wish him well. Sigrid de Castella - President
Building Works Update The Swiss Club Committee has been working on a program to upgrade various parts of the building to reduce our ongoing maintenance costs and to make them compliant with current regulations. Over the years electrical work has been performed at the Club generally on an ad-hoc and unplanned basis, in order to meet the immediate needs such as installation of a new machine,
light or power point. But this approach led to a ‘spaghetti’ style arrangement of electrical cables and power that was not confined to each individual floor, or tenant. The most recent upgrade completed in May has been to the electrical board in the basement with installation of a check meter. Until now the basement power, which is shared by the tenants, has previously been billed to the Club’s general power along with things like emergency lighting, staircase lighting and the lift. The check meter installation will finally allow the Club to pass the cost of the power being used in the basement onto the tenants. In addition we have also taken the opportunity to tidy up the electrical feeds from other floors that were being used in the basement, such as power being used in the basement coming from the 1st floor restaurant electrical board. These changes make it fairer for everyone and allow us to isolate power to a particular floor in case of an emergency. There were obviously costs associated with this work but it will be recovered over a reasonably short period of time from being able to on-charge the tenants for the basement power. Further works are planned and will be announced soon once the quotes have been finalised. Tony Anderson – Building Services Manager
New Privacy Policy Please be advised that the Club has a new Privacy Policy which can be seen here: http://swissclubvictoria.com/swiss-club-ofvictoria/privacy-policy/
Reminder to Sign in The committee would like to remind members that it is a condition of the Club’s Liquor License to sign all non-members in to the Guest book. Please remember to do this when bringing friends and family to the Restaurant so that we comply with our legal requirements.
Working Bee Sunday, 15 June, 10am to 4pm We all love our Club premises but it does require a lot of maintenance. The Committee needs your help. Join us for a Working Bee on Sunday 8th June, from 10am to 4pm. If you’re tired of those dirty handrails, disorganised kitchen or anything else then put your hand up and volunteer to help us fix it. We’ll provide you with food and drinks, teamwork and a lot of laughter. Please RSVP to Barbara Kündig by email to info@swissclubvic.com.au or phone 1300 893 968.
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Das wöchentliche Radioprogram über alles Schweizerische in Australien, der Schweiz und der Welt. Eine Viertelstunde Aktuelles, Musik, Reportagen und Interviews auf Schweizerdeutsch mit Adrian Plitzco auf 93.1fm Jeden Sonntag von 19:45 bis 20Uhr SBS HOTLINE: (03) 9949 2192 http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/yourlanguage/german
Swiss Club of Victoria
Meet the Committee:
Arnold Kramer Assistant Building Manager I am the youngest of four children born in Australia to Swiss parents, Emil and Johanna Kramer, who after WW2 like many others made their independent ways to Melbourne. My parents first met at the Swiss Club in Spring Street, which they told us was a fun place for dancing, (not so much for dad), and catching up with and meeting friends. They later married making Melbourne their home and settling in those days in the far outer eastern suburb of Ringwood. My brother Christian, two sisters Elfrieda and Esther and I spent our early years spending many wonderful times with the Swiss community exposing us to the traditions of Swiss life such as wrestling ‘schwingen’, stone tossing ‘steinstossen’, traditional dance, yodelling, singing, music and of course, the food. My place of origin is Berg Am Irchel - Canton Zürich which I have had the pleasure of visiting many times now. As a Swiss born in Australia it remains an extraordinary feeling to go ‘home’ and experience and see the history of my home town and origin going back so far. My wife, Jenny and three grown up children Andrew, Laura and Samuel are all proud of their Swiss heritage and we have celebrated many special occasions at the Club in Flinders Lane. As a member now for 12 years I have watched from the sidelines how a handful of hard working and dedicated individuals have devoted so much of their time and more, to maintain the traditions of the Swiss and the Club. I am happy that I have decided to join the Committee and hope that I can make a small contribution to assist the Club and help continue to draw together the Swiss community to ensure everyone’s interests and traditions, are maintained. I look forward to working with the Committee for you, the members and the Swiss community as a whole, and hope that together we can consolidate our efforts to ensure the future of the Club remains a focal and secure place for all Swiss and friends to meet.
We need you…
COMMITTEE VACANCIES Marketing and Social Media Manager This volunteer position (committee or non-committee) would typically involve a couple of hours a week, or more if you are particularly enthusiastic! Your activities would include helping the Committee to: • Market the Club including the Second Floor, the restaurant and its activities • Post on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, etc.) • Maintain the Web Site (WordPress) • Expand the reach of our current marketing activities • Attract more bookings, patrons, and members Even if you’re not overly experienced the Committee can teach you how. So if you’re interested in learning a new skill and helping please contact Sigrid at president@swissclubvic.com.au or on 0416 088 000.
Grant Sub-Committee There are a number of grants offered each year by the Victorian and Federal Governments, which the Swiss Club has a good chance of receiving. However the current committee is too stretched to apply for these. We require one or more people to help prepare submissions and applications for these grants to help fund the club’s activities. All it would take is a couple of hours a week, a computer with internet connection, and some good writing skills! If you’re interested in helping please contact Sigrid at president@swissclubvic.com.au or on 0416 088 000.
It’s your Club. Get Involved!
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From front page
Fortunately, we were also able to draw on the support and expertise of several new volunteer members; Liz Isler, Project Manager and Permits, Roland Isler, Swiss Community Groups and all things printing, Herbert Schwärzler, Logistics, and Giorgiaa Montini, Marketing. They took over from Damian & Melinda Schaller, who relocated to Switzerland after seven years on the committee during which they supported us with Marketing and Publicity. Patrick Albert, who helped with Sponsorship Procurement, but due to work commitments has now moved into a consultative role, assisting us whenever he can. Sadly for us, at the end of this Festival, after doing a brilliant job as the Volunteer Coordinator, Vreni Welsh has decided to concentrate solely on her committee role with the Swiss Club. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all committee members past and nd present for their time and effort and for another outstanding jobb wellll done! Sponsorship money is essential – as it means we have enough funding to stage the festival in the first place. It is a long and drawn out process that starts almost immediately after the last festival has ended. As a community group we can count on contributions from the City of Melbourne (where the festival is held) and the Victorian Multicultural Commission but this is not enough to cover the cost and we are dependent on further sponsorship or donations. Here I would like to especially express my gratitude to members of the Swiss Club of
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Victoria who helped us generously; Hans Keller & Doris Conrad and Fred, Monica & Reto Hoffmann. Victorinox of Switzerland donated handsomely and so did McKenzie Ross Insurance Brokers. V-Zug and Jura contributed towards the raffle and guessing competition with their top model washing machine and coffee machine, made in Switzerland of course! Henkell Brothers and Walmas Meat and Smallgoods also supported us with open arms. Please support those that support us: • Henkell Brothers (retail and special purpose property investments) T: 9417 4144, W: www.henkell.com.au • Jura (coffee machines), T: 1300 285 872, W: www.au.jura.com • McKenzie Ross (insurance broker), T: 9691 2222, W: www.mckenzieross.com.au • V-Zug (Swiss whitegoods), T: 9699 4720, W: www.vzug.com/au/en • Walmas Meat and Smallgoods (Swiss butcher), 4-6 High Street, Bayswater, T: 9729 0635, W: walmas.com.au As a Sub-Group of the Swiss Club of Victoria and a not for profit organisation I can report that in 2014 we have come away with a modest surplus which will be reinvested in next year’s festival. In closing I would like to thank all our supporters near and far, our entertainers, standholders, our many volunteers, and all those unnamed helpers – YOU are the heart and soul of the Swiss Festival. Thank you for a day of harmony and solidarity so far away from our home, Switzerland! You can listen to the SBS German podcast by Adrian Plitzco about the Swiss Festival 2014 on: www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/german/highlight/page/ id/327956/t/Echo-Helvetia-Special---Swiss-Festival/in/english To view the pictures go to our homepage: swissfestivalaustralia.com/category/photos/ Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the 2015 Swiss Festival. It will take place on Sunday, 12th April. See you there! Rolf Huber – Chairman Swiss Festival Committee
Swiss humanitarian spirit at work at the Swiss Festival
At the Raclette stand, volunteers from the Groupe Romand, the Swiss Club and the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre joined forces to sell nearly 400 raclettes to the public, raising $1,070 to support Melbourne’s Asylum Seekers. Asylum Seekers are not allowed to work, receive a weekly allowance of just $221, unless they are deemed particularly vulnerable people and receive an extra $55, bringing the maximum total to $276 per week. To top it off, these benefits are limited in duration – often as little as 6 weeks – and people then find themselves without any Government support. Forbidden to work to support themselves, most are therefore heavily reliant on the generosity of others whilst their applications are processed, which can take months, or even years. This motivated us to donate the profits of the Raclette stand to assist these unfortunate people. It is not a lot, but every bit helps. The headquarters of the UNHCR* are in Geneva, after all! Rémy Favre – President, Groupe Romand du Victoria *United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This Office also known as the UN Refugee Agency, is a United Nations agency mandated to protect and support refugees at the request of a government or the UN itself and assists in their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement.
Newsletter Deadlines 2014 September Issue: Covering Sept/Oct/ Nov Editorial Deadline: Monday, 4 August Mailing: Wednesday, 20 August December Issue: Covering Dec/Jan/Feb 2015 Editorial Deadline: Monday, 3 November Mailing: Wednesday, 19 November
A Swiss Club Welcome to our New Zealand friends, 4 April 2014 w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Support the Swiss Club fundraising – buy an Entertainment Book!
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Dancing the night away! Unterhaltungsabend, 3 May 2014 Friends, past members of the Dance Group, members of the various Swiss groups and patrons of the Swiss Club contributed to a fantastic night. ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’ under the leadership of John Wanner once again had a fantastic effect on all the guests. The dance floor was packed! Live 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 again was a big winner. Due to the generosity of our supporters, we had a lot of prizes. To everyone, thank you for being part in making the night a huge success. On behalf of the Dance Group I would like to thank the Committee of the Swiss Club and Roger for their continuous support. Sylvia Hochuli
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A very quick ride into the lovely city of Melbourne by night, courtesy of the kind people of the Swiss Club. Upon meeting all our friends we were seated and the entertainment began. Already the entrée was served, it looked a treat! Sylvia welcomed everyone and explained the dances they would entertain us with. Then our President Sigrid spoke and welcomed us. The music by ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’ got everyone in the mood for dancing. Of course, everybody got exited as we purchased ‘Tombola’ tickets. It took ages to unravel them and squeals of anticipation “Oh a number!” could be heard all around. How extremely well organised everything was. Everybody spoke about it. Roger and team: 10 out of 10! Dance Group: 10 out of 10! Tombola: 10 out of 10! The Unterhaltungsabend is loved by all of us. A full house was proof of that. Thank you! Inge Kulmanis
Swiss Club of Victoria
Thank you!
The Swiss Club of Victoria warmly congratulates Sylvia Hochuli on the anniversary of her 50 years of club membership. During this time, Sylvia has been leading the Dance Group Alpenrose for 21 years and, with the help of the members of the group, has been the ‘engine’ of the ever popular Unterhaltungsabend for 26 years! The club acknowledges with great gratitude this extraordinary achievement. Dear Sylvia, for all your hard work and club loyalty, we thank you!
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Swiss that changed the world
Helvetia
Francesco Borromini and Domenico Trezzini, ticinese master architects Francesco Borromini (1599-1667) was born in Bissone, Canton Ticino. He learned his craft at St. Peter’s in Rome and enriched the baroque style by adding curves and organic elements. Later, Domenico Trezzini (1670-1734), born in Astano near Lugano, was the architect chosen by Tsar Peter the Great for his new capital of St. Petersburg. Both of them were the heirs of a corporation over a thousand years old, the ‘Comacini’, Lombard masons who built churches and palaces all over Europe. Borromini was featured on the 100 franc banknote, series 1976 - 1995.
World Laughter Day, a wonderful celebration on 4 May at Federation Square
Laughter is the universal language that everybody understands. Laughter is effective regardless of differences in language or culture. Unconditional Laughter is truly for everyone and everyone can do it. You can laugh out loud, giggle quietly, do it alone or better still, come and share your laughter with us every 3rd and 4th Thursday of the month at 6 pm at the Swiss Club, Second Floor. Laughter Yoga Helvetia Contact: laughter.club.helvetia@gmail.com Marianne Bishop 9432 2421 or Heidy Giger 9889 9321
Book the Second Floor at the Swiss Club for your next function
Francesco Borromini
Domenico Trezzini
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
Support those that support your Club. Consider our Advertisers
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The Swiss Club Doubles Championship was held on Friday, 28 February. The pair of Chris Laube and John O’Reilly triumphed. Congratulations to the winners! The next dates to mark in your diary are: • Friday, 20 June - Bernard Sandoz Cup • Friday, 24 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
Swiss Club of Victoria
Test your Swiss Knowledge 2
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Annual General Meeting Swiss Society of Victoria
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At the 135th Annual General Meeting of the Swiss Society of Victoria, held at the Swiss Club of Victoria on Wednesday, 5 March, the following Committee was confirmed: Honorary President................. Franz Schnellmann Vice President............................ Patrick Albert (New elect) Secretary ...................................... Basil Jenkins Treasurer ...................................... Basil Jenkins Trustees......................................... Walter Purtschert Marcel Muntwyler Franz Schnellmann Assistance Committee .......... Roland Isler Roger Moullet Adrian Huber Auditor .......................................... Paul Kerss Franz Schnellmann
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Down Lake near Sursee. Anna Göldin was a native of which town? In what town was Xavier Mertz born? Highest point in the canton of Obwalden. What is the English translation of the French word ‘Bavards’? Name of the terraced wineyards along Lake Geneva. Swiss food company that invented coffee pods.
We are the Swiss Society of Victoria
SWI
4. 6. 9. 11. 12.
Across Surname of Ladies Luncheon guestspeaker. In which country did Renee work as a waitress? The Swiss Festival was held in which square? First name of the newest Swiss Club committee member? Where will the President’s meeting be held?
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 answers go to page 19
Parking in the City? Before you visit the Swiss Club, visit www.secureparking. com.au/secure-a-spot Choose ‘114 Flinders Street’ and book to receive parking for as low as $5!
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
Franz Schellmann T: 9449 2245 M: 0412 203 893 schnellmann@dodo.com.au
Celebrate Switzerland’s 723rd birthday!
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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Swiss National Day Lantern Procession & Family Dinner Celebrate Swiss National Day, where else than at the Swiss Club! 1st August 2014 falls on a Friday; no need to rush the kids to bed due to school the next day. So let’s make it a proper Swiss Family National Day Celebration with a typical Swiss z’Nacht (Dinner). Meet at Federation Square near the big screen at 6.00pm for 6.15pm start. The walk will go along the Yarra River back to the Swiss Club where we will continue with National Day Celebrations on the Second Floor. Refreshments will be served for the children as every year, but there will also be dinner available for the parents and big kids. Lantern Parade and refreshments: Complimentary for club members and $5.00 per child for non members. Swiss Dinner: Members $15 per adult, non-members $22 per adult. Member children (to 14 years) wanting to join for dinner $7 per child, non-members $10 per child. Drinks at bar prices. Bring your own lanterns (please none with flammable liquids), flags, bells etc...and don’t forget to practice the song ‘Mini Latärne’ (see next page)! Parents are responsible for their children at all times.
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Must RSVP and PREPAY (no exception Please) by Friday, 25 July 2014 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 Barbara 1300 893 968 or email info@swissclubvic.com.au
Swiss Club of Victoria
Children’s song:
Swiss National Day Celebration at the Club
‘Mini Latärne’ Ich gah mit miner Latärne und mini Latärne mit mir. Am Himmel lĂźchtet d Stärne, da unde lĂźchted mir.
Friday, 1 August, 7pm
De Gßggel chräät und d Chatz miaut. Eh, eh, eh, la bimmel, la bammel, la bumm.
Get into the swing with our fabulous ‘Kapelle GrĂźezi Mitenand’! 3-course menu with Coffee & Tea
To listen: http://rirarumm.ch/mini-laterne/
Members - $40.00 per person Non-members - $45.00 per person Drinks at bar prices Reservations essential. Book early on 9650 1196
Senior Members’ Luncheon Tuesday, 26 August, 12 noon For Swiss Club Members born 1941 and earlier The Committee of the Swiss Club of Victoria has much pleasure in inviting you to a Luncheon at the Swiss Club.
National Day Picnic
Please ďŹ ll in the form below and mail to Rita Schwärzler-Abbt, 18 Hertford Cres., Wheelers Hill 3150, no later than 19 August.
Sunday, 3 August
For Information, please ring Rita Schwärzler-Abbt: 9561 7811 or Sylvia Hochuli: 9531 6575
Celebrate Swiss National Day at a traditional Swiss family picnic held at the Austrian Club, 90 Sheehan Road, Heidelberg West. Come and enjoy grilled sausages, Nussgipfel, GlĂźhwein. We look forward to seeing you there on a beautiful winter day!
Cost: Complimentary for members, non-members $45.00 Payment to be enclosed with application.
Yes I would like to attend the Senior Members’ Luncheon SCV Membership Card number(s):
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Payment: _________ x $45.00 = $____________
T: 03 9898 2102 E: info@jungfrau.com.au Or visit our website: www.jungfrau.com.au Licence No: 33092
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Email:
Complimentary for Swiss Club Members
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Exploring the Explorers Anna Lucas, you are a researcher with an interest in the history of Antarctic science and exploration and you recently became a member the Swiss Club. How did you enjoy the first ‘New Member’s Meeting’ at the AGM in March? I enjoyed it. I chatted to members of the Companion Singers, who invited me to sit with them at the dinner. That was a very thoughtful gesture, and helped me to overcome any feelings of nervousness I had as a newcomer. Then I enjoyed the food, the entertainment, and the company. You have a marvellous venue there. What prompted you to join the Swiss Club? I have visited Switzerland a few times, at first for family reasons, later for my research work on the history of the first Swiss who went to Antarctica, Dr Xavier Mertz. He joined an Australian-led expedition in 1911. There were some minor culture clashes, and I want to learn more about the early twentieth-century Swiss culture, diet, and language, particularly expressions that may have become obsolete now. The Mertz story is a Swiss-Australian story. Through the Swiss Club, I hope to meet people with firsthand knowledge of some of the places that Mertz wrote about, or who know the history of early twentieth-century Basel, Bern and the surrounding areas, particularly the Alps. In return I hope I can introduce an interesting compatriot to members of the Swiss Club here. When I was in Switzerland, I found that few people had heard of him. How did you become interested in Antarctic science and exploration? It was a gradual process. I was fascinated by images of Antarctica and I wanted to take photographs as spectacular as those I had seen. When I was able to travel to Antarctica myself, I thought I should do some background reading before I went, and that was when I first read about Xavier Mertz. I had studied science and had worked with researchers monitoring the Little Blue Penguins in Melbourne, and knew people who studied Antarctic biology and climatic conditions. Antarctica left quite an impression on me, and I continued to research different aspects of it. The Mertz story, particularly his death in Antarctica, was so full of pathos, but very little seemed to be known about him. I wondered why a Swiss man had wanted to join an Australasian expedition; he was the only European member of the team. German, French, British and Swedish expeditions had been to Antarctica in the 1900s. Why did the Australian venture appeal to him? Sir Ernest Shackleton, the Australian Sir Douglas Mawson and of course the Swiss, Dr Xavier Mertz, were key players in Antarctic exploration. What inspired you to research their lives and achievements? It is becoming more apparent now just how much the pioneers of Antarctic exploration and science contributed, and continue to contribute, to our knowledge today. They still inspire people.
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A lot of the data sets collected then are used in comparative work by today’s scientists. I became increasingly interested in the personalities who collected the data, and I wondered what motivated them to risk so much, to go to such remote places, and to work in incrediblyy difficult conditions. They had none of the technology and the comforts available today. Why did Xavier Mertz become of particular interest to you? I think because he seemed to be so different from his colleagues, and because so little was known about him. As I asked more questions, and followed up more leads, an interesting and complex character emerged. His original handwritten Antarctic journals were unable to be traced, but typed transcripts were available. However, because of the mix of misspelt English words and the Antarctic jargon inserted into the German text, it must have been a nightmare for whoever had to transcribe the handwritten journal, and the result is far from an exact copy. I set myself the task of making a revised German transcript and an English translation. It’s been a much bigger challenge than I imagined. Tell us a little bit about him. Xavier Mertz was born in Basel in 1882. He graduated from the University of Bern with a doctorate in Law. His father owned a large factory just beyond the St Alban-Tor. He was groomed to take over management of the factory, but as a member of various Alpine Clubs, he was more interested in mountaineering, skiing and other sports than business. He joined Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition in 1911. He was sent to Monaco to learn the basics of oceanography, and was also asked to source alpine gear in Switzerland for the expedition. In Antarctica, as a keen photographer, he produced lots of images, and he assisted the scientists with their observations, but his main duties were the care and training of the Greenland (Husky) sledge-dogs. He raised the Swiss flag in Antarctica and celebrated 1 August there*. On his last sledging journey a companion, Belgrave Ninnis, fell to his death in a crevasse taking the sledge, their tent, food, clothing, and the strongest dogs with him. Stranded 300 miles from base, Mertz and Mawson began the return trek. Mertz died 100 miles from base in January 1913. The cause of his death is still debated in Antarctic studies. Why did he join an Australian-led expedition to Antarctica? That was the question that intrigued me. In other research, I found in an English archive an inventory of Shackleton’s Swiss Club of Victoria
European tour in 1910 after his return from Antarctica. One stop was in Basel where he gave a lecture with lantern slides and cinematography. It occurred to me that Mertz, experienced mountaineer and ski champion, might have attended that lecture about Antarctic ice and snow in the Musiksaal in November 1910. Perhaps it was that lecture that inspired him, and prompted him to write to Mawson, who in 1911 had established a London base in Shackleton’s office. Tension had arisen in the Mertz family with the father’s objections to his sons’ frequent mountaineering excursions and their lack of interest in the business. The opportunity to join this expedition – Mertz really talked his way into it – was perhaps his last chance for adventure before taking on the responsibilities of the business.
Time Line for original Australasian Antarctic Expedition
1 START: Nov. 10, 1912
END: Feb. 8, 1913
What happened after he died? Mawson trudged back to base camp, taking the Mertz sledging journal with him. This and a larger journal were returned, with other personal effects, to the Mertz family in Basel in 1914. At some stage transcripts were made of the original journals and these were eventually deposited in archives, with some of the photographs he took. His death was of course a shock to his family, and to his fellow expeditioners. A large memorial cross was erected at Cape Denison in Antarctica and still stands today. The Mertz glacier was named in his memory. With greater awareness of Antarctic history, because of the many centenary commemorations of exploration milestones in the past and current decade, the name of Xavier Mertz is becoming better known. The Staatsarchiv in Basel held an exhibition of his written work and his photographs, and a couple of books have been written about him recently. He even had a Twitter account for the Antarctic Centennial Year.
2 Dec.14, 1912
Belgrave Ninnis falls into a crevasse, along with his sledgedogs and critical expedition supplies. He dies. Return journey begins.
3 Dec. 28, 1912
Ginger, the last of the team’s 17 huskies, is killed for food. 4 Dec. 30, 1912
Xavier Mertz falls ill. 5 Jan. 8, 1913
Mertz dies.
6 Jan. 17, 1913
Douglas Mawson falls into a crevasse but manages to pull himself out. 7 Jan. 29, 1913
Mawson finds food cache left by men from base camp.
You have written a number of magazine and journal articles, book reviews, essays and eBooks on the subject. What are you currently working on? I work as an editor, but the Mertz journals are a huge challenge. My knowledge of the Antarctic vocabulary is helpful, but there are so many words and phrases that he uses in the journals that I can’t find in German dictionaries, even in old Duden. However, I hope to complete this project soon. You are very much immersed in Antarctic subjects. Does it leave any time to pursue other hobbies or interests? There’s the family of course, and I love photography and Photoshop. Music. I also love to go to farmers’ markets and bring back bundles of fresh produce to cook. If you could invite five people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be?
*He wrote in his journal on 14 September 1912: “Die Schweizerfahne wird auf den Schlittenmast gehisst. Zum ersten mal flattert das weisse Kreuz im roten Feld in den Eisregionen des Antarctischen Kontinentes. Meine Freunde (Belgrave Ninnis and Herbert Murphy ) freuen sich über dieses Ereignis beinahe so viel wie ich.” w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
When I’ve seen this question before I’ve wondered who would be on my list. I never imagined I would actually be asked this question in an interview. OK, Mertz would have to be one guest, and Betli, the girl he left behind in Basel and whose name he gave to one of the sledge-dogs, should be there. Roger Federer, sportsman, about the same age, and Martin Riggenbach, also from Basel, who has written about Mertz could bring Mertz up to date about Switzerland today. Stephen Scott-Fawcett, Antarctic historian, representing Shackleton, has a common interest with Mertz in mountaineering. If we could squeeze in an extra chair, it would be nice for him to meet up with Ninnis again. I’m not sure what I’d cook for them. One course would have to be Rösti, wouldn’t it? A cheese platter? Leckerli? The food at this dinner might not be as important as the conversation. Thank you very much Anna! I am looking forward to learning more about Xavier Mertz in the next issue of the Edelweiss.
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Edmond Kaiser – Champion of Humanitarian Causes
Half a century ago…
Switzerland commemorated the centenary of the birth, on the 2nd of January 1914, of Edmond Kaiser, a great humanitarian activist and founder of ‘Terre des Hommes’ and other children’s organisations. Edmond Kaiser organised ‘Terre des Hommes’ in 1959, after having learned of the condition of children in Algeria. It is now one of Switzerland’s best-known charities, with worldwide operations to aid children that are suffering from poverty, illness and war. Born in Paris, Kaiser lived in Switzerland in his childhood. He returned to France to work with the French resistance in World War II. In 1947 he returned to Lausanne where later he started his charitable work. In 1960 he adopted Swiss nationality. Describing his work in a newspaper interview in 1994, he said, “If someone is crying on the ground, we try to pick them up, just like we would care for an injured bird, love it and then help it fly again.”
Hans Brunner, the leading voice of the Yodel Club Edelwyss, remembers the production of the choir’s first record, 50 years ago this year.
Average Swiss wealth hits record high The average Swiss adult is worth a world-beating A$561,000 (CHF467,000), seeing off competition from Australia, Norway and Luxembourg, according to the 2013 Credit Suisse Wealth Report. Australia (A$430,000), Norway (A$405,000) and Luxembourg (A$336,000) all experienced an increase in wealth per adult and retain their respective second, third and fourth places. The United States, Sweden, France, Singapore, Belgium and Denmark are close behind, with average wealth per adult in the A$250,000 to A$300,000 range. A year ago, Japan moved up to fourth place in the table, but it has now been demoted and no longer ranks among the top ten countries.
The members of the choir featured on that first record were: Hans Brunner (Yodel), Arnold Eugster, Bill Fix, Willy Fiechter, Sigi Hirtrieter, Fred Koller, Walter Rutishauser, Emil Schwob, Max Tschudin and Fred Zwygart. A copy of the record was sent by Bill Fix to Hans W. Schneller, a highly respected composer of yodel songs in Switzerland. His response was: “Ich habe nun die Schallplatte des Swiss Yodel Club ‘Edelwyss’ Melbourne abgehört und freute mich ganz besonders an dem ausgezeichneten Jodler. Dass es so was in Australien gibt? Dieser Kamerad gehört bestimmt nach Oerlikon!…Weitaus am besten ist wohl der ‘Bärgmorge’ (Mueller-Egger) gelungen”… Hans had a compilation CD made of all the old recordings, including the eight songs featured on that first record. In case you’re interested, he might have one left… Listen to Hans’ recently recorded interview on ‘Echo Helvetia’ with Adrian Plitzco, where he looks back at his successful yodelling career and where you can listen to some of those old recorded songs: http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/german/highlight/page/ id/335303/t/Echo-Helvetia-Hans-Brunner-master-of-yodel/in/ english
Second place for Swiss in life expectancy Swiss women can expect to live to an impressive 85.1 years and Swiss men to 80.7, overtaken only by Japanese women (87) and Icelandic men (81.2). Women in Japan have the longest life expectancy in the world at 87 years, followed by Switzerland, Spain and Singapore. Female life expectancy in all the top ten countries was 84 years or longer. Life expectancy among men is 80 years or more in nine countries, with the longest male life expectancy in Iceland, Switzerland and Australia. swissinfo.ch
Hans Brunner, the man with the golden voice, with his ‘Oscar’. The bronze yodeler statue weighting nearly 4 kilograms was especially created for Hans by Ernst Fries.
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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Planning your private or business function? The Second Floor is the perfect venue! Contact 1300 893 968 for information & bookings.
Swiss Club of Victoria
Rosemary and vanilla-scented pears and scoops of daintily decorated ice-cream are dipped into a rich chocolate fondue for this splendid dessert that warms any heart on a cold winters day.
I can’t believe I’m already giving you the dates of our Luncheons for the second part of the year. Where has the first part of 2014 gone ???? The forthcoming dates are:
Dark Chocolate Fondue with Poached Pears
• Wednesday, 2 July
Ingredients. Serves 4-6 200g dark, bittersweet chocolate ¹/³ cup strong black coffee ¹/³ cup soft light brown sugar ½ cup double cream Small, firm scoops of vanilla ice-cream Crystallised (candied) violets (or similar), to serve.
Mark this dates in your calendar and do not forget to book. Our guestspeaker in September is Sue Schofield who is going to delight us with a talk and pictures about ORANGUTANS. Newcomers of all ages are most welcome. Bookings can be done with the Swiss Club on 9650 1196 or with me on 9889 9321. Prices are still $22 pp for members and $25 pp for non-members. Includes 2-course meal, wine, soft drinks and coffee.
For the poached pears juice of 1 lemon ½ cup vanilla caster (superfine) sugar 1–2 fresh rosemary sprigs 12–18 small pears or 4–6 large ones To make mini icecream balls use melon baller instead of ice-cream scoop. Dip baller in warm water between scoops. Ensure ice-cream balls are very firm. Arrange on metal tray and refreeze for at least 1 hour, decorated with crystallised violets before serving. To make the poached pears, put the lemon juice, sugar, rosemary sprigs and 1¼ cup of water in pan large enough to accommodate the pears all in one layer. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally to ensure that the sugar dissolves in the water. Peel pears (halve the large ones if using), leave stalks intact. Add to boiling syrup and spoon over to cover. Cook for 5–10 minutes, depending on the size and ripeness of pears, spooning syrup over them, turning them frequently, until they are just tender. Transfer pears to serving plate. Remove rosemary sprigs from syrup. Pull off about 1–2 tbsp of rosemary leaves, stir into syrup, leave to cool. Break chocolate into pieces, place in heat-proof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Add coffee and sugar and heat without stirring until all is melted. Stir in cream, heat gently. Transfer to fondue pot and place on burner set to low heat. Serve pears and syrup together with decorated vanilla icecream to dip into the hot chocolate fondue. Enjoy! Want a taste of Switzerland? Visit the Swiss Club Restaurant
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and
• Wednesday, 3 September
Heidy Giger Our first ladies luncheon in 2014. What a lunch! Delicious! It beats cooking at home! Thank you Roger Moullet and staff. Meeting all your friends and renewing the friendship from the year before. Our speaker was Chantal Imbach. She spoke about ‘organising skills’ how she can help us. It is a new venture for her. We wish her good luck. Thank you Heidy and Marianne for organising the ladies luncheon and decorating the tables with such detail, it was colourful. We are all looking forward to another ladies luncheon in May! P.S.: I have a very soft spot for the second floor, we spent many happy hours with our lovely children from the Swiss School, that are now grown up. Saskia-Georgina-SarahRuby-Clara-Tim-Daniel-Jake-Tyler, and many more. I would love to see you now? Inge Kulmanis
The Swiss Club Restaurant. It’s where you meet your friends.
Test your Swiss Knowledge - Answers Across: 4. Schofield; 6. Canada; 9. Queensbridge; 10. Arnold; 11. Canberra Down: Sempachersee; 2. Sennwald; 3. Basel; 5. Titlis; 7. Chatterboxes; 8. Lavaux; 10. Nestle
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Anna Goeldin - The Last Witch: A Novel by Eveline Hasler, translated by Mary Bryant Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform ISBN: 978-1-48265-949-8 Language: English Paperback, 282 pages Synopsis: The last witchcraft trial in German-speaking countries was held in 1782 in Eveline Hasler’s home canton of Glarus in Switzerland. A servant woman, Anna Goeldin, was accused of having bewitched a child of the physician household in which she worked, making it crippled and spit pins. The accused confessed under torture, was sentenced by the city council and executed. Sources show that the trial provoked great controversy in Europe even at the time and apparently gave rise to the term ‘judicial murder’. The courts in Glarus were ridiculed and criticised by more enlightened cities in Switzerland and abroad. In her novel with its beautiful simple language, Hasler tells Anna Goeldin’s story and trial. With the means of fiction, Hasler attempts to explain how a witchcraft trial could come to take place in the heart of Europe during the heyday of the Enlightenment. The novel was first published in 1982 and also draws parallels to women’s fight for equal rights two hundred years later. This novel is a bestseller in German-speaking countries, has been translated into several languages, and made into a feature film by Gertrud Pinkus (see next page). The translation by Mary Bryant has won an Arts and Humanities Initiative Award at the University of Iowa. Eveline Hasler (born in 1933) was trained as a teacher of History and turned to writing children’s books, fiction, and historical fiction. She is the recipient of many awards, among them the Switzerland Award for Juvenile Fiction (1978), Honors by the City of Zürich (1988), Schubart Award (1989), Droste Award (1994), and Justinus Kerner Award (1999). Hasler convincingly portrays how those in power made the decisions they did, but she also never loses sight of the innocents who lost their lives. Fans of good historical fiction will enjoy this book. It is available online.
Login and get the latest info: www.swissclubvic.com
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The last witch in Europe declared innocent Anna Göldin, also Anna Göldi or Anna Goeldin, (October 24, 1734 – June 13, 1782) is known as the ‘last witch’ in Switzerland. She was executed for murder in June 1782 in Glarus. A native of Sennwald, Anna Göldin arrived in Glarus in 1765. For seventeen years, she worked as a maidservant for Johann Jakob Tschudi, a physician, magistrate and a rising political figure. Tschudi reported her for having put needles in the bread and milk of one of his daughters, apparently through supernatural means. Göldin at first escaped arrest, but the authorities of the Canton of Glarus advertised a reward for her capture in the Zürcher Zeitung on February 9, 1782. Göldin was arrested and under torture, admitted to entering in a pact with the Devil, who had appeared to her as a black dog. She withdrew her confession after the torture ended, but was sentenced on June 18, 1782 to execution by decapitation. The charges were officially of ‘poisoning’ rather than witchcraft, even though the law at the time did not impose the death penalty for non-lethal poisoning. During her trial, official allegations of witchcraft were avoided, and the court protocols were destroyed. The sentence does therefore not strictly qualify as that of a witch trial. Still, because of the apparent witch-hunt that led to the sentence, the execution sparked outrage throughout Switzerland and Europe. On September 20, 2007, the Swiss parliament decided to acknowledge Anna Göldin’s case as a miscarriage of justice. Fritz Schiesser, as the representative for Glarus in the Swiss parliament, called for Anna Göldin’s exoneration, which was granted on August 27, 2008 on the grounds that she had been subjected to an illegal trial – the first time in Europe a ‘witch’ has been rehabilitated. Göldin’s trial and beheading in 1782 was carried out at a time when witch trials had disappeared from the rest of Europe. The last women to be executed for witchcraft in Germany died in 1738. Göldin’s case was a tragic illustration of religious fanaticism, superstition and the abuse of power. Apparently, Tschudi, her married employer lodged the allegations against her after she had threatened to reveal their affair. His reputation would have been seriously damaged if the adultery became public. A museum in Glarus is dedicated to her. Swiss Club of Victoria
SWISS CLUB MOVIE ‘Anna Göldin - letzte Hexe’ Anna Göldin - last witch Wednesday, 16 July 2014, 8pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor Drama 1991 CH/E subtitles 108min
E Froog
Director: Gertrud Pinkus with Cornelia Kempers, Luca Kurt Rudiger Vogler, Ursula Andermatt
Me määnt, me säch no d Mogge gähne; so tüütlig isch es zringsetomm. Vom Alpstää rüeft mer jedes Spetzli ond jede Boggel do: Willkomm!
Anna Göldin’s story is recounted here in an adaptation of Eveline Hasler’s 1982 novel (see previous page) that draws from 1782 trial records. The film offers some sense of the milieu wherein Anna Göldin’s gender and social position make her vulnerable to condemnation. Read the book and then come and see the movie! Free for members, non-members gold coin donation.
Me määnt, me chönnt fascht ine jocke, so hescht de See jetz bi der zue: ond d Wolke wäädid hööch am Himmel, ond alls liid do i zfredener Rue. Gad nini Auge tüend spaziere vo Dorf zo Dorf met erne Bitt ond fröögid no ond suechid wiiter: Wo ischt, wo ischt au d Jugedzit?
Enjoy dinner at the club, before or after the movie. Please book with the restaurant on 9650 1196.
supports Opera in Victoria. For upcoming opera events visit our website
www.henkellvineyards.com.au Try our Yarra Valley wines offering finesse and exceptional flavour: • Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 • Chardonnay 2013
Please find our wines and order form on our website
www.henkellvineyards.com.au or contact us by phone, fax or email
We also offer HENKELL TROCKEN, a non-vintage imported sparkling wine from Germany.
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
P.O. Box 2160 M.D.C., Fitzroy 3065, Victoria Phone (03) 9417 4144, Fax (03) 9419 8873 sales@henkellvineyards.com.au
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1st Swiss Club Jass Night Results – 15 March Singles
Doubles
1. Claudia Dahinden ..................................2851 2. Marcus Helsing ......................................2828 3. Sepp Goldiger & Ernie Hugli ..................2814 1. Cordi & Cameron Bricker .......................5272 2. Marlies & Sepp Krummenacher .............5161 3. Barbara Kündig & Terry Mylvaganen .....5135
Information supplied by Paul Eisenegger
Upcoming Jass Nights - 2014 2nd 3rd 3rd 4th & Final
31 May 5 July 9 August 30 August
Swiss Club Swiss Club Matterhorn Swiss Club
WE A LL L OVE M EAT A ND S MALLGOODS
Homesick? We can cure that! • Homemade Smallgoods • Swiss Cheese • Chocolate …and much, much more!
Social Jass If you enjoy a relaxed and friendly game, please come along to the monthly social Jass on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
• Wednesday, 28 May • Wednesday, 25 June • Wednesday, 23 July • Wednesday, 27 Aug Beginners welcome. Just SMS (0402 018 363) or email to info@ swissclubvic.com.au with preferred choice of cards by Tuesday so that we know numbers attending and are able to put together tables.
The whole bunch of Edelweiss is now online if you find yourself wishing that you hadn’t thrown out the June 2011 edition of the Edelweiss newsletter, because it features the best cheese fondue recipe (my own!), despair not! The entire library of newsletters since I have become editor in 2007 is now available online. Just go to: http://issuu.com/search?q=edelweiss …and click on the Edelweiss ‘Open Stack’. Editor
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Come and visit us @ 4-6 High Street Bayswater Ph: 9729 0635 www.walmas.com.au Swiss Club of Victoria
Spring Assembly Report of the
Council of the Swiss Abroad Bern – Saturday, 22 April 2014 The Referendum against mass migration, which was accepted by the majority of the Swiss voters in February, was the main item on the agenda. The Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA) has called on the government to ensure that Switzerland is not cut off from education and research cooperation with the European Union countries despite the re-introduction of immigration quotas. The CSA assembly, expressed its concern about possible consequences for young Swiss wishing to take part in joint projects with the EU and for Switzerland’s competitive edge. It voted overwhelmingly to support an open letter by an umbrella organisation of the Swiss youth organisations urging the government to do its utmost for Swiss students to be able to continue to take part in the ‘Erasmus’ student exchange programme. It also calls on the EU to show its support for Swiss students. Earlier this month, the cabinet announced it was preparing interim solutions for researchers and students facing exclusion from European projects. Several speakers warned of making students the ‘first victims of a controversial political decision’ and jeopardising the country’s reputation. Other council members expressed concern about possible repercussions against Swiss living in EU member countries – notably in neighbouring France and Germany – and a lack of highly-skilled foreign staff in Switzerland. Difficulties Henri Gétaz, senior official in the foreign ministry, tried to assure the nearly 80 CSA members meeting in Bern’s town hall that the government was well aware of the issues at stake for Switzerland. He said moves were underway to break the impasse with Brussels, which suspended Swiss participation in some EU education and research programmes – notably ‘Erasmus’ and ‘Horizon 2020’ – and put on hold negotiations on further bilateral treaties. Gétaz made clear that the Swiss government was unhappy about the EU response and cautioned the next three years could be fraught with difficulties. Switzerland has until February 2017 to implement the immigration quota and re-negotiate an agreement on the free movement of people with the EU – a crucial element of bilateral relations. Brussels argues the Swiss immigration
quota system is not compatible with a key principle of the free movement of people across the EU and its partner countries. It wants to know more details from Switzerland before negotiating possible additions to the existing 120 treaties. Gétaz appealed for calm, but also encouraged the Swiss expatriate community to make its voice heard in the current political consultation about the future of the bilateral relations with Brussels. Openness Jacques-Simon Eggly, chairman of the assembly and president of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) in his opening speech pointed out that a majority of Swiss Abroads came out against the quota system in the February vote. He said partial results and research showed the Swiss Abroad tend to vote in favour of opening the country up to the outside world. He pledged the OSA would continue to defend the interests of the Swiss Abroad community and dismissed allegations of a rift between resident Swiss voters and those living outside the country. Congress of the Swiss Abroad The 92nd Congress of the Swiss Abroad will be held from 15-17 August 2014 in Baden. The theme of this year’s assembly will be ‘Information technology and social media: opportunities for Swiss Abroad’.
President’s meeting in Canberra The Australian CSA delegates have invited all Presidents of Swiss Clubs/Groups/Associations in Australia for a meeting to be held at the Swiss Embassy in Canberra, on Saturday, 27 September 2014. The purpose of this first ever meeting of its kind, is to exchange views and discuss matters pertinent to the Clubs and matters concerning the Swiss Abroad in general. The meeting will be hosted by the Swiss Ambassador Mr Marcel Stutz. Also in attendance will be the Consul General Mr Ernst Steinmann, Hon. Consuls, Mr Peter Ehrler, CSA delegate from New Zealand, as well as various community leaders. Additionally, we are pleased to have participants from Switzerland: Mr Peter Zimmerli who is responsible for Consular Services and Mr Anselm Zurfluh, Museum of the Swiss Abroad, Château de Penthes in Geneva. There will also be a member of the OSA executive present. So far, there are around 35 interested participants and that number is likely to increase. This, together with a varied agenda promises for an interesting and busy meeting in September. If you have any issues that you would like to be added to the discussion agenda, please get in contact with me. Roland Isler - Council of the Swiss Abroad
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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Meet Renee Moullet… It’s time to find out a little more about Renee Moullet, our Restaurant and Functions Manager at the Club’s Restaurant and Chef Roger Moullet’s daughter. Sigrid: Renee, it’s lovely to have you join us at the restaurant. Can you please tell us a little more about how you first became involved in the Club. Renee: I first came to the Swiss Club when I was twelvee years old. My father, Roger and my Mother, Dianne opened up the Swiss Rösti Bar on the ground floor in 1997, and I remember coming upstairs to the Club and seeing the booths, the BBQ and the black ceilings! When I was fourteen years old, I did my first ever waitress shift at the Swiss Club, where I dropped white wine all over my first customer! It was the last time I ever did that - Dad was really mad at me.
ru running the Swiss Club Restaurant I have also been the General Manager of the als Castle Hotel in North Melbourne, running Ca ov over 100 functions a year. Before my time in ho hospitality I was the Business Development M Manager for the Exclusive Piano Group in EEssendon, selling the prestigious Steinway & Sons Pianos. I have also worked in Canada as a waitress and in Soho, London, C managing a cocktail bar. m SSigrid: I know the Swiss Club holds a vvery special place in your heart, can yyou tell us why?
Sigrid: You’ve been in hospitality for a while now. Can you tell us a bit more about your professional background?
Renee: I love working at the Swiss Club Restaurant and I also love being a part of the Club. I love its Heritage, the lovely members and Sub-groups that keep the club and its heritage firmly rooted. Every time I went overseas traveling, I would look forward to coming back home. The only thing that wouldn’t change or disappear when I got back was the Club. It has been a constant in my life and I appreciate all it has given me, along with all of the fond memories too.
Renee: I’ve had over 14 years of experience and aside from
Sigrid: And as Restaurant and Functions Manager can
One Swiss is battling to preserve the Great Barrier Reef Katia Nicolet has been studying marine biology in Townsville for the past two years. She dives almost daily on the Great Barrier Reef, the subject of her research and future doctoral thesis. Katia studies at James Cook University, where she is carrying out her research and hopes to complete her PhD in 2016. Tropical appeal Katia is 27 years old and was born in Geneva. From 2006 to 2009 she completed a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Neuchâtel. After completing her studies, she spent a month and a half as a research assistant in Egypt, which convinced her to pursue a PhD in marine biology. With three options on the table, Canada, France or Australia, Katia decided to travel far to somewhere warm. She arrived in Townsville in February 2011 to complete her master’s degree in marine biology at James Cook University. Coral disease Her studies mean she is often away from her desk. She spends March to June on Lizard Island, part resort and part national park off the coast of Queensland, around 500 kilometres north of Townsville. On those days, she begins working at 6.30am, with an hour’s preparation before even leaving the overnight anchorage. “When you dive for research, you carry around a huge amount of material,” explains Katia. “A hammer to collect coral samples, a camera or rulers to
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measure the speed of progress of coral disease. At 8 o’clock, you’re on the boat. It takes 30 minutes to get to the site, where we collected data and take photos during dives of between one to two hours. From time to time, I would also take water samples, and it would take two hours to analyse them back in the laboratory on the island.” It was through this work that Katia discovered that so-called coral disease was being spread by the Drupella sea snail. Under threat Since beginning her work in this area, she has become a passionate defender of the Great Barrier Reef. “It’s a unique and highly productive ecosystem, with an incredible biodiversity,” she explains enthusiastically. “You could compare it to the Amazon rainforest.” The fragility of the reef intrigues her – and it seems to have many enemies, slowly killing this natural wonder. Katia has been trying to understand how coral disease is transmitted, but it’s far from easy. “I’ve set three or four experiments up, that I’m going to leave in situ for two years. I’m going to come back periodically to Swiss Club of Victoria
you tell us a little more about what your role involves? Renee: You name it, I do it! My daily tasks include handling emails, bookings, staff rosters, hiring new staff, ordering stock, stocktaking, wine lists and wine selection, beverage menu & pricing, cleaning, customer service and organising functions. But my most important task is to make the customers smile! It’s a challenging role with lots to do and sometimes I wish there was two of me, especially when we have large groups come in for dinner that haven’t booked. Booking a few days in advance helps me to plan staff requirements, which in turn helps customers get better service. There’s nothing worse than being short staffed! Sigrid: And on that note, what can large groups do to help you give them a better dining experience? Renee: The restaurant can be really busy some days and we want to ensure good service for all guests. The Swiss Club members are the reason for having a club restaurant, so we love when members come, in particular on Wednesday and Thursday for club nights. It is especially great when they come and dine in groups, be it to celebrate something or someone, or when the interest groups come down to dine and unwind after their regular meetings on the Second Floor. In either case, it would enhance their overall
collect data. I’m also running two other experiments where I’ve placed a cage around the coral, to see what happens when there are no fish to eat off the coral. And other factors, such as water quality, light or the temperature can also influence disease development.” Coral can survive in water up to 31 degrees Celsius. But above that there is a risk of bleaching. High temperatures are also a threat to the algae that live in symbiosis with the coral and provide it with up to 80% of its energy. Any loss is a death sentence for coral. Global warming also means more carbon dioxide is released into the water, leading to acidification. This makes coral more fragile, not unlike bones suffering from osteoporosis. A warming climate powers more violent cyclones too, which damage the already fragile coral. Add to that pollution from heavy metals and insecticides as well as fertiliser feeding the bacteria which make the coral ill. All of this threatens a reef which is 2,600 kilometres long and a preferred spawning area for fish. Despite the multitude of threats to the Great Barrier Reef, Katia remains optimistic, and hopes that scientific knowledge will progress in step with the development of renewable energy, providing some solutions to the problems faced by the reef. Katia has another three years to finish her PhD. “If all goes well, I will put together in my final year a model for predicting coral disease,” she hopes. “I don’t know if I will be able to stay in Australia after that, or if I will embark on post-doctorate research. What I do know is that I want to continue my research, to keep on trying to understand how to protect the coral reef in Australia or elsewhere.” swissinfo.ch w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
dining experience if groups made their reservation a few days in advance. It would also be helpful to know from the organiser at the point of reservation or upon arrival at the club how the group plans to order; individually or only once all guests have arrived. The same applies to the bill; if guests let us know at the point of ordering their preference for individual tabs or a group bill, we will be able to serve them more efficiently and faster at the end of the night, when they are ready to leave. We understand that the interest groups, might not be able to know days in advance how many will end up dining after their practice session, but if the convenor lets us know just before starting their practice how many will come down for dinner afterwards and at what time, we can prepare and be ready to serve them. Food orders can also always be done before starting the session. Our staff are here for the Swiss Club members and want to make their dining experience a pleasurable one. Some staff members are with us for longer periods and have an opportunity to get to know the members, others change regularly. If club members introduce themselves to the staff they have never met and let them know that they are a member, the staff can give them the member treatment, and we can ensure that they receive their 10% Food & Beverage discount or get their preferred table etc. It would also be helpful, if members bringing non member guests to the club, ensure that their guests sign the guest register. Sigrid: So I hear you’re also a beautiful singer. Where are you singing at the moment? Renee: Yes, I am the lead singer of the band Shazam! You may remember us from the Swiss Festival. We regularly perform at weddings, corporate events, private parties & fundraising events. If you want to know more then please check out our website at www.shazammelbourne.com Sigrid: So what events are coming up at the restaurant that Members and their friends can get involved in? We have an exciting new program of live music with the first of our “Saturday Sessions” on the Second Floor, featuring an afternoon of Jazz with the Justine Jones Hammond Trio on Saturday 24th May from 3pm until 6pm. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.trybooking.com/77305 On Wednesday 28th May we have our first ever Beer Challenge with an Australia vs the World beer tasting. Join our beer experts, Craig Lukies from Mildura Brewery, Joel Drysdale from Tooborac and Mik from Trumer as they guide you through 6 incredible local and international beers. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.trybooking.com/85940 On Friday 1st August we have the Swiss National Day dinner. Please check the advert on page 15 for details and booking information. Sigrid: Renee thanks for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to let Members know? Renee: I would like to thank the Swiss Club for many years of beautiful memories. Next time you are in the Club please come and introduce yourself. We are always looking at ways to improve the restaurant for its members and are grateful of any constructive feedback or suggestions!
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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, its subgroups or the Restaurant. Please book all Swiss Club functions (bold entries) with Roger or Renee, 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).
MAY
Saturday 24 Wednesday 28 Saturday
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‘Saturday Sessions’ Jazz event on the Second Floor Social Jass Beer Challenge: Australia vs the World Jass Night - Swiss Club
JUNE
Thursday Sunday Friday Wednesday
05 15 20 25
Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains Working Bee Billiard Competition - Bernard Sandoz Trophy Social Jass
JULY
Wednesday Thursday Saturday Wednesday Wednesday
02 03 05 16 23
Ladies’ Luncheon Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains Jass Night - Swiss Club Swiss Movie Night - ‘Anna Göldin - last witch’ Social Jass
AUGUST
Friday
01
Sunday Thursday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Saturday
03 07 09 26 27 30
National Day Lantern Procession & Family Dinner Swiss Club Swiss National Day Dinner Swiss National Day Family Picnic - Matterhorn Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains Jass Night - Matterhorn Senior Members’ Luncheon Social Jass Jass Night - Swiss Club (Final)
Advance Notice:
OTHER REGULAR SWISS CLUB MEETINGS: Committee Meetings: every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month (excluding January & December) 6.30 to 8pm. Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose: practice every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm Swiss Companion Singers: practice and social gathering every 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month at 8pm Laughter Yoga Helvetia: meets every 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month at 6pm
Kaffeeklatsch
SwissKids: meets every 1st Saturday of each month, from 2pm to 4pm
Kaffeeklatsch (Coffee, Cakes and a Chat) will be on
Les Bavards - ‘The Chatterboxes’: French Conversation Group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6.30pm
Sunday, 14 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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The Swiss Diners Club: dates for get-togethers can be found on www.swissclubvic.com.au or on Yahoo group http://groups. yahoo.com/neo/groups/SwissDinersClub/info Swiss Club of Victoria
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REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
JUNE 2014
Annual General Meeting
RO U CLU
THE
IS SW S
Swiss Festival
T
ABOU D N B
The Swiss Festival – Swissness at its best!
Unterhaltungsabend
On Sunday, 6 April, thousands of visitors flocked to the Swiss Festival to enjoy a sunny day on Melbourne’s Queensbridge Square at the banks of the Yarra. There were many musical highlights: the 15 person strong authentic Guggemusik from Auckland NZ with their electrifying energy – a first for the Swiss Festival – and the Swiss Kiwi Yodlers and their five Alphorn players also from Auckland left their indelible mark. And our trusted groups also added their own charm to the festival, including the Yodel Choir Matterhorn, the Swiss Companion Singers, the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose, Phil
showcase our beloved Switzerland to the public, emphasising our culture and reminding our fellow Australians of the many wonderful contributions the Swiss have made to this country. Swiss Community Groups representing different activities such as the Swiss Club of Victoria, the Swiss Companion Singers, the Laughter Yoga Helvetia and the SwissKids were present on the day and the ladies of the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess in their beautiful costumes helped us sell raffle tickets. The Vice Consul General Mr Bernhard Furger declared the SF open at 11am and was also available to answer questions regarding Swiss consular
(accordion) & Beat (contrabass) as well as Renee Moullet and the Shazam Band, (yes, Renee is the daughter of Roger Moullet, our Swiss Club Restaurant Manager.) There was plenty to eat and drink like Cervelats and Bratwürste, Raclette (by the way, the proceeds were donated to charity – see page 9 for more details – thank you Rémy!), Crepes and Gauffres, Mövenpick ice cream and of course Rivella was available. The Swiss Club was offering Swiss beer and wines and the ‘Heiweh-Lädeli’ from Walma’s Smallgoods was tempting visitors with Swiss chocolates, biscuits and other feel good Swiss specialties and products. Three huge Swiss flags on flag poles near Queensbridge Square and another three massive Swiss Festival banners greeted passers-by and alerted visitors of the nearby Swiss Festival. The aim of the festival is to play a part in the multicultural scene of Melbourne but also to join ranks as Swiss expats in Australia to
affairs, Nina Wirth fielded enquiries for SAAN and the SwissCham and Roland Isler also responded to questions regarding the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). The travel and tourism sector was represented by Swiss International Air Lines and Switzerland Holidays who gave away free flights to Switzerland and an accommodation package including free rail passes. Mobile phone communication provider Lycamobile also used the festival platform to promote their services. And our friends from the Australian-Swiss Search Dog Association were showing off their trained dogs in daring rescue operations on stage! The committee worked tirelessly to get the Swiss Festival off the ground. The team consisted of Rolf Huber, President, Bruno Giger, Treasurer, Vreni Welsh, Volunteer Coordinator, Sylvie Eggertswyler, Entertainment, Roger Moullet, Food & Beverage and Thomas Schmocker, our Swiss based Consultant. Continued on page 8
89 Flinder s Lane • Melbour ne 3000 • Victor ia • Australia • www.s wissclubvic .com.au