SEPTEMBER 2015
Swiss National Day Festival at the Club
This year, Swiss National Day fell on a Saturday. What a great opportunity to have our club open from morning till late. The Committee, with the help of some dedicated members and volunteers, put together a Swiss National Day Festival in and around the Swiss Club to ensure that Flinders Lane was humming with Swissness on Switzerland’s special day. The event opened with Alphorn sounds reverberating in Duckboard Place, followed by delicious smells of sausages wafting through the lane and sounds of modern Swiss music entertaining through the day. There were activities for kids such as having an opportunity of being Wilhelm Tell in our own ‘hollow alley’ (Duckboard Place) and shooting an apple of Walter’s head. The steady stream of visitors were encouraged to climb the proverbial mountain to the Second Floor where a Swiss arts & craft exhibition was waiting to be discovered. The exhibit showcased a beautiful selection of ‘Trachten’, traditional dresses and accessories from various regions of Switzerland, from the collection of Sylvia Hochuli (read more about it on page 6), as well as some fine original examples of Hans Erni’s illustrations in form of his famous Knie Posters and an original Erni pencil drawing of a Pegasus, one of his signature motives. One area of the exhibition was dedicated to HR Giger and his work. Continued page 5
89 Flinder s Lane • Melbour ne 3000 • Victor ia • Australia • www.s wissclubvic .com.au
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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 http://swissclubvictoria.com Club Nights for Members: Wed & Thurs Club / Restaurant Opening Hours Lunch: Mon – Fri from 12noon Dinner: Tue – Fri from 6pm Chef & Manager: Roger Moullet Restaurant and Functions Manager: Reneé Moullet Bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 Swiss Club Catering For all functions contact Roger or Reneé T: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104 M: 0409 040 249 E: swissclub@hotmail.com The Second Floor Function Room Info and/or bookings T: 1300 893 968 E: thesecondfloor@swissclubvic.com.au
COMMITTEE Arnold Kramer President / Building Services Manager M: 0419 268 503 E: president@swissclubvic.com.au Barbara Kündig Secretary M: 0402 018 363 E: info@swissclubvic.com.au Arnold Kramer / Barbara Kündig Treasury E: treasurer@swissclubvic.com.au
‘Edelweiss’ appears quarterly in March, June, September and December. Circulation 450. 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
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Vreni Welsh Membership M: 0423 513 843 E: membership@swissclubvic.com.au Susan Brealey M: 0401 170 036 E: susan@swissclubvic.com.au Liz Isler Grants Officer M: 0409 040 099 E: marketing@swissclubvic.com.au
SWISS CLUB INTEREST 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 Sigrid M: 0416 088 000 E: swiss@andec.biz Rémy: see Groupe Romand du Victoria Laughter Yoga Helvetia Convenor: Marianne Bishop M: 0448 697 258 E: laughter.club.helvetia@gmail.com Swiss Festival Chairman: Rolf Huber T/F (H): (03) 9807 0282 M (B): 0425 805 854 E: rolf@swissfestival.com.au
Unless otherwise stated, postal address for all is: 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000
SWISS COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS Swiss Society of Victoria (Benevolent Society) President: Patrick Albert M: 0449 999 645 E: patalbertaus@gmail.com 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 contact details see: www.swisscham.com.au Swiss-Australian Academic Network (SAAN) E: info@saan.id.au Further contact details see: www.saan.com.au Organisation of the Swiss Abroad Council Member: Roland Isler Further contact details see: under Editor www.aso.ch 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 contact details of consular representations see: www.eda.admin.ch/australia
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President’s Message Dear Members and friends of the Swiss Club Victoria, Winter this year has given us some of our coldest and windiest weather we have seen for a while but on our National Day at our wonderful Swiss Club of Victoria, we were blessed. What a fantastic day. Starting at 11.30am Henry Huggins opened proceedings by playing the alphorn. That distinct Swiss sound was beautifully echoed off the surrounding ‘mountains’ the buildings and through the laneways adding to the already Swiss theme of flags, bells and giant posters we had displaying in the lane adjacent to our club. We certainly created a lot of interest and having Duckboard Place closed for the BBQ and children’s activities gave us the opportunity to share Switzerland with the general public. Many partook in the BBQ Bratwurst and Cervelat before visiting the Second Floor art and cultural exhibition and enjoy some light refreshments and home cooked delights. All of you who attended would no doubt join me in thanking all the members, volunteers and friends who worked so hard in making the day a success. The room looked vibrant and all the displays were wonderful. It was an incredible effort in getting everything set up and the variety of interesting items on display was amazing. A special recognition must go to members, Marianne Bishop, Beatrice DelacrĂŠtaz, Janette Eisenegger, Sylvia Hochuli, Marlies Krummenacher, Rita Schwärzler and the Companion Singers for their help and kind generosity and trust in sharing their prized and valuable possessions, with us. I wish to thank our Honorary Consul, Erika Kimpton for lending us her four precious lithographs that added to the special area we had on the Knie dynasty. This year the traditional Lampion parade went from the Club
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to Federation Square. It was terrific to see all the excited kids setting off with their lanterns, dressed in bright Swiss colours making a great noise and fanfare up Flinders Lane across the bridge to Federation Square. Thank you also to the parents, relatives and friends for accompanying the children providing such a special treat for all passers-by to witness – great fun. At night, following the Lampion parade the Swiss Club restaurant was humming. Being fully booked our wonderful Chef Roger Moullet came up with a delicious menu that was accompanied by the fabulous entertainment by John Wanner and his ‘Kapelle GrĂźezi Mitenand’. The staff worked furiously to ensure everyone was well looked after. Thanks go to Roger, ReneĂŠ and all the staff. Representing the Swiss Ambassador, we were honoured to have Sandra Cadien join us from Canberra. Following Sandra’s speech and the National Anthem we were entertained, under the guidance of Sylvia Hochuli, by the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose who danced to perfection. As mentioned in the June Edelweiss the Dance Group had performed in Adelaide earlier this year with great success. There can be no doubt, we have the best dance group outside Switzerland. On Sunday, the Swiss National Day Family Picnic, organised by the Swiss Festival Committee was held at the Austrian Club, again a terrific turnout which was great to see. Congratulations to the organisers, volunteers and of course all attendees for making another happy day for the Swiss Community. In May, Barbara KĂźndig, Liz Isler and Vreni Welsh took over the Second Floor to host the Biggest Morning Tea which raised $815 for the Cancer Council – a wonderful result and thanks to all those who donated to this special cause. Next year, I have been assured, we go for an even bigger amount. Since my last report, I am delighted to let you know that we have two members willing to join the Committee. Marcus Luethi and Gideon Aschwanden who have already been very active assisting the club, will be officially standing to be elected at the Half-Yearly Meeting on Wednesday, 30 September. We however continue to urge members to seriously consider joining the Committee and also to participate in the various sub interest groups. We especially need to encourage the next generations of Swiss to become more involved. Remember Wednesday and Thursday evenings are our official club nights. Members are encouraged to come along, have a drink and/or a meal, meet fellow members and play a hand of Jass. The committee meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month and we would be delighted to meet with any members either before or after our official meeting. Just let us know. As I mentioned in the last newsletter, I undertake the role as your President of the Swiss Club of Victoria with a commitment to uphold the values of the Club and serve the members as best that I can. Be assured, I encourage your input, support and guidance in order to achieve the best outcomes in the interest of the Club, and look forward to meeting you. Arnold Kramer – President Swiss Club of Victoria
From front page
Welcome to our new members We are proud to introduce our newest Swiss Club members: Glenys & Robert Trembath; Hildegard & Peter Scheiber; Christine & John Merlo; Ming Lee & John Vedamanikam; Richard Bence; Ehrenfried Barth. We hope you will feel right at home and enjoy many happy events at the Club. If you have joined our great Club in the last 18 months, keep an eye out for a special New Member Event invitation email or SMS. Get involved, get to know your fellow members and help us by sharing your ideas for fun and interesting activities.
Happy birthday Joining the special Edelweiss Birthday Club for the first time and 80 years young are: Christine Seefeld, Agnes Zimmermann and Janet Goetz in October and Erwin Regli in November. We wish you all the very best of health and are glad you still enjoy our functions and the company of your fellow members.
Another section contained a display about the Knie family with some lovely Rolf Knie lithographs. Thank you to Esther Herdina for putting the display together. Our talented members showcased Swiss art and handicraft with a magnificent display of Nyon porcelain painting by Beatrice Delacrétaz and many wonderful examples of traditional and modern Swiss Folk painting by Sylvia Hochuli and Janette Eisenegger. The Companion Singers and Laughter Yoga Helvetia had a lovely selection of Swiss souvenirs for purchase. Let’s not forget the fine examples of Swiss knitting by Marlies Krummenacher. On the culinary front, the Second Floor offered such favorites as Nussgipfel, Chäschuechli and Schinkegipfeli with coffee, tea or wine. Visitors who were after some more Swiss fare, could enjoy lunch and festivities in the club restaurant. At dusk, the kids were excited to go on the Lantern Parade, this year starting at the club walking down to Federation Square. The procession was led by young drummer, Marius Ortner, and there was of course as always a lot of noise from cow bells with ‘jauchzer’ thrown in and singing of the Lantern Song. The traditional dinner dance in the club restaurant started with our Dance Group Alpenrose setting the stage by performing two lovely dances and the fabulous ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’ got everyone quickly into party mood. What a fabulous Swiss National Day Festival we had. Enjoy the photos and read more about it in the President’s Report. Barbara Kündig
Get well Dealing with health issues at the moment are Beat Altermatt, Sybille Steiner and Mareli Hein. We wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you at the Club again soon.
The last farewell We are very saddened to have to say farewell to our Honorary Life Member, Eleanor Schmidig, who was an active member of the club for many years. We will remember fondly her kindness and smile. Our sincere condolences go to our Honorary Life Member, Sepp, and family. We also send our deepest sympathy to the family of Adrian Huber who sadly passed away. Adrian was a much loved member of the Swiss Club and a friend that will be dearly missed.
The Swiss Club Restaurant would like to invite all Members to join their BIRTHDAY CLUB! This entitles you to receive a complimentary meal during your birthday month when you dine with two or more people. It also keeps you up-to-date with any events that Roger and Reneé will be doing at the Restaurant. To join is free! Simply call 03 96501196 or email swissclub@hotmail.com with your name, date of birth and anniversary month. We look forward to seeing you for your birthday!
Eleanor Schmidig It is with sadness that we hear of the passing of Eleanor Schmidig. Eleanor and Sepp have been active members and great supporters of the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose for many years. On behalf of the group, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Sepp and the family. Eleanor’s friendly smile will be remembered by us all. We have many happy memories of her. Sylvia Hochuli
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Adrian Huber It is with profound sadness that we have to farewell our dear friend Adrian Huber. Our sincere condolences go to his family. Adrian, you will be greatly missed at the ‘Stammtisch’ and always be remembered fondly! Your Jass friends
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Switzerland’s National Costumes, the ‘Tracht’ Switzerland has around 800 different national costumes, or ‘Tracht’ in Swiss-German. These are divided in three groups, the working costumes, the Sunday best and the festive costumes worn for special occasions. It has been estimated that over 80,000 Swiss wear and own a Tracht. The diversity of these beautiful costumes is amazing. The costumes date back to the Middle Ages and were mainly in darker colours and, of course, full length. Class distinction and social differences at that time, was very noticeable: Aristocrats, middle class or commoners and the farmers and peasants. The well-to-do aristocrats wore the most beautiful silk costumes with lots of embroidery and lace. For the farmers and their wives it was more a working uniform made from cotton, hemp and flex. The later were planted and harvested, dyed and then woven. The farmers’ wives would then make them up into costumes. Just spare a thought for all the hard and consuming work. In the early 1800s hardly anybody wore the Tracht anymore. It was simply no longer fashionable. In 1840 Switzerland had only 44 different costumes represented by various cantons. These costumes were only worn for very special occasions, such as church processions in the catholic regions, special traditional days and also in the city of Bern for the agricultural exhibitions. Beginning of 1900 the Swiss National Trust formed a subcommittee to encourage and to revitalise the Tracht. It was a very welcome decision. Since 1959, a National Costume Festival was held in Männlichen (Canton of Bern) each July. The revitalisation of the Tracht created a lot of work for so many. Most of the farmhouses had a weaver’s loom and a spinning wheel. The already hard working farmer wives were busy producing the most beautiful material for the costumes. Religion and church played a big part for the re-designing of the costumes. In the catholic regions a lot of textiles were produced in convents. The nuns were busy weaving and creating all the wonderful embroideries. Most ideas and designs came from motifs on stained glass windows, flora and fauna, the architecture of churches, which also determined the combination of colours. It is noticeable that the Tracht worn in protestant Cantons (States) are less embellished and have a certain severity about them. During the First World War the costumes had a new function. The ladies formed choirs and entertained the sick and injured soldiers with Swiss folk songs. The costume was a symbol of Swiss patriotism. Gradually the people of Switzerland wanted the identification of the Tracht back. The costume design has been greatly influenced by the Renaissance and Rococo period, as can be seen in the fitted bodices in certain costumes. The countries surrounding Switzerland influence our costumes significantly, and vice versa. It is very noticeable in the dresses from the French part of Switzerland.
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A very strong point of identification is the hat. Almost every region has a different hat. Some are made of straw or lace, horsehair, lace, silk ribbons, velvet or felt. In some Cantons the single girl wears a different hat to that of a married woman. By 1980 just about all the weaver’s looms had disappeared and the material was and still is, mass-produced by textile companies. The dress of the Tracht is made from cotton, linen, silk or wool. Aprons are mostly from linen, some are still handwoven, silk or damask material. Also worn with the national costumes are various accessories that make and complete the Tracht. These are: The ‘Fichu’ (a triangle lace scarf worn to fill in the low neckline of a bodice) are knitted or crocheted from cotton or fine wool yarn. Some are made from printed silk material. There are wooden, handpainted brooches, wood carved brooches and of course the filigree jewellery (delicate kind of jewellery metalwork, usually of gold and silver) which is mostly worn with the festive Tracht. It is interesting to know, that there are only a few skilled silver filigree craftsmen left in Switzerland. Ladies handbags are produced from cotton, velvet, silk, cashmere or straw. Some made with exquisite embroidery. Gloves are mostly worn with the Sunday and festive dresses. Hand-knitted white socks and, of course, the shoes with the silver buckle complete the Tracht. Lets not forget the men. They often wear the ‘Mutz’ (a shortsleeve black velvet jacket from the Canton of Bern) a blouse, dress shirt or a dress smock. The special tops are generously embroidered in a motif of alpine flowers. Coats and trousers are made from fine wool material in black and brown. Some of the vests are made from velvet and silk. In eastern Switzerland men wear a richly embellished red short-sleeve jacket with silver buttons. To keep up with traditions, farmer’s daughters who attend the agricultural school in Switzerland still make their own costumes from scratch as part of the schooling. In an article about men’s Tracht I read in a Swiss magazine: “Maybe it is a lack of fantasy or not enough encouragement, lack of opportunity or simply laziness, that’s why the men won’t wear it more often. The Appenzeller are an exemption. They proudly wear their very colourful outfits on every occasion.” The Tracht is an important cultural symbol of Switzerland. Traditions live on and continue to be popular. I am very proud to own a Tracht and very honoured to wear it. Sylvia Hochuli Swiss Club of Victoria
Swiss National Day Family Picnic
Photos by Francine Schaepper
Sunday, 2 August 2015 The weekend of 1st and 2nd of August did manifest a massive turn-out of the red & white dressed Swiss Community and their friends in Melbourne. It so happened that on Saturday, the Swiss National Day was held at the Swiss Club in the CBD and on Sunday the traditional OpenAir Family Picnic went ahead in the grassy front yard of the Austrian Club in Heidelberg West on a pleasant winters day. We are pleased to report that over 800 guests followed the folkloristic entertainment at the Family Picnic and enjoyed over 100 kilos of veal Bratwurst and Cervelats, as well as tasty Raclette and delicious Swiss treats, such as ‘Nussgipfel’ and ‘Schnägge’ created by ‘Aviv Cakes’ of Elsternwick. The Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn, organisers of the previous two Family Picnics, asked us to take over this year’s event coordination, which we happily accepted partly because no Swiss Festival was scheduled for this year which freed us up but also because we did not wish that this lovely tradition would fall away. The Swiss National Day Family Picnic pays homage to the celebrations taking place in Switzerland and in line with the official part of the event, the President of Switzerland Simonetta Sommaruga’s speech to the Swiss Abroad was played and the Swiss National Anthem sung by the Swiss Companion Singers. The Honorary Consul of Switzerland, Ms Erika Kimpton addressed the crowd with a pointed speech and was ably accompanied by our guest of honour The Honourable Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council and a Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region. Our junior Shaqiris played a soccer game and the Bernese Mountain Dog Association presented a number of their friendly Swiss breeds including a five month old puppy dog to an adoring public. ‘Walmas Meat & Smallgoods’ of Bayswater and their ‘Heiweh Lädeli’ as well as ‘Red Cow’ (selection of Rolf Beeler cheese) and ‘Mr. Willis Café’ in Hampton rounded off the list of traders on the day. We would also like to acknowledge ‘Not for Profit Insurance Services’. A big thank-you goes to our loyal and always willing volunteers who are the nuts & bolts of this event, to our host ‘The Austrian Club Melbourne’, and to Roland Isler, representing the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, for providing printing. At the end I would also like to thank my energetic Swiss Festival Committee, Andre Jaeggi, Bruno & Sara Giger, Francine Schaepper, Liz Isler, Martin von Wyss, Roger Moullet and Sylvie Eggerstwyler for taking on the planning and organisation of the Swiss National Day Family Picnic. We look forward to seeing you again in a year’s time. Rolf Huber – Chairman Swiss Festival Committee w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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The Piccard’s – a family conquering the superlatives Auguste Piccard Auguste Piccard was born in Basel on 28 January 1884 and died on 24 March 1962 in Lausanne. He was a physicist, inventor and explorer – and the first man in the stratosphere. In 1930, an interest in ballooning, and a curiosity about the upper atmosphere led him to design a spherical, pressurized aluminum gondola that would allow ascent to great altitude without requiring a pressure suit. An important motivation for his research in the upper atmosphere were measurements of cosmic radiation, which were supposed to give experimental evidence for the theories of Albert Einstein, whom Piccard knew personally.
Jacques Piccard His son, Jacques Piccard, (28 July 1922 – 1 November 2008) followed in his fathers footsteps. Jacques initially started out his career by teaching economics at University of Geneva while continuing helping his father improve the bathyscaphe to demonstrate its potential for operating in deep waters.
Jacques Piccard with models of (from left to right) the mesoscaphe Auguste Piccard, the bathyscaphe FNRS 2, and the bathyscaphe Trieste
Ballooning pioneer Auguste Piccard On May 27, 1931, Auguste Piccard and Paul Kipfer took off from Augsburg, Germany, and reached a record altitude of 15,785m. During this flight, Piccard was able to gather substantial data on the upper atmosphere, as well as measure cosmic rays. On 18 August 1932, launched from Dübendorf, Switzerland, Piccard and Max Cosyns made a second recordbreaking ascent to 16,201m. He ultimately made a total of twenty-seven balloon flights, setting a final record of 23,000m. In the mid-1930s, Piccard’s interests shifted when he realised that a modification of his high altitude balloon cockpit would allow descent into the deep ocean. By 1937, he had designed the bathyscaphe, a small steel gondola built to withstand great external pressure. Construction began, but was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. Resuming work in 1945, he completed the bubble-shaped cockpit that maintained normal air pressure for a person inside the capsule even as the water pressure outside increased to over 46 MPa (6,700 psi).
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With the submersible ‘Trieste’ that he designed, Piccard and his colleagues planned the greatest challenge – a voyage to the bottom of the sea. On 23 January 1960, Piccard and Lt. Don Walsh reached the floor of the ‘Mariana Trench’ located in the western North Pacific Ocean. The depth of the descent was measured at 10,916m; later, more accurate, measurements during 1995 found the ‘Mariana Trench’ to be slightly less deep at 10,911m The descent took almost five hours. The ‘Trieste’ carried no scientific equipment and no experiments were conducted; the mission’s purpose was merely to prove that the depth could be reached. It did, however, carry a Swiss flag – the first to reach the lowest point on Earth. The descent progressed without incident until 9,140m, when the crew heard a loud crack. They continued the dive, finally touching down in ‘snuffcolored ooze’ at the bottom of the sea. When they reached the featureless seabed, they saw a flat fish as well as a new type of shrimp. Marine biologists later disputed their observations, claiming that no fish could survive the 17,000 psi pressure at such depths. Upon discovering cracks in the viewing windows, Piccard cut the voyage short. After only a 20-minute stay on the bottom, they began dumping ballast for their return to the surface, and the damaged vessel returned to its escort ships without incident in three hours and 15 minutes. The historic dive and as yet unbroken record received worldwide attention, and Piccard wrote an account of it in ‘Seven Miles Down’. Bertrand Piccard Jacques’s son, Bertrand Piccard, (born 1 March 1958 in Lausanne) is continuing his family traditions. He commanded the first non-stop balloon flight around the world in March 1999, in the balloon ‘Breitling Orbiter 3’. It stood 55m tall Swiss Club of Victoria
André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard
Breitling Orbiter 3 when fully inflated. The propane gas that fueled its six burners was contained in 28 titanium cylinders mounted in two rows along the sides of the bright-red egg-shaped gondola made of carbon-composite. He and Brian Jones set off from Château d’Oex in the canton of Vaud on the first successful non-stop balloon circumnavigation of the globe requiring no fuel for forward motion. Piccard and Jones, in close cooperation with a team of meteorologists on the ground, caught rides in a series of jet streams that carried them 45,755km, finally landing in the Egyptian desert after a flight lasting 19 days, 21 hours and 47 minutes. ‘Solar Impulse’ is a long-range experimental solar-powered aircraft project, and also the name of the project’s two operational aircraft. The privately financed project is led by Bertrand Piccard and fellow-Swiss engineer and businessman André Borschberg. The ‘Solar Impulse’ project intends to achieve the first circumnavigation of the Earth by a piloted fixed-wing aircraft, flying day and night without a drop of fuel. The aircraft are single-seat monoplanes powered by photovoltaic cells and capable of taking off under their own power. The prototype, often referred to as ‘Solar Impulse 1’, was
designed to remain airborne up to 36 hours. It conducted its first test flight in December 2009. In July 2010, it flew an entire diurnal solar cycle (full rotation of the Earth), including nearly nine hours of night flying, in a 26-hour flight. Piccard and Borschberg completed successful solar-powered flights from Switzerland to Spain and then Morocco in 2012, and conducted a multi-stage flight across the United States in 2013. A second aircraft, completed in 2014 and named ‘Solar Impulse 2’ (SI2), carries more solar cells and more powerful motors, among other improvements. In March 2015, Piccard and Borschberg began an attempt to circumnavigate the globe with SI2, departing from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft was scheduled to return to Abu Dhabi in August 2015, upon the completion of its multi-stage journey. By 1 June 2015, the plane had traversed Asia. On 3 July 2015, the plane completed the longest leg of its journey, from Japan to Hawaii. During that leg, however, the aircraft’s batteries experienced thermal damage that is expected to take months to repair. The Solar Impulse team stated that they hope to resume the circumnavigation in April 2016. By attempting the first Round the World Solar Flight, Piccard and Borschberg want to demonstrate that clean technologies and renewable energies can achieve the impossible. For the Solar Impulse team, pioneering spirit and innovation can change the world. http://www.solarimpulse.com
The Piccard boys, Auguste, Jacques and Bertrand
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Up in the air or down in the deep, breaking records is what this Swiss pioneering dynasty has been good at for three generations.
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SwissKids händ de Plausch The SwissKids met on 6 June at the Swiss Club as they do on the first Saturday of almost every month. Liz Isler from the Swiss Club of Victoria committee and Inge Kulmanis, a former Swiss School teacher at the Club, were our special guests. The SwissKids were formed about 4 years ago combining the Swiss Saturday Morning School, Familieplausch and the Swiss Playgroup into a new interest group of the Swiss Club. The parent-run group is focused on fun, the German language, and Swiss culture. It’s open to kids of all ages with our youngest in a pram and our oldest regular attendee pushing 12. But of course the group is for much older kids, too, because it’s a great opportunity for the parents to speak a little SwissGerman. Once the children have settled in and greeted their friends, the children of school age, usually about eight or ten in number, go into an adjoining room. There Esther, a mother of three and a qualified school teacher and social worker leads a lesson that involves some speaking and some writing around a particular topic. Previously Esther would lead the children in some physics experiments and at present we’re learning about the geography of Switzerland. While the older children are focusing on language, the younger ones have fun with ‘Basteln’, or crafts. Another parent organises an activity, often related to the season, and the scissors, construction paper, glue and crayons come out. Once the school-aged children are finished with their lesson the whole group reconvenes, we eat some fruit, celebrate a birthday, sing some songs and then play a game if time permits. The group welcomes new members. As an interest group of the Swiss Club, who provides the facilities for free, we encourage families to become members of the club. There is presently a contribution fee of $5 per meeting. Many in the group are permanent residents of Australia, having partnered with locals, while others are Swiss families here for work only for a while. Others have lived in Switzerland and want the children to maintain or increase their knowledge of Swiss-German. We normally meet on the first Saturday of the month from 2 to 4pm on the Second Floor of the Swiss Club in Flinders Lane, but send a message if you plan to come for the first time so that we can confirm the venue. We hope to meet you soon! Martin von Wyss, mvw@vwmaps.com
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Thursday, 28 May The Swiss Club hosted its first Biggest Morning Tea this year to support the Victorian Cancer Council. Over the years, sadly, the club has lost a few of its wonderful members to this hideous disease. Thus giving support to an organisation that works so hard to find solutions and having a good time among members seemed a good combination. Over 20 members came along to enjoy a cuppa, morning tea and good company. On the day, we collect $490 adding the online contributions and pledges sent by members who couldn’t make it on the day, resulted in a total donation of $815 to Cancer Council Victoria. Thank-you so much to all the members and friends that came along and to the members who supported even when they couldn’t make it on the day. Watch this space for the 2016 Biggest Morning Tea date! Barbara, Liz & Vreni Swiss Club of Victoria
The whole bunch of Edelweiss is now online
THE LUGANO FESTIVAL 2015 had a very successful run from early April to early June. The program brought together the cream of established and emerging European classical instrumental and vocal talent. A highlight was the final evening performance from a group of twelve violinists and cellists from the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra. Their program led with Bach and Schumann. EXPO 2015 continues in Milan. The Swiss pavillion hosted a weekend over June 6th and 7th which focussed on the Ticino and the role of Italian language and culture within the Confederation. A stall included material from the archives of RSI (Radiotelevisione della Svizzera Italiana) and over 150 contributors produced a collage of written and photographic material. There was also a debate held regarding the linguistic challenges faced by the Italian language within the Confederation in the face of increasing globalisation. LA SPADA NELLA ROCCA had its 2015 edition in Bellinzona at the end of May. The event includes the re-enactment of a medieval-style parade led by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, as well as a display of falconery and a medieval market bringing together the finest gastronomic traditions of the region. IN AN EFFORT to counteract ‘salary dumping’ via crossborder workers, a cantonal referendum in Ticino on June 15th approved a ‘minimum salary’ equivalent to 3,000 euros per month net. Federal approval awaits. Anthony Longano
The entire library of newsletters since 2007 is now available online. Just go to the Swiss Club website 4 Our Club 4 Edelweiss Newsletter 4 Archive Edelweiss: http://issuu.com/search?q=edelweiss …and click on the Edelweiss ‘Open Stack’.
Fahrt ins Blaue – Mystery Trip Wednesday, 11 November The Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess / Australian Swiss Cultural Society would like to invite the retired Swiss / Australian Community (over sixty) to our mysterious and exciting ‘Fahrt ins Blaue – Mystery Trip’. Cost is $30.00 per person, which includes a three course lunch. If you are interested, please complete the coupon below and mail it with your cheque to: Sylvia Hochuli, 92 Addison Street, Elwood Vic 3184, or call 9531 6575. See you there!
Yes, I would like to attend the ‘Fahrt ins Blaue – Mystery Trip Name(s): The Bernard Sandoz Cup was battled over on 12 June at the Club’s Second Floor. Chris Laube triumphed over Rainer Diel. Congratulations to the winner and thank-you to all for participating. The next Swiss Club Singles Championship will be held on Friday, 23 October at 7:30pm Bookings are essential. Please ring Roger at the Swiss Club or myself on 0418 645 313, or email: louis.albert.schneider@gmail.com Cost: Only $20 per person which includes dinner. New players are always welcome! Louis Schneider
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Address:
Telephone: No. of persons @ $30.00: Cheque enclosed for total $: Please make your cheque payable to the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess (ASCS)
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Walter Purtschert Walter, you are a well known personality within the Swiss Community, through your business activities and membership of SwissCham (former SACCI), the Swiss Society and of course, the Swiss Club. Maybe you could tell us a little about you. How were your early years in Switzerland? Walter: I have fond memories of the contrasting aspects of my early years in Switzerland spending part of my childhood in Lauterbrunnen (Stechelberg) my birthplace and place of regular visits during school holidays and growing up in the city of Basel. Basel, with its diversity was a great place for an only child, as it offered in addition to schooling a lot of opportunities for extra activities. In my case these included involvement in the scout movement, sport (handball), chess and music. The latter became so important in my mid to late teens that playing guitar in a band was the only thing I ever wanted to do in life. Equally important and a valuable part of my growing up was spending time during vacation in the Bernese Oberland on a modest farm owned by the family. It was my grandfather, who as far back as I can remember gave me meaningful farming tasks which I completed with great pride and satisfaction. Fun times with my friends from the valley included hiking, skiing, tending to farm animals, accompanying cattle to and from the Alps etc. After leaving school, what did you do? With music my only real interest and joining a band as a rhythm guitar player and already playing regularly at events, my future seemed destined for a life as a musician. Strongly encouraged by my parents and family friends to pursue a ‘real’ profession, I applied and got accepted by then Sandoz to commence an in-house training course as a laboratory technician (Laborant). With reasonable grades I progressed at Sandoz and continued to enjoy my music. Sandoz as an employer was encouraging and sponsoring army training for its employees and trainees. I found the military experience both interesting and challenging by learning new skills and achieving a good level of fitness (required in infantry). When and why did you come to Australia? One of the pivotal moments of my life was a game of chess played at the Chess Club Sandoz in November 1964, when at the end of our game my opponent mentioned that he had applied for a visa to travel and work in Australia and was scheduled to depart in late January. His motivation, and that of many young Swiss at the time, was the ease of obtaining a visa, the adventure of travelling to the other side of the world, and the opportunity of learning English.
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This sounded like a great idea and in record time I completed the formalities of obtaining a visa, resigned from Sandoz and managed to join Hans Guntlin on his trip to Australia arriving in February of 1965. How did you go settling in Australia? Like all new arrivals from Switzerland we received great support from the Swiss Consulate then located in Melbourne, offering relevant information in regard to life in Melbourne. My first stay was in a white weatherboard house in Elwood owned w by an elderly Swiss couple and located within walking distance to the beach. w TThis was in sharp contrast to living in Basel and reminiscent of a holiday resort and left a very positive first and lasting impression. Career, business and family life, how did you manage it all? In regard to work: With a reference ffrom Sandoz in Switzerland and contact details of their subsidiary company in Melbourne, I got a job in the application laboratory supporting the textile, leather and paper industries. With my background limited to research and manufacture of colourants and chemicals I was on a steep learning curve in this new and exciting area of application of Sandoz products in different market and industry segments. Greatly supported by colleagues, some further studies and training in Switzerland, I managed to progress from technical support to technical sales, sales/marketing management and ultimately general management. With job growth came opportunities in international (USA) and regional (Asia/ Pacific) assignments before returning to Australia as head of Sandoz Australia in 1994. With the consolidation within the chemical/pharmaceutical industries in Europe in the mid 90’s, I was fortunate to be part of the foundation of Clariant and subsequent expansion as a result of the merger with Hoechst. Family life: It was in the Laboratory of Sandoz Australia that I met Barbara who helped me greatly with my laboratory work and more importantly in improving my then limited English language skills. Over time we started going out together and before long were married and started a family. Barbara, originally from Ballarat, has been a wonderful wife and mother of our two sons as well as a very supportive partner in all our endeavors both in Australia and abroad. You became a member of the Swiss Club in 1965 and, somewhat unusually, joined the Committee only a year later. Did the Club appeal to you so much, or was there a gentle persuasion to become a member of the Committee? The Swiss Club was important from day one of my arrival in Australia. It offered a reminder of home, an opportunity to meet Swiss living in Australia and most importantly provided excellent food. With the Sandoz facility then located within walking distance to the club, I joined up as member and participated in many of the club activities. Swiss Club of Victoria
The reason for joining the committee apart from an interest in helping to organise some club functions, was the caliber of people serving on the Committee at that time and the opportunity to learn from their ability and experiences. It goes without saying that the encouragement of Oskar Nicolet, head of Sandoz Australia and past president of the Swiss Club, also played a part in my early election to the Committee. You served on the Committee on and off over many years. As Vice-President for two years 1967/68, then you left the Committee and rejoined for one year in 1973. After that, you again became Vice-President from 198385, and finally you served on the Committee again from 2001 to 2003, including two years as President. Apart from that, you were part of many sub-groups such as the one responsible for obtaining our current club premises in the 1970’s.
• Being part (on the fringes only) in the securing the future of our Club through good negotiations in upgrading buildings/ facilities (1970’s) as well as the extraordinary contribution of the Oktoberfest. Foremost however are the memories of meeting and becoming friends with so many extraordinary people who all contributed towards making me a better person.
All my years on various Swiss Club Committees and subgroups were always interesting, challenging and greatly satisfying, especially if some significant progress was made. The Swiss Club is effectively a business and thus Committee participation in my early years offered a valuable opportunity to learn from my more experienced colleagues. In my later years I was able to draw on my own experience and together with a very competent committee was privileged to be President of the Swiss Club of Victoria.
With both our sons living overseas (Zurich and Boston), Barbara and I travel extensively each year catching up with family. In addition we enjoy regular golf in Melbourne and the odd trip to the Murray with friends. I also spend a fair bit of time on film editing combining video, photos and music in projects depicting mostly family and interesting places. My guiding principle is to ensure that every new movie project is technically better and more interesting than the previous one.
What are your fondest memories of your involvement in the Swiss Club? I have many wonderful memories which include: • Regular Wednesday cards game (Jass) with very special friends. • Helping in organizing functions of the past i.e. Winzerfest, Fasnacht, Metzgete, Fondue nights etc. • Formation of a very active young members group. • Involvement in numerous Swiss National Ball committees. • Participation in golf championships, business luncheons etc. • Attending 1st August functions, Volksfests etc,
What does the Swiss Club mean to you now? A special place (a little bit of home) to enjoy good company combined with a drink and some traditional Swiss food. Even though I’m not a very active member these days, I still enjoy the odd visit to the Swiss Club and always experience a special feeling of belonging and comfort among friends. What are your passions, your hobbies?
If you could invite five people, living or dead, to dinner, who would it be? A dinner at the club with some of the real stalwart members (past and present) of the Swiss club would be a wonderful occasion, however the number would be far greater than five. A selection of five people I admire would include: David Attenborough (Naturalist), Bobby Fischer (Chess Champion), Hank Marvin (lead player Shadows), Leonard Euler (Mathematician) and Jack Nicklaus (Golf legend). Thank you very much Walter for your time.
supports Opera in Victoria. For upcoming opera events visit our website
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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.
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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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Rank Surname Surname Name Name Name
5th Australian Jass Tournament took place on 7 June 2015 in Sydney at Forestville Memorial Hall.
The winners: Hans Schaffner (3), Rene Alini (1) & Willy Felder (2)
Equal winners of the ‘highest round’ score: Paul Eberhart & Willy Felder
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 25 27 28 29 30 30 32 33 34 35 36 37
State State
AliniAlini Rene Rene Rene QLD QLD Felder Felder WillyWillyWilly QLD QLD Schaffner Schaffner Hans Hans Hans NSW NSW Sonderegger Sonderegger Lorenz Lorenz Lorenz NSW NSW MerzMerz Markus Markus Markus WA WA Halbheer Halbheer Leo Leo Leo NSW NSW Sonderegger Sonderegger Monika Monika Monika NSW NSW PoppPopp BeatBeatBeat NSW NSW Muller Muller Heinz Heinz Heinz NSW NSW Gasser Gasser Helene Helene Helene NSW NSW Wihler Wihler PeterPeter Peter QLD QLD Gasser Gasser Danny Danny Danny NSW NSW Baumann Baumann Hanspeter Hanspeter Hanspete QLD QLD KunzKunz Andre Andre Andre NSW NSW Bruengger Bruengger HansHansHans VIC VIC Schaller Schaller Urs Urs Urs NSW NSW Theiler Theiler TrudiTrudiTrudi VIC VIC Addison Addison Barbara Barbara Barbara NSW NSW Krattli Krattli Walter Walter Walter 1/2 day 1/2 day NSW NSW Perry Perry Astrid Astrid 1/2 Astrid day 1/2 day 1 NSW NSW Hochuli Hochuli Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia VIC VIC Hirsbrunner HirsbrunnerSilviaSilviaSilvia WA WA IseleIsele Elizabeth Elizabeth Elizabeth NSW NSW Marchand Marchand Frank Frank Frank NSW NSW Wager Wager Madeleine Madeleine Madelein VIC VIC Hornlimann HornlimannMartin Martin Martin QLD QLD VogtVogt Hanspeter Hanspeter Hanspete QLD QLD Schlittler Schlittler Hanspeter Hanspeter Hanspete VIC VIC Dorig Dorig Rachel Rachel Rachel QLD QLD Unternahrer UnternahrerRita Rita Rita VIC VIC Moser Moser Gerhard Gerhard Gerhard NSW NSW NickNick Herbert Herbert Herbert QLD QLD Schnyder Schnyder DorisDorisDoris NSW NSW Notter Notter Stephan Stephan Stephan NSW NSW Conrad Conrad DorisDorisDoris VIC VIC Mueller Mueller PeterPeter Peter WA WA von von RotzRotz Rita Rita Rita QLD QLD Will Will RuthRuthRuth NSW NSW
Total 6863 M 6861 M 6739 M 6723 M 6713 M 6704 M M6663 6660 M 6658 M M6656 6602 M 6590 M 6534 M 6512 M 6462 M 6450 M M6448 M6447 6437 M 6437 M M6427 M6420 M6387 6382 M M6380 6375 M 6375 M 6366 M M6355 M6345 6307 M 6307 M M6306 6305 M M6283 6275 M M6272 M6264
Winner of the ‘closest to average’ score: flying the flag for Victoria, Doris Conrad!
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Rank
Surname
Name
38 39 40 41 42 42 43 44 45 46 47 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68
Vogt Portmann Rothlin Hess Heim Walser Bickel Grieder Milwright Eisenegger Junker Sinnamon Fleischmann Marchand Notter Eberhart Bickel Graber Blatti Moullet Theiler Goldiger Bless Anthonisz Simath John Schalch Laubscher Keller Tanner Martin Kunz
Bruno Fred Gusti Dennis Walter 1/2 day Nic 1/2 day Anita Elisabeth Ruth Paul Lukas Caroline Giuseppa Elizabeth Susanne Paul Matthias Urs Thomas Roger Marcel Sepp Patrick Iris Alois Aron Konrad Roman Hanspeter Carmen Robyn Martin
69 70 71 72
Hürlimann Montandon Diebold Kretz
Beny William Marcel Alois
Closest to Avg Conrad
Doris
State
Total T 6 Mr Mr 6251 QLD 6246 Mr Mr 6 VIC 6 Mr Mr 6239 NSW 6 Mr Mr 6215 QLD 6 Mr Mr 6210 NSW 6 Mr Mr 6210 NSW 6 MrsMrs 6208 QLD 6 Ms Ms 6207 NSW 6 MrsMrs 6200 QLD 6 Mr Mr 6169 VIC 6 Mr Mr 6163 NSW 6 MrsMrs 6163 NSW 6154 MrsMrs 6 NSW 6 MrsMrs 6140 NSW 6 MissMiss6128 NSW 6 Mr Mr 6126 NSW 6 Mr Mr 6117 QLD 6 Mr Mr 6093 WA 6 Mr Mr 6073 NSW 6 Mr Mr 6064 VIC 6 Mr Mr 6056 VIC 6 Mr Mr 6047 VIC 6 Mr Mr 6037 NSW 6019 MrsMrs 6 VIC 6 Mr Mr 6011 NSW 5 Mr Mr 5999 NSW 5 Mr Mr 5985 NSW 5 Mr Mr 5977 NSW 5 Mr Mr 5970 VIC 5 Ms Ms 5944 NSW 5 Ms Ms 5913 VIC Mr Mr 5892 NSW 5 5 Mr Mr 5885 VIC 5 Mr Mr 5827 QLD 5809 Mr Mr 5 NSW Mr Mr 5770 NSW 5
2nd Jass Night Results: Swiss Club, 30 May Singles
1. Hans Bruengger .......................................2937 2. Hans Peter Schlittler .................................2914 3. Hans Pecar ...............................................2910
Doubles
1. Sylvia Hochuli & Iris Anthonisz .................5295 2. Doris Conrad & Hans Keller ......................5094 3. Brigitte & Sepp Goldiger ..........................5076
3rd Jass Night Results: Swiss Club, 4 July Singles
1. Hans Pecar ...............................................2838 2. Rene Zeller ...............................................2776 3. Sigi Wyder ................................................2746
Doubles 1. Doris Konrad & Hans Keller ......................5244 2. Brigitte & Dolf Bohren..............................5109 3. Marlies & Sepp Krummenacher................4993
Upcoming Jass Night – 2015 4th & Final 12 September
Swiss Club
Information supplied by Paul Eisenegger & Sepp Goldiger
6 MrsMrs 6283 VIC
Highest Eberhart
Paul
9 Mr Mr 930 NSW
Score Felder
Willy
9 Mr Mr 930 QLD
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, 23 September • Wednesday, 28 October • Wednesday, 25 November 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. w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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Basil Jenkins, Secretary/Treasurer, E: bjenkins@swiss.org.au / m: 0419 335 889 Warm regards, Patrick Albert
SOC I SS
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Planning your private or business function? The Second Floor is the perfect venue! Contact 1300 893 968 for information & bookings.
Patrick Albert, Acting President E: patalbertaus@gmail.com / m: 0449 999 645
OF
After five years at the helm of the Swiss Society of Victoria (SSV), Franz Schnellmann, has decided to resign as President and to focus his energy on his family and other charitable activities close to his heart. Under Franz’s leadership the SSV helped a number of people in need and make a real difference in their lives. On behalf of the SSV and the Swiss Community in Victoria I would like to thank Franz for his tireless efforts and service over the years and wish Franz and his family all the best in their next chapter. Franz, we will see you at the Club! As the Vice President, I will automatically assume the acting Presidency until the next Annual General Meeting in March 2016. Please allow me to use this opportunity to briefly introduce myself; originally from Watt-Regensdorf, Kt. ZH, I moved to Melbourne in 2009 and currently live with my family in Torquay. I am married to a wonderful Australian lady and together we have two young boys. During the past fifteen years I have worked internationally in banking and finance and am now working here in Melbourne for UBS Wealth Management. We joined the Swiss Club of Victoria shortly after our arrival in Australia and I have been involved with different sub-groups, like the Swiss Festival where I am a member of the organising committee and the SSV where in March 2014 I was elected Vice President. I am also on the Board of the Swiss-Australian Chamber of Commerce (SwissCham). Privately I enjoy cooking, skiing and travelling this beautiful country. The Swiss Community in Victoria founded the SSV in 1879 and I am grateful to all the members, supporters and committee members who have actively contributed and kept it going for all these years. It is an honour to take on the Presidency of the SSV and I look forward to serving our Community through the Society. I see the SSV as a pillar of our Community and with an important social function, therefore its engagement with the Swiss Community is very important me. The SSV was formed with the primary purpose ‘to give advice and information to those of Swiss Nationality newly arrived, and to assist any Swiss in Victoria in want to of help, and found worthy to receive assistance’. It is in this spirit that the Executive Committee will continue to manage the SSV, engage with you and support you. Any request brought forward is thoroughly assessed by the Assistance Committee for its merit. In the past years the SSV provided help in form of personal, medical, legal and financial assistance to people who fell ill, were elderly and needed assistance or got themselves into trouble and required our help.
We would like thank Doris Diserens for her generous bequest to the Swiss Society of Victoria. Doris passed away peacefully on Sunday, 15th February 2015 aged 74. Doris was a life member of the Swiss Society and attended a number of annual meetings, showing an interest in the affairs of the Swiss Society. Our sincerest condolences and prayers go to her family, especially Karin and Annette. The SSV is mainly funded through income generated from investments with a minor contribution from membership fees. As a charitable organisation we are dedicated to support Swiss living in Victoria and are grateful for all membership contributions, donations, gifts and bequests. Membership at the Swiss Society of Victoria (Benevolent Society) is open to all Swiss Citizens over the age of 16 years and only costs $10 per annum. A life membership is available for $100 to those aged 60+. For any questions about the Swiss Society, how to become a member or make a donation, please contact either Basil Jenkins or myself. If you are experiencing difficulties, or you know someone who does, please contact us. We are here to help.
SWI
Change at the helm of the Swiss Society of Victoria
V IC T O R
The Swiss Society of Victoria’s purpose is to assist fellow Swiss in Victoria, old and young, who are in need of financial or social support. If you are experiencing difficulties, or you know of someone who does, please contact us. We are here to help.
Franz Schellmann M: 0412 203 893 schnellmann@dodo.com.au Supporting the Swiss Community of Victoria since 1879
Patrick Albert M: 0449 999 645 patalbertaus@gmail.com
Swiss Club of Victoria
Book the Second Floor at the Swiss Club for your next function
SWISS CLUB MOVIE ‘Das Fähnlein der Sieben Aufrechten’ (The troop of the Upright Seven)
Mobile Passport Station coming to Victoria The Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney is pleased to inform that it will operate a mobile passport station at the Second Floor of the Swiss Club on:
Wednesday, 14 to Friday, 16 October As a Swiss citizen you do not lose your nationality if your Swiss passport expires. Your nationality is granted through your registration at the place of origin in Switzerland. This registration entitles you to be issued a Swiss passport whenever your require one. However, since 2009 you are required to save your biometric data (photo, fingerprints and signature) in order to obtain a new Swiss travel document. These data can only be collected at a Swiss passport office in Switzerland or at a Swiss representation abroad. The closest Swiss passport office for your place of residence is in Sydney. The presence of a mobile passport office in Melbourne is part of our effort to bring our services closer to the Swiss Community. However, for financial reasons, there is no guarantee that it will be possible in the future to offer such services on a recurring basis. Should you wish to apply for a Swiss travel document, please register online before Monday, 31 August 2015 on the following website www.schweizerpass.ch or www.passeportsuisse.ch. In the last field, under remark, please write where you wish to have your biometric data taken, i.e. Melbourne. For people having no access to internet, please get in touch with us by telephone on the following number 02 8383 4017 and talk to Mr Christoph Keller.
Wednesday, 16 September 2015, 8pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor Drama 2001, CH/E subtitles, 94 minutes Director: Simon Aeby. With Fabien Rohrer, Kisha, Erich Vock, Silvia Jost Urs Bihler Hermine, daughter of the rich businessman Frymann is returning home to Zurich, after a long stay in Frenchspeaking Switzerland, to comply with her father’s wish that she marry Ruckstuhl, a rich local businessman. Frymann is planning a major building project, and without the help of Ruckstuhl he will not be able to finance it. The plan seems a perfect one after all – money in exchange for love. But Frymann has forgotten about Karl, the son of an impoverished tailor whose family has for generations been indebted to the Frymanns. Karl and Hermine were childhood sweethearts, and he still secretly pines for her. As for Hermine, she is unable to make up her mind. Should she help defend her father’s interests? Yield to the elegant Zurich ‘man about town’? And what about her first love? Only if the young Karl finally escapes from the shadow of his father and at last begins to mature will he indeed manage to win the love of Hermine.
‘Das Geheimnis von Murk’ (The secret of Murk) Wednesday, 18 November 2015, 8pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor Comedy 2008, CH/E subtitles, 88 minutes Director: Sabine Boss. With Michael Neuenschander, Sabina Schneebeli, Daniel Rohr, Jean-Luc Bideau
Newsletter Deadlines 2015
Felix and Sarah’s marriage has reached crisis stage. Sarah is fed up with country life and her husband’s technical experiments, which are always a flop and never earn them any money. One morning when a mysterious crop circle is sighted in their field, Sarah sees this as her chance to finally earn some money. But Felix takes no interest. It is only when Sarah begins flirting with Mike that Felix realizes he is going to lose her if he doesn’t do something. He never would have imagined, however, that it’s Mike, of all people, who is his ally in winning her back.
December Issue: Covering Dec /Jan/Feb 2016 Editorial Deadline: Monday, 2 November Mailing: Wednesday, 18 November
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.
The deadline to apply online is Monday, 31 August 2015
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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Post Office bank cuts off foreign-based credit cards Post Finance, the banking arm of the Swiss post office, has informed clients living abroad that their credit cards will be cancelled at the end of October. The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) has criticised the decision that has been motivated, according to Post Finance, by tightening money laundering and tax evasion regulations. Overseas clients of Post Finance, regardless of whether they are Swiss living abroad or foreigners, have been receiving letters informing them that their existing credit card accounts will soon be closed. The move follows a decision in 2013 not to open up any new accounts of the same nature. “So now it is even more difficult to maintain a normal Swiss banking relationship from abroad”, OSA spokeswoman AnneCatherine Clément told the Tages Anzeiger newspaper that broke the story on Saturday, 18 July. Last August, at the OSA Congress, the Council of the Swiss Abroad passed two resolutions calling on the Swiss government to do more to ensure that its citizens can maintain financial accounts in their country of birth if they live abroad. Swiss expats, along with foreigners resident outside of Switzerland, have found it increasingly difficult to open or maintain bank accounts in Switzerland. This follows a United States-led crackdown on tax evasion and the consequent weakening of Swiss banking secrecy. Whilst Post Finance has been an independent organisation on paper since 2013, for the time being the majority of its shares are held by the state-owned post office. swissinfo.ch
Don’t delay, register now! If you are a Swiss citizen eligible to vote and would like to participate in the parliamentary elections in October, you must register on the electoral roll of your canton. Contact the Consulate General in Sydney now on email: syd.vertretung@eda.admin.ch or phone (02) 8383 4000 to arrange registration. Or you can download the registration form here: https://www.eda.admin.ch/content/dam/countries/eda-all/ de/Meldung-als-stimmberechtigte-AS_dfie.pdf When completed, mail it to the Consulate General.
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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
Be part of the Swiss Club family
Swiss that changed the world Alberto Giacometti (1901 – 1966), tormented sculptor Giacometti was the son of a painter. He was born in canton Graubünden, studied art in Geneva, and then moved to Paris, where he worked with the surrealists. In 1934 the group repudiated him because he had painted portraits. During the war he took refuge in Geneva, but afterwards he returned to Paris, where he gained an international reputation. He is best known for his elongated sculptures expressing the fragility and loneliness of the human condition. Giacometti is featured on the current 100 franc banknote. Swiss Club of Victoria
Test your Swiss Knowledge 1
His Diary & Descendants. 1854 – 1864
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Across New President of the Swiss Society of Victoria (surname). Surname of the best Victorian at the Australian Jass Championship? Current President of Switzerland (surname). Who is featured on the current 100 franc banknote (surname)? Which father and son team led the first team up the Matterhorn? Triangle lace scarf worn with a ‘Tracht’. One of the activities the Swiss Kids love to do. Which Canton was featured at the Swiss Pavillion at Expo 2015 in June? Down Present name of the location where the battle of Marignano took place. In which city did Charles Eberle finally settle? Which city gave name to one of Piccard’s submersibles? Swiss city after which a style of porcelain painting is named. Current President of Switzerland (first name). Event taking place at the Swiss Club in September. What instrument does Walter play?
For answers go to page 25
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! w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Charles Eberle – A Swiss Prospector in Australia Edited by Helen Coulson Published: by Helen Coulson, 2005 Language: English Binding: Paperpack, 289 pages ISBN: 0-9579861-2-2 This book features the diary of Charles Eberle who grew up in Montreux, recording his gold prospecting days in Australia between the years 1854 and 1864. It was originally written in French, most from a diary kept while in Australia, some written about 20 years after the events. It is a tale of incredible hardship – including a succession of almost unbelievable misfortunes which he was able to write about quite dispassionately. This record enables the reader to see Charles as an educated, sober, God-fearing man, fluent in a number of languages. Due to his clear and detailed descriptions of scenes, towns and people of the time, it has become a valuable document. The diary records his adventures – mostly misadventures – from 1855 across the goldfields of Victoria, notably at Ballarat, both as baker and miner; his trip to New Zealand; return to Australia and trek to the NSW Braidwood diggings; his walk across the plains and eventual arrival in the ChilternBeechworth area, where he finally had some success. Charles returned home to Switzerland in 1865, having enjoyed his years in Australia and in particular the country’s independence and lack of pretence in society. After marrying in Switzerland and starting a family, Charles later decided to return to Australia. He did so in 1887 and the following year set himself up as a baker and pastry cook in Warragul, where he remained until his death in 1896. Charles Eberle’s grand-daughter, Valda Mumme, saved the diary and had it translated from French into English. Her daughter published the diary and included information about subsequent generations of Charles’ descendants. You may find this book in secondhand bookstores and online.
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A Swiss icon turns 100
THE
HEPBURN SPRINGS
Every day, Caran d’Ache produces enough pencils to cover the distance from Geneva to Rome. The Swiss pen, pencil and pastel maker celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. As ‘Fabrique Genevoise de Crayons’ it was founded in 1915 in Geneva. When the company was acquired by Arnold Schweitzer in 1924, it was renamed ‘Caran d’Ache’ as a tribute to the famous French satirist and political cartoonist, Emmanuel PoirĂŠ (6.11.1858 – 26.2.1909). Caran d’Ache was his pseudonym and comes from the Russian word, meaning pencil, which in turn comes from the Turkish words kara tas, meaning black stone. While his first work glorified the Napoleonic era, he went on to create ‘stories without words’ and as a contributor to newspapers such as the ‘Lundi du Figaro’, he is sometimes hailed as one of the precursors of comic strips. The company initially specialised in graphite and coloured pencils and diversified its activities to include wax oil pastels, mechanical pencils and the first ballpoint pens. The expansion of the company, combined with many ‘world-first’ innovations, contributed to the international renown of the company. Thanks to its rich history, the Caran d’Ache creations have been a true inspiration for many generations of enthusiasts for a hundred years. The company is now headed by Chairwoman Carole Hubscher, representing the 4th generation of the family. http://www.carandache.com/100/live.php
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Â&#x;ÂťÂ¾¤¨Â¾¤¨Â¯²Ÿ The Swiss Companion Singers warmly welcome our newest member, Claire Wieland. We are thrilled to have a wonderful young and enthusiastic voice among us. This year we have enjoyed performing at the Austrian Club for the 1 August celebrations and our next adventure will be the annual Swiss + Italian Festa 2015 in Hepburn Springs on Saturday, 24 October 2015. The practice sessions are in full swing each month on the 3rd and 4th Thursday evening. If you like to sing traditional Swiss songs why not come and sing with us. For information call the Convenor, Heidy Giger on 9889 9321.
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Arnold Kramer, President of the Swiss Club of Victoria, generously gives his time to run the Club and draw together the Swiss Community. Previously he has run the largest privately owned Crematorium in Australia and at our next ladies luncheon, he will answer the question everyone is dying to know; what happens after the curtain closes? Please come along and join us, starting at noon, on
• Wednesday, 2 September and the last Ladies Luncheon of the year will be on
• Wednesday, 4 November Prices are still $27pp for members and $30pp for non-members. Includes 2-course meal, wine, softdrinks and coffee. Everyone is welcome. Please book with Roger at the club on 9650 1196 or email info@swissclubvic.com.au. For more information ring Heidy on 9889 9321 Heidy Giger
Dear Swiss Ladies, It was an absolute pleasure meeting you all at the Swiss Ladies Luncheon on July 1st. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be your guest speaker and to enjoy a delicious lunch with you. It was lovely to get to know you and to hear all the great stories about how and why you came to Australia. I am always fascinated to hear people’s stories. Every one is different and unique and we all have lessons to learn and experiences to make. I hope my talk about Life-Transformation gave you some inspiration and you enjoyed learning about relaxation and breathing, affirmations and the essential steps to more joy, happiness and freedom in life. Remember: Re-learning to breathe fully and freely and regularly practising conscious breathing and relaxation is the single most important thing you can do for your health and wellbeing! Make a commitment to yourself to practise 5 minutes every day and you will see a positive change in your life. Warmly, Nicole Lordan
Ladies Luncheon, 1 June Click clack, up the stairs and gliding into the lift. Second floor, into a warm, light and cosy dining room with decorated tables, camellias and fresh yellow lemons with small chocolates in between. After sitting down, our new President, Arnold Kramer, introduced himself and gave us all the interesting Swiss Club news and happenings. Marianne Bishop guided everything gently. Our lunch was served and not a sound was heard, because we got delicious ‘Spätzle with Gulasch’ and a glass of wine…yum! Roger even catered for the wheat intolerant people! Dessert and coffee arrived and vanished quickly. Then it was time for Marianne to introduce our guest speaker, Nicole Lordan. She is a Life-Transformation Coach and describes herself as “a gardener of peoples’ lives and minds, weeding, nurturing and nourishing them, encouraging them to grow in their own way and bloom in their own colours”. The life-transformation workshop that Nicole conducted was most interesting and informative. At the end of the event, it was time to say good-bye, but nobody wanted to leave the warm and entertaining environment, to go out into the freezing winter afternoon. I have attended many ‘Ladies Luncheons’, but each one is unique and a must to attend for every Lady. A big thank-you to the Swiss Club, Roger and staff and the organisers for a great afternoon! Inge Kulmanis
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Marianne Bishop and guest speaker, Nicole Lordan
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Tarte au raisiné White Grape Juice Cake
WE A LL L OVE M EAT A ND S MALLGOODS
A tempting desert from the French part of Switzerland For a high cake tin, 28 to 30cm wide Ingredients: • 400g short crust pastry or cake pastry (Kuchenteig) • 1 l of white grape juice • 150 ml milk • 200 ml cream • 2-3 tbsp flour • 1 tbsp butter • 2 eggs, whisked • 1 tbsp sugar Roll out pastry to fill the size and lie out in buttered cake tin. Keep cool (you and the pastry). Reduce grape juice to 150 ml, set aside. Heat milk, cream and flour to smooth paste, stirring constantly. Stir in butter and cool.
Homesick? We can cure that! • Homemade Smallgoods • Swiss Cheese • Chocolate …and much, much more!
Stir in grape juice, eggs and sugar into milk and cream mixture. Poor onto pastry. Bake in preheated oven at 200°C for 35 to 40 minutes. Bon appetit! From ’Schweizer Küche - Cuisine Suisse - Swiss Cooking‘ by Alfred Haefeli. Fona Verlag
Come and visit us @ 4-6 High Street Bayswater Ph: 9729 0635 www.walmas.com.au Support those that support your Club. Consider our Advertisers
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Swiss Club of Victoria
500th anniversary of the battle of Marignano In Switzerland, as in France, ‘Marignano 1515’ is one of the most recognised historic dates, but the upcoming 500th anniversary of the bloody battle has sparked renewed controversy: is it being exploited for political ends or was it the origin of Swiss neutrality? September 13 and 14, 1515, saw the troops of the king of France François I face off against the Swiss defending the Milanese. The Duke of Milan, Maximilian Sforza, their protégé, was allied to Pope Léon X and Emperor Maximilian I. A party of Swiss captains (notably those of Bern, Solothurn and Fribourg) agreed to negotiate peace. On September 8, they signed the treaty of Gallarate with François I which called for peace and the transfer of one million crowns to the Swiss. However, the decision was not accepted by everyone, in particular, cantons Uri, Schwyz and Glarus. On September 13, a mass of Swiss warriors headed to Marignano – without success. On September 14, the French artillery unleashed carnage on the advancing Swiss ranks. Following a retreat, the Swiss launched a new attack which might have been victorious if 12,000 men from the Venice Republic had not arrived as reinforcements for the French during the morning. At the end of the war, the kingdom of France and the Swiss Confederation signed a peace treaty at Fribourg on November 29, 1516. In France, the treaty is best known under the term ‘Eternal Peace’. For Switzerland, the treaty brought with it financial compensation, commercial facilities for Swiss merchants in France and recognition of the sovereignty of Switzerland over the Valtellina and the current canton of Ticino. In return, Switzerland gave France assurances that it would abandon its expansionist pretensions to the Milanese, but also and especially that it would never again fight against France, neither directly nor through mercenaries. France also obtained the right to recruit mercenaries in Switzerland, a tradition that was continued until 1830. The treaty was broken when the new French Republic invaded Switzerland in 1798.
The Battle of Marignano was triggered by the arrival in Italy of the young François I in August 1515 and the retreat of thousands of Swiss foot soldiers to Milan. The battle itself was a gruelling 16 hours of hand-to-hand combat – an eternity at the time – between the Swiss and the French, who were later aided by a contingent of Venetians. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (http://www.hls-dhs-dss.ch/textes/d/ D8896.php) some 5,000 to 8,000 French, and 9,000 to 10,000 Swiss were killed – about half of all troops present. Commemoration Such a massacre deserves to be commemorated, the Pro Marignano foundation believes. With a budget of some CHF500,000 (A$616,300), it is planning to renovate the ossuary, organise a federal shooting event, hold a commemoration at the World Expo Milan in 2015 and publish the book ‘Marignano 1515-2015. 500 years of Swiss neutrality’. Can the origins of Swiss neutrality be found in the Battle of Marignano? A chorus of authors and university historians from the group Art+Politique have decried the idea as false and tendentious. “It is shocking that this incredible carnage is today being used unchallenged for political ends,” rails the group on its site marignano.ch (http://marignano.ch). Writer Daniel de Roulet, a member of the group, denounces the celebratory commemoration as “promoting our supposed neutrality in today’s world: hatred of Europe, banking security and the protection of the true Swiss over five centuries”. Cantonal support The Pro Marignano foundation carefully avoids getting involved in the argument. Among its members it counts numerous people from Ticino, as well as a plethora of officers and several politicians from the right, but also from the left. “For us it’s not about having a party, but about remembering our dead,” says the foundation’s spokesman Livio Zanolari. “And to commemorate an important moment. After Marignano, Switzerland gave up its strategy of expanding its territory, and returned to its values, notably federalism. In 1515, nobody was talking about neutrality, but the change of attitude is undeniable.” Without the financial support of Bern, the foundation has nevertheless received a warm welcome from the cantons. Geneva, Valais and Jura, as well as the cantons of central Switzerland, have all promised to contribute, says Zanolari.
Pilgrimage For decades, the president of the Pro Marignano foundation, Colonel Roland Haudenschild, has made a yearly pilgrimage to the former battleground on the southern outskirts of Milan. There, he attests to the sad deterioration of the Santa Maria della Neve ossuary and of a commemorative tablet sculpted in 1965 by Josef Bisa. Afterward he participates in a small celebration to commemorate the tragic battle, organised by the town of San Giuliano, close to Melegnano (formerly Marignano). Ferdinand Hodler. Retreat from Marignano. ca.1897 w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
swissinfo.ch
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150 years since first ascent of the Matterhorn In 2015, Zermatt celebrates the mountain of mountains. The Matterhorn is the focus of the 150th year jubilee. Throughout the year, events and festivities will mark the first ascent of the most famous four thousand-metre peak in the alps. The Matterhorn – mystical and majestic, the mountain of mountains. Nobody, neither residents nor visitors, can resist its fascinating appeal. A triangular piece of jagged rock that towers into the sky and plays with the clouds. It is impossible to tire of looking at the Matterhorn. Zermatt’s trademark measures 4,478m in height and up to 3,000 alpinists reach its summit every year. By way of an exception, the Matterhorn was closed to Alpinists on 14 July 2015. Why? On 14 July 1865, the first roped team in history reached the summit of the Matterhorn. The team was led by the Zermatt mountain guides father and son Taugwalder, as well as mountain guide Michel August Croz from Chamonix. Briton Edward Whymper was the first to reach the top. Tragedy followed victory on the summit when four of the seven alpinists fell to their deaths on the descent – Michel-Auguste Croz, British Reverend Charles Hudson, noble Briton Lord Francis Douglas and Douglas Robert Hadow. Father and son Taugwalder and Edward Whymper survived. Three of the bodies were recovered a few days later on the Matterhorn glacier. Lord Francis Douglas has never been found. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/longform/matterhorn-zermatt-150anniversary The Ascent of the Matterhorn brought fame and wealth to the town Due to the death of nobleman Lord Francis Douglas, Queen Victoria wanted to issue a ban on the mountain, saying that she would never again permit English royal blood to be wasted on the Matterhorn! Her suggestion triggered curiosity and
Gustave Dore. Arrival at the summit determination among British alpinists (proving there is no such thing as bad publicity!). British travellers and alpinists from then on came to Zermatt en masse to see and climb the Matterhorn. The tourist development of Zermatt had its
Traditional Swiss and European pastries and cakes are produced daily with an emphasis on quality and consistency. The Portmann family, together with their team at Aviv Cakes, welcome you and take pride in ensuring that you enjoy your experience with us. For the most exquisite Swiss cakes and pastries:
412 Glenhuntly Road ELSTERNWICK VIC 3185 Phone: (03) 9528 6627 http://www.avivcakes.com.au Open to serve you: 0RQGD\ WR )ULGD\ DP SP 6DWXUGD\ DP SP 6XQGD\ DP SP
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Swiss Club of Victoria
beginnings here. For generations, guests from the British Isles have remained faithful to Zermatt. 150 years later Zermatt and its guests are honoring the alpinists and celebrating the mountain http://www.zermatt.ch/en/150 …to produce an image that has never been produced before… The organisers of Matterhorn 2015 celebrations wanted to produce a very special photograph to promote the event. Thus they teamed up with a Swiss mountaineering equipment company to produce an image that has never been produced before. Great photographs of the Matterhorn are as common as shots of the Eiffel tower, so it took huge imagination and effort to produce something really special… Under the direction of Swiss photographer Robert Bösch a team of hundreds of volunteer climbers ascended the Matterhorn’s Hörnli Ridge and placed glowing red beacons along the spine of the mountain to trace the first-ascent route to the top. http://digg.com/video/swiss-climbers-light-up-the-matterhorn-tocelebrate-150th-anniversary-of-first-ascent
Kaffeeklatsch We would like to extend an invitation to all our Senior Citizens (over sixty) to a wonderful afternoon of Coffee, Cakes and a Chat = Kaffeeklatsch, at the Swiss Club.
Sunday, 20 September, 2pm There is no charge for this cosy afternoon, however our Group is thankful for any donations. Please reserve a place by ringing or leaving a message with Marlies Krummenacher 9503 9921 or Rosmarie Oswald 9583 9048. RSVP no later than Monday, 14 September.
It’s your Club. Get Involved!
Test your Swiss Knowledge - Answers Across: 3. Albert; 4. Bruengger; 7. Sommaruga; 9. Giacometti; 10. Taugwalder; 12. Fichu; 13. Basteln; 14. Ticino Down: 1. Melegnano; 2. Warragul; 5. Trieste; 6. Nyon; 7. Simonetta; 8. Kaffeeklatsch; 12. Guitar w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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NOTICE
2015 Half-Yearly General Meeting of the SCV Notice is hereby given that the Half-Yearly General Meeting of the Swiss Club of Victoria will be held at 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, on:
Wednesday, 30 September 2015, 8pm Agenda: 1. Opening and Welcome 2. One Minute of Silence 3. Attendance, Apologies, Proxies 4. Adoption of Minutes of Annual General Meeting 2015 5. President’s Report 6. Treasurer’s Report 7. Buildings Report 8. Membership Report 9. General Business 10. Conclusion Please note: Accounts & Financial Statements will be made available to members at the meeting.
Half-Yearly GM Special Start the Half-Yearly General Meeting with a typical Swiss dish. Roger and his team will have a special treat for you. Bookings essential on 9650 1196. A la carte menu also available at regular prices.
Minutes of the 2015 Annual General Meeting of the SCV Held Wednesday, 18 March, 2015, 6.30pm, 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 1. Opening and Welcome The President of the Swiss Club of Victoria, Sigrid de Castella, opened the Annual General Meeting at 6.35pm and welcomed the Honorary Life Members and Members of the Swiss Club. She thanked everyone for attending; a total of 43 voting members were present.
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2. One Minute of Silence Sigrid invited all members to stand up and observe a minute of silence to remember our friends and members, who have left us. 3. Apologies Beryl Black, Louis Schneider, Sylvia Hochuli, Rita & Basil Jenkins, Richard Bowen, Marlies & Sepp Krummenacher, Therese Say, Michelle De Jong, Kristine Seefeld, Peter Selleck, Dee Dee & Tony Boll, James Ahern, Christian Froelicher, Ros and Paul de Castella, Barbara Purtschert, Sue Schnellmann, Bruno Giger, John Ortner, Erica Mahoric. Roland Müller. 4. Adoption of Minutes of Half-Yearly Meeting The Minutes of the Half-Yearly Meeting, held Wednesday, 24 September 2014, were published in the March 2015 newsletter. The minutes had been read and are a true record. The minutes were moved by Franz Schnellmann and seconded by Roland Isler. All in favour. The minutes were adopted. 5. President’s Report Dear Honorary Life Members, dear Members, Thank you for joining us for the AGM. In the months since the September Half-Yearly we’ve had exciting events, challenges, welcomes and farewells. On the events front last year saw lots of social Jass and movie nights topped off with the Billiards competition, the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Mystery Trip to Queenscliff and the Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea. Musically there were interludes with ‘Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand’ playing in the restaurant and the Companion Singers performing with the Yodel Choir Matterhorn at the Swiss & Italian Festa. After a relaxing break 2015 has kicked off with more Jass and billiards as well as a Ladies Luncheon and the 116th Foundation Day celebrations, this time a gloriously formal High Tea. Soon The Second Floor will once again be home to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows from 26 March until 20 April. Whilst it is frustrating for our interest groups to have to meet elsewhere, this festival is an important revenue raiser for the Club. Last September, Barbara and I represented the Club’s interests at the Swiss Club Presidents Conference at the Swiss Embassy in Canberra. This event, initiated by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, was very informative and was the start of forging closer links with other Swiss Clubs around Australia and New Zealand. Following on from this meeting the Consul General, Ernst Steinmann, visited us in Melbourne in December and presented at the OSA Information Evening, organised by our Council member Roland Isler. We were given valuable information about changes to Swiss banking and e-voting, and why we should register to vote if not registered already. And we can report that the Swiss Club of Victoria, and this very Second Floor will play host to the next Swiss Clubs Presidents Conference in 2016. I can also report we reached agreement with the Swiss Consulate to bring the portable biometric passport station back to the Club later this year in October. This time, was
Swiss Club of Victoria
a faster process, they hope to process up to 70 passport applications per day. Moving onto local Committee business, we are pleased that Susan Brealey has agreed to join the Committee. Once Susan has been elected and settles into Committee life, we’ll see what projects she’d like to work on. There is always a lot to do and not all jobs are big or time consuming, or require you to be on the Committee. We just need extra hands to help carry the load. So we’re also delighted that Erika Mohoric has put up her hand as a welcomed volunteer. After more than twelve years on the Committee, most of it as Treasurer, Derrick Wildi, is moving to Canada to be with his family. We wish him well on his travels and for his future ahead. Whilst the position of Treasurer is currently vacant, it’s been agreed by the current Committee to share the bookkeeping load using cloud technology. As the Club’s finances are a sensitive matter the Committee felt this was preferable rather than place someone new or inexperienced in the role. And sadly, it’s also time for your husband and wife team to also depart the Committee, at least in an official capacity. Antony Anderson, Building Manager and my husband, is taking a break after five years of diligent service that saw so many changes on the building front including bringing the building up to code, meeting new regulations, being proactive about maintenance, upgrading the electrics including the basement meter, stabilisation of both lifts through the new contract, establishment of the Annual Essential Safety Measures Report, creation of the equipment inventory and maintenance schedule, and leading the transformation of The Second Floor. Tony, it’s quite a legacy you leave the club indeed. Arnold Kramer will be moving up from Assistant Building Manager to fill Tony’s shoes, although as Tony has a rather intimate knowledge of the building he will still be available in a noncommittee capacity to assist where required. After six years on the Committee it’s also time for me to make the very difficult decision to leave. Unfortunately changes in both our personal and work circumstances dictate that we both need to take a step back at this time. But as the Swiss Club has become our family, we will remain involved in a nonCommittee capacity, helping out from time to time. Tony with the building, and me with the Entertainment Book as well as ‘Les Bavards’, which I hope to attend more regularly in the future. I first joined the Club and then the Committee to make a stronger connection with my ancestry, particularly my great grandfather Charles Hubert who migrated in 1854, by gaining a deeper understanding of Swiss traditions, Swiss people and Swiss culture. I have thoroughly enjoy being a part of Melbourne’s Swiss Community, and look forward to remaining an active part of the it for many more years to come. Tony and I both leave the Committee tonight with a sad and heavy heart. We are proud of what we have been able to achieve during our terms, especially the renovation of The Second Floor, and creating some truly win/win partnerships, amongst many other things. I cannot leave without acknowledging at least a few people: to our subgroup, and interest group, convenors, newsletter editor and ever faithful helpers – Sylvia Hochuli, Heidy Giger, w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Marianne Bishop, Esther Blaser-Tokarev, Rita Schwärzler, Roland Isler and Rémy Favre – for holding the space and maintaining our Swissness despite great distances. Without your efforts the club would simply not be as vibrant. To Roger and Reneé Moullet and the staff at the Swiss Club Restaurant for delicious food, great wine, good friendship and fun times. Dinner at the Club has become a regular and treasured feature of our lives. Rest assured we’ll be sure to continue that tradition. I’d like to thank those who extended kind invitations to me to attend events as representative of the Swiss Club, both from within the Club as well as the wider community groups. I have thoroughly enjoyed every event I was able to attend. And although, sadly, I was unable to accept every invitation, just that the invitation was made really did mean so much to me. I need to say a very special and heartfelt thanks to my fellow Committee members: to past members, Damian Schaller, Rolf Huber, Derrick Wildi and Antony Anderson, and current
Proxy Form for the Half-Yearly General Meeting 2015 of the Swiss Club of Victoria To: the Secretary of the Swiss Club of Victoria (please use block letters) I being a member of the Swiss Club of Victoria, my address being:
hereby appoint:
his/her address being:
being another member of the Swiss Club of Victoria, to vote for me and on my behalf at the Half-Yearly General Meeting of the Swiss Club of Victoria to be held on Wednesday, 30 September 2015 and at every adjournment thereof. Signed by hand this
day of
2015
Signature: Note: Only members who are entitled to vote, having paid their subscription, or being Honorary Life Members, may represent other members as proxy. Proxy forms must be handed to the Secretary at least 48 hours before the meeting is to take place. Only proxies received on this proxy form will be considered as valid proxy instructions.
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members, Barbara Kündig, Arnold Kramer, Vreni Welsh and Liz Isler, for all their support and diligent commitment. It’s been a wonderful experience working with all of you, and I leave with fond memories of our often lengthy meetings. I’d also like to thank the following people who have willingly assisted me during my presidency, helping pave the road for my journey: Swiss Ambassador, Marcel Stutz; Consul General, Ernst Steinmann; Honorary Consul, Erika Kimpton; Consul, Claudia Schor; Councillors of the Swiss Abroad, Roland Isler and Beat Knoblauch; all of the Swiss Club Presidents across Australia and New Zealand; Editor of the Swiss Review Regional Pages, Marc Godat; Franz Schnellmann, Swiss Society; Rémy Favre, Groupe Romand; John Ahern, Steve Garcia, Dave Caroll, James Scott and Silvia Sciullo at Terra Rossa and the Publican Group; and Martin von Wyss and Magdelena Doslov, German Saturday School. Sincere apologies if I left anyone out. Finally I’d like to thank all of you, the members of the Swiss Club of Victoria. As a third generation Australian-born Swiss I am truly blessed and honoured, that you placed your trust in me to serve the Club and the Swiss Community. Thank you for allowing me to be a welcomed part of your Swiss family in Melbourne. 6. Treasurer’s Report This will be my last report as I will be leaving Australia shortly to join my family in Canada. I would like to take this opportunity and thank my fellow committee members for their ongoing support and commitment to serve the club. This makes running the finance a lot easier. The positive news first is that we ended the year with a profit of $6,014. There are a number of things that happened in 2014. Below is a summary of the main points. Balance sheet details: ASSETS Cash / Bank Account ..............................................$ 99,981 Debtors ..................................................................$ 98,240 Plant / Furniture & Equipment................................$ 95,908 Members Funds .....................................................$ 833,311 Current Earnings ....................................................$ 6,014 LIABILITIES Creditors ................................................................$ Loan .......................................................................$ Land & Building .....................................................$
7,315 315,878 470,409
Not much has changed compared to previous years. The land and building value is still recorded as very conservative and is providing some ‘hidden’ reserves. We are still asset rich but cash ‘poor’. The high balance of debtors was caused by processing the outgoings for 2014 on the 31st Dec 2014 as well as some outstanding invoices by our tenants. Corrective action has been initiated and respective payments plans are in place to have this balance reduced. You will also notice that we no longer hold any funds with UBS as we have been advised that retail clients are no longer welcome at UBS Australia and funds have been repaid to our ANZ account.
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The loan term with ANZ was a 15 year loan with first 5 years with interest payments only and with Repayment of principal amount and interest for the next 10 years. On 17 Dec 2014 the first 5 years have expired. In January 2015 we have repaid $65,000 to bring back the loan to$ 250,000.00. The committee is currently seeking alternative loan providers with a better interest rate. INCOME Membership Fee.....................................................$ Rent Income ...........................................................$ Outgoings ..............................................................$ Product Sale/Advertising ........................................$ Functions ...............................................................$ Other Income .........................................................$
19,082 108,252 53,905 3,239 1,229 12,035
TOTAL INCOME ................................................$ 197,742 EXPENSES Legal / Accounting / Insurance ...............................$ Bank Charges .........................................................$ Member Services ....................................................$ Functions ...............................................................$ Building Maintenance ............................................$ Building Operations ...............................................$ Depreciation...........................................................$
17,746 25,485 12,698 3,086 26,739 57,974 48,000
TOTAL EXPENSES .............................................$ 191,728 OPERATING RESULT .........................................$
6,014
The income figure is higher in 2014 due to outgoings related to 2013 being charged in this period, which have not been accounted for in the last financial period. Also there is a one off payment for $10,000, which was part of the signing of the lease extension. Membership income figures have dropped by $2,500.00 caused by cleaning out database and eliminating unpaid memberships. I would like to thank Roland Isler, our newsletter editor, for again producing an exceptional magazine at minimal cost to the club. In general expenses are in line with expectation. As in the past building maintenance is the hard part to forecast. The variance to 2013 figures of around $7,000 was caused by installation of a meter reading system for measuring the consumption in the basement area. It appears that the implementation of a comprehensive maintenance plan is showing some positive results by keeping all other costs under control. Operating cost like electricity, water costs, rates and land taxes, fire safety and elevator maintenance increased by 6%. As a surprise we received an offer from Momentum Energy as valued customer which is reducing electricity cost by around $2,500.00 with signing on with them for another period. The depreciation amounts of $48,000 has not been changed for the last 5 years. Insurance: The building is insured based on the evaluation done in the 1Q of 2014. Also the liability insurance sum is as per market standard $20 million. Fortunately, we were not required to lodge any claims over the last couple of years and Swiss Club of Victoria
thanks to the efforts of our insurance broker we were able to save around $2,000 when renewing our insurance in Feb 2015. At present the club is insured for a comprehensive building and business insurance, director’s liability, volunteer insurance as well as the liability insurance. Banking relationships: We did a comprehensive review of all banking services currently with ANZ and Westpac. Westpac scored better in all aspects and as a result we have chosen to move the day to day banking across to Westpac. In addition we will avail the service of being able to process credit cards online, which eliminates details having to be processed through Roger and then organising fund transfer to Swiss Club account. Unfortunately, when discussing the requirements regarding transferring the loan our loan application was rejected as terms and conditions would have required to have loan amount repaid within three years and in addition director’s guarantees would have been required. For a volunteer club this was made clear that this is out of the question. As a result for the time being we will leave the loan with ANZ but will be looking at alternatives and more favorable interest rates and fees. Also if additional cash will be available we endeavor to keep on repaying the loan amount. Going forward: With the current changes in the committee the role of treasurer will be vacant. Until a suitable replacement is found the current committee will split up the various task and will ensure that the ongoing business is moving on. This will be assisted with moving to an online accounting software, which will allow different people to process respective details. Two issues: Please rest assured that the finances of the club will be looked after and that respective checks and controls are in place. If anybody with some accounting flair is willing to assist the committee either as a book keeper or as treasurer then please contact any of the committee members. Finally, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support for the last 12 years and also a special thanks to all current and past committee members for their support and friendship. It has been a rewarding experience and I will be checking the webpage and hopefully read the newsletter to see what is happening at the Swiss Club of Victoria. The treasurer report for the financial year 2014 was moved by Rémy Favre, seconded by Paul Thompson – all in favour. 7. Election of Office Bearers As of this AGM, Sigrid de Castella, Urs Wildi and Antony Anderson decided to resign from the committee. All three have given many years of service to the Swiss Club and our profound thanks are being extended to all three departing committee members. We wish them well. As per the constitution 50% of the remaining committee member have to retire, but have offered themselves for re-election: Vreni Welsh: Proposed by Marcel Muntwyler, seconded by Walter Purtschert – all in favour. Liz Isler: Proposed by Walter Purschert, seconded by Franz Schnellmann – all in favour. New: Susan Brealey: Proposed by Walter Purtschert, seconded by Rolf Huber – all favour. w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
• Election of Honorary Officers: President – Arnold Kramer: Proposed by Rita Schwärzler, seconded by Marcel Muntwyler – all in favour. Secretary – Barbara Kündig: Proposed by Herbert Schwärzler, seconded by Rémy Favre – all in favour. Treasurer: Will remain open at the moment, committee to organise among themselves. Election of auditor: Derrick welcomed Bruce & Stuart Legg as auditors. Proposed by Franz Schnellmann, seconded by Roland Isler – all in favour. 8. General Business • Membership Presentations Honorary Memberships based on 40 years of membership and being over the age of 70 were awarded to Louis Schneider, Peter Graf (present), Erich Felber (present), and Basil Jenkins. The Committee congratulates the new Honorary Life Members and thanks them for their support of the Swiss Club. Pins: Michael Dardel Jessop was presented with the Gold Pin for 30 years of Swiss Club Membership. John Francis and Peter Manders received their Bronze Pin for 10 years of Membership. New Member Welcome: Preceding the AGM a Welcome Night for our New Members was held: Alexandra Veuthey, Diane & Rene Kuntz, David Egan and Jennifer Kramer attended and were presented with a copy of the history book. • Ground Floor Tenant The directors of Terra Rossa (TR), our ground floor tenant, approached the committee with a proposal to turn the basement into a bar with the possibility to also include Duckboard Place as an outdoor venue incorporating some wall art. The basement is a rather tight space and is being used by three stakeholders; TR, Club Restaurant and the Second Floor (Swiss Club). There is concern that the actual area to be able to be used as a bar will be too small to be commercial viable and that there won’t be sufficient storage space and common area for all three parties to operate well. The Committee wanted to get feedback and permission from the members to continue negotiating re converting space into a rentable area, albeit there won’t be a huge return due to the size. A discussion in regards to pro and cons ensued among the members present. Main concerns are ownership of any refurbishment, advantage/disadvantage of a longterm lease, fair rental return, costs associated with this project, and would we need the space in the future. The members agreed to let the Committee continue negotiating with TR. Moved by Hans Keller, seconded by Paul Thomson – motion accepted. Franz Schnellmann thanked the committee for all the work they do. 9. Conclusion As there were no further questions from the members, Sigrid de Castella closed the Annual General Meeting at 8.05pm by thanking all present for their attendance and interest in the Swiss Club and invited them all to a glass of wine followed by dinner in the club restaurant. Minutes taken as a correct record by Barbara Kündig, Secretary.
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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).
SEPTEMBER
Wednesday Thursday Saturday Wednesday Sunday Wednesday Wednesday
OCTOBER
Thursday 01 Wed-Fri 14-16 Friday 23 Saturday 24 Wednesday 28
Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Mobile Passport Station on the Second Floor Billiard Competition – Swiss Club Single Championship Companion Singers perform at Swiss & Italian Festa Social Jass
NOVEMBER
Monday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday
Editorial Deadline – Newsletter December issue Ladies’ Luncheon Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Fahrt ins Blaue (Mystery Trip) – Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Swiss Movie Night: ‘Das Geheimnis von Murk’ Social Jass
DECEMBER
Thursday 03 Saturday 05 Wednesday 23
02 04 05 11 18 25
Ladies’ Luncheon Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Jass Night – Swiss Club (Final) Swiss Movie Night: ‘Das Fähnlein der Sieben Aufrechten’ Kaffeeklatsch – Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Social Jass HALF-YEARLY GENERAL MEETING
Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea Club Restaurant closes after dinner (reopens on Monday, 11 January 2016 for lunch)
Y ET
Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose: practice every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm
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SOC I SS
Committee Meetings: every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month (excluding January & December) 6.30 to 8pm.
SWI
OTHER REGULAR SWISS CLUB MEETINGS:
ES
TA
BLISHED 18
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IA
02 03 12 16 20 23 30
V IC T O R
Swiss Companion Singers: practice and social gathering every 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month at 8pm
Advanced Notice: Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea
Laughter Yoga Helvetia: meets every 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month at 6pm
Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea for Swiss Nationals born 1945 or earlier will take place on
SwissKids: meets every 1st Saturday of each month, from 2pm to 4pm
Saturday, 5 December, 2pm
Les Bavards – ‘The Chatterboxes’: French Conversation Group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6.30pm
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Please mark this date in your calendar and tell your Swiss friends. For information ring Rita Schwärzler-Abbt on 9561 7811 or email ritaherbert@bigpond.com
Swiss Club of Victoria
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August at the Picnic Photos by Francine Schaepper
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August at the Club