DECEMBER 2015
‘Oil Paint and Ochre’ go well together ‘Oil Paint and Ochre’ is the name of an exhibition that was shown from 29 August to 22 November at the Yarra Ranges Regional Gallery in Lilydale. It traced the friendship between Indigenous leader William Barak and Swiss settler Guillaume de Pury.
Samuel de Pury’s vineyard, Yarra Valley, drawn c. 1898 by William Barak
‘King Barak last of the Yarra Tribe’ painted 1899 by Victor de Pury. Oil on canvas There were few places as different in the mid-19th century than Neuchâtel and the Yarra Ranges. But despite the contrast, when the de Pury family travelled from the Swiss canton to start a new life in the colony of Victoria, they swiftly forged an enduring relationship with a local Indigenous leader. William Barak became important to the newlysettled Europeans, especially Baron Frédéric Guillaume de Pury and his sons. “They were people who were there,” said Guill de Pury, Guillaume’s grandson, referring to the local Wurundjeri people. “It was their country and we were happy to interact with them.” The exhibition ‘Oil Paint and Ochre’ examined that interaction, using the de Pury archives as
well as art and artefacts connected with Barak, an artist skilled in the use of ochre and charcoal for painting. What marked out the relationship between the leader of the local Indigenous population and the recent arrivals was that mutual regard was above any issues of race. “I think first of all they were neighbours,” said Brooke Collins, a Wurundjeri woman and the great-great-great niece of Barak. “They were also farmers. You have the de Purys with their beautiful grapes and you’ve got the people at Coranderrk with their award-winning hops. I’m sure there would have been similarities affecting their crops and I’m wondering if they would have had to share resources and tips and tricks.” Coranderrk was a government reserve established in 1860 that quickly became self-sufficient. It stood close to the Yeringberg property run by the de Purys and was developing as a notable winery. Proximity and location is integral to this story. William Barak lived for 40 years at Coranderrk from 1863 to his death in 1903, then on the other side there’s the de Pury family who established Yeringberg in 1863 and who are still there today. A friendship of equals One of the challenges that faced the exhibition and those connected with it was finding the right way to describe the relationship between Barak and de Pury and his sons.
89 Flinders Lane • Melbourne 3000 • Victoria • Australia • http://swissclubvictoria.com
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FOUNDATION DAY
C E L E B R AT I O N
Please join us for the 117th Anniversary Celebration of the Swiss Club of Victoria, on
Monday, 1 February 2016, starting at 18:30 on the Second Floor of the Swiss Club of Victoria Peter Lehmann wine tasting with cheese and a variety of canapĂŠs matching the wines Members $5 per person. Non-members $20 per person Please RSVP by Wednesday, 20 January 2016 through our homepage http://swissclubvictoria.com or via email to membership@swissclubvic.com.au More details of the event will be sent out soon with your membership renewal for 2016.
SWISS CLUB OF VICTORIA Founded in 1899
SWISS CLUB INTEREST GROUPS
89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000 T: 1300 893 968, F: (03) 9650 3104 E: info@swissclubvic.com.au http://swissclubvictoria.com
Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au
Club Nights for Members: Wed & Thurs
Swiss Companion Singers Convenor: Heidy Giger T: (03) 9889 9321 E: adelheid1@bigpond.com
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
Ladies Luncheons Convenor: Heidy Giger For bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 For information: T: (03) 9889 9321 E: adelheid1@bigpond.com
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
SwissKids Convenor: Esther Blaser-Tokarev T: (03) 8521 3739 M: 0424 220 523 E: esther.blaser@gmx.ch
The Second Floor Function Room Info and/or bookings T: 1300 893 968 E: thesecondfloor@swissclubvic.com.au
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
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 Vreni Welsh Membership M: 0423 513 843 E: membership@swissclubvic.com.au Susan Brealey M: 0401 170 036 E: susan@swissclubvic.com.au Markus Luethi M: 0468 408 046 E: markus@swissclubvic.com.au Gideon Aschwanden M: 0415 589 047 E: gideon@swissclubvic.com.au
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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
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 Unless otherwise stated, postal address for all is: 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000
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 www.swisscham.com.au Swiss-Australian Academic Network (SAAN) E: info@saan.com.au 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
‘Edelweiss’ appears quarterly in March, June, September and December. Circulation 500. For all enquiries contact: Editor: Roland Isler T: (03) 9524 6335 (B) M: 0412 935 565 E: risler@swiss.org.au 67 St Georges Crescent Heatherton Vic 3202
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President’s Message Dear members and friends of the Swiss Club, Once again the last quarter of the year is upon us and thoughts of where this year has gone come to mind. After a cold winter we all are now looking forward to the warmer days of summer and the extended hours we can enjoy with daylight saving. On the 30th September, we held the Half-Yearly General Meeting on the Second Floor, which was well attended. At the meeting I mentioned that over the past months we have again had exciting events, challenges, welcomes and farewells. I also reiterated that it is important for us all to remember and thank, all people, past and present, who have in any way, volunteered their time, helped or contributed to the Swiss community, for their support and contributions. The Edelweiss newsletter is an important part of the Club, providing amazing information on a range of Swiss related topics and so much more. For those of you who may not be aware, the Edelweiss newsletter has for 10 years been edited and produced by Roland Isler. We thank Roland for his tireless dedication to the extensive resourcing, editing and production of the Edelweiss. Please, next time you see him, perhaps with his notepad or camera, say thank-you as recognition to this outstanding achievement. I had the privilege to attend two events, the Ladies Luncheon and the Kaffeeklatsch. These are truly inspiring and worthwhile events and I thank the organisers and volunteers for all their efforts. I had a great time meeting the members and guests, who all have wonderful stories to tell. These activities are fundamental to the Club and the Committee is keen to see more similar new events that can be attractive to a broader range of the membership. We welcome your input, ideas and your time to make these happen, so please contact the Committee at any time. With reduced numbers in the Committee over the past nine months, it has at times been quite difficult to efficiently meet the day-to-day running of the Club. The good news is, we are delighted to introduce two new faces that have now officially joined the Committee – Markus Luethi and Gideon Aschwanden. These two gentlemen add a dynamic
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all members! from the Committee & Editor
dimension to the team and bring with them fresh ideas and the enthusiasm needed for us to continue to make the Club an interesting place to be part of. Their first assigned tasks will be to work with our team to assist with refreshing our website, formulate new ideas and bring about exciting events to create interest. I remind you, we are still seeking a volunteer to the Committee to take on the role of Treasurer. The role is not an onerous task, however, it is of great importance to the Club so please – if any member has the experience, and some spare time to assist us, please contact me. Regrettably, and with sadness, we announced that Liz Isler resigned from the Committee and I take this opportunity to thank her for her valued contributions. Liz, as you know, is always involved with many of the Swiss groups helping wherever she can and is a positive and valued volunteer. The mobile biometric passport station, operated by ViceConsul, Christoph Keller and Ms Mila Berra Robbiani from the Consulate-General in Sydney, came to the Swiss Club in October. A staggering number of over 500 identity cards and passports were processed! Committee members, Susan, Gideon, Vreni, Markus and volunteer Liz Isler are to be thanked for manning the welcome table on the Second Floor during those days. We did this to have the opportunity to engage with the visitors to understand what more we can do to maintain and attract more members to have an interest in our Club. With warmer weather, combined with daylight saving, there can be no better time to take advantage and come into Melbourne. Why not take in a show or visit the many galleries, parks or attend one of the countless activities before heading off to your Swiss Club of Victoria to relax and enjoy more warm hospitality, fine food and beverage from the Club restaurant. Roger, Renée and the staff, will make you most welcome at all times. Our Club is located in the popular and convenient part of Melbourne and is the perfect place for friends and family to gather. As always, Wednesday and Thursday evenings are our official Club nights. We encourage you 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 you either before or after our official meeting. Just let us know. If it has been a while since you last visited, come in and spend some time with us, after all it is your Club. In conclusion I ask you to join me in thanking each of my fellow Committee members, all volunteers and all the families who allow them to do such a fantastic job throughout the year. It really is wonderful that they give so much of their own time for the benefit of the Swiss Club of Victoria members and guests who come to it. I take this opportunity, on the behalf of the Committee, to wish you, your families and friends a safe and joyous Festive Season and we look forward to seeing you all at the Club soon. Arnold Kramer – President
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Get well
Welcome to our new members We are proud to introduce our newest Swiss Club members: Laurice Nader, Doron Gunzburg, Trevor Moyle, Sandra & Roger Muhl, Daryl Teschendorf, Paul Lohm, Peter Goebel, Brett Nicholls, David Windsor, Arash AminiAmoli, David Gaherty, Helen & Jurg Schutz, Samuel Schutz, Linda Staehli, Lorraine & Reiny Loeliger, Yvonne & Russell Stucki We hope you will feel right at home and enjoy many happy events at the Club. New member events are held throughout the year. Come and join the fun like these new members have:
Dealing with health issues at the moment are Paula Preisig, who is recovering well from a fall; Pat Calabresi, who suffered a broken hip; Kristine Seefeld, who had a back operation; Joe Schibli, who is not well; Hans Keller, who had a couple of stays in hospital. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, we hope to see you soon at the Club again.
The last farewell We are saddened to inform you of the passing of Maerely Hein in September. The sad news of the passing of Heino Tonisson in May did not reach us until after the September issue went to print. We were also notified that Margareth Staehli passed away in September peacefully at the age of 95 years. We extend sincere condolences to their families and loved ones. Dear members, if your partner, your friends or fellow members have a reason to celebrate, are unwell or have left for a better place, please let us know so that others know too. Please contact any committee members or the Editor.
Doris Diserens – A celebration of life New Members Evening
Happy birthday In January 2016, Honorary Life Member Bruno Jenny will have 85 reasons to celebrate. We wish him the very best for a Happy Birthday and good health for the year ahead. Left: Inge Kulmanis celebrating her 80th birthday at the Club earlier this year 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!
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The members and the committee of the Swiss Club of Victoria said thank you for the most generous bequest Doris Diserens left to her beloved Swiss Club after she passed away earlier this year. On Tuesday 27 October some of her closest friends met for an Afternoon Tea to share their memories and anecdotes of a truly remarkable lady. There was laughter, music and singing – just the way Doris liked it.
Do you have a new email address or mobile number? Will you be moving house? Make sure that you update all your details by contacting membership@swissclubvic.com.au or 0423 513 843 in time for the New Year.
Be a part of your Club. Join the Committee.
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From front page
“They must have seen each other as equals, as friends and allies otherwise the relationship simply wouldn’t have worked.” Brooke Collins said. She believes a tragedy may have cemented their relationship. “I still go back to the connection of the children. Perhaps the sympathy when Barak lost his only child, that must have been heartbreaking. We have these extraordinary Baron Frédéric Guillaume de Pury examples of Barak dressed in his uniform as Swiss spending time with the Consul, a position he held from young de Pury boys. So 1875 to 1890 surely, there was trust there.” Guill de Pury recalled hearing his father talk about spending time with Barak. “Father always told stories about what he did when he was younger and Barak was obviously someone he associated with quite a lot,” he said. “Barak would have been much older, but I think my father really liked going out into the bush with him and being taught by Barak how to hunt and things like that.”
The Swiss Club Singles Championship was held on Friday night, 23 October at the Swiss Club. Peter Bishop defended his title and triumphed over John O’Reilly in the final. Congratulations to the winner and thank you to all for partaking. Next years’s dates to be advised. Keep an eye on upcoming newsletters. We look forward to another year of exciting games! Bookings are essential, please ring Roger at the Swiss Club or myself on 9439 7593 or 0418 645 313. Cost: Only $20 per person which includes dinner. New players are always welcome! Louis Schneider
It’s your Club. Get Involved!
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Rich archive could reveal more The exhibition was drawing on records from Coranderrk as well as from the de Pury archive. That archive presented the curator of the exhibition with the opportunity to explore what that relationship actually looked like. What was uncovered was that it was multilayered and multi-faceted with lots of nuances. But there are still fundamental questions to be William Barak with Jules and Victor de Pury, c. 1883 asked. Was it friendship, was it just two neighbours getting together? Was it political? Was it a fee for service kind of a thing, where they paid Barak to come and entertain guests? What did it actually look like? Nobody can be totally sure, but family members and the exhibition organisers are united in their commitment to find out more. It was Guill’s father who went hunting with Barak. That’s only one generation removed. Guill de Pury sets some store on a different outlook on life and humanity that his forebears brought from Europe. William Barak, the artist “They came from Switzerland which is a multicultural, multilingual country,” he said. “And I think that possibly made them more tolerant of other kinds of cultures or customs.” That idea has support from Brooke Collins. “Perhaps the Swiss family was slightly separate to all the others. They were perhaps seen in that minority, which absolutely the Aboriginal people were. So perhaps that was also a common ground.” Unfortunately the exhibition ‘Oil Paint and Ochre’ closes at the same time this newsletter goes out to members, but the discovery of this 19th century close relationship between a squatter and an Indigenous leader is so unusal and historically important that we will surely hear more about it in the future. It is also a very important part of our own Swiss history in Australia. Based on Andrew Bell’s report on ABC News Swiss Club of Victoria
The Coranderrk Mission By the 1800s, the impact of European farming had made it very difficult for Aboriginal people to find traditional sources of food and shelter. Many Aborigines were dying from starvation, introduced disease and confrontations with the settlers. In Victoria, Aboriginal leaders began petitioning local authorities for land for their people, and in 1863 they were allocated a site on Jacqui Wandin and Guill de Pury which Indigenous people could live as a at Coranderrk community. This site became known as the Coranderrk Mission. Coranderrk’s first manager, John Green, worked closely with Indigenous leaders to build housing and plant crops of hops, wheat and vegetables on the site. By the mid 1870s, Coranderrk had become a large village with a schoolhouse, bakery and butcher. The growing community’s hard work and dedication had made Coranderrk a highly productive farm and a valuable piece of land. As a result of the ‘Aborigines Protection The superintendents house at Coranderrk Act’ of 1886, around 60 residents were ejected from Coranderrk on the eve of the 1890s Depression. Their forced departure crippled Coranderrk as an enterprise, with only around 15 able-bodied men left to work the hitherto successful hop gardens.
Jacqui Wandin and sister Brooke Collins talk to visitors at Coranderrk h t t p : // s w i s s c l u b v i c t o r i a . c o m
Almost half the land was reclaimed by government in 1893, and by 1924 orders came for its closure as an Aboriginal station, despite protests from Wurundjeri returned servicemen who had fought in the First World War. The reserve was formally closed in 1924, with most residents moved to Lake Tyers Mission in Gippsland in eastern Victoria. Most of the built structures were then demolished and now only the superintendents house, the main roadway and the cemetery, where Barak is buried, remains. In 1998, with help from the Indigenous Land Corporation, the descendents of the Coranderrk community were able to buy back a small portion of the land that was taken from their ancestors.
Showcasing the role of the Swiss in the development of the Victorian Wine industry Wednesday, 8 October In the wake of the successful ‘Oil Paint and Ochre’ exhibition, SAAN organised and invited Swiss Club members to a very interesting presentation. Guest speaker was Guill de Pury from the Yeringberg Winery, one of the oldest in the Yarra Valley and home to the de Pury family since their immigration from Switzerland in 1863. Guill gave a historical overview of the winery and the Yarra Valley from a winemaker´s perspective. The event at the Royal Society of Victoria was well attended and guests took delight in sampling the exquisite range of Yeringberg wines after the presentation.
Katherine, Guill and Sandra de Pury with Robert Medcalf
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Swiss Club Senior Members Luncheon Tuesday, 18 August The Swiss Club of Victoria has invited its Senior Members once more to a Luncheon at the Swiss Club. On behalf of every attendant, I thank our Swiss Club from the bottom of my heart. If you could be a fly on the wall, you would be amazed, what joy and warmth is displayed, when these people, our Elders, see each other again after a while – exchanging news from ‘home’, from their families here and there, their own experiences, their state of wellbeing and this and that. Just like at a family meeting. After all, one belongs together, one is clan, one is family. Never mind the food and wine, which by the way was excellent thanks to wizard Roger, it is just so good and important to see each other, to be together. This year, there were a few Swiss Companion Singers, who passed a milestone birthday, reaching 70, and as we had asked our member Beat Stuber to bring the guitar along and liven up the party (which would not have been necessary judging on the noise level!) a sing-along was started, which warmed the heart of everyone. Thank you Beat! Conclusion When I am asked, what does es the Swiss Club provide for its Membership, what do we get out of it – often I can not quite explain, but I believe I may have just done so in the paragraphs above. Viva Swiss Club and thanks again! Rita Schwärzler-Abbt
Newsletter Deadlines 2016 March Issue: Covering March/April/May Editorial Deadline: Monday, 8 February Mailing: Wednesday, 24 February June Issue: Covering June/July/August Editorial Deadline: Monday, 9 May Mailing: Wednesday, 25 May September Issue: Covering Sept/Oct/Nov Editorial Deadline: Monday, 8 August Mailing: Wednesday, 24 August December Issue: Covering Dec/Jan/Feb 2017 Editorial Deadline: Monday, 7 November Mailing: Wednesday, 23 November
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Swiss Club of Victoria
…I am still dancing! Paul Eisenegger, you are a familiar face at the Swiss Club, especially on the dance floor and around the Jass table. A long standing member for over 40 years and Honorary Life Member, you have seen a lot and know this club inside out. It is time that we get to know you better. Tell us a little of your early years in Switzerland. I was born in Dietikon and grew up there as the oldest of six children. In 1957 I started an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker which I finished at age 20. After the obligatory army training I got a job in Zürich with Berchthold where I learnt what cabinetmaking was really all about. Of course, an apprenticeship in Switzerland really prepares a student completely, teaching all aspects of running a business, unlike here in Australia, I might add. When and how did you come to Australia? In 1963 I came out on the Arcadia from Genoa on an assisted passage offered to qualified tradespeople by the Australian Government. Most of the crew was Indian and their English was eclectic, mine remained on the down side. The boat docked in Melbourne and a train took me to Bonegilla at night and there was a beautiful lake to look at when I woke the next morning. This was ok, like being on holiday. After two weeks I was offered a job back in Melbourne and was happy to take it. How did life progress in Australia? The first Christmas I booked myself a bus trip to Adelaide where I managed to buy a ticket to see the Davis Cup Final. I was sitting on the grass by the centre court – imagine trying to do that today! In 1964 I joined the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose and that is were I met Werner Fuchs. He was a member of the Jodel Club. We talked about travelling around Australia and decided to take a year off. We travelled with another two Swiss companions, Urs and Kurt. One thing I remember is dancing on top of Aires Rock with Werner Fuchs wearing ski jumpers, it was so cold. After a year and many adventures we returned to Melbourne. Where did you and Janette meet? Janette and I met at a party in 1967, married in 1968 and went to Switzerland in 1970 to meet the family. The Berchtold business was still going and my old boss offered me a job and accommodation. A Swiss, a German and an Austrian are in a bar having drinks. When a gorgeous Fräulein comes up to them, looks at the hors-d-œuvres they are nibbling on and says: “Whoever can use the words ‘liver’ and ‘cheese’ in a creative sentence can date me for tonight.” German: “I love liver and cheese!” Woman: “That’s not good enough!” Austrian: “I hate liver and cheese!” Woman: “That’s not creative!” Swiss: “Liver alone, cheese mine!”
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How long did you two stay in Switzerland? Two years, we returned to Australia in 1972. Albert Sprenger, with whom I worked with after returning from my travel around Australia in 1966, had by then started his own business, custom built furniture for designers and architects. He offered me a job. Soon after, he moved his factory from Bayswater to Clayton, so we moved there too. After his death from a heart attack in 1975, his wife Ursula offered us the business. We had a young family, our first son was born in 1973 and our second son was on the way. Taking on a business at that stage was a very difficult decision to make. However, when she offered it again, we took it on became the owners of Sprenger Furniture on 1st August 1976. Being a complete novice, life was about to change. We were very fortunate that Dolf Bohren, who had a furniture factory next door, gave us great support in running a factory, quoting, invoicing, cutting lists etc. Eventually, we sold the business on 31st July, 2007, 31 years exactly to the day we started. After that, I worked there for another three years before retiring. Your connection with the Swiss Club is a very visible one, because you are responsible for the fit-out of the restaurant when it got renovated in 2004. When did your association with the Club start? We joined the Swiss Club in 1972, just back from two years in Switzerland. We wanted to support the Club where we could, and this support was with the dance group and later on Jassen with the occasional dinner. Between travelling around Australia and Switzerland, I was always a member of the Folk Dance Group…and I am still dancing! During the early 1990’s the dance group was asked to take over the organisation of the ‘Jassmeisterschaft’. This has become a tradition and I have been managing these nights since then. I’ve met many friends during this time. We have been to Switzerland several times in the last 30 years and are now the proud grandparents of two boys and two girls. I’ve had many an enjoyable night’s entertainment with the dance group and that is still a very important part of my life. Any other hobbies or activities you enjoy in your retirement? Since 2011, I have enjoyed day-walks, weekends and week camps away with the Waverley Bushwalking Club. I have great satisfaction in these activities. Thank you very much Paul!
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Meet the Committee:
Markus Luethi I was born in Winterthur, Switzerland, early in the morning on a cold winter’s night. My mother ate an entire box of Mailänderli (famous Swiss Christmas cookies) the night before I was born; I assume that this is the reason I have a sweet tooth! Travelling and exploring the world is my passion – I have travelled to 59 countries so far. While this might sound like a lot, let me tell you that there are 195 independent countries in the world, which leaves me 136 more to explore in the future. Five years ago, whilst travelling in Zambia, Africa, I met Deb, an Aussie girl from Melbourne. In December 2012, I moved here and in December 2014, we got married at the Melbourne Zoo. Travelling has been an important part of my professional life too. I started my career as an apprentice in a travel agency in 1990. Later I discovered my passion for Information Technology – a great tool to make processes more efficient and user friendly. Lucky for me that I’ve had the opportunity to combine my two passions at work. More recently I completed a Masters in Tourism at Monash University in Melbourne, which gave me an insight into various aspects of the tourism industry in Australia. I used to volunteer for the Scout movement in Winterthur. I have guided small groups of young kids, trained others to become guides, organised both small camps and large camps with around 800 children, and acted as treasurer and fundraiser. I have probably spent thousands of hours in the Scout movement and made friends for life who, despite the distance, are still amongst my best friends. In my role as a Swiss Club committee member I hope to use my skills to support the Swiss Club’s website/social media activities, functions and events, as well as marketing. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of you already, and I am looking forward to meeting many more at one of our upcoming functions at the Swiss Club.
• 29 August was TICINO WATER DAY at the Swiss pavillion at ‘Expo Milano 2015’. State Council president Mr Norman Gobbi opened proceedings, which included a forum discussing the territorial and social impacts of various water-course renaturalisation projects in the Alps. The interactive event, ‘How much does a cent of water weigh?’ was held simultaneously at the front of the pavillion. • October represents the month-long GASTRONOMY FESTIVAL OF MENDRISIOTTO. A record 43 local restaurants are participating this year, offering up an everexpanding selection of distinct local dishes to the public. There is a simultaneous competition open to the public, which involves identifying the numerous different varieties of local Merlot grapes, and for the second year a photography competition is also open to general entry. • At the beginning of October, the AUTUMN FESTIVAL will take place in Ascona. Visitors are invited to taste over 2000kg of chestnuts roasted on the fire as well as various chestnutbased delicacies such as jams, honeys and cakes. Polenta and Mortadella or Gorgonzola will be served at lunch time and many concerts will entertain the public during the afternoon. The festival will take place on the lakefront of Ascona. Anthony Longano
Helvetia
Do you want to live longer and stronger? Are you often short of time? Laughter Yoga is fast-track fitness with fun. Laughter Yoga is the best medicine and an awesome supplement Laughter Yoga de-stresses body and mind significantly strengthens your immune system dissolves barriers to connect people encourages positive thinking Laughter Yoga is a complete wellbeing workout for body mind and soul. It is simple and profound and everybody can do it. There are no complex physical yoga postures so it is suitable for people of any age or ability. The best part about Laughter Yoga is that you really don't need any "reason" to laugh.
Contact: laughter.club.helvetia@gmail.com
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!
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Marianne Bishop 03 9432 2421 or
Heidy Giger 03 9889 932
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR and thank you to everybody who share their laughter and joy with us during the year
Swiss Club of Victoria
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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
Invitation to the Seniors of the Swiss Community, Swiss Nationals, 70 years of age or older, and their Partners
Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea Saturday, 5 December at 2pm The Swiss Club of Victoria with the support of the Swiss Society of Victoria, the Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess, the Folk Dance Group Alpenrose, SwissKids and the Swiss Companion Singers invites Swiss Nationals, 70 years of age or older, and their Partners to a Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Swiss Club of Victoria, 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. This event is free of charge. RSVP by Monday, 30 November, either by phone or email to: Rita Schwärzler-Abbt, 9561 7811, ritaherbert@bigpond.com Sylvia Hochuli, 9531 6575, hochuli@tpg.com.au
The Swiss Club Restaurant. It’s where you meet your friends.
Friede auf Erden Da die Hirten ihre Herde Liessen und des Engels Worte Trugen durch die niedre Pforte Zu der Mutter und dem Kind, Fuhr das himmlische Gesind Fort im Sternenraum zu singen, Fuhr der Himmel fort zu klingen: “Friede, Friede! auf der Erde!” Seit die Engel so geraten, O wie viele blutge Taten Hat der Streit auf wildem Pferde, Der geharnischte, vollbracht! In wie mancher heilgen Nacht Sang der Chor der Geister zagend, Dringlich flehend, leis verklagend: “Friede, Friede ... auf der Erde!”
h t t p : // s w i s s c l u b v i c t o r i a . c o m
Doch es ist ein ewger Glaube, Dass der Schwache nicht zum Raube Jeder frechen Mordgebärde Werde fallen allezeit: Etwas wie Gerechtigkeit Webt und wirkt in Mord und Grauen, Und ein Reich will sich erbauen, Das den Frieden sucht der Erde. Mählich wird es sich gestalten, Seines heilgen Amtes walten, Waffen schmieden ohne Fährde, Flammenschwerter für das Recht, Und ein königlich Geschlecht Wird erblühn mit starken Söhnen, Dessen helle Tuben dröhnen: Friede, Friede auf der Erde! Conrad Ferdinand Meyer, 1825–1898 Swiss poet and historical novelist
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Test your Swiss Knowledge 1
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Across 2. In which country in Africa did Markus meet Deb? 4. The Heroine of the Skies flies in a…? 7. Who greets his guests with “Here is your place in Switzerland” (first name)? 10. What choir job does Toni Hoffmann have? 11. In which city in the Ticino is the Autumn Festival held? 13. Surname of the Swiss Abroad elected to the National Council. 14. Name of a Yarra Valley winery. Down Who likes to dance (surname)? Surname of a new committee member. William Barak was the leader of which tribe. Who is the Jass König 2015 (surname)? Who led the Swiss at Morgarten (surname)? Who is featured on the current 20 franc banknote (surname)? 12. Surname of Michelle’s mother (ü = ue). 1. 3. 5. 6. 8. 9.
For answers go to page 20
The whole bunch of Edelweiss is now online 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’.
Book the Second Floor at the Swiss Club for your next function
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Kaffeeklatsch Sunday, 20 September The group made sure that our Seniors had a perfect Sunday afternoon at the Swiss Club. Beautiful spring flowers decorated the restaurant. Ladies in the colourful Swiss National Costumes served cakes and coffee with a smile. There was no need for entertainment as all the conversations intermingled with lots of laughter created the perfect ambience in the room. On behalf of the group, I would like to thank the Swiss Club and Roger Moullet for their continuous support. To our supportive members and the Swiss Society, thank you for your generosity! The group appreciates every donation. As you know, there is no rest for the wicked. Our group is busy organising the upcoming Mystery Trip, making sure that it will be another success. We look forward to it with pleasure. On behalf of the Australian/Swiss Cultural Society, I wish you all a happy Festive Season, most of all, good health for 2016. Sylvia Hochuli
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4th Jass Night Results – Swiss Club, 12 Sept Singles
1. Terry Mylvaganam .................................... 2788 2. Ernie Huegli ..............................................2766 3. Marcel Theiler ...........................................2761
Teams
1. Terry Mylvaganam & Barbara Kündig........5536 2. Simone & Alex Baehler .............................5243 3. Trudi & Marcel Theiler ...............................5158
Swiss Club Jass König 2015 – ERNIE HUEGLI TROPHY König
1. Hans Pecar ................................................8463 2. Rene Zeller ................................................8259 3. Iris Anthonisz ............................................8145
Team
1. Doris Conrad & Hans Keller .....................16134 2. Terry Mylvaganam & Barbara Kündig......15011 3. Sepp & Brigitte Goldiger .........................14966
Melbourne Jass König 2015 – GÜNTER BRITSCHGI TROPHY
Social Jass For all who enjoy the game but want to play for enjoyment only. No competition, just social! Inexperienced players most welcome (not suitable for total beginners though, must know at least the basic rules and the value of the cards!) Enjoy Dinner before the game. RSVP your table on 9650 1196. If you intend to come along, please send a SMS (0402 018 363) with preference of cards (German or French) until the Tuesday before, so we know how many booths to reserve.
• Wednesday, 24 February 2016 • Wednesday, 23 March 2016 • Wednesday, 27 April 2016 We hope to see you at 7.30pm on the above dates. Barbara Kündig
Combined Swiss Club & Matterhorn König
1. Walter Imfeld ..........................................13435 2. Hans Keller ..............................................13424 3. Iris Anthonisz ..........................................13405
Team
1. Doris Conrad & Hans Keller .....................26754 2. Terry Mylvaganam & Barbara Kündig......25588 3. Brigitte & Sepp Goldiger .........................25384
Information supplied by Paul Eisenegger 9544 4681
Exercise you brain – play Jass!
Upcoming Jass Nights – 2016
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Swiss Club
1st 2nd 3rd 4th & Final
19 March 28 May 9 July 10 September
Matterhorn
1st 2nd 3rd
27 February 30 April 13 August
Be part of the Swiss Club family
Swiss Club of Victoria
Die Schweiz anderswo – La Suisse ailleurs
Mobile Passport Station at the Swiss Club of Victoria
AuslandschweizerInnen – SchweizerInnen im Ausland Les Suisses de l’Êtranger – Les Suisses à l’Êtranger
In mid-October a team from the Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney came to visit Melbourne with their mobile biometric passport station for six days. This was an opportunity for Swiss citizens to renew their Swiss passports and/or identity cards in Melbourne, rather than having to travel to Sydney. Christoph Keller (Vice-Consul) and Mila Berra Robbiani took photos, signatures and finger prints of approximately 500 Swiss citizens who had pre-booked their appointments.
Schweizerisches Jahrbuch fĂźr Wirtschafts- und Sozialgeschichte Annuaire suisse d’histoire ĂŠconomique et sociale Price: CHF 58.00 / EUR 52.00 + postage Publisher: Chronos Verlag ISBN: 978-3-0340-1259-1 Language: German/French Currently, about 746,800 Swiss citizens live abroad, more than every tenth person with a Swiss passport. The contributions investigate the questions to what extent the ‘Swiss Abroad’ – a term that exists only since the 20th century – serve as economic ‘bridgeheads’, how their communication networks facilitate cultural transfers and benefit forms of knowledge-sharing or conversely, the contribution the (former) Swiss Abroad have made to economic, scientific, social policy and culture in Switzerland. But they also deal with the historic structure of the population as a new political category. The book contains a selection of papers presented at a conference of the Swiss Association for economics and social history held in 2010. Among them is a contribution by Dr Bettina Boss of the Swiss Historical Society in Sydney, and author of ‘The Swiss in New South Wales: A History’ (see Edelweiss, Dec 2012): Swissness downunder. National symbols of the Sydney Swiss community from 1870 to the present day. This article addresses the question of how the Swiss expatriate community in Sydney expressed their ‘Swissness’, to use a fashionable term, by naming and representing four national symbols of Switzerland: Helvetia, William Tell, the chalet and the Alps. It draws on a rich archive of historic documents, images and artworks produced by the community membership from 1870 to the present day. After a brief overview of the history of Swiss immigration to Australia and of Swiss community organisations in Sydney, examples of these four symbols are discussed individually. The most significant images are then interpreted in terms of the concurrent demographic developments within the community. http://www.chronos-verlag.ch/php/book_latest-new. php?book=978-3-0340-1259-1&type=Kurztext h t t p : // s w i s s c l u b v i c t o r i a . c o m
Vreni, Susan, Gideon and Markus from the Committee as well as Liz Isler, used this opportunity to represent the Swiss Club and meet members of the Swiss Club and of the wider Swiss Community in Melbourne and signed up six new members during that time.
Vice-Consul, Christoph Keller (right) and Mila Berra Robbiani (left) from the Consulate General of Switzerland with new member, Evi Morawetz (centre)
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700 years since the battle of Morgarten Switzerland is commemorating two important milestones in its military history this year: 500 years since the battle of Marignano (see September issue of the Edelweiss), an event that marked the end of the Confederation as a major military power; and two hundred years before that, the battle of Morgarten, when that reputation was first forged. The battle of Morgarten occurred on 15 November 1315, when an estimated 1,500-strong force from the Swiss Confederacy ambushed a much larger army of the Holy Roman Empire on the shores of Lake Ägeri near the Morgarten Pass between the Cantons of Zug and Schwyz. The Swiss, led by Werner Stauffacher, defeated the Austrians that were under the command of Duke Leopold I of Austria. The Swiss victory consolidated the ‘Everlasting League of the Three Forest Cantons’, which formed the core of modern Switzerland. Background Toward the end of the 13th century, the House of Habsburg coveted the area around the Gotthard Pass as it offered the shortest passage to Italy. But the Confederates of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden held imperial freedom letters from former Habsburg emperors granting them local autonomy within the empire. In 1314 tensions between the Habsburgs and Confederates heightened when Duke Louis IV of Bavaria (who would become Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor) and Frederick the Handsome, a Habsburg prince, each claimed the crown of the Holy Roman Emperor. The Confederates supported Louis IV because they feared the Habsburgs would annex their lands, which they had tried to do in the late 13th century. War eventually broke out after the Confederates of Schwyz raided the Habsburg-protected Abbey of Einsiedeln, as a result of a dispute regarding access to pastures. The battle Frederick’s brother, Leopold, led an army of an estimated 7,000 infantry and 2,000 heavy cavalry, including a number of knights, to crush the rebellious Confederates. He planned a surprise attack from the south via Lake Ägeri and the Morgarten Pass, counting on complete victory. The Confederates expected the army to approach from the west near the village of Arth, where they had erected fortifications.
Karl Jauslin. The battle of Morgarten
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According to a legend, one Habsburg knight, Heinrich von Hünenberg, convinced of the superiority of his force and possibly concerned that victory over a ‘rabble’ would be a disgrace, or in an act of chivalry, shot an arrow with a message attached into the Confederates’ camp, telling them that the Austrians would advance through Morgarten on 15 November. In response, the Confederates prepared a road-block and an ambush at a point between Lake Ägeri and Morgarten Pass, where a small path led between a steep slope and a swamp. When the Confederates attacked from above with rocks, logs and halberds, the Austrian knights had no room to defend themselves and suffered a crushing defeat, while the foot soldiers in the rear fled back to the city of Zug. It is said that over 2,000 Habsburg soldiers were killed in the attack, whilst the Confederates lost a mere 12 men. The peasant army, unfamiliar with the customs of battles between knights, brutally butchered retreating troops and everyone unable to flee. Records say that some infantry preferred to drown themselves in the lake rather than face the brutality of the Swiss. The duke was one of the few men of the imperial forces to escape. This established the Confederates’ reputation as fierce and merciless fighters. Tactical revolution An important and enduring discovery was made by the Swiss at this battle. They learned that an unarmoured man with a two-meter halberd could dispatch an armoured man-atarms. Displaying striking adaptability, they replaced some of their halberds with the pike, a five-meter spear with a small, piercing head. No longer outreached by the knight’s lance, and displaying far greater cohesion than any knightly army, the Swiss soon showed that they could defeat armoured men-at-arms, mounted or dismounted, given anything like even numbers. With the creation of the pike square tactical formation, the Swiss provided the model for the modern infantry regiment. The battle of Morgarten marked the first time peasants destroyed a feudal force. Aftermath Within a month of the battle, in December 1315, the Confederates renewed the oath of alliance made in 1291, initiating a period of growth within the Confederacy. In March 1316, Emperor Louis IV confirmed the rights and privileges of the Forest Cantons. However, Leopold prepared another attack. In response, Schwyz attacked some of the Habsburg lands and Unterwalden marched into the Bernese Oberland. Neither side was able to prevail against the other, and in 1318, the isolated Forest Cantons negotiated a ten-month truce with the Habsburgs which was extended several times. By 1323, the Forest Cantons had made alliances with Bern, and Schwyz signed an alliance with Glarus for protection from the Habsburgs. Within forty years, cities including Luzern, Zug and Zürich had also joined the Confederacy. Their victory gave them virtual autonomy, and for a time, a peace with the Habsburgs that lasted until the Battle of Sempach in 1386. Official commemorations will take place at the site of the battle. See website for more information: http://www.morgarten2015.ch/en/geschichte/
Swiss Club of Victoria
On behalf of the Companion Singers, I’d like to wish you all a joyful Christmas and the best of health for the coming year. A big thank-you goes to our conductor Toni Hofmann! If you like singing and would like to be part of a subgroup please come and join us. We practice at the club on the 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month. Come and have a look what we are all about. For more information talk to Heidy on 9889 9321 or Herbert on 9561 7811 Heidy Giger
We are looking forward to joining the Companion Singers for a concert at the nursing homes before Christmas. To see so many faces with happy tears makes the performance very special and satisfying. The group will, like in other years, perform at the Seniors Christmas afternoon at the Club. On behalf of the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Sylvia Hochuli
Das wöchentliche Radioprogram über alles Schweizerische in Australien, der Schweiz und der Welt. Eine Viertelstunde Aktuelles, Musik, Reportagen und Interviews auf Schweizerdeutsch mit Adrian Plitzco auf 93.1fm Jeden Sonntag von 19:45 bis 20Uhr (Neue Sendezeit!) SBS HOTLINE: (03) 9949 2192 http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/yourlanguage/german
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History-making Melbourne Cup champion with a Swiss connection Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne hopes her win in the nation’s biggest horse race helps kids realise that dreams do come true and improve conditions for women riders.
On 3 November, the 30-year-old has become an overnight inspiration as the first female jockey to win the prestigious race on Prince Of Penzance. “We grew up in the country. We had not a lot of money growing up and it doesn’t matter. My whole life I have just been so lucky to be surrounded by such a great family.” She credits her brother Stevie, who has Down syndrome, with helping her dream come true to cross the line first, especially by picking barrier one in the race. Michelle’s grandparents, Robert and Maria Bühler-Dettling, farmers from Steinen (SZ), migrated to New Zealand in 1955. Their daughter, Marie or Mary (Michelle’s mother), settled with her husband Paddy in Australia. Sadly, she died in a car accident when Michelle was only six months old. Michelle, the youngest of 10 children, is not new to racing. She has seven siblings – five sisters and two brothers – also in the saddle. The Payne family name has been heard around Victorian racecourses for nearly four decades. Her dad, Paddy Payne, was a horse trainer. Brothers Andrew and Patrick have both ridden in the Melbourne Cup, the latter now working as a trainer, an ambition Michelle also harbours. In 2007 Michelle went back to her Swiss roots, competing in the prestigious White Turf race on the frozen lake in St. Moritz.
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Meet the Committee:
Gideon Aschwanden Thank-you Ladies once again for your continuous support of the Ladies Luncheon. We had a good year of companionship and interesting guest speakers. A special thank-you to Marianne Bishop for taking over while I was away. She did a fantastic job! Thank-you also to Roger for looking after us so well. Best wishes for the Festive Season. I’m looking forward to see you all next year again. Dates for the forthcoming Luncheons in 2016:
• Wednesday, 2 March Patrick Albert, the new President of the Swiss Society of Victoria, will be our guest speaker.
• Wednesday, 4 May Price for a 2-course meal, wine, soft drinks and coffee is $27 pp for members and $30 pp for non-members. Please book with the Club on 9650 1196 or with Heidy on 9889 9321. Booking is essential. Heidy Giger
I am a lecturer in Urban Design at the University of Melbourne. My wife Alice and I moved to Australia in 2014 to allow her to finish her Masters degree with a placement in Ballarat, the hometown of Alice and where we initially lived. We met in Zürich where Alice performed as a ballerina for four seasons at the ‘Opernhaus Zürich’. We got married in 2010 in Rheinfelden (AG) where I was born and where we lived until I commenced my studies in Architecture at the ETH in Zürich. After finishing my Masters, we moved to Singapore where I worked as a researcher at the Future Cities Laboratory – a ‘think tank’ for urban development. In 2014 I was awarded a doctorate (PhD) in Philosophy for my work. This provided an opportunity to live and work in the US where I was offered a research position at Princeton University. Alice comes from a musical family and we love concerts – from indie to classic. We love Melbourne for it’s active cultural life and the Swiss Club is a part of it. I joined the Swiss Club to play Jass, but I found much more than that. I’m happy to support the Club and I am looking forward to meeting you.
Wednesday, 4 November. The topic of guest speaker Florian Gentu’s presentation was beekeeping and honey
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
Swiss Club of Victoria
What do the Swiss eat at Christmas? One of the most surprising aspects of Christmas in Switzerland, especially to someone familiar with the English/Australian Christmas turkey, the Swedish ham, or the German carp, is that the Swiss have no traditional Christmas dinner. Since most people work until noon or even later on 24 December, there is very little time to prepare an elaborate meal in addition to decorating a Christmas tree. So the most important holiday meal, eaten in the evening on Christmas Eve, is usually something that can be made quickly. Ask a group of Swiss the question, “What did you have for Christmas dinner as a child?” and you will get as many answers as there are people. Bratwurst, says one; a leg of lamb, says another. Others mention hot dogs and potato salad, Älplermakkronen (a mixture of potatoes, cheese, elbow macaroni, and fried onions), Fleischkäse (a form of meatloaf), stewed rabbit, boiled ham, tongue in caper sauce, platters of home-cured cold cuts, or raclette. The main Christmas treat for one woman from the Wallis was white rolls instead of the traditional dark, hard Walliser bread.
WE A LL L OVE M EAT A ND S MALLGOODS
Homesick? We can cure that! • Homemade Smallgoods • Swiss Cheese • Chocolate …and much, much more!
There seem to be a few Christmas dishes traditional to certain regions of the country. In many parts of French-speaking Switzerland, for example, it is customary to have a roast turkey stuffed with chestnuts, accompanied in Neuchâtel by endives baked in cream and in Geneva by a ‘gratin de cardons,’ which features a type of artichoke. In Luzern the Christmas Eve meal often consists of an enormous pastry shell called a ‘Pastete’, which is filled at the table with a mixture of veal and mushrooms in cream sauce. But not every canton has an equivalent favourite food. Today the most common Christmas dinner is a ‘fondue chinoise,’ which consists of paper-thin slices of meat cooked at the table in boiling broth and then dipped into a variety of sauces. Festive, fun to eat, and easy to prepare (since meat, broth and sauces can all be bought or prepared ahead of time), it is fast replacing all the former Christmas dishes of many a Swiss childhood. Some Swiss eat their main Christmas meal on 25 December, as does almost every Aussie, but this is more a matter of convenience than tradition. Still others save their most festive foods for the middle of the night, just after a Christmas Mass.
Planning your private or business function? The Second Floor is the perfect venue! Contact 1300 893 968 for information & bookings.
h t t p : // s w i s s c l u b v i c t o r i a . c o m
Come and visit us @ 4-6 High Street Bayswater Ph: 9729 0635 www.walmas.com.au Join us on Facebook
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Swiss that changed the world Arthur Honegger (1892–1955), a Swiss composer in Paris Born in France to a Swiss family, Honegger, the composer of Pacific 231, had only sporadic contact with Switzerland: he studied at the Zürich conservatory and worked with Basel conductor Paul Sacher. In 1921 he was commissioned by René Morax, director of the Théâtre du Jorat, to write the oratorio Le Roi David, one of his most successful pieces. He also collaborated with the author Denis de Rougemont on Nicolas de Flue for the 1939 National Exhibition. Honegger is featured on the current 20 franc banknote.
Le Corbusier (1887–1965), visionary architect Born Charles Edouard Jeanneret in la Chaux-deFonds, he was known under the name Le Corbusier. He trained in Vienna, Paris and Berlin, then started off by designing decidedly modern villas. He settled in Paris in 1917, and took French nationality. Whether as architect, town planner, essayist, painter or sculptor, Le Corbusier produced an immense body of visionary work. Among other things, in the aftermath of the Second World War he rethought the way in which people live together in residential quarters. Le Corbusier is featured on the current 10 franc banknote.
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SWISS CLUB MOVIE ‘Heldin der Lüfte’ (Heroine of the Skies) Wednesday, 17 February 2016, 8pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor Drama 2008, Swiss-German with German subtitles, 90 minutes Director: Michael C. Huber, with With Melanie Winiger, Esther Gemsch, Beat Marti All hell breaks loose for a young female helicopter pilot as she returns to her home town for her first assignment with the Swiss air rescue.
It’s the story of a young female helicopter pilot whose first assignment with the Swiss air rescue organisation REGA is at the Samaden air base, her home village she left years ago after the tragic death of her boyfriend and where her personal history catches up with her with a vengeance. Melanie Winiger plays the part of Sina Andri, the strong-willed yet sensitive young helicopter pilot. An astounding and very mature performance indeed. The film strikes a perfect balance between the personal drama and emotions of the young women and her professional role as a fearless helicopter pilot in a world still dominated by tough men. Breathtaking vistas of one of Switzerland’s most beautiful alpine regions, the Engadin, offer a spectacular back-drop for the hair-raising helicopter rescue actions. 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.
Test your Swiss Knowledge - Answers Across: 2. Zambia; 4. Helicopter; 7. Anselm; 10. Conductor; 11. Ascona; 13. Guldimann; 14. Yeringberg Down: 1. Eisenegger; 3. Aschwanden; 5. Wurundjeri; 6. Pecar; 8. Stauffacher; 9. Honegger; 12. Buehler Swiss Club of Victoria
93rd Congress of the Swiss Abroad Geneva, 14-16 August 2015 The Congress of the Swiss Abroad attracted around 390 Swiss Abroad this year as well as several visitors from Switzerland.
Summary of the Council Meeting – 14 August
Federal Councillor, Communications Minister Doris Leuthard at the Congress of the Swiss Abroad in Geneva
• Swiss Federal Elections, 18 October 2015: The cabinet has rejected requests to offer electronic voting to about 55,000 registered Swiss citizens abroad, due to security concerns. Only citizens from four cantons, GE, BS, LU, NE, got the green light to cast their ballot via computer in October’s parliamentary elections. The Vote électronique consortium of AG, FR, GL, GR, SG, SH, SO, TG and ZH was rejected by the Federal Government. The reason cited was the presence of technical flaws that affected voting secrecy. Even though it would have been possible to resolve these flaws, the cabinet felt there wasn’t enough time to fix it before the elections, as the system should have met all the requirements by July 1. The members of the Council of the Swiss Abroad voiced their disappointment about this decision as it presented a serious setback, at the same time acknowledging that security is of paramount concern.
process of the Council members was unable so far to find a viable alternative to the present system, which involves the registered Swiss Clubs of every country in the election process.
• Law of the Swiss Abroad: is going to be enacted at the end of 2015 after both Chambers of the Federal Parliament have passed it and the time limit for a referendum against it has expired. • Swiss Review: will continue to be published in six issues per year of which only four will be published in printed form, the two others in e-format at www.revue.ch. The Council of the Swiss Abroad has asked for more time to consider this decision.
• Swiss Bank Accounts: No progress at all to report, the matter is ongoing. A representative of UBS addressed the Council and expressed the bank’s dismay about the obligations in relation to the new compliance and reporting systems they are forced to follow with the host countries whose residents have accounts in Switzerland. The Council members did not accept this as a valid ‘excuse’ for the discriminatory way the banks treat Swiss Abroad customers. • 100 years OSA: The celebration for next year’s Centenary of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad has been massively cut down in size, as the Federal Government didn’t approve funding of the planned events. The Congress in the year of the Centenary will be held in Bern from 5 to 7 August, 2016. • New OSA President: Jacques-Simon Eggly, after eight years as President, retired and in his place Remo Gysin, who was the Vice-President, is elected President. The new Vice-President is Filippo Lombardi, the initiator of the Law of the Swiss Abroad. Beat Knoblauch – Council of the Swiss Abroad
• Election of the members of the Council of the Swiss Abroad: The working group on the reform of the election
Historical event: Swiss Abroad elected into the National Council
New OSA President, Remo Gysin
Congratulations to Tim Guldimann For the first time ever, a Swiss Abroad was elected into Parliament. Tim Guldimann (Socialist Party/Canton of Zürich), former Swiss ambassador and living in Berlin, has been elected as a National Councillor. It’s the first time that Swiss Abroad will have a representative in the Federal Palace who has been elected while living abroad. The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad is happy about Tim Guldimann’s election into the National Council and is looking forward to their collaboration to better represent the interests of the 746,800 Swiss Abroad within the Parliament.
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During her holidays in Switzerland this summer, Katja Wallimann Gates, President of the Swiss Yodel and Folklore Group ‘Bärg-Röseli’, Brisbane, visited two special Swiss Abroad events:
At the Museum of the Swiss Abroad Do you know you have a place in Geneva? It is the Domain de Penthes in Geneva, where a gorgeous Château houses the Museum of the Swiss Abroad. Anselm Zurfluh, the director of the museum greets his guests with this slogan: “Here is your place in Switzerland.” I had the pleasure to get an invitation from the Foundation for the History of the Swiss Abroad to attend the first meeting of the Swiss clubs from all over the world on 12 and 13 August 2015.
Anselm Zurfluh, on the left and members of Swiss Clubs from around the world A delegation of four from Australia was among guests from 40 Swiss clubs from 22 countries sharing their Swiss heritage. We had the most wonderful two days: we were shown around the grounds and the museum, listened to informative talks and watched documentaries. The food was delicious; several
Swiss Club President’s Conference, Melbourne 2016 Following the success of the inaugural Swiss Club President’s Conference in Canberra in 2014, the Australian Delegates to the Council of the Swiss Abroad – Roland Isler, Carmen Trochsler from Adelaide and Beat Knoblauch from Sydney – have started with the planning of the next Conference, which will take place at the Swiss Club of Victoria in October 2016.
degustations and other yummy meals were served, including a gala dinner with book launch and two alphorn players. Although the schedule was busy, we still had plenty of time to mingle with other Swiss living and share our live stories. It was a perfect mix of socialising and informative sessions. Hopefully the museum will host many more similar meetings. Next time you happen to be in Geneva, go and visit your ‘home’: a château with lake views, beautiful grounds, an excellent café…and say hello to Anselm and his wife Emmanuelle. Château de Penthes, Chemin de l’impératrice, PregnyChambésy, Genève. www.penthes.ch
At the Congress of the Swiss Abroad Every year in late summer, somewhere in Switzerland a Congress of the Swiss Abroad takes place. This year it was held at the international conference centre, also in Geneva, 14-16 August. On the first day I was able to watch a sitting of the Council of the Swiss Abroad who represents the interests of Swiss expatriates before the authorities, sometimes called the ‘Parliament of the Fifth Switzerland’. At the end of the day delegates of different parties debated about issues regarding Swiss Abroad before the federal election in October. The second was the plenary meeting with the emphasis on education of the citizens as a warranty for a lively democracy. The day was full of interesting talks about the issue of keeping democracy alive – even one from Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard. The highlight of the day for me was the youth debate. Young Swiss living abroad, ages between 15 to 25 got trained in debating during the Youth Seminar. They discussed issues important to them and had to explain their viewpoints in front of hundreds of delegates. It was wonderful to see engaged and intelligent young people being passionate about politics. It gave me hope for our future! On Sunday there was a choice of three different excursions around Geneva and a gala dinner, again at Penthes. Next year the congress will be held in Bern, celebrating 100 years of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad. If you happened to be in Switzerland in August 2016 please consider attending. I warmly recommend it. www.aso.ch/en Both events were like going to a Swiss club meeting here in Australia but on a bigger scale. Being able to meet Swiss living abroad from all over the world and hearing about their issues was fantastic! One thing I learned made me really proud to be here in Australia. When discussing the variety of events and memberships, I realised how well we are doing. Most Swiss clubs with comparable size groups are offering far less events and are less vibrant then we are. Delegates looked very impressed when we talked about our clubs. Katja Wallimann Gates
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Swiss Events & Functions Please note that this calendar also list events other than those organised by the Swiss Club of Victoria and its subgroups. Please book all Swiss Club functions (bold entries) with Roger, phone 9650 1196 or fax 9650 3104 and check website for latest information and details of upcoming events. For all other events please contact the relevant organisation (see page 3 for contact details).
DECEMBER
Thursday 03 Saturday 05 Wednesday 23
Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea Club Restaurant closes after dinner
JANUARY
Monday
11
Club reopens for 2016
FEBRUARY
Monday Monday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Saturday
01 01 04 17 24 27
Foundation Day Celebration – Wine tasting Editorial Deadline – Newsletter March issue Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Swiss Movie Night: Heldin der Lüfte Social Jass Jass Night – Matterhorn
MARCH
Wednesday 02 Thursday 05 Wednesday 16 Saturday 19 Sunday 20 Wednesday 23
Ladies’ Luncheon Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Jass Night – Swiss Club Comedy Festival bump-in (bump-out Monday, 18 April) Social Jass
OTHER REGULAR SWISS CLUB MEETINGS: Committee Meetings: every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month (excluding January & December) 6.30 to 8pm. Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose: practice every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm Swiss Companion Singers: practice and social gathering every 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month at 8pm
Advanced Notice: UNTERHALTUNGSABEND
Laughter Yoga Helvetia: meets every 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month at 6pm
The Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose is pleased to announce that there will be an Unterhaltungsabend on
SwissKids: meets every 1st Saturday of each month, from 2pm to 4pm
Saturday, 7 May 2016
Les Bavards – ‘The Chatterboxes’: French Conversation Group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6.30pm
h t t p : // s w i s s c l u b v i c t o r i a . c o m
Please mark this date in your calendar and tell your Swiss friends. For information contact Sylvia Hochuli on 9531 6575, or hochuli@tpg.com.au
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Half-Yearly General Meeting
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Seniors Luncheon
Kaffeeklatsch