REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
Senior Christmas
THE
RO U CLU
Our inaugural Foundation Day Celebration
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ABOU D N B
MARCH 2014
When we first set out with the planning of this event, we were worried that we would not get enough members attending. It was rather early in the year and the possibility that many members were still away, or not in party mood straight after the Festive Season was a concern. We should not have worried as we got a full house! The first ever Foundation Day Celebration of our Club was to be a classy affair. A great effort was made to transform the Second Floor into a welcoming, glitzy venue with a 19th century ambience. The table settings were just beautiful, thanks to the lovely flower arrangements made by Sylvia, the serviettes expertly folded in the shape of a fan by John Ortner and Rita’s choice of decorative candles on the window sills. It also helped that Rita and Barbara raided their households for further turn of the century style props. The picture frames leading up the staircase, in the boardroom and in the dining area were filled with turn of the century images – the time of the founding fathers of the Club. Roland searched high and low to find authentic pictures of the fashion, sights of Melbourne, people, events and landmarks of that bygone area. Rita’s suggestion to engage the ‘Flirting Mazurkas’ to look after the musical
entertainment was an excellent choice. Their huge repertoire of waltzes, foxtrots, polkas and, of course, mazurkas fitted perfectly into the style of the event and the dance floor was a busy place, especially once everyone enjoyed the 3-course dinner. Talking about food: the menu planning was done by Rita and Barbara with the help of chef Roger Moullet. Naturally, it had to be special… AND fit the budget! On arrival, guests were treated to a welcome drink and an array of canapés served in the boardroom. The canapés were, of course, hand-made by Sylvia,
Rita with the help of Herbert and Betty. An event like this cannot be without speeches. First to the microphone was Barbara, who welcomed everyone on behalf of the organising committee highlighting the presence of no less than five former Club Presidents and of course the current President, Sigrid de Castella. Sigrid proceeded to address the guests and reminded us of the reason of this event, to celebrate the 115th Anniversary of the Swiss Club of Victoria. She invited everyone to raise their glasses to a toast to the Club.
IS SW S
Foundation Day Celebration
89 Flinder s Lane • Melbour ne 3000 • Victor ia • Australia • www.s wissclubvic .com.au
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Enjoy
SWISS COMPANIES SHOWCASING QUALITY PRODUCTS & SERVICES
SWISS FOOD & DRINKS AND ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY
SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 11am to 5pm
Meet SWISS COMMUNITY GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN VICTORIA
QUEENSBRIDGE SQUARE SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE Visit www. swissfestival australia. com
Can you help on the day of the festival as a volunteer? If yes, please get in contact with Vreni Welsh vreni@swissfestival.com.au
Interested in participating, either running a stall or performing? Please contact Rolf Huber rolf@swissfestival.com.au
SWISS CLUB OF VICTORIA Founded in 1899 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000 T: 1300 893 968, F: (03) 9650 3104 E: info@swissclubvic.com.au www.swissclubvic.com Club Opening Hours Lunch: Mo - Fri from 12noon Dinner: Tue - Sat from 6pm Club Nights: Wed & Thurs Bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 Swiss Club Catering For all Functions contact Chef & Catering Manager Roger Moullet T: (03) 9650 1196, F: (03) 9650 3104 M: 0409 040 249 E: swissclub@hotmail.com The Second Floor Function Bookings CBD Function Room with a difference! Info and/or bookings T: 1300 893 968 E: thesecondfloor@swissclubvic.com.au
COMMITTEE Sigrid de Castella President M: 0416 088 000 E: president@swissclubvic.com.au Barbara Kündig Immediate Past President / Secretary M: 0402 018 363 E: info@swissclubvic.com.au Urs Derrick Wildi Treasurer M: 0403 040 930 E: treasurer@swissclubvic.com.au
Impressum ‘Edelweiss’ appears quarterly in March, June, September and December. Circulation 500. For all enquiries contact: Editor: Roland Isler T: (03) 9524 6335 (B) M: 0412 935 565 E: risler@swiss.org.au 67 St Georges Crescent Heatherton Vic 3202
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Vreni Welsh Membership M: 0423 513 843 E: membership@swissclubvic.com.au Rolf Huber General Member M: 0425 805 854 E: committeemember@swissclubvic.com.au Antony Anderson Building Services Manager M: 0416 069 666 E: building@swissclubvic.com.au Damian Schaller Marketing Manager M: 0410 461 364 E: marketing@swissclubvic.com.au
SWISS CLUB SUB-GROUPS Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au Swiss Companion Singers Convenor: Heidy Giger T: (03) 9889 9321 E: adelheid1@bigpond.com Ladies Luncheons Convenor: Heidy Giger For bookings T: (03) 9650 1196 For information: T: (03) 9889 9321 E: adelheid1@bigpond.com SwissKids Convenor: Esther Blaser-Tokarev T: (03) 8521 3739 M: 0424 220 523 E: esther.blaser@gmx.ch The Swiss Diners Club Convenor: Damian Schaller M: 0410 461 364 E: damianschaller@swiss.org.au 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: Franz Schnellmann T: (03) 9449 2245, M: 0412 203 893 E: schnellmann@dodo.com.au Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess Australian/Swiss Cultural Society President: Sylvia Hochuli T: (03) 9531 6575 E: hochuli@tpg.com.au Groupe Romand du Victoria President: Rémy Favre 1 Hughes Street, Malvern East Vic 3145 T: (03) 9571 2835, M: 0412 135 095 E: remy@favrecranage.com www.swiss.org.au/chfrvic Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn President: Chris Hostettler 19 Lockwood Road Belgrave Heights Vic 3160 T: (03) 9754 7390, M: 0428 427 434 E: helvet@bigpond.com www.swiss.org.au/matterhorn SwissCham Australia General Manager: Marcel Svatos T: (02) 9262 1511, F: (02) 9290 1928 E: office@swisscam.com.au Further details see: www.swisscham.com.au Swiss-Australian Academic Network (SAAN) E: info@saan.id.au Further details see: www.saan.com.au Organisation of the Swiss Abroad Council Member: Roland Isler Further details see: under Editor www.aso.ch & www.swiss.org.au/csa Embassy of Switzerland T: (02) 6162 8400, F: (02) 6273 3428 E: can.vertretung@eda.admin.ch Consulate General of Switzerland T: (02) 8383 4000, F: (02) 9369 1334 E: syd.vertretung@eda.admin.ch Consulate of Switzerland T: (03) 9824 7527, M: 0413 042 728 E: melbourne@honrep.ch Further details of official representations see: www.eda.admin.ch/australia
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President’s Message Dear members and friends of the Swiss Club, Most of the Swiss Community seems to still be celebrating Stanislas Wawrinka’s incredible Grand Slam win at the recent Australian Open. Despite commiserating with Roger Federer in his defeat, Stan’s win prompted some of us to call ourselves “SwissAussie” rather than “Aussie-Swiss”, at least for the day. Whilst Stan’s win may have looked easy, like all achievements there is a lot of hard work and preparation that is performed behind the scenes. And so too it is with the Swiss Club of Victoria, and in particular the wonderful 115th Foundation Day Celebration that was held on 1st February. It may have been a very hot evening outside but we celebrated in grand (and cool) style at The Second Floor with a fine feast, merry music and great company. The room looked wonderful and the evening was a huge success thanks to the incredible efforts of Rita, Barbara, Roland, Sylvia and their families. It was fantastic to mark this very auspicious occasion, and toast to our forefathers who had the vision to create our Club! If you were unable to attend the dinner then over the next few months we have some more exciting events planned. The Annual General Meeting starts off at 6.15pm on Friday 21st March. Whilst the AGM has been a Members only event, this year the format changes considerably. The AGM will commence at 6.30pm with a meeting for Members. It will be followed at 7.45pm with a 3-course dinner in the Restaurant which both members and non-members can attend and celebrate another successful year. Please see page 24 for details of this special dinner. We hope you can join us. The Comedy Festival starts set-up on The Second Floor on Monday 24th March, and will be in full swing until Sunday 20th April (including over Easter). This is a very busy time for all of us at the Club and in the Restaurant, and we remind sub-groups that they need to find alternative venues for their meetings during this time. Why not catch a show and some laughter at the Club and support this event? Tickets and Shows at www.comedyfestival.com.au The Swiss Festival is on again at Queensbridge Square on Sunday 6th April and we ask you to be an Ambassador for this event by spreading the word and inviting your family and friends along. We are also looking for volunteers for the Swiss Club who will be working with Roger and the Restaurant to provide cold drinks, wine and beer on the day. See Page 12. More information at www.swissfestivalaustralia.com On Saturday 3rd May there is lots of fun to be had at the Unterhaltungsabend with an enjoyable evening of Swiss traditional dancing and music. The Folk Dance Group Alpenrose performs live together with Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand and there are Swiss Style Tombola (lucky envelops) with lots of great prizes. See page 8.
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Good Beer Week festival is on from 17th to 25th May and for the first time the Club’s Restaurant is getting involved in celebrating beers of the world! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for event announcements and possibly a beer tasting or two with a special new brew. See page 14. We’ve also planned some different events during the year for Members but also in the hope of attracting younger Australianborn Swiss and their friends to the Club. These events include Jazz and music sessions, wine education and tastings, and the long awaited French Conversation Group which starts on Tuesday 25th February (see page 5). Whilst we have a lot of great ideas for the Club, once again we find ourselves shorthanded. If you can help, please let us know.
Sadly we must bid ‘Farewell’ to one of our beloved committee members, Damian Schaller, who is returning to Switzerland with his wife, Melinda, in search of new adventures. I join with the rest of the Committee and the members of the Swiss Club to wish Damian and Melinda much success and happiness in their future. Through Damian’s marketing talents we now have a vibrant website and social media portals which allow us to maintain regular contact with both our members and the general public. This is a great legacy Damian has left for the Club to take into our future, but we do need help to do this. If anyone has marketing or social media skills and would like to help out the Club then we will welcome you with open arms, just as we did Damian when he joined the committee 6 years ago. Finally, over the coming months as we endure Melbourne’s hot Summer and prepare for Autumn we ask you to remember to ‘slip, slop, slap’ when in the sun, and be careful of ‘chocolate overload’ over Easter. We also look forward, very much, to seeing you and your families at the Club. Sigrid de Castella - President Swiss Club of Victoria
The last farewell
Welcome to our new members We welcome Catherine Sheahan & Adrian Schlegel, Leslie Gleadall, Eveline and David Charles, Peter Stoeckli, Anna Lucas and John Ortner. We are looking forward to your participation in our club.
Congratulations To Benny Huerlimann on becoming the proud grandfather of little Huon James.
We are saddened by the passing of Honorary life member Roger Kirsten. Our sympathies go to his wife and Honorary Life Member Joan. Our heartfelt condolences go to Honorary Life Member Ernst Keller who lost his wife Barbara. We are saddened by the passing of our member and founding member of the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose Gwen Eckhardt. We extend our sincerest condolences to her son, Ray, and family. We shall miss them and remember them. Dear members, please tell the committee or the editor if your partner, your friends or fellow members have a reason to celebrate, are unwell or have left for a better place.
Happy birthday
Gwen Eckhardt
to the following members who were celebrating their milestone birthdays recently: Maris Giessler commemorated her 80th and Joyce Dornbierer and our longest member (joined 01/01/52) Joe Schibli celebrated their 85th, while Trudy Fanger celebrated her 90th. We congratulate you and wish you good health in many years to come! Special Birthday Wishes also go to our youngest Swiss Club Member Isaac Chan, who celebrated his 21st Birthday! Happy 18th Birthday to Saksia Smits. We enjoyed seeing you grow up to a lovely young Swiss and we wish you all the best for a bright future.
It is with sadness and a smile that I write these words. Gwen Eckhardt, a founding member of the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose has passed away at a nursing home in Canberra. I have had the privilege to talk to Gwen throughout the years. Gwen was always interested to hear about the group, where we performed and how the members were. All the members have fond memories of Gwen. Sylvia Hochuli
Get well Best wishes for a speedy recovery go to Eleanor Schmidig, Trudy Fanger, Yvonne Erb and Inge Kulmanis. We hope to see you again at the club soon!
New Privacy Policy Please be advised that the Club has a new Privacy Policy which can be seen here: http://swissclubvictoria.com/swiss-club-ofvictoria/privacy-policy/
Reminder to Sign in The committee would like to remind members that it is a condition of the Club’s Liquor License to sign all non-members in to the Guest book. Please remember to do this when bringing friends and family to the Restaurant so that we comply with our legal requirements. w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
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From front page
Sigrid also took the opportunity to officially farewell committee member Damian Schaller who, after eight years in Australia, is relocating back to Switzerland in March with his lovely wife Melinda. This was their last Swiss Club function to attend. We shall miss Damian and Melinda and wish them all the very best in their new life in Switzerland! The star attraction was the main course, which was not simply ‘dished up’, but rather ‘presented’ by Roger. A sumptuous piece of roast beef on a silver platter was paraded from table to table, to approving applause. Then, for all to see, it was carved up, platted and served. What a delicious celebratory meal! Roland then spoke about the historical aspect of the night: “To my knowledge, this is the first time that the actual anniversary day of our club is commemorated in this way. That is due to the fact that until recently, we didn’t know on what day the club was founded. This changed when we got hold of the issue number one of the ‘Edelweiss’ newsletter, dated 1 January 1900, in which the founding of the Club is reported in some detail. It said, and I quote: ‘…on 24 December 1898, afternoon 3 o’clock, six jolly Swiss souls made a promise – not with crossed swords, as their ancestors on the ‘Rütli’ have done it, but with sparkling glasses filled with wine – to make joint efforts to establish a Swiss association for the purpose of promoting social activity and a closer connection among the Swiss living here.’ ‘…and on 1 February 1899 the matter had progressed to the point that the club was formally founded and was given the not very poetic, yet very important-sounding name of ‘Swiss Club of Victoria’.” He then spoke of the poem ‘Alpglühen’ that was printed in the first newsletter (see box). It was dedicated to the Swiss colony in Melbourne and first recited by Miss Else Aebi on the 22nd of November 1899. He invited Rita and Barbara to recite it for the second time on this inaugural Foundation Day Celebration – to much applause by the audience! Later in the evening Roland received the following text message on his mobile phone:
The organising committee would like to thank Roger Moullet and his staff for helping to make this evening a special one. We would also very much thank John Ortner and ‘casualPLUS’ for the generous supply of two waiting staff, who did such a professional and courteous job! A big applause also to the ‘Flirting Mazurkas’ for their charming entertainment! And lastly, we sincerely thank everyone for coming along. What a great night we had! In the words of Barbara:“…this is what drives us to do events for the Swiss Club: we enjoy when the guests feel welcome from the moment they enter and then enjoy a good time together. It is also great to be creative together, plan it all and then see it fall into place. We might be tired at the end, but we had a good time doing it.” The organising committee, Rita Schwärzler-Abbt, Barbara Kündig, Sylvia Hochuli, Roland Isler
Je tiens à féliciter le Swiss Club of Victoria pour ses 115 ans d’existence. Michelle Grasset, petite-fille de son premier président, Marc Louis William Grasset. Bonne continuation! This message was read out, in flawless French of course, by Rémy Favre, President of the Groupe Romand du Victoria. And Rémy gave the following translation: “I sincerely congratulate the Swiss Club of Victoria for its 115 years of existence. Michelle Grasset, granddaughter of its first president, Marc Louis William Grasset. For many years to come!” Roland acknowledged the help of Beryl Black in making contact with Michelle in Geneva and being able to persuade her to donate the one and only copy of this newsletter to the Swiss Club. Without this, we still would not know the Club’s birthday and there would be no Foundation Day Celebration!
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Alpglühen Sagt an, was soll das Glühen von hoher Bergeszinn? Will mir wohl Jemand deuten den mystisch – hehren Sinn? Willst du es wohl versuchen, du Fürst auf stolzem Thron? Verstehet wohl dein Kanzler die mächtige Vision? Dort von Mont Röss’s Firnen bis hin zum Säntisspitz – Vom Rheine bis zum Rhodan, da leuchtets wie ein Blitz: So sagt, was soll dies Glühen? Was diese Zauberpracht? Was soll dies Wunderzeichen? Wer hat es wohl gemacht? Es ist der Freiheit Leuchten! Von Ihrem Hochaltar Auf Berg und Thal hernieder legt sich ihr Glanz, fürwahr; Sie segnet ihre Kinder mit pos’gem Hochlandsschein – Sie strahlet frohe Leben in’s Schweizervolk hinein. Sie predigt unseren Söhnen von altvergangener Zeit Preist uns’rer Frauen Tugend, des Landes Herrlichkeit; Sie spricht von unsern Ahnen, von ihrem Heldentod Sie küsst die Gletscherfirnen im letzten Abendroth. Und in die Thale sinket die stille Sternennacht, Es rauscht in dunklen Tannen; noch glüht der Gletscher Pracht Noch glüht in später Stunde des Kusses Wiederschein, Brennt jedem Schweizerherzen der Freiheit Liebe ein! Ja selbst in weiter Ferne wirkt noch das Alpenglühn Und zieht den Schweizer heimwärts zu seinen Bergen hin; Er möchte dort nur sterben, wo er das Licht erblickt, Wo seiner Berge Leuchten zuerst ihn hat entzückt.
Dear Sylvia, Rita, Roland and Barbara Thank you so very much for organising the most perfect and classy Swiss Club Birthday. The guests were transformed on entry. The staircase, which is usually a challenge for many, was mastered with ease, enjoying all those nostalgic prints. Arriving upstairs and…wow! Showcasing the Second Floor to all at its most festive. Roger and his team never fail putting on a gourmet feast. The text message, or should we better call it the ‘telegram’, from Geneva was a most perfect surprise. All guests dancing the night away… Kind Regards und ‘es grosses Dankeschön’ Vreni Welsh
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Fahrt ins Blaue Mystery Trip Wednesday, 13 November My angel gave me a lift to the city whilst the rain was literally pouring down. But...we need water to live. The front entrance of the Art Gallery was our start. Kind bus driver Adrian was waiting for us and guided us into the bus, nice and cosy. We waited for everyone to arrive and then‌into the grey yonder. Where are we going? Its exciting, we love our Mystery Trip! Once a year us lucky people get this opportunity, thanks to the Trachtengruppe. We travelled along the Yarra and the rain kept on coming. The roads were busy. I could hear voices, everyone had a great time talking in ‘SchwyzerdĂźtsch’ (Swiss-German). For many of us this is a rare happening. Looking out of the window, watching all the plants and trees, they just love the moisture. Rainwater is actually very refreshing, but the comfort of sitting in an airconditioned bus is good as well, looking from the inside out. I spot a ‘Longines’ clock sign in Ashburton, there is always something to see from Switzerland. Joan is sitting next to me and she spots Badgers Creek Estate. She saw a homemade sign Yarra Valley Dance Party. Are we in the Yarra Valley? We have a stop in Maroondah Dam Park for morning tea, delicious biscuits and fruit juice. Some of us left the bus and ventured outside into the lovely fresh air and the rain was tumbling down, drop by drop.
Adrian, our lovely driver, explained about the bush fires in the Yarra Valley and how the seeds fall and the ferns generate again after the fire. The trunks of the trees are still black but the ferns are magnificent and in such an abundance. Eventually we arrived at tour destination, Toolangi Tavern. Inside at the entrance was the name of the famous bush poet C. J. Dennis. Underneath it says: “I dips me lid�, a saying that is famous! “I take my hat off�. The tables looked lovely, ready for us to enjoy a sumptuous lunch. By then, I spotted another sign�Parents please note: Unsupervised or running children will be given a double espresso and a free puppy!� Toolangi Tavern has a warm log fire ready for us, we warmed our hands and then found our seats. Our lunch: leek, potato soup, beef with vegetable, apple crumble and coffee. The view from the restaurant was superb. Grey clouds sliding along the mountainside, it looked stunning and raindrops kept on coming. Sylvia welcomed us all and we had a great raffle with many prizes. Rita handed out the leaflets for our Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea. A great amount of work for the Trachtengruppe. All the ladies from the group were busy serving the coffee. We travelled in comfort back home, some of us slept and some talked. Thank you all for another super Mystery Trip. Inge Kulmanis
Unterhaltungsabend Saturday 3 May, 7.30pm Jungfrau Travel is an independent travel agency, specialising in destinations in Switzerland. :H DUH SOHDVHG WR RɹHU VNLOOHG UHOLDEOH DQG WKRURXJK WUDYHO VHUYLFHV WR WKH PHPEHUV RI WKH 6ZLVV &OXE RI 9LFWRULD DQG WKHLU IDPLOLHV DQG IULHQGV IRU WKHLU GLYHUVH WUDYHO QHHGV :LWK PRUH WKDQ WZR GHFDGHV RI DFFXPXODWHG LQGXVWU\ NQRZOHGJH ZH SURXGO\ SURYLGH ‡ 7KH EHVW H[SHUWLVH DQG DUUDQJHPHQWV IRU \RXU WULS ‡ $WWUDFWLYH SULFHV IRU à LJKWV DQG KRWHOV ZRUOGZLGH ‡ 6SHFLDOLVHG VHUYLFHV IRU KRQH\PRRQ DQG VNL WULSV :H ZHOFRPH DOO \RXU HQTXLULHV T: 03 9898 2102 E: info@jungfrau.com.au Or visit our website: www.jungfrau.com.au Licence No: 33092
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• Three course dinner • Music: Kapelle Grßezi Mitenand • Tombola with lots of prizes • Cost: $40 p.p. Bookings must be made with the Swiss Club or ring Sylvia on 9531 6575. It is a fun night. Please come and join in the fun and support the group at the same time. We look forward to see you at the Unterhaltungsabend. Sylvia Hochuli
Swiss Club of Victoria
Senior Christmas Afternoon Tea 7 December 2013. Sponsored by the Swiss Society of Victoria Today we celebrated! Seniors Christmas, we ate, te, we sang, we laughed! The Dance group danced for us in style, our ngs Companion Singers sang all our Christmas songs from long, long ago. We felt like children once yes again. The Swiss Kids with their bright shiny eyes helped with the songs, it was a joy! Open Sandwiches arrived, colourful and tasty! The angel helpers in national costumes prepared and served our food, savoury and sweet. Everyone helped, we had it all! All the decorations. Wow! Tannezwiegli mit Kugele! You all deserve a medal for such a splendid DAY! Merci-Dankschön an alli Hälfer, d’Swiss Society, Rita dr Convenor, Trachtengruppe, Tanzgruppe, Companion Singers und Swiss Kids. Inge Kulmanis
Become a member of the Swiss Society of Victoria
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The Swiss Society of Victoria is a benevolent organisation and has been supporting the Swiss Community of Victoria since 1879
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We help Swiss citizens living in Victoria who need financial or social support. Because charity begins at home. You can help us in helping them.
For more information about us or if you know any Swiss citizen in Victoria who could benefit from our services contact: Franz Schellmann T: 9449 2245 M: 0412 203 893 schnellmann@dodo.com.au
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A memorial to the victims of the Black Saturday bushfires In the lead up to the fifth anniversary of the devastating bushfires which occurred on Saturday, 7 February 2009, Swiss Club member, artist and resident of Yarra Glen, Ernst Fries, was commissioned to create a memorial to the victims of his home town and district.
The anniversary is an eerie reminder at a time when many communities across the state are once again under the threat of bushfires. The memorial is a specially designed monument to offer a reflective space for visitors, as well as a timely reminder for people around the Yarra Valley to acknowledge the beautiful place in which they live, but also to understand what the community can be capable of in times of disaster. With three large screen panels constructed from coloured, transparent glass, the memorial depicts the ferocity of the fires, the recovery after the event and the hope for the future following the disaster. Up-lights have been placed around the memorial area and its shelter for each of the people who perished in the area. The memorial was officially opened on 25 November 2013 at the McKenzie Reserve in Yarra Glen. The following are the opening remarks by Ernst Fries for the dedication of the Bushfire Memorial: “It was an honour to be selected to create this Bushfire Memorial for Yarra Glen and its District, which was very exciting and equally challenging. To commemorate such a horrendous event, in which thirteen lives were lost and 340 dwellings destroyed, required some special considerations. From the very beginning, I realised that this project needed more than a single monumental expression. It cannot be like a war memorial which reflects the equality of heroic sacrifices, but it has to be a memorial to a natural disaster in which precious civilian lives, randomly and unexpectedly, were lost. It demanded a holistic approach. It needed a space, which is conducive to reflection, offers a certain amount of privacy and its presentation is accessible and meaningful to the people who were directly impacted by the event, and to those who have not experienced this catastrophe but want to be informed. This approach required a harmonious integration of nature, space and structure. This could only be achieved by close consultation and co-operation with Rob Hamilton, the Landscape Architect of the Shire. At the current stage of development, the flora is in its embryonic stage and hopefully it will evolve as time goes by.
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One of the paramount aims is to remember the people who lost their lives. I placed solar uplights informally around the perimeter for each person, grouped together as they died. The lights should be seen as their contribution to the community as they would have enriched the community if they had not perished. The central feature is a symbolic shelter which was yearned for by all affected by the firestorm. The Dalle de Verre (Glass) set in concrete forming the triptych with its vivid and scintillating colours is a narrative of the event and its aftermath. It projects, through colour and form, the ferocity and awe inspiring force of the fire, as it was especially evident among the trees; the destruction and losses by the fire and its radiant heat; the eerie stillness, yet much turbulence in the air after the actual firestorm passed; the traumatic shock experienced by all; the emotional void, grief and the yearning for security; the first signs of regeneration, and the prolific epicormic growth, which gives hope for a new start. The bronze plaque describes how the event developed, what happened on these fateful days, and the extent of the destruction of the fire in the Shire. The heroic efforts by all the emergency services and the selfless effort by members of the local community to help the people in peril had to be enshrined. While the event is etched in the memory of many, the details are quickly forgotten, and in times to come, visitors will like to know what happened on these particular days.� The Swiss Club of Victoria proudly congratulates Ernst Fries on his creation of this important memorial.
Newsletter Deadlines 2014 June Issue: Covering June/July/August Editorial Deadline: Monday, 5 May Mailing: Wednesday, 21 May September Issue: Covering Sept/Oct/ Nov Editorial Deadline: Monday, 4 August Mailing: Wednesday, 20 August December Issue: Covering Dec /Jan/Feb 2015 Editorial Deadline: Monday, 3 November Mailing: Wednesday, 19 November
Swiss Club of Victoria
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Swiss pride at Wawrinka Australian Open win
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26 January 2014 Switzerland has reacted warmly to tennis player Stanislas Wawrinka’s maiden Grand Slam win at the Australian Open in Melbourne, ranging from official congratulations to over-thetop enthusiasm. Hopes for an all Swiss Final were dashed when Roger Federer lost against Rafael Nadal in the Semi Finals. On Australia Day, however, Wawrinka, who has long played in the shadow of his famous countryman, triumphed over world number one Rafael Nadal to claim the title with a 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory. Swiss President Didier Burkhalter was quick to react after Wawrinka’s win. “Congratulations for your magnificent tournament on the other side of the world, all in strength and courage,” he said in a statement. Back home, his village temporarily changed its name from Saint-Barthélemy to Stan-Barthélemy to celebrate his win.
SWISS NEWS, WORLD WIDE
Across 1. First name of the committee member that is relocation to Switzerland. 5. Well-known tourist destination between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. 7. What function takes place on 3 May? 10. What language is spoken in the movie ‘Canzun Alpina’? 11. Surname of the recently retired director of the OSA. Down 2. Name of a dance after which the Foundation Day band is called. 3. A place in the canton of Vaud, famous for its mineral water. 4. A region in the canton of St. Gallen. 6. Artist and Club member that designed the Black Saturday memorial in Yarra Glen. 8. Who was the first emperor that ruled over land that makes up present day Switzerland? 9. Which canton is celebrating an important milestone this year? For answers go to page 15
Follow the Swiss Club on Social Media! 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
You can find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ Swissclubvic, on Twitter @SwissClubVic or on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/SwissClubVictoria
SBS HOTLINE: (03) 9949 2192 http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/yourlanguage/german
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…for the…
The Swiss Club @ the Swiss Festival
Be Proud – Be Swiss Be a Volunteer!
The Swiss Festival will take place on Sunday, 6 April 2014 at Queensbridge Square.
After our bold move in 2013 to take the Swiss Festival to Queensbridge Square in the heart of Melbourne, our 2014 Swiss Festival promises to be even better. We were able to secure The Auckland Guggemusik and the Swiss Kiwi Yodlers to entertain the Swiss loving crowds at the upcoming Swiss Festival.
Most of our Interest Groups are already busy getting involved in the Swiss Festival for their own group. The Swiss Club would also like to participate again. As a fundraiser for the Swiss Club we again are having a soft drinks stall as well as an information booth about our club and facilities.
We need your help and support. We are looking for volunteers to help us on the day and be involved in manning our stall. If you can help, PLEASE let us know ASAP. Email your interest to vreni@swissfestival.com.au or call us on 0423 513 843. We can’t do it without you! Thank you! Your Swiss Club Committee
Can’t wait to dance and sing along? The Swiss Festival Committee is in the last stages of finalising the Sponsorship deals with Swiss and Australian companies. But there is only very little time left to get involved (at very reasonable prices!) and showcase your brand to a wide audience in printed and online media in the lead up to the Swiss Festival and to the visitors on the Festival Day itself. Please email: rolf@swissfestival.com.au If you are Swiss or love Switzerland spread the word among your friends and family to help make the Swiss Festival 2014 the best ever. To be able to grow from over 5000 visitors in 2013 we urgently need to increase our volunteer data base. Show your true colours on the 6 April 2014. • Put on a Swiss Hat • Be Swiss, maybe just for the day
Customised English Written and Oral Communication Skills for Professionals. • • • • •
Business Writing Skills Speaking Skills Australian Workplace Inductions In-Company Consultancy Online Solutions
• Volunteer a couple of hours of good old SwissAussie Hard Yakka for the day. To be involved please email your name and preferred time to help: • Early morning set up: 7am to 11am • During the Festival: 11am to 5pm • After Festival clean up: 5pm to 6:30pm to vreni@swissfestival.com.au or ring 0423 513 843
Tel: 03 9421 5348 Email: info@solutionslingua.com www.solutionslingua.com
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Make sure you stay up to date with the latest Swiss Festival News on http://swissfestivalaustralia.com Swiss Club of Victoria
WELCOME TO THE SWISS KIWIS! We are proud to announce the participation of the Swiss Kiwi Yodel Group and the Auckland Guggemusik at the Swiss Festival 2014! See and listen to the unique sounds from across the Tasman at the Swiss Festival on Sunday, 6 April.
Guggemusik Auckland Swiss Kiwi Yodel Group Auckland – New Zealand In 1967 for their own enjoyment a handful of dedicated Swiss singers, keen on traditional Swiss music and songs, decided to form a proper yodel group and thus the famous Swiss Kiwi Yodel Group came into being. The Swiss Kiwi Yodel Group has participated a number of times at the well known ‘Eidgenössische Jodelfest’ in Switzerland and have always received top marks. http://yodelgroup.wix.com
The only Swiss style carnival band in New Zealand We are a Swiss style carnival band who dress up in costumes and dance around while playing music. We have an infectious nature to our music which leaves a lasting impression on people who see us play. Although we are not ‘note perfect’, the energy and fun that comes from our music is enjoyed by all. We play an interesting mix of modern and traditional music and are predominantly made up of brass instruments and percussion. http://carnivalband.co.nz/
supports Opera in Victoria. For upcoming opera events visit our website
www.henkellvineyards.com.au Try our Yarra Valley wines offering finesse and exceptional flavour: • Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 • Chardonnay 2013
Please find our wines and order form on our website
www.henkellvineyards.com.au or contact us by phone, fax or email
We also offer HENKELL TROCKEN, a non-vintage imported sparkling wine from Germany.
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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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Better than a Swiss Army Knife! ‘Good Beer Week’ promotion at the Swiss Club Restaurant
Monday, 19 May @ 7pm
Join us for a night of Swiss Food, Craft Beer and traditional Swiss Entertainment 3-course meal traditional Swiss band Beer from Swiss brewery Feldschlösschen, Austrian brewery Trumer and Victorian brewery Tooborac Tickets: $65 available at the Swiss Club Restaurant or online www.goodbeerweek.com.au
y a d r u t a S Sessions Saturday, 24 May – 3 to 6pm – The Second Floor Come listen to some cool Jazz featuring the Mondlarks Trio and enjoy a drink or two and some nibbles at bar prices. Tickets on sale soon. Look our for your invitation or stay tuned to our Facebook page and Website. 14
Swiss Club of Victoria
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. Ladies, please mark the dates of the first two of this year’s Luncheons in your calendar:
• Wednesday, 5 March Guestspeaker is our own Chantal Imbach, professional organiser from ‘Simply in Order’, sharing her experience and tips.
• Wednesday, 7 May I am looking forward to your company in 2014 and hope we can spend some fun times together with the help of the Guestspeakers. Newcomers are most welcome but please book with me on 9889 9321 or the Club on 9650 1196. Price $22 pp for members, $25 pp for non-members. Includes 2-course meal, wine, soft drinks and coffee.
• Wednesday, 26 February • Wednesday, 26 March • Wednesday, 23 April • Wednesday, 28 May 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.
Heidy Giger
We all know how good laughter makes us feel and it helps to relax the body, reduces the negative effects of stress and tension! Laughter Yoga is an innovative concept and has been widely established all over the world – simple and profound. It is an exercise routine and a complete wellbeing workout. There are no physical yoga postures so the group is suitable for people of any age or ability. Laughter Club Helvetia We meet every 3rd and 4th Thursday at 6pm at the Swiss Club, Second Floor. Contact: laughter.club.helvetia@gmail.com Marianne Bishop 9432 2421 or Heidy Giger 9889 9321
Test your Swiss Knowledge - Answers Across: 1. Damian; 5. Interlaken; 7. Unterhaltungsabend; 10. Rumantsch; 11. Wyder Down: 2. Mazurka; 3. Henniez; 4. Toggenburg; 6. ErnstFries; 8. Charlemagne; 9. Appenzell w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
Upcoming Jass Nights - 2014 Swiss Club
1st 2nd 3rd 4th & Final
15 March 31 May 5 July 30 August
Matterhorn
1st 2nd 3rd
22 February 10 May 9 August
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I am pleased to be able to present to you something very special in the culinary column of this edition of the Edelweiss. It comes courtesy of our committee member Damian Schaller who is leaving us very soon to relocate back to Switzerland. Damian’s dad has found at home a cookbook that was gifted to him upon his Christening. Unbelievably it dates from 1826 and is entitled ‘Luzernisches Kochbuch’ (cookbook from Lucerne). The cuisine of nearly two centuries ago is very different to the one we are accustomed to today and some recipes are…well …somewhat unusual. It also contains some handy advice such as ‘how to preserve meat in summer’ (given that there were no fridges, that was quite a problem) or ‘how to make stinking meat edible again’! Ahh, the good old times…! Since we were celebrating Founder’s Day for the first time on 1 February, it seems appropriate that we feature a recipe
that our Swiss Club founding fathers of 1899 may have been familiar with. How about ‘Suppe von Fröschen’ (Frog Soup): ‘Man siedet Fröschbeine, schaumet sie ab, thut Peterlein, Seleri, Lauch dazu: wenn sie durch das Sieb durchgedrückt: diese Brühe wird in einem irdenen Topf gethan, thut gebähtes Brod (gebacktes Brot), Fischkügelein, und ein Stück frischen Anken dazu, und last alles noch eine Stunde lang kochen.’ One boils the frog legs, rinse them, put parsley, celeriac, leek with it: when they are pushed through the strainer: this broth is put into an earthen pot, put baked bread, fish balls and a knob of fresh butter with it, and let everything simmer for one hour. Enjoy! Editor
The 2013 Swiss Club Championship was held on Friday, 25 October. Bill Maloney triumphed over Adam Gruneklee. Congratulation to the winner! 2014 dates: 14 March Swiss Club Doubles Championship 20 June Bernard Sandoz Cup 24 October Swiss Club Championship Bookings are essential, please ring Roger at the Swiss Club or myself on 9439 7593 or 0418 645 313. New players always welcome. Looking forward to a great tournament this year. Louis Schneider
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Swiss Club of Victoria
Appenzell marks 500 years of Swissness Appenzell celebrated the 500th anniversary of its membership of the Swiss Confederation on 17 December, 2013. It was the last of the original 13 members of the Confederation, which then remained unchanged between 1513 and the French invasion of 1798. The anniversary has been celebrated throughout the year, culminating in a day-long event attended by 2013 Swiss President, Ueli Maurer (this year’s President is Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter). “With your pride in your homeland and your traditions, you are a wonderful example of the diversity of our country,” he told those gathered. The canton was divided into two half cantons – Appenzell Inner Rhoden (AI) and Appenzell Ausser Rhoden (AR) – in 1597 along religious grounds. AI was formed from those areas which chose to remain Roman Catholic, while areas which went over to the Reformed church made up AR. The division was overseen by other members of the Swiss Confederation, and took place peacefully. As a Protestant canton, AR kept the old Julian calendar until 1798 – it rejected the more accurate Gregorian one because it was introduced (in 1582) by a pope. The Silvesterkläuse custom (see December 2013 issue of the Edelweiss) celebrated in Urnäsch to mark the New Year is still held on January 13, which is the New Year according to the Julian calendar. The word Rhode (plural: Rhoden) meaning forest clearing, is an old word for district; it has been used in Appenzell since at least the 14th century.
AI and AR are two of Switzerland’s six half cantons: the others are Obwalden and Nidwalden, and Basel City and Basel Country. Half cantons send only one representative to the Swiss Senate; full cantons are represented by two each. The capital of AI is Appenzell; that of AR is Herisau. AI has the smallest population of any canton in Switzerland, at 15,500. AR is bigger, with a population of 53,660 as of December 2012. AI is the second smallest by area after Basel City; AR the fourth smallest. Appenzell is the only canton to be entirely surrounded by another (St. Gallen). The position of the two half cantons with relation to each other is such that the point that the land surveying office defines the geographical centre of AR actually lies in AI. AI has exclaves entirely surrounded by AR. The landscape is mainly hilly; however, AR includes the Alpstein range, of which the highest point is Säntis, at 2,592m. It is the only canton not to be served by the federal railways. The train service is run by the Appenzeller Bahnen; much of it is narrow gauge. AI is one of only two cantons – the other is Glarus – to have kept the Landsgemeinde, or open air parliament, held once a year where all citizens vote on cantonal matters. Appenzellers are known for their small stature: at 1.761m, the men are 2.8cm shorter than men in Basel, the country’s tallest, according to Zürich University’s Institute of Anatomy. Appenzell is proud of its unique traditions and folklore, which include various kinds of music making and striking costumes for both men and women. The Appenzellers also have a reputation for their wit and sense of humour. swissinfo.ch
Anyone for pétanque? Members and friends of the Groupe Romand du Victoria met under sunny skies on 1 December, 2013 for a picnic and a ent tournament of pétanque at the excellent facilities at Lynden Park, Camberwell. Lots of fun for young and not so young!
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Work never stops for Sepp Sepp Schmidig is well and truly a part of the furniture as far as the Swiss Club is concerned. He became a member on the 1st of January 1953, that is 61 years of membership, what an amazing achievement! In terms of the longest membership, only Joe Schibli beats Sepp by one year. Still this is reason enough to have a chat with the second longest Club member. Tell us a little of your early years in Switzerland. I was born on the 15th of November 1929 in Altdorf, the home of William Tell, as the youngest of six children. I did my schooling years culminating with a diploma in commerce when I was 15. After that, I started an apprenticeship as a mechanic/ tool maker. I ended up as the top apprentice of the whole canton! Straight after that, I was called up to do my army service. In 1947, when I was eighteen, my older brother, the one I looked up to, my ideal, got accidentally killed whilst doing his army service. That was a terrible blow. My father had a prominent position in the community; he had an engineering business and held the position of chief judge in the canton of Uri. Dad always wanted me to work in his business, but that didn’t happen. I was a bit of a rebel, you could say, I was the black sheep of the family. My family on the other hand, was rather conservative. That made things a bit difficult at times. Is that why you left? Yes. My family actually encouraged me to migrate, especially my three sisters. I was more than happy to oblige, in fact, I wanted to go as far away as possible! Even though I couldn’t speak a word of English, my choice of destination was either Canada or Australia. What made you choose Australia? Both were growing countries with a future and the prospect of opportunity. When dad asked me to make enquires about travel and so forth, I said I go to whatever comes through first. Within a fortnight I got a booking to travel from England to Australia, sailing on the ‘Himalaya’, First Class. In the meantime, mum or dad got in touch with Jack Wipfli. He was a well known member of the Swiss Club and he came from Erstfeld, which is not far away from Altdorf; that is how my parents knew him. So they told him of my plans to come to Australia and asked for his help in looking after me when I arrive. That was in 1951, when I was 22. It was on a Friday when the ship docked at Port Melbourne and Jack was waiting for me. He said, Sepp, I got a room for you and you can start work on Monday morning! How did you go settling in Australia? I ended up working for Jack for about six months before he made it known that it was time for me to move on. Jack was a great help for so many Swiss migrants; he gave them work and a start here. By that time I’d learned a few words of English. I found work with another Swiss, Tom Ramp was his name. It was a small business repairing textile machines. I stayed with him for about two and a half years and when I left, Max Ammann, who arrived shortly before, took over my
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job. After that, I got a job with the railways where I stayed for eight years. I was instructing apprentices down at Newport. The unions made it very hard and I got sick and tired of it. I was about to give notice, when they offered me the job of train equipment examiner at the Jolimontt rail yards. It was around that time, when I met Eleanor. Where did the two of you meet? At the Swiss Club, of course! I had become a member of the Club by then and at Christmas time, she used to entertain children by teaching them ballet upstairs at the Club on 161 Spring Street. Her father was Swiss, Walter Popp. He took Eleanor along to the Club. So we met and we dated for about three years before we got married in 1956. 161 Spring Street was a great Club. Not only did we meet there, we had some wonderful times in there and met so many friends. And for me, I made important contacts that helped me along building my life in Australia. I was sorry when they sold that Club and moved into the George Parade premises – that was a horrible building. Really, the only time we went to that Club, was when rehearsals were on with the dance group. When did you join the Swiss Folkdance Group Alpenrose? Well, actually when I met Eleanor, she was already a member. Naturally, I had to join too, that was in 1952. Eleanor stayed a member of the dance group for 55 years and I for just over 50 years. We had an enormous amount of engagements and performances in the early days. We travelled everywhere, went bush for weekends; we danced at international gatherings, like in the Polish Club, or the German Club; we appeared a lot for the Red Cross and a variety of other charity events and even for Moomba. We cherish the many, many lovely memories we have of the times we spend with the dance group. How did life go on after the two of you got married? I bought a block of land in 1954, right here in Highett where we are now. I never touched my wages, all the money to buy the land came from nightshift jobs when I worked for Tom Ramp. There was so much work; I literally worked day and night. Over a period of two years, I built our house myself; I even bought a mold and made the foundation bricks myself! When we got married, we had a home to move into…and we still live in the same house today! In 1961 the first child arrived, our daughter Eleanor jr. and then Frieda followed in 1964. The Swiss Club still featured prominently in our lives. By that time, it moved to Flinders Lane. I became a member of the committee from 1985 to 1989, again from 1991 to 1992 and then again from 1995 to 1997. I was also on the 1 of August Ball committee for many years and I joined the Companion Swiss Club of Victoria
Singers as a foundation member when the group formed in 1991. There were two breaks during your time on the committee. Why? I joined the Masonic Lodge in 1971 and became Master in 1986. That meant that I was away from home a considerable amount of time. It was those Masonic duties that forced me to take some time off in between. I joined the Freemasons because the organisation and its history always fascinated me. There were quite a few Swiss Club members that were Freemasons. What about work around that time? When I worked at the Jolimont rail yards I found out that they were looking for someone at the Elwood tram depot. I applied for the job and got it. It suited me well because it was a lot closer to home. My next job was with Dunlop Batteries. I stayed with them for about eight years but had to leave because of lead poisoning. I had so much lead in my system; the doctors were amazed I was still alive! After that I became factory manager for a pneumatics and hydraulics company. And that is were I first met Beat Altermatt. Beat had just started his business and I was able to send a lot of work his way. He was nagging me to work for him and eventually, in 1969, I did join him. After about four or five years, he sold out and the company was broken up. I went to another hydraulics company as their contracts manager. That company, unfortunately, went belly-up and I lost a lot of shares, superannuation and entitlements. I was in my fifties and finding work at that age was not so easy anymore. It was pure coincidence, that during a job interview I ran into Beat again. He didn’t know I was looking for a job, and I didn’t know that he was the company director! At the second interview, when we actually met face to face, we couldn’t believe it…and of course, I got the job. I stayed with Beat’s company until 1996. After that I sort of retired, but it didn’t take long. After a fortnight I got a call from Castrol asking me, if I wanted to work with them for a while. I ended up staying with them for two years. When they were bought out, I thought, well I finally can retire. I wasn’t home for more then a week when I got a call to help out a company that was in a terrible mess. I could name my price, I could name my hours and I still work for them now as a consultant. Do you ever stop working? No. I am 85 and I have to stay active. I cannot retire. I still work, I still am involved with the Freemasons and I still like to be involved with the Swiss Club. Do you remember – you, Beat, Rita and I working together on the ‘Bob the Builder’ team renovating the first floor? I certainly remember that Sepp! The last question I want to ask you is: if you could invite five people, living or dead, to dinner, who would it be? Definitely not a politician! But I would like to see my brother Xaver again. I would like to have a chat with King Solomon and the architect of his temple, Hiram Abiff. Furthermore, I think Einstein would be a fascinating person to meet and being Swiss, I’d like to talk to William Tell! Very good Sepp! Thank you very much for your time.
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SWISS CLUB MOVIE ‘Flug in die Nacht - Das Unglück von Überlingen’ (Based on the mid-air collision of BA 2937 & DHL 611 in July 2002) Wednesday, 12 March, 8.30pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor 2009, 90min, Drama, Swiss German, English subtitles Director: Tim Endemann with Ken Duken, Sabine Timoteo, Jevgenij Sitochin, Mike Müller, Sophie von Kessel Johann Lender’s job turns out to be his undoing: the 35-year-old air-traffic controller was alone on his shift on July 1, 2002, when a Russian passenger airliner collided with a cargo plane in the airspace under his control and crashed near Überlingen on Lake Constance. All 71 passengers were killed. Yuri Balkayev’s wife and two children were also among the casualties. About one year later, Balkayev stabs the air-traffic controller to death in front of his own family. But hope is still alive in little Kolya, an orphan who also lost his mother, a Russian stewardess, in this tragedy.
Canzun Alpina Stimmen des Herzens (Voices of the heart) Wednesday, 21 May, 8.30pm Swiss Club, 2nd floor 2008, 90min, Comedy, Rumantsch, German subtitiles Director: Sören Senn with Ursina Lardi, Beat Marty, Ueli Jäggi, Bruno Cathomas, Peter Jecklin, Daniel Rohr Anna is a vivacious teacher and Clau a young plumber. Not only do the two sing together in a mixed choir, they are also expecting a baby very soon. The joy of their child’s birth is, however, eclipsed by a terrible surprise: Anna’s child, Fiona, has dark skin! While everyone sees that Clau cannot possibly be the father, an avalanche of events ensues in this small village in the Grisons. Free for members, non-members gold coin donation. Enjoy dinner at the club, before or after the movie. Please book with the restaurant on 9650 1196.
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Charlemagne – the first European emperor 2014 marks the 1200th anniversary of the death of Charlemagne (Kaiser Karl der Grosse). He was born in about 747 and died on 28 January 814 in Aachen, Germany. He was the King of the Franks from 768, the King of the Lombards from 774, and from 800 the first Emperor in Western Europe since the collapse of the Western Roman Empire three centuries earlier. The expanded Frankish realm he founded is called the Carolingian Empire – uniting most of Western Europe with the territory of present-day Switzerland in its midst. Called ‘the father of Europe’ he was responsible for reforming the administration, the coinage system, education, the church, art and architecture – shaping the foundations of European culture and society. The Grossmünster church in Zürich was constructed on the site of a Carolingian church, which was, according to legend, originally commissioned by Charlemagne. It was built on the site where Charlemagne’s horse fell to its knees over the tombs of Felix and Regula, Zürich’s patron saints. Construction of the present structure commenced around 1100 and it was inaugurated around 1220. His statue looks down upon the people of Zürich from the Grossmünster facade (picture 1). The Benedictine Convent of St. John in Müstair (picture 2), tucked in a far-off eastern corner of the canton of Graubünden, was also founded by Charlemagne. According to legend, returning via Müstair from his coronation as King of the Lombards, he survived a snowstorm on the Umbrail Pass and founded the convent as a mark of gratitude. Müstair then occupied a strategic position, as Charlemagne had ambitions to expand eastwards into Bavaria. The convent enjoys UNESCO world cultural heritage listing as it houses Switzerland’s greatest series of figurative murals, painted circa 800 A.D., along with Romanesque frescoes and stuccoes.
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Swiss Club of Victoria
The Swiss Festival 2014 is very happy and proud to announce that Harts Party Hire has again agreed to generously support and sponsor the Swiss Festival 2014 at Queensbridge Square. The professional Harts Hire team will start work in the early morning hours of Sunday 6 April 2014 and again after the last guests and visitors have left to set up and dismantle all the marquees which will make your experience of the Swiss Festival a pure pleasure. We unreservedly recommend this fully Australian owned and operated company to you for your next corporate or private function. “Harts Party Hire is a family owned business first established in 1989. We are dedicated to ensuring your party or event is a resounding success. Our consultants are on hand to share their experience and knowledge. We are available to come to you anywhere in Victoria to inspect the site of your function and discuss your needs. We pride ourselves on our professionalism from the moment you contact us, to the site inspection through to the delivery and removal of the equipment. We are on call 24/7 if you require any assistance while the equipment is on hire. Harts Party Hire has a huge range of hire stock on offer and can source almost anything that you require. All you need to do is ask. Whether it is a corporate function, wedding, 21 Birthday party, festival or school social event, Harts Party Hire can really make a difference with their experience, expertise and extensive range of hire stock. If you are after a company to manage your next event, then talk to our experienced staff about your requirements. It makes sense to let the expert do what they do best, and for you to enjoy the occasion. Harts Party Hire offers full logistical support for any size event or function. We have 300 different size marquees from small stall sizes to large corporate structures and long term hire is also available”. Australia’s Premiere Hire Service www.hartspartyhire.com.au 1300 669 201
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Without a network you quickly run aground Interest in the voting power of Swiss living abroad has increased hugely in recent years. As a consequence, leading the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) has become increasingly political, according to former director Dr Rudolf Wyder. Wyder gave the following interview in December 2013, as he prepared to step down at the age of 65, after 28 years in his dream job. “Just as it was when I began, I am still leading a small nongovernmental organisation that represents the interests of Swiss outside of the country. The diversity of our activities is enormous – you do a thousand different things, like in a general store.” Fifth Switzerland But in the course of time something fundamental changed: since 1992, when Swiss living abroad were given the right to vote by post, they have been eyed by political parties. These parties are not only interested in the expectations and needs of their countrymen abroad – they want their votes. “Lobbying became my main job, because you need a very broadly based network of political relationships. Otherwise, you run aground very fast,” he said. He pointed out that the size of the 112-member parliamentary group ‘Swiss Abroad’, one of the largest in parliament, is confirmation of the political importance of citizens outside the country. Nowadays every parliamentary session considers proposals or questions about what is commonly referred to as the ‘Fifth Switzerland.’ “Twenty-five years ago,” said Wyder,”something about the OSA came up maybe once a year.” The four ‘Switzerlands’ refer to the Swiss language regions of German, French, Italian and Romansh. The ‘Parliament of the Fifth Switzerland,’ which is made up of 120 delegates from abroad and 20 Swiss living inside the country, has a key role in national politics. “Even though we continually ask ourselves on whose behalf we are speaking, the parliament indubitably has a high moral authority. It is true that the assembly does not have any legislative powers but it does reflect the most important concerns of Swiss living abroad,” he explained. He also noted that communication between Switzerland and its diaspora has changed drastically over the years. Thanks above all to the internet and the platform SwissCommunity. com, citizens living outside the country are far closer to their homeland than was the case 25 years ago. Impact of globalisation Mobility has increased markedly in recent years and it has become commonplace for people to spend a number of short
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stints abroad, one after the other, often in different countries. Erasmus, an enormous Europe-wide university student exchange programme, and temporary work-related stints in other countries, are obvious examples. Wyder believes that the Swiss are less aware than they should be that being able travel wherever they want is not a matter of course. Thanks to the agreement on the free movement of people with the European Union (EU), Swiss have almost the same status as other Europeans, despite the fact that Switzerland is not an EU member. (The result of the referendum held 9 February 2014 will jeopardise this ed). “We need to be careful not to forget reciprocity. Otherwise, others could refuse us what we now happily take for granted.” Yet another change observed by Wyder is how many people now move around for personal reasons without thinking twice about it. “It’s interesting that 57% of Swiss living abroad are female. One reason for that might be that women are following their foreign partners. That’s something Swiss men should think about!” he joked. Tarnished image? There was a time when Switzerland was in many respects seen as something of a model. Today it still likes to see itself in that role, although its image has been bruised in the past years, over such things as the Holocaust gold affair in the 1990s, banking secrecy, and activities of the commodity dealers based in the country. How do these controversies affect the lives of Swiss citizens abroad? There are two sides to the response from other countries, Wyder says. “For some the image of Switzerland has been badly damaged: you’re slowly given the once over when you show your Swiss passport, it’s not as friendly anymore. Others say it’s still an
We are all looking forward to another year of good companionship and lots of singing. There is nothing better than to sing in a choir amongst friends. If you feel like joining us, we are happy to welcome you into the group. We will continue practising on the 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month to be able to participate in events like the Swiss Festival, Swiss Italian Festa. Nursing homes etc For more information phone the convenor Heidy Giger on 9889 9321.
Swiss Club of Victoria
advantage to be Swiss, and that the claim that Switzerland is in the dock is media hype, political drama. But what’s for sure is that the old idyllic image of Switzerland is no longer so simple.” One current problem is that, because of problems with banking secrecy and tax disputes, banks are refusing to deal with Swiss living outside the country. “It started in the US but in the meantime we’re getting reports from all over the world of Swiss abroad having to close their bank accounts and finding it difficult to get a new bank. I hope that the Swiss banking industry will start operating in accordance with international standards as soon as possible. It’s an unbelievable step backwards that people should be punished merely for living in another country and it goes against globalisation and mobility.” In the last 30 years the number of Swiss abroad has doubled to over 715,000. During that same period the number of consulates has been halved. While many services are now available on the internet, to obtain or renew a passport people must travel longer distances. “That’s one of the biggest irritations today. In this case, they overshot the mark, because now consular representatives must also travel further, for example to visit a Swiss citizen in hospital or prison. I’m not sure that the foreign ministry got its sums right. The move to put more emphasis on the work of diplomats at the expense of consular workers is problematic. The net has been spread too thin. There will have to be some back-pedalling.” E-voting Another perennial issue is e-voting, which has once more been called into question in light of the NSA spy affair. Notwithstanding, the federal chancellery considers voting by internet safe, a view that Wyder shares. “I see it as vital that we adapt our means of communication to the times. The NSA affair indeed underscored that communications systems are favoured targets. However, hacking and espionage are two different animals. This is nonetheless playing into the hand of those who have always been against e-voting.” Unlike e-voting, a wide consensus prevails across party lines in parliament on Swiss schools abroad, which time and again struggle with financial problems. “They’re an instrument of Swiss foreign policy,” says Wyder. On 12 December 2013, the Senate passed the education law for the Swiss abroad, which now has to go to the House of Representatives. It will give the 17 Swiss schools outside Switzerland more economic freedom and more security when it comes to planning. In addition, the requirement for a minimum number of Swiss students – currently set at 20-30% – will be removed. “In parliament it is widely accepted that these schools are very beneficial for Switzerland: young people get to know Switzerland, they’re a plus for promoting tourism and for recruiting future executives,” he explained. Generational change Wyder has stepped down at the end of 2013. The decision was not a particularly difficult one, even though he has been w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
‘married’ to the OSA since he took up the reins in 1985. The generational change is a good thing, he believes. “I have to clear out the office and it has to be re-painted: when I first started, I still smoked pipes and cigarettes”. As of 1 January 2014, Ariane Rustichelli and Sarah Mastantuoni are the new co-directors of the OSA. Rustichelli has previously been director of communication and marketing and Mastantuoni was head of the legal department. Rudolf Wyder will stay connected with the OSA as he prepares to organise the 100 year anniversary of the OSA in 2016 as a freelancer.
Gaby Ochsenbein, swissinfo.ch
Swiss abroad community ‘as large as canton Vaud’ Taken together, the number of Swiss citizens living abroad is roughly equivalent to the population of Vaud, Switzerland’s third largest canton, acording to the latest statistics from the foreign ministry. In all there were 732,183 Swiss registered at a Swiss representation abroad in 2013, reflecting an increase of 2.3% – which is above the average of the last five years. Vaud, located in western Switzerland and described on the canton’s website as being “on the shores of Lake Geneva, tucked between the mountains of the Jura and the Alps”, counted 734,400 people at the end of 2012, according to the Federal Statistics Office. In terms of expats, the largest Swiss communities on foreign soil are to be found in Europe, which is partly because of the free movement of persons accord between Switzerland and the European Union, a foreign ministry statement said on Thursday. There are 452,965 Swiss people living in European countries other than Switzerland; about 97% in EU countries. Of these, 77.6% (339,912), live in Switzerland’s four large neighbouring countries: France (191,362), Germany (82,626), Italy (50,716) and Austria (15,208). Outside Europe, the largest Swiss abroad communities continue to be found in the United States (77,520), Canada (39,253), Australia (24,007) and Israel (16,913) – all of which have seen their Swiss populations increase (Australia and the US by 1.59%, Canada by 0.75%, and Israel by 5.9%). “There have been no changes at the other end of the statistical range, where the island states of São Tomé and Principe, Micronesia and Kiribati are home to one Swiss national each. This group has been joined by Western Sahara. Thus, there is hardly a country in the world in which at least one Swiss national is not living,” concluded the foreign ministry. There were 155,523 Swiss abroad enrolled on a Swiss voting register (27.26% of the Swiss abroad eligible to vote), which is about the voting weight of a medium-sized canton with a population similar to Ticino, Thurgau or Valais. In 2014, around 10,200 Swiss citizens abroad will reach the age of majority and will be eligible to participate in votes. swissinfo.ch
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Swiss looking for good homes... Greetings from Andre Jaeggi - Melbourne Version 2.0 As some of you might recall, Yolanda and I spent four exciting years with the Consulate General in Melbourne 2002-2006 before settling permanently in the Brisbane area in March 2010, where I found a new professional challenge with Trade and Investment Queensland. However, after four years on Macleay Island and our two sons growing up on beaches, enjoying fishing and golfing, they are now both in school and Yolanda and I have selfishly decided to return to the cultural capital of Australia and the city with the most active Swiss Community we know of. We are keen to return to Melbourne and are looking for a home to rent. We are hoping to find a 3-bedroom house from where the city can be reached with public transport and the kids can enjoy the garden. If you are looking for reliable tenants or know of somebody who does, please drop me a line on andre.jaeggi@gmail.com or call on 0419 174 664. On the professional side Yolanda and I have not yet decided and are open to suggestions in the arts sector (Yolanda) and business development (Andre). And of course we are also looking forward to contribute and volunteer actively within the Swiss Community in Victoria. We are looking forward to meet with you in the near future and remain with warm regards, Yolanda, Alessio, Aurelio and Andre Jaeggi
Looking for self-contained granny flat. Close to public transport, approx. 30 minutes to CBD. If you have something like that available or know someone that has, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0401 004 102. Looking forward to hear from you Ruth
Swiss Festival 2014
Special AGM Dinner Friday, 21 March. From 7.45pm Whether you join us at the AGM or not, Members, their friends and family are all warmly invited to join us at our inaugural AGM dinner in the Restaurant. This is a special new event to celebrate with our Members their support of our Club. At this event we will be presenting Commemorative Year Pins and Honorary Memberships to those who are eligible. Enjoy performances from the Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose and the Swiss Companion Singers as we celebrate our Swiss culture with a special 2-course menu:
Main Course Pork ‘Geschnetzeltes’, in a creamy mushroom sauce served with Spätzle, red cabbage with apple OR Home made Vegetarian Lasagne, served with a garden salad and dressing
Dessert Swiss Chocolate Mousse, with fresh strawberries
Sunday, 6 April 2014, 11am to 5pm Queensbridge Square Southbank, Melbourne
So make a night of it and bring along your friends and families at the special Member pricing of $25 per person with drinks at bar prices.
www.swissfestivalaustralia.com
All bookings to Renee Moullet at the Restaurant on (03) 9650 1196 or by email to swissclub@hotmail.com
Facebook ‘Swiss Festival Australia’ Twitter @SwissFestivalAU
Want a taste of Switzerland? Visit the Swiss Club Restaurant
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Note: When booking please advise your main course preference to assist us with catering for this event. Pre-payment on booking preferred.
Swiss Club of Victoria
NOTICE
2014 Annual General Meeting of the SCV Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Swiss Club of Victoria will be held at 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, on:
Friday, 21 March 2014, 6.30pm Agenda: 1. Opening and Welcome 2. One Minute of Silence 3. Attendance, Apologies, Proxies 4. Adoption of Minutes of Half-Yearly General Meeting 2013 5. President’s Report 6. Accounts and Financial Statements 7. Election of Office Bearers 8. General Business: – Question Time 9. Conclusion
Minutes of the 2013 HalfYearly General Meeting of the SCV Held Wednesday, 25 September 2013 at 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 1. Opening and Welcome The President of the Swiss Club of Victoria, Ms Barbara Kündig, opened the Half-Yearly Meeting at 8:10pm and welcomed the Honorary Life Members and Members of the Swiss Club. She thanked everyone for attending; a total of 34 voting members were present. 2. One Minute of Silence Barbara invited all members to stand up and observe a minute of silence to remember our friends and members, who have left us, in particular Honorary Life Member, Mrs Rosmarie Fries. 3. Apologies Marcel Muntwyler, Beryl Black, Klaus Angst, Christ Keller, Robert Wernli, Susan Favre, Gerda Probst, Alan & Jan Buchter, Ann Pask, Regula Black, Brigitte Ambroz, Dan Bessell, Marianne Bishop, Heidy Giger, Simona Wirth, Irma Ries, Franz Schnellmann, Therese Say, Markus Zihlmann, Ros and Paul de Castella, Derrick Wildi, Mark Weber. Proxy Forms received: Erika Mohoric w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
4. Adoption of Minutes of Annual General Meeting 13 March 2013 The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held Wednesday, 13 March, 2013, were published in the September 2013 newsletter. The minutes had been read and are a true record. The minutes were moved by Roland Isler and seconded by Roger Moullet. All in favour. AGM Minutes were adopted. 5. President’s Report Dear Honorary Life Members, dear Members, Thank you for joining us for the Half-Yearly Meeting. In the months since the March AGM, the club celebrated the 40th anniversary of our club house at 87/89 Flinders Lane. It was a groovy night! Thank you to Rita Schwärzler and Roland Isler for organising the event with me, and to all the members, who came along to celebrate this milestone with the committee. The Dance Group Alpenrose was busy representing the Swiss club with a fine performance at the 20th Volkstanzfest in Sydney end of March. Under the leadership of Sylvia Hochuli, they also organised a very entertaining Unterhaltungsabend in May, as well as organising all the Swiss Club Jass evenings. Thank you to all the members of the Dance Group for their engagement and support of the Swiss Club. Thank you to Sylvia for her continuous efforts in leading the group so competently. The Comedy Festival in April brought a lot of transient guests through our club building and gave our club facilities exposure to the wider community. Thank you to all the interest groups for being accommodating in finding alternate facilities for their activities during that time. The committee organised a member workshop in June. Its purpose was to not only canvass valuable feedback from the members on how the club was doing, but also to try to identify potential committee members. The evening brought forward many good ideas, but unfortunately, none of the participants put up their hand to volunteer time on the committee. A group of Swiss Club members traveled to Queensland for the Australian Jass Championship in June. Overall the Victorian players did exceedingly well and we congratulate them all on their success. The new Australian Jass König and winner of the Primo Calabresi Trophy was our member, Peter Schlittler. The next Championship will be in Adelaide in June 2014. I would like to thank Roger Moullet and Hans Keller, who initiated this event and organised the first Championships here at the Swiss Club. Swiss National Day on 1st August was celebrated with the Lantern procession for families and a dinner in the club restaurant with Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertaining us. It was a nice evening. However, it is somewhat a shame that almost half of the participants were not club members. One would think that Swiss National Day, our reason for existing as a club in the first place, would draw a strong member response and participation. Our interest groups were busy with their regular activities and practice. In the name of the committee, I would like to congratulate and thank all the convenors: Sylvia Hochuli, Heidy Giger, Damian Schaller, Rolf Huber, Esther Blaser-Tokarev for their continuous hard work on getting their groups going. The interest groups are very important to our club life and activities.
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They give the club a purpose and also show the diversity of our heritage and our culture. On the building front, we installed vision shade blinds in the front windows on the first & second Floor as well as one in the club restaurant. After the Comedy Festival, we had to change our lock system in the front and back doors to be compliant with fire regulations. We had the windows cleaned and the toilets now have new hand dryers. We are still working on the electricity meter installation in the basement. This should hopefully be all operational by the March AGM, and we can start to on-charge our tenants for the basement electrical consumption. We put an ad in the last Newsletter for a member to assist our building manager. So far, nobody has come forward. This is a support role, you don’t have to join the committee, but it would assist us greatly with some admin aspects of the building maintenance. Please consider if you have some building related knowledge and interest. Roland Isler, our Member on the Council of the Swiss Abroad, has represented the interests of our local Swiss community and that of the 5th Switzerland at the recent Congress in Davos in August. He might tell us a bit about it under General Business. He was on his well-deserved holiday while the September Edelweiss had to be prepared. Patrick Rychner kindly “sprang in die Bresche” and edited the Newsletter for us. The committee would like to thank Patrick for his help. In the name of the committee, I would like to thank Roger Moullet and his team very much for their work and effort in our club restaurant and congratulate them on their increased commercial activities. It is great to see some new culinary initiatives and promotions. The club restaurant is the hub of our club activities; it is a means for the members to meet in a Swiss environment which reflects their culture and traditions. The restaurant is there to support our activities. It is not the spirit of our club. The spirit and purpose of our club comes from our members and the activities they do. The purpose of our club is clearly defined in our constitution which reads that the objects for which the Swiss Club of Victoria is established are among: • To provide means of social activities between members. • To preserve and encourage and uphold the Swiss language, culture and traditions. • To assists any action that may be of mutual benefit to Swiss in Victoria or elsewhere. • To establish or promote, alone or jointly with other Swiss Clubs in Australia a suitable newspaper, periodicals or other publications. The constitution continues with the words “and solely for the purpose of carrying out the foregoing objectives and not otherwise the Club has power…to provide or establish suitable Club rooms with or without residential accommodation and to furnish and maintain… the same as may be considered necessary or desirable or likely to be directly or indirectly of use or benefit to the Club or its members.” That is the purpose of our restaurant, which I am sure the members vividly remember was furnished entirely with funds many of you sitting here tonight helped to accrue with hard work over many an Oktoberfest. The 1st floor is not a Swiss themed restaurant, set up by an individual, who happens to let
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the Swiss Club use it. We own it, and unlike other clubs, who run their restaurants with volunteers, we opted to appoint a Swiss manager who services and manages it for us. As a club we live in the present and look to the future, however, we must not forget our heritage and past, and how generations of members volunteered and worked hard towards and for the premises of today. 87/89 Flinders Lane belongs to the membership, the club restaurant is ours, and it is important that members, at all times, are made welcome, and feel recognised and appreciated as members. The restaurant team must ensure that members feel that they are coming into their club, their Swiss home away from home, especially so on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, which at this point are our designated club nights. As reported in the last Edelweiss, thanks to the initiative of our member, Beryl Black, and the generosity of Ms Michelle Grasset, the granddaughter of our first President, the club owns again an original copy of our first ever Edelweiss Newsletter, dated 1 January 1900. Roland Isler has painstakingly restored the copy, so that we can all read it. The first page describes the foundation of our club as well as the various events taking place in the first year. It is now official; the 1st of February is our actual anniversary date. Roland rightly suggested in the September Edelweiss, that we should mark the 1st February, in some form each year. The 1st of February 2014 falls on a Saturday, and it is also our 115th Birthday. Please reserve this date in your calendar. Rita Schwärzler, Roland Isler and I will organise another anniversary for you to celebrate our club. We hope you will join us for these festivities. Details will be published in the December Edelweiss. The 1st Edelweiss also describes the first Annual General Meeting in June 1899; the members went in the conference room to take care of club business before sitting down for ‘ein Festessen’. Over the years, the attendance at the AGM has been rather sparse, and if we are lucky, we have 30-40 members attending. The AGM should be an event members participate in and get involved, it should also be a celebration about what the club has done during the previous year and what is going to happen in the current year. Therefore, the committee plans to hold the next AGM on Friday, 21 March 2014 with a 6.30pm start for the proper AGM on the Second Floor – as business comes before pleasure, as our ‘Gründerväter’ wrote in the 1st Edelweiss – followed by festive dinner in our club restaurant. It should also be an event our interest groups participate in. The details will be published in due time, and we ask the members to please put this date aside in their calendars and participate at the next AGM. Over the past years, even though we had to say farewell forever to many dear and long standing members, overall, we were able to increase our membership. This is wonderful, and I am pleased to welcome some new members tonight. Please welcome Melinda Varley Schaller and Martin Hörnlimann. At the last AGM I informed the members that I would step down as President of the Swiss Club at the Half-Yearly. The day has come. For me, the Swiss Club is a Swiss social club, where I can interact with fellow Swiss and speak my mother tongue or any other of the Swiss languages, and where I find individuals with whom I share a common reference point; Swiss Club of Victoria
Switzerland. My initial motivation to contribute have been my three children, with my youngest, Marius, being born during my time on the committee. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, John, Lucas, Rhea and Marius very much for giving me the time to participate in the Swiss Club, but most importantly for their encouragement, and always helping me with functions. I joined the committee in March 2000. It was a time of change and financial uncertainty for the club. We were five, but a few months later only four: Rita, Barry, who were experienced committee members, and Daniel and I. Thinking back, we were few, but we did get quite a few things done, even organising a ball! Over the ensuing years, I have taken care of several portfolios: membership, secretary, vice-president and for the past 4 1/2 years as your president. The past decade, while quite tumultuous at the beginning due to our many difficult times with various ground floor tenants, I would say, overall, it has been a good and productive one for the club. The committees were able to completely renovate our club restaurant and most recently the Second Floor to now have attractive facilities that represent not only the traditional side of Switzerland with the club restaurant, but also the modern, progressive Switzerland, with the Second Floor. We have stable income from several sources. The club has been fortunate, and I would even dare to say, spoiled, to have such stable committees for many years now. I would like to thank all the committee members I have worked with since 2000 very much for their support and friendship. We have a great club I ask the members to please not leave the present committee alone in trying to keep it all going. We need individuals to come forward and help us carry, pull and steer the club. A club is only as good as the members contributing to it. We need from the members more than financial contributions with paid membership. Come to club nights on Wed/Thurs, attend the functions we organise, and if Wed/Thur nights are no longer the nights members want to have club nights, or any other reasons for non-attendance, then please tell us, so that we can try to accommodate and improve. I had the pleasure to serve under four presidents; Walter Purtschert, Rita Schw채rzler, Roland Isler and Rolf Huber and then had the privilege to be your president. We all had our own style and brought different impulses to the club. What we all had in common was our interest in the members. We tried to ensure that the club was putting the interest of the members first, to honour the members, who made the club what it is today, but also warmly welcome new members, who hopefully contribute to the club in the future. We strove to have open and good relationships with other Swiss groups and organisations. I would like to thank Walter, Rita, Roland and Rolf very much for their friendship and guidance. I am proud what we have achieved and that I was able to actively contribute with many ideas, which resulted in one off or regular events, such as the Swiss Playgroup I started together with fellow member, Ilona Smits. The group met over many years once a month on the Second Floor. I was also the Convenor of the Saturday Morning Swiss School for several years while my children attended.
w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
I am glad I came up with the Swiss Festival concept that began with the first Volksfest in Flagstaff Gardens in April 2002; its foremost purpose to bring all the Swiss Groups together for a day of friendship and festivities while enjoying Swiss culture, music and food. The introduction of the Lantern Parade to celebrate Swiss National Days with families has become another tradition I can only hope will continue. The Swiss Samichlaus Picnic in Fawkner Park, which I know many Swiss kids and parents still remember fondly. Celebrations like the opening functions of the Second Floor, the 110th anniversary, the 40th clubhouse anniversary and the upcoming 115th anniversary. I thank the committees for supporting me and letting me run with these ideas. It was my pleasure to represent the club at events organised by the interest groups, other Swiss Groups or the wider community. It was lovely to meet many interesting and friendly individuals, who made me feel welcome. Thank you. There are four ladies, I would like to mention; the first three having been always very kind to me and also to my family. I appreciated their counsel over the years very much: Rita Schw채rzler, Ruth Plagge and Sylvia Hochuli. I enjoyed working
Swiss Club of Victoria
Nomination Form for Office Bearers for 2014 We, being Honorary Life Members or Ordinary Members of the Swiss Club of Victoria hereby nominate (please use block letters) Name of person nominated:
for election as a member of the Committee. 1. Name of Member: Signature: 2. Name of Member: Signature: I, (name of candidate) being a member of the Swiss Club of Victoria, hereby, consent to act as a member of the Committee, if elected. Signature: Note: Any two Ordinary Members or Honorary Life Members of the Swiss Club of Victoria may nominate other members for election to the Committee. To be valid, this Nomination form must reach the Secretary no later than 28 February 2014.
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with all committee members, but one remains in especially good memory; Gerda Probst. Her efficiency and organisational talents helped us a lot and I enjoyed her company very much. All beginning has an end, and I would like to thank the present committee, Derrick Wildi , Rolf Huber, Damian Schaller, Sigrid de Castella and Antony Anderson very much for their continuous work, contribution and support over the years. I am handing over to Sigrid tonight and want to wish her all the best in her new role. I trust she will continue to lead the club in the spirit of our ‘Gründerväter’; to provide means of social activities between members and to preserve and encourage and uphold the Swiss language, culture and traditions. To lead the committee in ensuring, that the club remains a place of true Swissness, and where the member’ interests come first and foremost. I am closing my president’s report with saying thank you very much to you, the members, for your trust in me, your support and kindness over the past years. Barbara Kündig, President 6. Treasurer’s Report In the absence of the Treasurer, Derrick Wildi, Barbara read the Treasurer’s Report: Dear Honorary Life Members, dear Members, dear President, Unfortunately, I’m not able to be present for the Half-Yearly Meeting due to work commitments taking me to central NSW for this week. I would like to thank the presenter to fill my shoes and to present you with the financial details as of September 2013. The task to present details is made a little easier due to the fact that there are no major surprises and as in previous reports we are carefully trying to monitor our expenses while doing the necessary to look after building related matters and to comply with rules and regulations from various government authorities as well as fixing and replacing broken appliances. Thankfully we can also continue to count on the support of members and of our tenants, which support the club each in their own way. I would also like to acknowledge and thank my committee members for their work and dedication to keep the club running without much fuss and noise. At this point in time I would also like to extend a special thank you to the following members: Roland Isler our newsletter editor, all the presidents of subgroups for organising various events and Roger and his staff for representing the club on a daily basis. Financial details as at 31 August 2013 Assets Cash / Bank Account ....................... $101,276.46 Short Term ......................................... $45,756.56 Fixed ............................................ $1,026,058.87 Total Assets............................ $1,173,088.89 Income Membership Fees .............................. $$7,744.52 Rent/Advertising ............................... $87,301.32 Other Income/Donations ..................... $6,182.02 Total Income ............................. $113,227.86
YTD Loss ......................................... ($21,567.07) Total Liability & Equity ......... $1,173,088.89 Expenses Legal & Accounting ............................. $2,878.00 Insurance .......................................... $17,836.62 Bank fees / Interest ........................... $17,853.73 Newsletter .......................................... $2,968.70 Communication................................... $1,277.11 Member Services ................................. $4,437.60 Functions ............................................ $4,110.65 Building Maintenance ....................... $16,626.88 Building Operations .......................... $34,805.64 Depreciation...................................... $32,000.00 Total Expenses .......................... $134,794.93 The balance sheet shows the same picture as in previous presentations with the fixed assets valued in very conservative manner and with cash assets providing us with some assurance to be able to meet ongoing financial obligations. On the liability side the current loan for the second floor is
Proxy Form for the Annual General Meeting 2014 of the Swiss Club of Victoria To: the Secretary of the Swiss Club of Victoria (please use block letters) I, being a member of the Swiss Club of Victoria, my address being:
hereby appoint:
his/her address being:
being another member of the Swiss Club of Victoria, to vote for me and on my behalf at the Annual General Meeting of the Swiss Club of Victoria to be held on Friday, 21 March 2014 and at every adjournment thereof. Signed by hand this
day of
2014
Signature: Note: Only members who are entitled to vote, having paid their subscription or being Honorary Life Members, may represent other members as proxy. Proxy forms must be handed to the Secretary at least 48 hours before the meeting is to take place.
Equity .......................................................$Equity
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Swiss Club of Victoria
being the main obligation for the club. The current loan term is fixed until 2016 allowing the committee some time to carefully review the financial position of the club prior to making any decision on how to plan future funding arrangements. The following slides will give you some overview of the income and expenses for the club and will also attempt to give a forecast what to expect for the full year result. The income from rent and advertising is making up the bulk of our income followed by the membership payments. The second floor income is increasing slowly but again a lot of work is required to generate income by renting out our venue. The fact that ‘one time’ events a rather labour intensive to manage, the committee is constantly evaluating and reviewing options to increase the recurring revenue from regular events. Any member input to assist us in achieving this goal would be much appreciated. Other income is the result of a donation of $5,000, which was received as a result of the folding of the Swiss School on Saturday morning. On the expense side the insurance costs have risen again in line with increases in the industry in general. It is somewhat difficult to find insurance cover for clubs, as the number of insurance provider is limited and the various items covered are packaged very differently thus making ‘shopping’ for the best deal extremely difficult and complicated. All other expenses are within expectation and in line with previous years with ‘Building Maintenance and Operations’ being the biggest expense for the club. As a rough calculation the these cost are around 1,5% of the estimated insurance cost of the building, which considering the age of the building is at acceptable levels and is also testimony to the maintenance program currently in place and currently managed by our building maintenance manager. As an example: the cost for preventative maintenance with United Lifts have already been justified within the first 12 months, with no additional expenses incurred for neither the elevator nor the dumb waiter. Thank goodness, the ongoing invoices for the dumbwaiter from OTIS are a thing of the past! As in the past years we are keeping to accrue and expense $4,000 per months for building and fixtures. The only real negative item is as already mentioned previously, the participation at the Swiss Festival resulting in a loss of around $4,000.00 as a result of lower than expected sales and with a large number of unsold perishable stock. Unfortunately, the lesson was learnt the ‘hard way’ and this result will certainly impact on how the Swiss Club will participate in future events. For the rest of the year we expect things to be business as usual. With some expenses yet to be on-charged, I expect the year to end the year with a loss of around $15,000. Acknowledging that this is not the desired outcome, I would like to remind you, that the operating result for the club is still cash flow positive. Finally, I would like to remind you that the club is run by volunteers, and that the committee is in desperate needs for some more people to assist in distributing the increasing workload on more shoulders. The current committee is stretched to the limit and some committee members approaching or have passed the 10 year milestone as committee member and some fresh blood and ideas would w w w.s w i s sc lu bv i c .co m.au
certainly assist in keeping the club ‘alive’. Please take the courage to volunteer some time and talk to a committee member to on how you can assist the club. It is not required to make a commitment to become a committee member, but there are a lot of tasks, which would assist and help to reduce the workload of the committee. The Treasurer’s report was moved by Hans Keller and seconded by Vincent Smits. All in favour. Derrick Wildi, Treasurer 7. Election of Office Bearers Committee Members for election: Vreni Welsh Vreni was nominated by Rita Schwärzler and seconded by Roland Isler. All in favour. Barbara congratulated Vreni on her election and introduced her as the new membership person. 8. General Business Barbara briefly explained our membership recognition program, being the 10 year bronze pin, the 20 year silver and 30 year gold pin. She congratulated and thanked all the members, who have achieved these milestones and proceeded to present the following pins to members: 10 years - bronze Catrin Weber, Herbert Weber, Gerda Probst, Martin Probst, Ilona Smits, Vincent Smits, Nelly Flynn, Dora Huggins 20 years - silver Susan Favre, Rémy Favre, Bruno Oswald, Rosmarie Oswald, Annette Helsing, Markus Helsing 30 years - gold Donald Cameron, Mary Cameron, Roland Isler, Terry Mylvaganam Member Questions & Comments: Paul Kerrs forward the following motion: That the Committee and the Honorary Consul engage in a mediation hearing with the intention of settling the disharmony between them and creating an environment for ongoing cooperation between the parties for the advancement of the Swiss Community and that the mediation be conducted by Paul Kerrs and Rémy Favre. The motion was seconded by Barbara Broadbeck. The majority of members voted to accept the motion. Roland then proceeded to report to the members about his participation as the Australian Delegate at the 91st Congress of the OSA, which took place in Davos this August (see Report December issue of the Edelweiss). 9. Conclusion As there were no further questions from the members, Barbara Kündig closed the Half Yearly-Meeting by thanking all present for their attendance and interest in the Swiss Club and inviting them to some refreshments. Minutes taken as a correct record by Damian Schaller, member of the committee.
It’s your Club. Get Involved!
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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).
FEBRUARY
Wednesday 26
Social Jass
MARCH
Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Friday Saturday Friday Monday Wednesday Thursday
Ladies’ Luncheon Swiss Society of Victoria - Annual General Meeting Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Swiss Club Movie Night: Flug in die Nacht - Das Unglück von Überlingen Billiard - Swiss Club Doubles Championship Jass Night - Swiss Club Annual General Meeting & Dinner The Second Floor unavailable until 24 April Social Jass Comedy Festival opens (runs until 21 April)
APRIL
Sunday 06 Sunday 21 Wednesday 23
SWISS FESTIVAL, Queensbridge Square Comedy Festival ends Social Jass
MAY
Thursday Saturday Monday Wednesday Saturday Monday Wednesday Saturday Wednesday Saturday
Kapelle Grüezi Mitenand entertains at the Club Unterhaltungsabend - Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose Editorial Deadline - Newsletter June issue Ladies’ Luncheon Jass Night - Matterhorn ‘Good Beer Week’ promotion at the Swiss Club Restaurant Swiss Club Movie Night: Canzun Alpina - Stimmen des Herzens ‘Saturday Sessions’ Jazz event on the Second Floor Social Jass Jass Night - Swiss Club
05 05 06 12 14 15 21 24 26 27
01 03 05 07 10 19 21 24 28 31
OTHER REGULAR SWISS CLUB MEETINGS: Committee Meetings: every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month (excluding January) Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose: practice every Tuesday evening at 8.15pm Swiss Companion Singers: practice and social gathering every 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month at 8pm Laughter Yoga Helvetia: meets every 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month at 6pm SwissKids: meets every 1st Saturday of each month, from 2pm to 4pm The Swiss Diners Club: dates for get-togethers can be found on www.swissclubvic.com.au or on Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo. com/neo/groups/SwissDinersClub/info
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Swiss Club of Victoria
See
Enjoy
SWISS COMPANIES SHOWCASING QUALITY PRODUCTS & SERVICES
SWISS FOOD & DRINKS AND ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY
SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 11am to 5pm
Meet SWISS COMMUNITY GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN VICTORIA
QUEENSBRIDGE SQUARE SOUTHBANK MELBOURNE Visit www. swissfestival australia. com
Can you help on the day of the festival as a volunteer? If yes, please get in contact with Vreni Welsh vreni@swissfestival.com.au
Interested in participating, either running a stall or performing? Please contact Rolf Huber rolf@swissfestival.com.au
REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION No. VBH 6369
Senior Christmas
THE
RO U CLU
Our inaugural Foundation Day Celebration
T
ABOU D N B
MARCH 2014
When we first set out with the planning of this event, we were worried that we would not get enough members attending. It was rather early in the year and the possibility that many members were still away, or not in party mood straight after the Festive Season was a concern. We should not have worried as we got a full house! The first ever Foundation Day Celebration of our Club was to be a classy affair. A great effort was made to transform the Second Floor into a welcoming, glitzy venue with a 19th century ambience. The table settings were just beautiful, thanks to the lovely flower arrangements made by Sylvia, the serviettes expertly folded in the shape of a fan by John Ortner and Rita’s choice of decorative candles on the window sills. It also helped that Rita and Barbara raided their households for further turn of the century style props. The picture frames leading up the staircase, in the boardroom and in the dining area were filled with turn of the century images – the time of the founding fathers of the Club. Roland searched high and low to find authentic pictures of the fashion, sights of Melbourne, people, events and landmarks of that bygone area. Rita’s suggestion to engage the ‘Flirting Mazurkas’ to look after the musical
entertainment was an excellent choice. Their huge repertoire of waltzes, foxtrots, polkas and, of course, mazurkas fitted perfectly into the style of the event and the dance floor was a busy place, especially once everyone enjoyed the 3-course dinner. Talking about food: the menu planning was done by Rita and Barbara with the help of chef Roger Moullet. Naturally, it had to be special… AND fit the budget! On arrival, guests were treated to a welcome drink and an array of canapés served in the boardroom. The canapés were, of course, hand-made by Sylvia,
Rita with the help of Herbert and Betty. An event like this cannot be without speeches. First to the microphone was Barbara, who welcomed everyone on behalf of the organising committee highlighting the presence of no less than five former Club Presidents and of course the current President, Sigrid de Castella. Sigrid proceeded to address the guests and reminded us of the reason of this event, to celebrate the 115th Anniversary of the Swiss Club of Victoria. She invited everyone to raise their glasses to a toast to the Club.
IS SW S
Foundation Day Celebration
89 Flinder s Lane • Melbour ne 3000 • Victor ia • Australia • www.s wissclubvic .com.au
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