NEWSLETTER 10th April 2014

WELCOME

President John McPhee welcomed 45 members to the Melbourne Room on the 34th Floor 100 Queen Street for our April 2014 ANZAC Remembrance luncheon to hear guest speaker Dr Geoffrey John Christopherson, AM KSJ .

The formal matters were dealt with by Secretary Peter Pritchard and those present then enjoyed catching up with colleagues. Members not seen for some time included Angelo Biviano, Jack Lepedjian, Max Pleydell, first timer Anton Ponnampalam, John Stevens, Syd Swaby and Anne Wee.

Although the numbers attending were a few members less than the ANZAC meeting in 2013 it was due to the increasing level of apologies received from members on the sick list or travelling interstate and overseas at this time of year .

APOLOGIES

Graeme Ainscough, Clive Bayley, Diane Carew, Wolf Damschitz, Phil Dunstan, Col Edwards, Nola Forsyth, Norris Gale, Nev Greenway, Roy Harper, Frank Hatfield, Elaine Haw, John Hawkins, Bernadette and Wayne Hulbert, Bob Heinemann, Sandra Joseph, Con La Fauci, Ken Lee, Harry Loucas, Fay and Gerry McPherson, Noelene Noonan, Peter Nyga, Maree Pritchard, Graeme Randall, Bruce Sanderson, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins, David Woods

NEW MEMBERS

We have received no new membership applications lately which is concerning the Committee so if you know of any potential members from your knowledge of ex ANZ colleagues let the committee know and we will contact them.

BEREAVEMENTS

Following our meeting we were advised that our esteemed Honorary Member and former CEO of ANZ Bank Charles Rennie passed away on 11th April and we will have more details in our May Newsletter after the funeral service to be held Thursday 24 April at 2pm at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 251 High Street, Kew and afterwards at Kew Gardens Aged Care,

22-24 Gellibrand Street, Kew.

ANZROC members extend sincere condolences to the Rennie family.

Debbie Jerkovic, our long serving Records Officer and a great friend to ANZROC members advised me that her mother Brenda Wirth passed away in March and our condolences are extended to Debbie, husband Michael and daughter Nicky.

John Murray emailed to advise of the death of his father, Christian (Chris) Dudley Murray, in March. Chris was a member of the Club for several years after his retirement in 1987, and was a friend of our late member Ken McNutt. After starting in the Bank of Australasia in Bendigo in 1948, Chris was posted to various branches in Victoria and Tasmania and was a keen footballer playing in a bank team whilst in Melbourne .Chris would be remembered by many ANZROC members.

We have been advised that Allen Tuite's wife Gloria passed away suddenly and we pass on our condolences to Allen who would be well known to many ANZROC members.

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

The following Honorary members will be enjoying a birthday during APRIL and we pass on

Congratulations from our members for your birthdays: Bill Bowring (82), Robin Chase (80), Max

Colwell (82), Bryden Davis (85), Norm Deady (93), Glynn Evans (86), Roy Harper (85), Gordon

Kennedy (88), Ailsa Mackie, Leigh O’Neill (84), Eileen Perham, John Read (82), Keith

Remington (91), Col Renzow (98), Lindsay Richards (84), Tony Stutterd (87), Norma Thomas,

June Thompson, John Tulen (80), John Vanselow (82).

INTEREST RATES

From 1/4/2013

Less than $20,000 1.69%

Greater than $20,000 2.16%

Birdies twitter

I was saddened to hear that our oldest member Charles Rennie passed away. Charles was a wonderful leader and person and we were so fortunate that he attended our ANZROC 2013 Christmas Luncheon. Charles is gone but will not be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family

ANZAC Meeting

As devastating and sad as the 1st and 2nd World Wars were, I was appreciative of the informative presentation given at our April meeting by Brig Dr Geoffrey Christopherson. It would be hoped that a greater understanding of this carnage may in some way bring some sense and passion to the leaders of this somewhat crazy world. The reading of the Ode by Brian Christensen as usual was done with a deepness of passion and respect that brought tears  to so many of our eyes. Thanks Brian

Greensborough RSL Meeting 12th June 2014

Our 12th of June meeting will be held at the Greensborough RSL Club.

For those members who have not visited this venue it is a modern building that boasts excellent facilities including great seniors’ meals at exceptional prices, friendly environment and easy walking distant from Greensborough Railway Station.

It is also close to the end of the ring road and it is hoped many of our members living in the Northern suburbs in particular will support this meeting and justify our decision to take some of our meetings out to the suburbs

Please write this 12th June outing in your diaries. The attendance form will be included in the May Newsletter.

Birthday Cards

As always it was a great pleasure for me to receive the customary ANZROC birthday card right on the birth date. Thanks Kathy for the wonderful work you do for our members with this task. Cheryl shouted us to the James Munro suite at the Windsor Hotel for my birthday. Felt like a King for a night

Cheryl and I had numerous trips away during the year including sailing to Beijing. Trip to Harvey Bay (Brian and Chris Henderson sent their regards), and several short holidays around Victoria to music festivals and golfing etc

I am amazed at how much we learn in the first 65 years of our life and how quickly it flows away when you enter the 70 and over zone

Golf Outings

During the excellent outing to the Black Sheep restaurant in Geelong it was suggested by some members in attendance that if our golf days started later in the day, say around 11.00am it would enable more of our country members to attend. This thought will be discussed in committee to see how practicable this would be to organise.

It is greatly appreciated when members provide input into the functions/outings through our committee members etc and is strongly encouraged

GUEST SPEAKER

This was our annual ANZAC Remembrance meeting and we were fortunate to have Brian Christensen lead the service by reciting the Ode and the recording of the Reveille was handled efficiently by Treasurer John Brown.

Peter Pritchard then introduced our Guest Speaker Dr Geoffrey John CHRISTOPHERSON, AM KSJ who had joined the Australian Regular Army in 1955 and graduated from the Royal Military College Duntroon into the Australian Staff Corps in December 1958. Geoffrey was allotted to serve in the Royal Australian Army Service Corps. After serving in a number of postings in Australia and overseas by 1986 Geoff had been promoted to Brigadier as Director General Movements and Transport Department of Defence 1986-89, for which he was awarded an AM for services to Defence transport. In 1990 he became the first Defence Research Fellow at RMIT University Melbourne, and on retirement from the ADF in 1991 took up appointment as a RMIT lecturer in the Logistics Management Group, also completing a Master of Business and a Doctorate of Education.

Geoff spoke on the subject ANZAC Day and its place in the commemoration of World War 1'. He pointed out that 2014 is the centenary of the start of WW1 and there has been at least one recent book questioning the fact that the Western Front battles appear to have been given a lesser degree of importance than the Gallipoli Campaign despite the fact that they had far more influence on the outcome of the war. His grasp of the statistics on the cost in personnel in wars that impacted on Australian since the Boer War was astonishing and to accept that we lost more than 69,000 men and women in World War 1 and another 39,000 in World War 2 was quite disconcerting to all present. The fact that there were around 9,000 killed at Gallipoli but another 47,000 killed in the several battles on the Western Front was the point being raised in the recent book and sadly many of those casualties on the Western Front were of servicemen and women who had survived the campaign at Gallipoli. Geoff discussed the issues from his extensive research into the history of the two World Wars. As Neville Pearson mentioned it was a most informative and quite interesting conversation on the subject. One point made was that the Gallipoli offensive may have been the making of the modern day Turkey as we know it today.

As I recalled in the vote of thanks to our speaker one can’t imagine how these terrible losses reported would have been handled today by the politicians and the public with the advent of our instant access to modern high speed communications and the pressure of social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

LETTERS

John Blampied writes from Mount Martha to thank Kathy Trace and the committee for the birthday congratulations that happened to be his 70th birthday. John celebrated his birthday on a Pacific Island cruise with wife Pamela and close friends Lilian and Jim Burke (ex ANZ).It was their first visit to New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu and the surrounding islands and the weather was favourable. John and Pamela are kept very busy these days with 6 grandchildren in Victoria and they spend a lot of time baby sitting and hosting sleepovers. John still plays golf at Box Hill and regularly meets up with former ANZ staff like Ian Anderson, Roger Pickering and Jim Burke. It is good to see them and catch up on the good old days.

Arty Booth emails his thanks to those dedicated workers responsible for dispatching Birthday greetings to the members. As usual, the card arrived on time. It’s the same old, same old here at Bundaberg. Nothing of interest to pass on. Arty is currently preparing gear for the yearly fishing trip up north, hoping to land that elusive barra.

Jenny Cooke emails her thanks to Kathy for the birthday card which, as usual, arrived on the day. Jenny has sold her house in Beaumaris and is looking to buy in the area, so this year there will be no travelling. Next year she is planning to go to France and Spain with a friend so is hoping to be well settled by then. Jenny’s golf games three times a week are presently suspended due to a fall but she hopes to return shortly. Jenny is enjoying the newsletters very much; what an active group of retirees we have. Once again, many thanks for the greetings on her birthday.

Phil Dunstan could not attend the April meeting as he will be on a Mercedes Car Club National Rally to the Gold Coast. He will again look forward to receiving the newsletter which is always informative and interesting.

Glynn Evans emails his thanks for his 86th Birthday wishes that arrived on the 11th of April which was the actual Birthday. But how sad it was that at 3am on Friday 11th Charles Rennie passed away. Glynn has many pleasant memories as his Chauffer for many years. Thank you for your example Charles. He extends condolences to Charles family and friends.

John Fairbairn emails from Yarrawonga his thanks to ANZROC for the birthday card which for the first time was late due entirely to Australia Post not delivering on Sundays. John read with interest that many of his former workmates are still with us and are still very active in the community. He feels that a major milestone in any one's life is reaching "80", not so long ago this

was way outside one’s expectations. The main consideration is good health and John is happy to record that this continues in his case. Golf is a big activity and former ANZ colleagues Maurie Harwood, Peter O'Dwyer are regulars. Bruce McKean, who many may recall, worked for ANZ and Bruce is very active in land care so John does not see him on the Golf Course but he sometimes visits the Men’s' Shed to which John belongs. These days John does not travel far and is happy to spend most days in the Yarrawonga area apart from Probus Trips. Best wishes to all members of ANZROC and who knows he may manage a trip to a Meeting this Year.

George Finniss sends his sincere thanks to the members of ANZROC for their kind thoughts and best wishes on his 78th birthday.

Lawrie Foord writes to thank Kathy Trace for the card in respect to his recent birthday. Lawrie is still blessed with good health which has been a bonus in later life. He had a lovely day with lunch with his family at a nice restaurant and a group of friends that completed the day.

Eddie Hassett writes to thank the Committee for the birthday wishes. Not much to report but he was Treasurer of the Mordialloc Football Club last year and it was hard work. He is still a member of Woodlands Golf Club and has recently joined Mordialloc Bowls Club to keep him fit and active.

Dorothy Hayes emails her thanks for her Birthday card, received it the day before which was very nice. Dorothy retired last September and absolutely loving not travelling into the city 3 days a week.

Laurie Holland writes to thank Kathy Trace for the good wishes for his 94th birthday as well as the unexpected greeting at Christmas. Laurie is most grateful for the work put in by the committee on members’ behalf and keeping the group together. With the passing of time life for Laurie and wife Barb is becoming very simple and with reasonable health for their age allows them to live in their home. Their three children living in the Melbourne area are a help and great comfort for them as they start their 95th year.

Graeme Horsburgh emails his thanks for his birthday greetings. Graeme enjoys reading the newsletter and catching up with all the happenings.

Richard Kimber sends his thanks to the Committee and particularly to Kathy Trace for the birthday greetings he received punctually on the day.

Heather McNutt widow of our member Ken McNutt emails to thank Ken’s ANZROC friends and colleagues for their expressions of condolence and attendance at his funeral. Heather found it almost impossible to make her way around the room to speak to people and was very disappointed not to be able to express her appreciation.

Peter Nyga emails to apologise for missing the April meeting as he is again off to sail the Gippsland Lakes for a few weeks.

Ted Palmer catching up on past newsletters emailed to say he was sorry to miss John Duguid’s (Bluey) Funeral but was on holidays in Tasmania. Ted’s son attended to represent the family. John was a good and loyal friend.

Murray Skelton writes to thank the Committee and members for their kind thoughts and wishes on his recent birthday. It is great to receive the card each year and is appreciated. Murray is still playing and enjoying bowls and at times comes across other retired ANZ friends. Great grandchildren now number seven and it is getting harder all the time trying to keep up with them. Murray and wife Ann have moved into a retirement village in Ferntree Gully and are enjoying the different life style.

Syd Swaby emails his thanks to Kathy and committee for Birthday wishes As usual arrived on the 17th with Australia Post excelling as delivery exactly at mid-day.

Harry Trefz sends his thanks for the good wishes he received on his birthday. Harry says it is nice to be remembered.

Julie Wilkins emails her sincere thanks to Kathy and Committee for her Birthday Greeting Card which arrived on the day. She also enjoys reading the monthly newsletter to see what everyone is up to.

John Winbanks emails his thanks for the birthday card. John says over the past 12 months he has been learning a lot of new skills as his wife has been unwell for some time

AND Alma Barkell, Roger Brown, Barbara Bruce, Geoff Burton, Don Cameron, Alan Chapple, Paula Clarkin, Craig Cole, Ian Cowley, Trevor Dodds, Ron Downes, Jim Ebsworthy, Neil Franklin, Neil Gladstone, Barbara Griffen, John Harris, David Hartwich, Adrian Henning, Keith Higgs, Julian Linehan, Cheryl Lobo, Paul McVeigh, Sally Ming, Bruce Morley, Keith Oulton, Julie O’Regan, Greg Payne, Rob Peatfield, Paul Perri, Ray Pietsch, Doris Ridett ,Dietmar Reichert, Neil Robinson, Gary Stanhope, Sandra Street, Ken Swan, Gary Tunstall, Glen Twidale, James Uren, Frank Valastro, Roly Webster, John Winders.

ANZROC QSLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

ANZROC WEBSITE

In February our ANZROC member Elina Law set up a page on Facebook “ANZ Retired Officers Club” which is open for anyone to 'Like'. Committeeman Eamon Veaney and Elina have now included a Facebook link to our website which will connect directly to the Facebook page and allow our members to interact with each other if they so choose.

The intent is for any members to post information that could be of interest to others in our community on the Facebook site including old photos/ memorabilia related to ANZ. Eamon has got the ball rolling by extracting a few pictures from our photo gallery which have already attracted a few comments.

Since it was created we have received 73 page” likes” and Eamon is hoping more members will open the Facebook site and see what is available to members and their families and substantially increase the number of “likes” . Whilst members may not be on Facebook it is likely that your family and many friends are and they may be interested in seeing the gallery of pictures which have been loaded. Also, any of you who are on Facebook should be able to add pictures; articles etc. and tag the existing photos.

Feedback to Eamon is welcomed as we make every effort to provide value for money for your membership and he can be contacted on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

APT OFFER for ANZROC MEMBERS for APRIL

We would like to offer the below Luxury Small Ship deal, this is exclusive to ANZ including ANZROC members only.

16 Days Sunsets over the Pacific

Offer: Save $6,000* Per Couple, or Pay No Solo Supplement PLUS an additional 7% discount*

ANZ Price $7,399 per person, twin share*. (Normal price from $10,995)

Departs 2 September 2014

Book by 30 April 2014.

Step back in time and trace the path of the Allied Forces on this historic cruise throughout New Guinea and the South Pacific. Visit significant World War II sites in Wewak, Rabaul and Buka, and relive the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Includes:

* 14 nights on the MS Caledonian Sky

* Delve deep into local culture and history with included shore excursions

* Local guides enhance your tour

* A dedicated Expedition Team

* All port charges and tipping included

* 44 meals

* For more information, call 1300 204 588 or visit www.aptouring.com.au/ANZStaffClub

Conditions apply. Prices are per person (pp) twin share. Prices are correct as at 27 March 2014 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Prices include ANZ 7% discount and savings. Available until sold out. Offers are not combinable, available on new bookings only and subject to availability. Offers may be withdrawn at anytime. A surcharge may apply to payments made with credit card. Prices based on NOBCWL16: 2 September 014. Save $6,000 per couple offer available until 30 April 2014 unless sold out. All Superdeals are strictly limited and are subject to availability at the time of booking. Only one Superdeal per person may be applied to each cruise. The offer may also be applied to any subsequent Small Ship cruise booking, subject to availability. Savings figures shown are the maximum saving available and are based on one couple travelling together. Pay no solo supplement offer: Price is based on the per person, twin share amount as shown. Solo supplement and discounts included in the price.

ANZROC 2014 MEETINGS AND EVENTS

* June 12th: Greensborough RSL Club for members and partners. Located 111 Main Street, Greensborough Ph 9435 1884(Melways 28 K7) and expressions of interest can now be sent to Joan Nathan on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone at 97408001.

* July 10th:: 34/100 Queen Street

* August 14th: 34/100 Queen Street : Guest Speaker Professor Bruce Holloway

* September 11th: Mulgrave Country Club

* October 9th: 34/100 Queen Street (note change from Sandringham Hotel)

NEXT MEETING

THURSDAY 8TH MAY 2014 MEETING IN MELBOURNE ROOM ON 34TH FLOOR ANZ 100 QUEEN STREET at 12 NOON

We are holding our annual SALVATION ARMY RED SHIELD APPEAL luncheon commencing at 12 noon for lunch. The meeting will be addressed by a senior Salvation Army executive such as last year’s guest speaker Major Brendan Nottle from the Salvation Army team in Melbourne who heads up Salvation Army social operations at the Melbourne 614 Centre in Bourke Street. Brendan has spoken at our Red Shield Appeal several times about the issues that confront the Salvation Army in Melbourne.

We look forward to seeing many members at the luncheon to hear the Salvation Army representative. We raised around $5,300 last year which was an outstanding effort and any support for Salvation Army will be welcomed.

We will have envelopes available for donations on the day of the meeting but if unable to attend you can send your cheque payable to Salvation Army to Ron Adams, PO Box 579, Malvern, 3144 to be included in the total of funds raised for the day. The Salvation Army will issue official receipts to donors from their office.

If you intend to come to this meeting will you let Ron Adams know by Phone 98210444 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail on the attached acceptance notice to Ron Adams

PO Box 579, Malvern, 3144 by Wednesday 30th April 2014 to meet ANZ catering requirements and so that a list of attendees can be provided to the ANZ Reception Desk.

A reminder that the luncheon fee of $10.00 will be collected at the door to partially cover the cost of catering

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED DURING THE MEETING.

Ron Adams

Newsletter Editor.

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ACCEPTANCE THURSDAY LUNCHEON 8th MAY 2014 FROM 12 NOON MELBOURNE ROOM 34TH FLOOR ANZ HEAD OFFICE 100 QUEEN STREET

To RON ADAMS

PO BOX 579, MALVERN, VIC 3144 Phone 9821 0444 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I/we will be attending the Luncheon function

NAME(S):…………………………………………………………………………………………

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