newsletter september 2013

NEWSLETTER 12th September 2013

WELCOME TO THE MEETING HELD AT OLIVE TREE HOTEL, SUNBURY.

President John McPhee welcomed 40 members and partners to the Olive Tree Hotel in Sunbury. John covered the formal issues quickly and members and partners then enjoyed sharing their stories and experiences in pleasant surroundings over several hours. There were a large number of apologies including several from members who have been spending the past few months in warmer locations. Members not seen for a while included Wolf Damschitz who has just returned from 4 months touring North Africa and Europe, Sandra Joseph, Andrew Kelly, Gerry McPherson and wife Fay after Gerry’s extended stay in hospital and time spent recuperating and Allen Thorp. Thanks go to Joan and Ken Nathan, Sunbury residents, for spotting the Olive Tree Hotel as a suburban venue and David and Glen Knuckey and Noel Beanland for organising the event so efficiently.

APOLOGIES

Noel Beanland, Herman Bettonvil, John Brown, Diane Carew, Cedric Coxsedge, John Duke, Col Edwards, Nola Forsyth, Don Fraser, Ray Gill, Teresa Goldsbrough,  Stan Halbish , Bob Heinemann, Dorothy Hayes, Bernadette and Wayne Hulbert, Ken Lee, Jacqui Luckman, Gary Mason, Noelene Noonan, Ron Phillips, Peter Pritchard, Graeme Randall, David Schunke, John Vanselow, Eamon Veaney, Jackie Waite, Glenda White,  Julie Wilkins, David Woods

NEW MEMBERS

Abdullah                                 Nedjip (Ned)                           ANZ 42 years

Green                                      S.M.     (Stephen)                     ANZ 27 years

Law                                         Elina                                        ANZ   3 years

We look forward to seeing Ned, Stephen and Elina at one of our meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

Horne                                      R.W.J.             (Ron)               88 years          30/8/2013

Ron enlisted in the RAAF in April 1943 and served in New Guinea. On discharge in March 1946 Ron was Leading Aircraftman at AD HQS Townsville.

His banking career started in Townsville and after progressing through the branches, a term in International and a transfer to London, Ron Horne later opened the ANZ Representative Office in Tokyo. He had also spent time in Corporate in Sydney and was appointed State Manager Queensland before retiring as State Manager Victoria.

ANZROC members attending the celebration of Ron’s life included Harry Carrodus, Brian Christensen, John Duguid, John Duke, Gerry and Fay McPherson, Neville Pearson, John Vanselow and their partners.

John Brown holidaying in Queensland sent a note to say “Very sorry to hear that Ron has died. He and Fay have been great supporters of the Retired Officers' Club in many ways including participating in earlier Traralgon and Flinders golf days He was also a great supporter of the Victorian Staff Social Club attending and enjoying a number of the Wagga Trips over the Queens Birthday Weekend. Ron made a point of getting to know younger staff and was quick to greet them by name at the numerous social and sporting events that were part of Bank life at that time.

He was an important part of the ANZ 'Family'.”

Skipper                                    Robert W.       (Bob)              87 years          21/8/2013

Bob Skipper was an ANZ Messenger at 351 Collins St for many years, and a long time stalwart and energetic worker at the Reservoir Lawn Bowls Club.

Members extend their condolences to family and friends of our late members Ron and Bob.

Graham Heenan and Pat Gaskin advised that ex ANZ colleague Selwyn Henning passed away suddenly in Bendigo on 5/8/2013 while in hospital for a knee replacement. Selwyn spent time in Geelong, Fiji and Corporate Banking retiring in Shepparton. Selwyn was 65 and would be known to many ANZROC members.

Lawrie Foord also confirmed that a former ES&A staff member Mike O’Dwyer passed away on 15/8/2013. I worked with Mike for 10 years in Esanda and Gary Mason tells me he played football with Mike – he was a very handy player. Bob Lamb said that Mike remained in the service for over 40 years spending a great deal of his time with Esanda. His Funeral Mass was attended by former staffers Gary Hassett, Bob Lamb and Brian Wills. Many of our ANZROC members would remember Mike.

NOT SO WELL

Alma Barkell advised she was recently knocked over by a car and is in Brunswick Private Hospital for a few weeks then on to rehabilitation for several more weeks.

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

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

on our best wishes  from ANZROC members for your birthdays: Dave Brookman (90), Barbara

Bruce, Valda Clarke, George Cooper (84), Geoff Elliot (85), Bruce Emmett (81), Ian Ewart (82),

Don Fraser (88), Stan Goulding (87), Ralph Howden (89), Alan James (87), David Kennedy (89),

Dick Milnthorpe (81), Ron Smith (85), Colin Walton (80), Tony Wingrave (81), Murray Wood

(91).

INTEREST RATES

From  1/9/2013

Less than $20,000                                           1.66%

Greater than $20,000                                       2.13%

BIRDIES TWITTER

Approximately  forty members/partners attended a most enjoyable ANZROC luncheon meeting at the Olive Tree hotel in Sunbury on Thursday 12 Sept. Thank you David and Glen Knuckey in particular for organising this train journey/luncheon. David, Glen and Noel Beanland spend a lot of time sourcing and checking out locations and endeavour to spread them across the suburbs and country areas. It is greatly appreciated

Thank you Brian and Chris Henderson and Bruce and Glennis Robertson for your hospitality during our recent caravan trip to the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay Queensland. They all send their best wishes to our members

I am pleased to advise that Charles Rennie’s health is improving and I am hopeful Charles will be able to attend a meeting later this year or early 2014

Thank you also Charles for passing on your Memorabilia files etc. A particular item of interest/significance is a piece of “bedrock” excavated from the lowest level of the excavation for the magnificent 55 Collins Street former Head Office building and presented to Charles on 31 March 1976 (Charles Birthday)

REMINDERS

Snapper season is upon us avid fishermen and fisher ladies (to be politically correct)

The “ANZ Ladies Club” will celebrate their 60^th Anniversary since formation in 1953 with a luncheon to be held at 100 Queen Street on 26^th November 2013

It is AFL Finals time. Go Hawks

LETTERS

David Barr emails his many thanks to Kathy Trace for his birthday card which arrived on the day. David and wife Helga have been away often since late May and have had busy time with a 3 week trip to Holland which included visits to Bruges and Maastricht. That was followed by driving around the Lakes District in the UK and then clockwise around Scotland. They had just over 3 weeks there and what marvellous scenery was encountered. Helga went mad with her new digital SLR camera and it is going to be a picnic sorting through the snaps to put into albums.David and Helga returned home for a week before heading off to the Sunshine Coast for another 3 week break from Melbourne’s winter. They caught up with a couple of old bankers in Andrew and Larraine Kelsey who are in fine fettle and continue to enjoy the Noosa lifestyle. They also went down to the Gold Coast and lunched with Peter and Jenny Doyle (ex AHQ Personnel) who have been living in Robina for about 20 years and are both in excellent health.

Angelo Biviano emailed to thank Kathy for the birthday card.  He has not been able to attend meetings since wife Catherine’s heart problems but she is slowly recovering and Angelo hopes to be back attending meetings in the near future.

Barbara Bruce emailed her thanks for the Birthday Card from Kathy which, as usual, arrived on the day. One of Barbara’s classmates when she was in both primary school and at Presbyterian Ladies College invited her  to lunch at her home and also invited 3 other ladies - they have all known each other for over 70 years! And it was very enjoyable.

Geoff Burton emails his thanks to Kathy for the birthday card which as usual arrived on the due date. Geoff has had a busy 12 months (where does the time go). A couple of trips up north visiting Surfers and the Mid NSW coastal area were very good, as were his visits down south to Western Victoria. Geoff is off again to Portland and then up through the Grampians area. He continues with a regular exercise routine, namely a daily swim and cycling and he enjoys very good health, albeit the loss of a few kilos would be handy. It must have something to do with the odd social drink etc. The monthly newsletter is very much appreciated and helps keep in touch with many we have all worked with.

Ken Chisholm writing from Bendigo passes on his thanks to Kathy and ANZROC for the timely birthday card.

Muriel Drummond writes that as always she was delighted to receive her birthday card from ANZROC committee and members and her thanks for the good wishes. Muriel does enjoy the Newsletter and catching up with news of colleagues who have passed through the CEO’s office over all the years she worked there. How things have changed at ANZ since her retirement.

John Fearnley emailed his thanks for the birthday wishes which he appreciated.

Steve Flowers was eagerly awaiting his Birthday card arriving on the due date and suddenly realised that he had not changed his address when moving into Cherry Tree Grove retirement village. Steve’s wife, Brenda, passed away due to breast cancer in September last year and as a consequence he has sold the house and relocated in the village. Steve traded the caravan for a Motorhome and spent all of winter in Queensland enjoying the warmth with friends. Now back in Melbourne he has entered in the “Ridetoconquercancer” fundraising bike ride for the Peter MacCallum cancer centre together with 3 friends with the major purpose to raise funds in memory of Brenda. Life goes on and he enjoys retired life particularly attempting to play golf with his good friend Bob Irvine.

Alex Fowler emailed to say "thank you" to the President and Kathy for the Birthday Card which of course arrived spot on time. Alex and wife Helen recently arrived home after 6 weeks in Europe, two of which saw them caught up in the biggest floods on the Danube for the past 400 years. Makes for different holiday snaps. Regards to all at ANZROC, and hopefully he will get to a meeting in the near future,

Pat Gaskin wife of our member Norm Gaskin reports that after numerous operations (10) over the past couple of years, they at last feel  that Norm is on the improve. His last surgery was mainly for a hernia operation. He then had an adverse reaction with a further week in hospital on antibiotics. Norm is still doing the accounting for their daughter’s books and looking for that Melbourne Cup winner although he has not had much opportunity to attend many race meetings over the past year or so. Pat and Norm are hoping to have a much needed holiday next year. They look forward to hearing from and about fellow ANZ ers in the newsletters. A very sad loss occurred in Bendigo at the beginning of August. An ex ANZer Selwyn Henning passed away suddenly, while in hospital for a joint replacement. There was no warning of anything wrong and his wife Noela is still in shock. A number of the Bendigo retirees still go out once a fortnight for a meal and a catch up. They all enjoy the get together. The usual bunch is Ian and Carmel Bell, Bill and Carmel O’Donnell, Kerry and Lorraine Moore and Ken and Di Chisholm, as well as Pat and Norm.

Denis Gleeson emails his appreciation for the good wishes he received from Kathy Trace on the day of his birthday.

Louis Hebrard wishes to thank the Club for his birthday card. Louis had a great day with all the family, celebrating not only his birthday on 1st September, but also Father's Day and a glorious start to spring.
Suzanne Hopkins emails her first official correspondence to the committee and she wishes to express her thanks for the best wishes in the form of a card, which arrived the day before her recent birthday. Although it was fairly uneventful, Suzanne celebrated when her husband Rick came home with a large bouquet of flowers and then they attended dinner at a local restaurant with one of their daughters (who had only turned 25 ten days earlier) as their other daughter was at work and unable to attend. The reason Suzanne says 'uneventful' is that at the same time last year she celebrated her birthday in style with a Thames river cruise in London with Rick - which was magical. It would be pretty hard to top that in any particular year! They were there due to a fantastic trip that Rick won as a result of a competition that was run by ANZ Cards in conjunction with Visa. It was a once in a lifetime trip and they were privileged to be able to attend the London Olympics for several sports in the last week of competition. She is so glad now being able to touch base with ANZROC members by reading all about their travels and well being. Lots of names are very familiar to her still (even though it was 25 years ago – Suzanne had left after 12 months maternity leave - unpaid in those days!) and brings back a lot of fond memories.

Suzanne is hopeful she might meet some of her colleagues again in the not too distant future.

Peter Jones conveys his thanks to Kathy for Peter’s birthday greetings for his 81^st. Peter had a great day with the family.

Stan Lancaster sends his thanks to the Club for the birthday card which of course arrived on the day. Stan always enjoys reading the Newsletter to catch up with the present whereabouts, health, travels and general goings on of our members.

Cathie MacKiggan sends her thanks for remembering her birthday spot on the day. She spent a pleasant day at a Mornington Peninsula Eatery.

Kevin May writing from Paradise Waters Qsld says he eagerly looks forward to the newsletters being a long way from good old Melbourne but must say its been disturbing over the last year to see the passing of so many former workmates.

Sue McCarthy writes to say thank you very much for the birthday card which of course arrived right on time. She had just arrived home from Mt Hotham, expecting to have a quiet day on her birthday – but it turned out to be not so uneventful! During the night, vandals hurled an old office chair through her front windows! Hence the birthday was spent dealing with the insurance company and waiting for the glazier. All was fixed by sundown. Sue would blame inner suburban living, but she learnt from the glazier that Saturdays are always busy all over Melbourne, because of the window-smashing that takes place on Friday nights. Otherwise, all is going well. She very much enjoyed the special birthday lunch for Charles Rennie’s 100^th birthday and hope we’ll be seeing him again at the Christmas lunch.

Serge McIntyre emails that he has just returned from overseas and thanks Kathy for the wishes on his birthday.

Brian Murdoch writes to thank the committee for the birthday card and good wishes which for reasons beyond control eventually reached him via three hospitals, a rehabilitation centre, and the nursing home where he is now settled. Bruce Tickell, John Flyger, Neil Sharman, Alan Forrest and Alan Chapple visit Brian regularly for support and contact.

Reg Nicolson sends his thanks for the birthday wishes and says he is keeping fit playing golf twice a week.

Peter Nielipowiec writing from Strathdale says he was saddened to hear of the passing of our Honorary Member Ken Munro in July. Ken was Peter’s Accountant at Cohuna Branch and they enjoyed some great times. Ken was Accountant at Ormond Branch when Ryan and Walker held up and robbed that branch. It was decided by Head Quarters to transfer Ken to a nice quiet country branch like Cohuna to recover from his traumatic experience.

Ray O’Meara emails his thanks again for the continued supply of the newsletters (and birthday cards). It’s amazing that reading someone’s name in it conjures up memories of where and when you crossed paths.

Bernie O’Reilly emails his thanks for the monthly newsletter; it is always great to learn what is going on and what people are doing. Both the news letter and, in Kathy’s usual excellent timing, Bernie’s birthday card/greetings arrived so it was a somewhat special day. He is now eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health care card so this must mean something even if he is just maturing .Bernie and wife Claire have sold their 4x4 vehicle after many happy trips enjoying the best our wonderful country has to offer but the downside this year has been spending a cold winter at home, but never mind the Mighty Hawks are performing well and even the grandson has achieved 50 games now playing under 12’s. Warmest regards to all

Jill Paterson loved the pictures now posted on the web site of the ANZ rowing teams particularly those with Bob Gamon, whom many will remember.  Jill went to BASC Bankers Admin Staff College 1970 (Healesville) as one of the Secretarial staff before the merger when Bob was principal.  They would come down to Melbourne for rowing and one time Bob needed someone to steer the boat for him and Jack Short. So being a “light weight” Jill got the chance to be coxswain and steered them down the Yarra. There was some dredging being undertaken but fortunately her steering was adequate enough to avoid any disasters. Great memories!

Ron Phillips texted to thank Kathy for the birthday wishes and hopes to catch up with members at the October meeting.

Ian Roberts writes  to extend a big thanks to Kathy Trace and the ROC committee for the birthday wishes which lobbed right on the day of course. These cards seem to be arriving at a much faster rate than they did in the past. Ian and his wife have enjoyed a good year and have been able to get to their holiday spot in Yarrawonga quite often. Ian was fortunate to be invited to join an Aussie tennis party to play a tournament in UK in May, which was again a terrific trip.

Bruce Robertson emailed his thanks for the birthday wishes which arrived on time as usual.

A great day was had by Bruce and wife Glennis in the company of Jan and John Brown and Cheryl and Neville Pearson capped of by a rather boisterous banquet at the local Thai to celebrate Bruce and John’s birthdays. Bruce and Glennis took advantage of the high Aussie dollar during the year to visit the grandchildren in Chile, a holiday in Koh Samui (with the Brown’s) and a visit to Hong Kong. The overseas travel bug was curtailed by a bit of surgery to the back to repair a problem disc which fixed the pain but not the confidence to jump back into the pool to resume swimming.  They missed the usual sojourn to Victoria in January to catch up with friends and family due to the floods and bushfires although Glennis flies down every couple of months to visit her Mum.

Mary Ryan writing from Langwarrin sent her thanks for her birthday wishes. It is very much appreciated each year.

Peter Saville emails that the birthday card arrived on the day! - thanks Kathy. Peter shares his birthday with one of their grand daughters and their younger son is two days prior, so they enjoyed a family celebration on the weekend before. On the actual birthday Peter had a convivial lunch with about 15 of his old army mates, the operative word now being old. Had a bit of a health scare in July and ended up in Cabrini Hospital for nine days with a "severe viral illness". Despite just about every test known to man, the medico's could not come up with a diagnosis. At least he knows he has nothing "sinister" and is almost back to 100 per cent now.

Rob Sims emails his thanks for the birthday card which arrived on the day.  Rob was actually home to receive it this year - in-between holidays after a cruise from the Middle East to Rome and a month in a villa in Tuscany and then to  Broome and leaving on a cruise from Broome to Darwin which will take eleven days.   Rob is really enjoying retirement and has now done thirteen cruises and numerous other holidays both within Australia and overseas since retiring.

Mark Stankovich writes to thank Kathy Trace‘s untiring efforts to ensure the his birthday greetings arrived right on time. Mark was fortunate to celebrate the birthday at a dinner party with his family. Apart from a short trip to the Gold Coast and trips within Victoria it has been a quiet year.

Doug Watson emails that he much appreciated the kind wishes for that 20^th day in August when he first arrived in this world quite some time ago!Doug and wife Maureen even managed to send some flowers also to Doug’s 99 year old mother who still lives in the family home in London. Doug had just arrived back from saying farewell to Don McGinn, who sadly passed in late August which tended to tone down his own birthday celebrations.

AND Graeme Amor, Sam Bartucelli, John Blampied, Diane Carew, Len Carr, Paul Comport, Leigh Davis, Suzie Green, Stan Halbish, John Harris, Bob Heinemann, Joy MacDonald, Ray O’Meara, John Pearse, Anthea Santos,  Bruce Scott,  John Sudholz, Russell Ward, Ray Watson, ANZROC QSLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

ANZROC 2014 MEETINGS AND EVENTS

The committee has proposed the following program of meetings for year 2014 and bookings have already been confirmed for the meetings at 100 Queen Street.

13^th February             100 Queen Street (Committee Meeting)

13^th March                  Geelong..Black Sheep Restaurant

10^th April                    100 Queen Street, ANZAC meeting

8^th May                                   100 Queen Street , Salvation Army meeting, Committee Meeting

12^th June                     Greensborough  RSL

10^th July                      100 Queen Street

14^th August                 100 Queen Street , Committee Meeting

11^th September                        Mulgrave Country Club

9^th October                 Sandringham Hotel

13^th November                        100 Queen Street, AGM

11^th December                        Art Centre Melbourne

ANZROC MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions for ANZROC membership for 2013/2014 are now due and payments can be sent by cheque to our Treasurer John Brown, PO Box 4056, Burwood East 3151, Phone 98021810. (email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

or members can make payments electronically to ANZROC account through your internet banking facilities. Details of the ANZROC account are set out in the renewal form and please ensure that personal details in the “payee information” section i.e. Name and Initial are shown so that we can record the receipt as often the funds are received with no details provided…as a failsafe members can send the renewal slip or email to John Brown advising that payment has been made through internet banking.

The separate advice for renewal of subscriptions follows and you will note that the subscriptions remain at $20.00 for Metropolitan members and $10.00 for Country and Interstate members.

Honorary Members please note:  – you do not need to pay any subscription

As a matter of interest the  number of members using the internet for newsletters has risen to around 760  and if you have access to email let us know and we will be able to send future communications electronically that will reach you within 7 days of our meetings.

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ANZROC SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL FORM

ANZ RETIRED OFFICERS CLUB (VIC)

Subscriptions are due and payable to ANZROC Vic and can be posted by cheque to John  Brown,

PO Box 4056, Burwood East, Vic 3151, (phone No. 9802 1810 )

Or paid directly into the ANZROC account details of which are:

ACCOUNT NAME:           ANZ BANKING GROUP RETIRED OFFICERS’ CLUB                                                                                        (Victoria)

BSB:                                      013 350

ACCOUNT NUMBER:     3064 51947

The Annual Subscription is $20.00 for Metropolitan Members and for Country and Interstate Members the Annual Subscription is $10.00 and should reach John Brown  prior to 31^st October 2013

HONORARY MEMBERS – NIL

………………………………………………………………      $…………..

(Name of member)      Amount enclosed/ or Amount paid to ANZROC account electronically

(Delete whichever category not applicable)

Phone number…………………………………………………

e-mail address…………………………………………………

FORTHCOMING ANZROC 2013 MEETINGS AND EVENTS

14^th NOVEMBER: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 34^th Floor/100 Queen Street

29^TH NOVEMBER   : GOLF DAY AT ROSEBUD COUNTRY CLUB For details contact Alan                                                Lauder by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

12^th DECEMBER: CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON AT MELBOURNE ART CENTRE.

CEO Mike Smith has confirmed that he will attend the meeting to speak to members. Ian Peterkin has agreed to present the Toast to the ANZ Bank. The invitations will be included in the October and November newsletters.

NEXT MEETING THURSDAY OCTOBER 10^th

To be held on the 34^th Floor/100 Queen Street Melbourne at noon to hear guest speaker Dr. Robert W. Gribben BA (Melb), MA (Cantab), M. Theol (Melbourne College of Divinity), DD, Professor Emeritus Melbourne University, Fellow of Queen’s College. Robert is regarded as a leading Theologian, liturgist and ecumenist in Australia and will talk on “Changing faces in today’s Society” and his presentation should generate a great deal of interest for all age groups so the Committee is looking forward to support from ANZROC members.

If you intend to come to this meeting will you let Ron Adams know by Phone 0408 136 100 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 Vic 3144 by Thursday 3^rd October 2013 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

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ACCEPTANCE THURSDAY LUNCHEON 10^th October   2013 FROM 12 NOON   MELBOURNE ROOM    34^TH FLOOR ANZ BANK BUILDING  100 QUEEN STREET

To RON ADAMS

PO BOX 579, MALVERN, VIC 3144

Phone 0408 136 100  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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Ron Adams Newsletter Editor