Newsletter December 2014

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 11TH 2014

WELCOME

Presidents’ Pen

Our 2014 Christmas Luncheon at the Arts Centre was well attended with 272 members and bank guests enjoying the opportunity to get together. ANZ guests included Mike Smith, Graham Hodges, Shayne Elliott and Jo Mikleus. We are indebted to the Bank for their most generous financial support to ANZROC.

Next year, May 2015 marks 180 years since the Bank of Australasia was incorporated in London by Royal Charter on 21 May 1835. The first branch was opened later that year on 14 December in a house at 235 George Street, Sydney and within eight years occupied a substantial two storey building on the same site. Since then the Bank has grown to what we have today: a rich and proud history of which we all have been part of the story.

This year 2014, marks the 61st year of the recorded history of ANZROC Victoria. Our history goes back to early 1953 when the club was formed as a result of the merger of the Bank of Australasia and the Union Bank of Australia in October 1951, to form ANZ Bank. However the history of retired officers getting together no doubt predates this by many years, but the Bank’s archives have failed to shed light on this earlier history. More than likely there have been retired officers associations stretching back as long as the Bank has been in existence.

ANZROC Vic since 1953 has grown, from a handful of members to nearly a thousand members. Today, ANZROC provides regular monthly newsletters, our ever expanding website, we are on Facebook, birthday cards to all members (which always arrive on the day), welfare activities as required to our older members, including Christmas cards to members over 90 years, members support to the annual Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal – this year $4,400 was raised; guest speakers at our meetings at Queen St, suburban and country lunch meetings and our all-important Christmas Luncheon. All made possible by a hard working committee.

However we also need to consider other opportunities outside the normal meeting schedules which may be of interest to groups of members. We welcome feedback and suggestions. We look forward to seeing each of you at one of the various ANZROC functions in 2015.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to wish all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Peter Pritchard

APOLOGIES

Graeme Ainscough, Clive Bayley, Diane Carew, Ken Crawford, Don Davy, Phil Dunstan, Brian Farrell, Nola Forsyth, Phil Goodier, Stan Halbish, Graeme King , Ken Lee, Fay and Gerry McPherson, Tom Portelli, Graeme Randall, Don Ranyard, Michael Sweeney, Miles Tiller, Glen Twidale, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins,

NEW MEMBERS

Manuel R.W. (Rocky) 39.5 years ANZ

We look forward to meeting Rocky at one of our forthcoming meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

Cross P.G. (Paul) December 2013 87 years

(Notification received by ANZROC only in November 2014)

Paul enlisted in the RAAF in December 1944 and at date of discharge in January 1948 was a Leading Aircraftman in Station HQ, Laverton.

Frank Edwards reports that having been sidelined after a bit of surgery and having nothing better to do, he has done a bit of web surfing. Reading about the late Norm Deady in the Newsletter and having an interest in things RAF Frank looked up RAF Gamston where Norm was discharged. The Station had a varied history, but it was primarily a training base and ended its useful days as the repatriation point for around 1,400 RAAF personnel at the end of the war. Norm’s funeral notice in the paper had him down as a Pathfinder, which would have had him serving in a RAAF bomber squadron and as he ended up as a Flying Officer Frank would imagine Norm put in quite a few trips

Dick Sanders remembers the late Doug Vollmerhouse joining the Punched Card Section at Methods Department (177 Toorak Road, South Yarra), around 1960/1 when Dick and Doug often worked weekends to meet deadlines before being two of a number of shift workers. Doug became Dick’s 2i/c of one shift. His work was immaculate and he was a very quiet thoughtful and dedicated officer.

He was a member of Dick’s squash team, which Dick started with others of the Department being Terry Boocock and Geoff Donnelly. They entered the team as part of Robertson’s Squash Club in South Yarra. Doug became one of the early acceptances for progressing to Programming and other associated work in Data Processing as Punched Cards wound down. In their Punched Cards Section – Tabulations - Doug was called “Uncle Doug” or just plain “Uncle” by all the girls – where they held him in high regard. One of them added to his name he had on his ruler thus :D Vollmerhouse with an R, next day it was added to by another girl thus: “D Vollmerhauserruler” and subsequently by yet another girl thus: “D Vollmerhauserrulerliner” – which amused Doug quite a bit. On one occasion, Doug and Dick drove up to Wagga to participate in the Bank Sporting weekend – an annual event enjoyed by all participants. He was a good tennis player and at least one occasion was Dick’s partner in the Bank’s Annual Grass Tournament at the Albert Ground. As their lives took separate paths they met only occasionally. He played tennis for Grace

Park Tennis Club and later was a member of Box Hill Golf Club where a number of ANZ retirees were members He is fondly remembered and Dick’s sympathy to his family.

NOT SO WELL

John Quirk reported that his father, Ray Quirk suffered a major stroke on the evening of Tuesday 2nd December. He is in Epworth Richmond and pleasingly John has noted a little improvement each day. Ray at 92 is alert to what is happening around him and is communicating well. For the time being Ray is not quite up to visitors just yet.

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

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

on Congratulations from our members for your birthdays: Alan Boak (80), Ian Cann (87), Trevor

Cookson (84), Fergus Darmody (81), Kevin Dempster (84), John Hicks (87), Joan Lamond, John

Logan (80), Wal McGillivray OAM (91), Bevyn Ranford (81), Noel Robertson (84), Molly

Saint, Neville Taylor (94), Bill Thorne (85), Glen Twidale (84), Ron Wells (83), Jack

Willoughby (89), Theo Yardley (84), Lloyd Zegenhagen (90).

INTEREST RATES

From 1/12/2014

Less than $20,000 1.68%

Greater than $20,000 2.16%

GUEST SPEAKER

At our Christmas luncheon in the ANZ Pavilion, Mike Smith, CEO of ANZ Banking Group responded to the toast to ANZ ably given by Dan Kirtley who led us through his experiences in Esanda, ANZ Internal Audit locally and overseas and a stint in New Zealand where he was Chief Internal Auditor.

Mike spoke about the changes in ANZ during his 7 year tenure and the Bank’s stunning successes in this electronic age highlighting the “Go Money” product. He mentioned the challenges faced and dealt with over the 7 years and now the future challenge faced with the Murray Review when clearly a strong banking system is needed to feed into a strong economy. He focussed on the record profits and the record dividends enjoyed by the shareholders many of whom were at the luncheon. He was particularly pleased with the growth in mortgage lending and the significant jump in Wealth Banking custom. Mike also touched on the forthcoming 180th birthday of the Bank of Australasia and its part in ANZ’s history. The Bank’s ambitious plans for celebration and recognition of the 100 years since the landing by the Anzac’s at Gallipoli were also discussed. 1915 was such an important time in ANZ’s history when 40% of Staff volunteered for active service all those years ago and 300 of these brave volunteers did not return. A sobering reflection today on the sacrifices made by those young men and women in 1914/18.

Mike wished ANZROC members and families all the best for a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year in 2015 and said he was looking forward to talking to us again next year.

A large number of photos taken at the Christmas lunch can be viewed on our ANZROC website.

LETTERS

Vic Ansell emails a ‘thank you' for the birthday greetings sent by the committee via Kathy and received 'on the day' .Vic had a quiet day with wife Lynn and they enjoyed dinner with their daughter and her partner . Vic and Lynn then drove to Bright for a week and had an enjoyable

time. Bright really is a lovely place. Hard to believe Vic has now been out of the Bank for 15 years - he really doesn't know where the time has gone. Vic has very much enjoyed the monthly meetings again this year and it is always interesting to see the names of people he knew and worked with and what they are doing in retirement.

Frank Edwards has recovered from recent surgery and is playing golf again with his Esanda colleague Mark Stankovich.

Brian Farrell writes to send his thanks to the Committee for the birthday wishes he received spot on the day for his 86th birthday. Thanks Kathy Trace. Family members helped him celebrate the occasion and they enjoyed good food and wine but unfortunately he was unable to share due to the effects of recent surgery. Brian says that this will also mean he will miss the Christmas luncheon – the first since retirement- however he hopes to pick it up again next year.

Stephen Green emails his thanks for the recent birthday card, which was waiting for Stephen upon his return from a short birthday break in NSW. He is now almost 18 months into retirement. Stephen and his wife travelled overseas a couple of times in the second half of last year, but this year have stayed firmly rooted at home as they have been kept busy with house renovations and assisting with the affairs of elderly parents.

Charles Griss emails that once again he must apologise for not being able to attend the regular lunches and Christmas celebrations. Seems that lifes activities are sometimes destined to clash. Many thanks for the Birthday Card which was very much welcomed. Good to read all the news about former colleagues.

Frank Hatfield emails his thanks to the Committee and Members of the club for the good wishes on the occasion of his recent birthday. The day was spent very quietly at home with Frank’s wife as their son and daughter and their families were away on holiday and the celebration had to await their return. Although his health has been a bit up and down they have had three short holidays during the year and Frank has been kept busy with the garden and the activities in various clubs.

John Hobbs emails his sincere appreciation to Kathy Trace for her outstanding work in conveying birthday greetings so diligently year by year. The older one gets the more her efforts are appreciated. Talking about getting older it shocks John to realise he is now in his 99th year and has enjoyed 38 years of retirement. Which brings back memories? John started work in an insurance attorney's office in Christchurch, New Zealand in early 1933 on a salary of 25 pounds per annum. In 1934 he applied for a position in the Union Bank of Australia Ltd across the road and started work there on Saturday, 15th December of that year on a princely salary of 65 pounds per annum. John’s boss wanted him to finish up in his establishment on 31st December whereas the manager of the bank wanted John to start work on 1st December. These two men were golfing mates and on the 19th hole they decided without reference to split the difference and make the change on Saturday 15th December. John started work that day at 8 a.m. and finished at 3 p.m. without a lunch break - London mail in and London mail out - thereby missing a tennis match that afternoon and an arranged holiday between Christmas and New Year. John’s father had to act as guarantor against the possibility of him defalcating! Who said times haven’t changed? John could be wrong but he understands he is now the oldest Union Bank member of the Club here in Victoria since Charles Rennie died

Life Member Gerald McPherson emails his thanks to Kathy Trace for the birthday greetings

with thanks also to the other Committee Members. Gerald had a great day. His son Bruce and his wife Bodil came all the way from Norway to celebrate the Big 90. Gerald’s daughter Patricia and her husband Peter organised a luncheon for the whole family at the Rochford Winery in the Yarra Valley which was exceptional and much enjoyed. The following day they had a BBQ at their home in Pakenham, followed by another BBQ with friends on the Sunday. Gerald received a birthday cake from the Croydon/Yarra Valley Golf Club shaped like a cricket bat with 90 balls on the cake, two cakes from RSL clubs and another from the Essendon Cricket Club as these clubs were so appreciative of the sterling service he has given over the years. All in all he had a most marvellous Birthday and hopes to be around to celebrate a few more yet!

Gerald was also one of the recipients of the Christmas cards sent to our ANZROC members 90 years or over arranged by our Committee members Joan Nathan, Neville Pearson and Kathy Trace and Gerald was most appreciative of the kind thoughts ….very timely over Christmas.

Committeewoman Joan Nathan emails thanks to Kathy Trace for the birthday card. Joan had a lovely day with family and friends which seemed to stretch the birthday over a couple of weeks.

Joan and husband Ken have had a busy year with a trip to Noosa and one to Broome, Ken working part time, helping with their two grandchildren, and generally enjoying retirement, such a great a stage of their lives.

Geoff Perdriau wishes to thank Kathy Trace for her card and good wishes on the occasion of his recent birthday. After many months of inspecting properties in the western suburbs to be nearer their family Geoff and his wife Margaret have bought an apartment in Williamstown and sold their unit in North Balwyn.

David Phelps would like to thank Kathy Trace for sending him Birthday Wishes for his 79th Birthday. The card was punctual as usual; you do a wonderful job Kathy. David celebrated at home with a very special seafood meal enjoyed by family and friends. David’s health is stable but is in constant revision under Monash Systolic Heart Failure clinic. He was able to attend his daughters wedding in February, although not walking her down the aisle; he managed to hand her over to her husband. David and wife Kaye’s son Bradley took over his father’s duties and even did a Brother and Sister dance, but David managed to deliver the most fantastic speech, which brought the house down, he concluded the speech speaking Fijian, which was so special.

David and Kaye enjoy every day as it comes and do something special every week.

They would like to thank all the committee and send members best wishes and a very Happy and Healthy Christmas

Jim Potter emails that as usual each year he has received the birthday card with best wishes for his 84th thanks to the effort of Kathy Trace, her work is greatly appreciated and Jim had the pleasure to work with Kathy for a short period at Camberwell Branch. Another year has passed and he is fortunate to enjoy good health. Please convey to all the good wishes for the coming festive season

Ray Watson emails thanks for the Birthday card which he received last week – Ray always looks forward to its arrival. Unfortunately he doesn’t get much of a chance to attend events whilst running his own finance broking business, but that will change one day.

AND Kim Charlton, Jim Christie, Saul Eslake, Dennis Gerdtz, Ian Newstead, Debbie van Pelt, Bill Pitman, Margaret Weeks,

ANZROC QSLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

ANZROC GOLF DAY –FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2014

Rosebud Country Club - 207 Boneo Road, Rosebud 3939

It was a great turnout of 35 players and 6 non-playing partners for lunch on a beautiful spring day. There was a bit of Déjà Vu from 2013 with Defending champions, Bob and Joyce Challis taking out the main prizes. In Bob's case it could have been a tight-run thing had Richard Harding handed in his card with both he and Bob on 35 points each. In any event, Bob had it on a count back as did John Ries in second place after a count back with four others on 33 points. Louis Hebrard was third, although after a mix-up on prizes he had to relinquish his bottle of wine and accept some golfing paraphernalia as his prize. Organiser, Huck Bourke has expressed his concern for Louis’ mental and emotional state after such a traumatic reversal of fate. Doug Ramsay won nearest the pin as did the family act of Huck and Sandy Bourke. Golf was followed by an excellent lunch enjoyed by all. For those who might be concerned about Richard’s mental and emotional health, he was later awarded two bottles of house wine which left the day’s event with a healthy financial surplus of $0.58.

PRESIDENT PETER PRITCHARD’S INCOMING SPEECH November 2014

Thank you for the honour of being nominated as President. I will endeavour to serve members with all my capacity.

I would like to acknowledge the committees who have agreed to stand and I know they will contribute to the ongoing success of ANZROC Victoria. In particular I would like to welcome our new committee members. Ken Crawford (he is an apology today), Wolf Damschitz (our new secretary), Don Jeffery and Glyn Parry-Jones.

I would also like to record appreciation to a number of our committee members.

* John McPhee our retiring President, who has served for 10 years on the committee. In recognition, John has been awarded Life Membership for his contribution.

* I would also like to mention John Duke, who is retiring from the committee after 20 years of service including as President from 1999-2000.

* Finally, I would like to mention Col Edwards, who is also retiring from the committee after 22 years of service including as President from 1997-1998.

* John and Col are an apology to day, but we will make a formal presentation at a meeting in early 2015.

I would like to conclude by saying that our challenge going forward is to continue to ensure that ANZROC meets the needs of our 966 Victorian members.

I welcome feedback and suggestions. You can contact me by phone or email.

ANZROC is only as successful as the contributions and participation that we all can make. No matter how big or small your support will make a difference.

MANSFIELD TRIP 2014

ANZ RETIRED OFFICERS CLUB GETAWAY 23rd/24th FEBRUARY 2015

The annual get together is open to all members/ partners and singles.Regular attendees to our thrill seeking couple of fantastic days away at beautiful Mansfield will be there in force so if you decide to attend complete the attached booking form and send to Kevin Mitchell. If you require further information contact Kevin Mitchell on 9807.6201 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The venue once again is Alzburg Resort 39 Malcolm St Mansfield and booking will be made for 2 Nights Mon 23rd Feb & Tue 24th Feb 2015. Please send payment by 24th January 2015 to Kevin at 2/29 McLochlan Street, Mount Waverley, Vic 3149.

The Mansfield information sheet and booking form follows at the end of the newsletter..

ANZROC PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR 2015….

March Meeting: 12th March 100 Queen Street Guest Speaker: Gerry Cross who is a Provider of Professional Services to the Forest Industry.

April Meeting: 9th April 100 Queen Street (Anzac)

May Meeting: 14th May 100 Queen Street (Salvation Army)

June Meeting: 11th June Mulgrave Country Club

July Meeting: 9th July 100 Queen Street

August Meeting: 13th August 100 Queen Street

September Meeting: 10th September 100 Queens Street Guest Speaker Melbourne Camera Club

October Meeting: 8th October Ballarat

November Meeting: 12th November 100 Queen Street (AGM)

December Meeting: 10th December ANZ Pavilion Arts Centre Melbourne

NEXT MEETING AT GREENSBOROUGH RSL ON THURSDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2015

ANZ BANK RETIRED OFICERS CLUB AND PARTNERS LUNCHEON MEETING

THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2015 AT GREENSBOROUGH RSL CLUB, 111 MAIN STREET GREENSBOROUGH (PH 9435 1884)

Following the excellent feedback received after our previous luncheon at the Greensborough RSL Club in June 2014 our Committee has decided to once more return to this venue in the northern suburbs for our 12th February 2015 meeting commencing midday.

Partners and ANZ Ladies Club members are most welcome and encouraged to attend

The RSL Club is approx 150 metres from the Greensborough Railway Station and approx 2 km South East from where the existing Metropolitan Ring Road ends .

Several of our members (including Neville Pearson) frequent this modern facility on a regular basis and the service and food (including senior meals) is first class

.Please advise your acceptance by Thursday 5th February 2015 to Committee Woman Joan Nathan, Telephone: 97408001 or by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail to the address on the attached acceptance notice.

_____________________________________________________________________

ACCEPTANCE GREENSBOROUGH LUNCHEON THURSDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2015 FROM 12 NOON

TO : Joan Nathan

7 Lightwood Drive Sunbury 3429. By post or Phone 97408001 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):…………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………….

______________________________________________________________________________

Ron Adams

Newsletter Editor

ANZ RETIRED OFFICERS CLUB MANSFIELD GETAWAY

Information and booking form.

Venue: Alzburg Resort 39 Malcolm St Mansfield

2 Nights Mon 23 Feb & Tue 24 Feb 2015

(Open to members/ partners and singles).

Accommodation cost for 2 nights & Dinner

Standard Motel 3 Stars, self contained with kitchenette.

Cost: $167.00 P/P Twin Share includes Buffet Dinner

Deluxe Apartment 4 Stars, 2 bedrooms, living room, full kitchen & spa bath

Cost: $ 147.00 P/P Quad Share includes Buffet Dinner

Resort Facilities: Swimming Pool / Sauna / Spa / Tennis Courts / Function Room/Volleyball / Games Room / Table Tennis / Dining Room / BBQ

Golf Course and Pokies Venue 2 km.

Other attractions within easy driving distance. Information available.

Day 1. Mon 23 Feb. Arrive anytime after midday.

Explore Alzburg Resort and Mansfield Township at your leisure.

Social Golf, Tennis or relax around the pool.

6.30pm. BBQ Dinner, BYO food & drink.

Day 2. Tue 24 Feb. Early Morning Golf Competition.

Non Golfers Social Walk, Tennis or other passive activities, or maybe just relax around the pool.

6.15 pm: BYO Pre Dinner drinks and nibbles around pool.

7.00 for 7.30pm: 2 Course, Pizza & Pasta Dinner & Dessert

Resort Dining Room .

Bar facilities available at your own expense. “Music for Dancing”.

Day 3 Wed 25 Feb Check out of unit by 11.00am, but continue to enjoy the facilities at the Alzburg for as long as you like.

______________________________________________________________________________

ANZROC Mansfield Booking Form for 2015

Name’s:__________________________________________

Phone No:___________________ Email:_____________________

Accommodation (please circle) Motel /Apartment.

If sharing an apartment please indicate who with……………………………

Golf Competition: Name _______________________H’cap_____

Please Note: Booking arrangements, you are requested to pay your accommodation and Dinner in full by Cheque payable to Alzburg Resort, or by Credit Card.

Attached booking

cheque for $ payable to Alzburg Resort

or

CREDIT CARD AUTHORITY

Name: ________________________

Card : Visa/MasterCard/Amex No-------/------/------/------

Expiry date ---/---

SIGNATURE ----------------------------------------------------------------

Please forward this booking form together with full payment by

24 Jan 2015 to Kevin Mitchell Unit 2/29 McLochlan St

Mount Waverley 3149

Phone Kevin on 9807-6201 if you require further information.

Note: there is extra cost involved for Sole Share