Newsletter August 2016

NEWSLETTER AUGUST 11 2016

Please click here to read the reformatted August Newsletter

NEWSLETTER AUGUST 11TH 2016

WELCOME

SV President Eamon Veaney welcomed 43 members and partners to the August meeting and our guest speaker Sue Noble CEO Volunteering Victoria .One of our newest members John Toner was present for his first meeting and members not seen for some time included Harry Carrodus, Cedric Coxsedge, Dan Kirtley, Sandra Joseph, Harry Loucas and wife Mary, Peter Tassiou with wife Denise, George Thomas, Doug Watson and wife Maureen and Paul Tovey back from several months caravanning in Queensland escaping the winter cold in Victoria. The guest speaker was warmly received and her address was lively and interactive making for a very pleasant luncheon meeting.

Photos taken at the luncheon have been posted by Eamon Veaney on our Website and Facebook pages.

APOLOGIES

Graeme Baldwin, John Brown, Diane Carew, Brian Christensen, Don Davy, Mike Devlin, Phil Dunstan, Peter Edwards, Norris Gale. Teresa Goldsbrough, Nola Forsyth, Ray Gill, Theo Hall, Roy Harper, Elaine Haw, Erica Hayden, Keith Higgs, Darrell Hodges, Hartley Hodgson, Bernadette and Wayne Hulbert, Des Johnson, Peter Keating, Graeme King, Rodney Manser, Gary Mason, Fay and Gerry McPherson , Joan Nathan, Neville Pearson , Ron Phillips, Alan Podger, Peter Pritchard , Graeme Randall, David Schunke, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins,

NEW MEMBERS

Witt Ms Barbara 24 years ANZ

We look forward to seeing Barbara at one of our forthcoming meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

Duke J.W. (John) 19/7/2016 76 years

John was a great supporter of ANZROC serving on our committee for 20 years and helping us placing the tributes in the Herald Sun since his retirement from the committee in 2014. John was President as well as Secretary of the Club for 2001 and 2002 and it was his efforts that held the club together at that time in our history. It was a shock to me personally as we enjoyed lunch at Mulgrave Club with John and Dorothy at our July meeting.

Steve Duke emailed to say “We would like to thank all those from the Retired Officers who were able to attend Dad's funeral on Friday. There was a huge turnout so unfortunately we were not able to catch up with everyone, but we are very grateful to those who made it to help us celebrate Dad's life.”

Ken Crawford emailed “This is total shock and quite unexpected – he will be missed.”

Frank Edwards emailed “Sad loss. I was chatting with him and Gary Horkings at Mulgrave and he seemed fine.

Joan Nathan emailed “Thanks for letting us know, such a wise and humble gentleman, loved by all whom knew him.”

Glyn Parry Jones emailed “That’s a huge shock so very sudden.”

Neville Pearson and wife Cheryl emailed “Sad news indeed. What a wonderful man he was. Heart felt sorrow for Dorothy and Steve and family His contribution to the staff club and support of youngsters (like me) in the footy club will not be forgotten”

Eamon Veaney was shocked to hear this news as he had a chat with John at Mulgrave last month and this was very unexpected.

Doug Watson said he was sorry to hear about John. One must be getting older as we see our friends fall by the wayside.

Kennedy G. (Gordon) 27//7/2016 90 years

Gordon enlisted in the RAAF in May 1944 and on discharge in February 1946 he was Leading Aircraftman in 7 Central Recovery Depot.

Laurie Kennedy, son of Gordon, advised that his father passed away on 27/7/2016 after a short illness at the age of 90. Gordon joined ANZ in 1950 in the CBD and worked in city and suburban branches until 1967 when he was appointed Manager of Rupanyup Branch, and managerial appointments followed in Druin, Kerang and Echuca and Gordon retired from Echuca in 1982. The family spent a few years in Echuca then moved to Kangaroo Flat Bendigo and finally settling in a Retirement Village in Healesville .Laurie said his father was a prolific cabinet maker and carpenter during his retirement and was still doing odd jobs for the residents at Healesville a few weeks before he entered hospital .At the funeral service on 2/8/2016 Laurie saw ANZROC member Neville Lewis and Jill Goldsworthy widow of Gordon’s great friend from ANZ the late Bob Goldsworthy . Harry Carrodus also told me how he was saddened by the passing of Gordon, his friend and colleague of many years.

Peter Nielipowiec wrote “I was deeply saddened at the passing of one of his best friends Ian Bell on 11/7/2016, a week short of his 74th birthday. A large farewell service was conducted in Bendigo and around 400 people were in attendance. Tania, Ian’s eldest daughter did an excellent eulogy of Ian’s life. I was attached to Victorian Relieving Staff when I first met Ian who was Accountant at Wodonga Branch in 1976. He made me welcome; I met all the family and had many dinners at their home. We kept in touch in our banking movements around Victoria over the years. Ian and I went to quite a few games on the Bendigo Bombers bus over the years. Two ANZAC Day games stood out for us: Essendon beating Collingwood by 66 points in 2003 and got over them in a thriller, the last kick of the day by 5 points in 2009. Ian introduced me to chicken and avocado bread rolls which is now Peter’s staple diet. Ian had suffered from cancer for the past 5 years or so and my wife Nola and I can’t believe he has gone.”

Denis Armstrong

Peter Smith President of the UK Pensioners Association advised us that Denis Armstrong has been admitted to a London hospice for palliative care. Denis was GM Pakistan and then worked in Melbourne International Division for 2 years. Peter and ANZROC member David Valentine called in to see Denis and reported that he was in amazing form. He is clearly frail, can no longer walk and his eyesight is failing. Despite this he is mentally very alert and very happy to chat and share memories.

He is a total inspiration and having sorted out his personal and financial affairs, he is determined to make the most of his days with his family and friends. He is receiving excellent care in an amazing hospice where he even gets his whisky night cap! Denis remains very happy to have visitors of which there has been several since he checked into the hospice.

Eamon has set up a messaging group called 'Denis Armstrong News and Anecdotes' for ANZ colleagues on Facebook to keep us informed. The stories have been relayed back to Denis and he remembers most of them.

Amazing news …. here is the latest update on Denis. It seems that his positive attitude and everybody's good wishes and prayers have had the desired effect. Because he is so stable at the moment, except for a bit of a cough, plans are being put in place for him to return home hopefully on Wednesday provided all equipment and medical support is in place. The hospice is not a long term facility and Maralyn said that his face lit up at the prospect of going home. Yet again he is amazing us. Maralyn is confident that she can cope with his care. However, as long as a bed is available, he will be able to go back to the hospice should his condition deteriorate too much. Nobody can tell how long this may last, but there is no imminent "expiry date"- Denis humour again. 

David Knuckey phoned to advise that Gavin Moyle with whom David worked at Wodonga Branch passed away on 7/8/2016 after a long battle with cancer. Gavin would be known to many ANZROC members.

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

The following Honorary members will be enjoying a birthday during August 2016 and we pass

on Congratulations from our members for your birthdays; Alistair Abernethy (83), Graeme

Ainscough OAM (80), Henry Barker (87), Lesley Deady, Rick Dickson (81), Frank Donovan

(94), Muriel Drummond, Frank Edwards (88), Neville Elvish (81), Ken Fitzgerald (88), June

Hoskin, Ian Ince (83), Peter Jones (84), Bruce Kells (84), Stan Lancaster (82), Ken Lee (87),

Doug Long (92), Cathie Mackiggan, Reg Nicolson (85), Peter O’Dwyer (84), John Parkes (80),

Roy Peake (81), Mary Ryan, Mark Stankovich (80), Jack Stewart (81), Alwyn Ward (92),

Tony Watt (87), Bob Wheeler (80).

INTEREST RATES

From 1/8/2016

Less than $20,000 1.18%

Greater than $20,000 1.52%

RECOLLECTIONS OF FUN TIMES IN THE BANK

Members continue to send stories of their experiences in ANZ and feedback from ANZROC members has been encouraging so keep the letters coming in Editor ANZROC …..

PETER HARNEY

The late Jim Ruffle (Area Manager for North East Victoria- late 70’s) had an aversion to his staff having their cardigans or jackets draped over the back of their office chairs. My turn came one Friday in Wangaratta when Jim gave me the option of hanging my coat in the cupboard in his office. Towards the end of the day Jim had some friends of his join him to enjoy some hospitality from the well stocked fridge. It came to knock off time and we were heading to a nearby hotel for Friday after work drinks. Of course I had to retrieve my coat from Jim's cupboard before heading out. Knocked on Jim's door and was invited in. I enjoyed his hospitality (Free Beer) while my mates had to pay their own way at the pub. Every year from then on Jim would keep in touch with my wife Kay and me by way of a Xmas card. There was always a message “your coats in my cupboard.” Jim Ruffle was a great Area Manager and together with Ian Bell ( recently deceased ), who was his Operations Manager at the time, organised a couple of combined Bank Balls, 2 bands playing which were great nights and well attended.

DARRELL HODGES

I was a teller at the Brisbane Markets branch in the late 60’s. Before opening one morning a new recruit turned and reported to the accountant. John, expecting the new starter, welcomed him in, gave him the initiation discussion and merrily sat him down with the batching clerk to begin learning the ropes. Around mid-afternoon a second new starter arrived and apologised profusely for being late but had a genuinely plausible excuse. Confused ,the accountant went to the first guy. Turns out he was due to start at the Wales up the road but was so nervous he walked into the ES&A by mistake. He was quickly escorted down the road to our friendly opposition that had obviously been concerned about the non arrival of their new man.

ROGER WATKINS

OUTGUNNED

A regional Manager who worked in Victorian Administration of ES&A Bank 86 Queen Street decided to bring his shot gun to work to ask Evans& Balfour a local gunsmith to make an adjustment to the gun. Heading off around the corner of 388 Collins Street Branch he decided to call in for some money being pre cards. He caused no end of trouble to 388 Collins Street Staff and I can only assume that Chief Manager Von Bertouch would have spoken to the Regional Manager regarding his lack of judgment.

GUEST SPEAKER

Our Guest Speaker was Sue Noble, CEO Volunteering Victoria since 2012. Sue’s past employment included CEO Softball Australia, National Marketing and Business Development Manager CPA Australia, National Business Development Manager, DLA Piper New Zealand, GM Marketing and Business Development Division Law Institute of Victoria and she graduated from university with degrees of BA Monash and MBA Victorian University, Sue’s presentation without Power Point slides was very entertaining and interactive with many members participating. Her message was that the importance of volunteers in the community was worth some $42billion to the Victorian economy. She stressed that volunteering was changing however with more emphasis on multi cultural issues in Victoria and the compliance requirements for nonprofit organisations companies are becoming unwieldy. Nevertheless the training given to volunteers helps them how to adapt to workplace issues and is invaluable for young people on the way to employment.

For further information about the benefits of volunteering you can look up the website of Volunteering in this State at www.volunteeringvictora.org.au

LETTERS

Luigi Bucello said that his asparagus crop is now ready for harvesting and after processing most will be exported overseas but if ANZROC members are travelling through Dalmore on Dalmore Road he would welcome visitors who would like to sample his fresh asparagus. In a recent issue of the Age Newspaper it was mentioned that about 90% of the Victorian asparagus crop comes from the Dalmore region.

Don Hoffmann emailed to thank Kathy Trace and the Committee for his birthday card – the thought is always appreciated. Don remains in good health and enjoys his regular games of lawn bowls, the Beaconsfield Combined Probus Club meetings (particularly the walking group) and time with family.

John Hudgson emailed that once again on the day the card arrived and what a thrill to receive it Congratulations and big thanks to Kathy and the committee. Yes another year has passed and John is still here to enjoy his birthday and that is a real bonus as he has had a few medical issues this past few months but, touch wood, is doing much better at present and looking forward to next years card. John had a most enjoyable dinner with the family on his birthday and was up early for golf the next day – he still plays at least twice a week at much the same standard and really enjoys the social aspects of the game as well as getting some exercise out in the fresh air. As with many members of ANZROC both John and wife Ann enjoy the monthly Newsletter which keeps them in touch with the activities of workmates and ANZ friends. Wishing you all the very best and hoping to catch up some time.

Joe Maggiore emailed it is always a pleasure to read the regular monthly newsletter with all our members sharing their life experiences. Joe and wife Leah enjoyed a European holiday (one of many over the years) and making the most of their lifestyles. They recently stayed at Joe’s late parents’ town in Sicily called Vizzini and it was amazing to see how that even today locals live in a very simple laid backed way. Joe was sending this email from the family owned apartments in the island of Lipari, (part of the group of Aeolian Islands) close to the straits of Messina. They continued their journey to Athens and boarded the Royal Princess Cruise ship for a 14 night Mediterranean holiday. Joe’s 64th birthday fell whilst overseas and he hopes to catch up with his fellow retiree friends on his return to Australia.

Serge McIntyre emailed his thanks to Kathy Trace for the good wishes received on the occasion of his 79th birthday which was celebrated quietly with the family. Talks are already on the preparation of the big one next year. The new card is very friendly.

Coralie O’Donahoo writing from Noosa Heads sent a special thanks to Kathy Trace for her birthday card. Coralie’s birthday was quieter than last year when she was in Florida and Barbados. She has however been to Melbourne, New Caledonia and Darwin during the last 12 months and caught up with Barbara Bruce and June Hoskin in Melbourne. Coralie said she passes her newsletters on to Bunty Austin (ES&A 388 Collins Street in the 1950’s) when they attend the luncheon for Retired Officers at Headland Golf Club.

Kevin O’Neill wrote to thank Kathy Trace and the Committee for the warm birthday greeting on the occasion of his birthday

Joseph Romano emailed that he received the birthday card as usual and on time. (Thanks Kathy). Joseph celebrated the birthday quietly with family. The years just seem to fly by and it comes as a shock to know that he is now approaching seventy. Joseph is still working part-time but has taken some long service leave and will be touring Europe in August.

Graham Smyth wrote to thank Kathy Trace and the Committee for the kind birthday wishes. Unfortunately Graham cannot attend the monthly luncheon meetings now being a resident of Brisbane but he does look forward to receiving the Newsletter and catching up on news of his former colleagues.

Bernie Sowersby wrote to thank the Committee for the birthday card. Bernie is sorry he cannot attend the monthly meetings these days due to health reasons and poor eyesight. He does enjoy reading the monthly newsletter and likes the new format of the birthday card

Miles Tiller wrote to thank Kathy Trace and the Committee for his birthday card which he expected arrived on time as usual but only read upon their return from Europe having travelled on a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam and then across to UK. Miles celebrated his birthday aboard ship and by visiting the picturesque village of Burstein in Austria.

And Carmel Bell, Steve Duke, Julian Lineham, Jim Nicolson, Maxwell Wright,

ANZROC QLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

ANZROC GOLF DAY –Friday 25th November 2016

Rosebud Country Club - 207 Boneo Road, Rosebud 3939

Golfers note your diaries…

The turnout in 2015 was a little disappointing as there were several events overlapping with our Golf Day but Huck Bourke has again booked the course for 2016 and is looking for extra players including more lady golfers to come to Rosebud to enjoy a great day of golf.

The usual Men’s & Ladies’ Stableford Competitions will be open for members of ANZROC and their partners and any ex- ANZ friends that may be interested.

Rosebud Country club is approximately one hour’s easy drive from the City or Eastern suburbs via the Monash, Eastlink and Peninsula Link freeways and is located at the end of the Mornington Peninsula freeway.

Full details will follow in the September and October newsletters but in the meantime any enquiries to Huck Bourke 0411 237 569. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ANZROC WEBSITE

A new feature has been added to the ANZROC’s website home page with random scrolling through the photo albums held on the website. Have a look and your picture may pop up.

PROGRAM FOR 2016 : ADVANCE NOTICE

13th October 2016 at Victoria Hotel at Woodend

Members to travel to Woodend to lunch at the Victoria Hotel (near Woodend Railway Station) for our country visit and we look forward to joining with local members living in the district and surrounds.

10th November 2016 at 34/100 Queen Street

Annual General Meeting

8th December 2016

Christmas Lunch at Arts Precinct: Bob Lyon has agreed to propose the toast to ANZ at the luncheon..

NEXT MEETING 8TH September 2016

ANZ BANK RETIRED OFICERS CLUB NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY 8th SEPTEMBER 2016 AT THE MELBOURNE ROOM, 34TH FLOOR, ANZ BANK, 100 QUEEN STREET from noon,

Noel Beanland has introduced Brian and Shirley Rix to ANZROC and Wolf has arranged for them to speak to us about their adventures on their motor bike journeys to many parts of the world. Brian and Shirley have published a book of their travels and copies will be available at our meeting.

This is considered to be a special meeting and we would like to see more support from members to enjoy meeting the Rix’s and catch up with ANZROC friends and colleagues.

Partners ,Widows of members and ANZ Ladies Club members ARE invited that day.

On the website “Aussies Overland” you can read more about Brian and Shirley and their CV reads as follows:

“Back in 2003 we took a grown-up’s ‘gap-year’, leaving work behind for 12 months, shipping our motorcycle to England and riding home through Europe, the Middle East and Asia. This ride took us along the Dalmatian Coast and through Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal.

Since that time we’ve ridden more than 170,000 kilometres through 68 countries over six continents.

In 2011, when Brian retired we hit the road again, this time shipping our bike to Chile and heading to the bottom of South America and then turning around and heading to Prudhoe Bay, the northern most tip of North America.

That wasn’t enough. Rather than sending the bike home we flew it to Europe and then South Africa to explore more of this wonderful world.

Fast forward to 2015 and there was a gap in our riding experience – right across Russia. So we were off again, shipping the bike to Greece. For the next six months we rode through Europe to Scandinavia, making it to the very tip of Norway – Nordkapp.

From Scandinavia the road took us to Russia and the ‘Stans’, leading us along sections of the old Silk Road and into Siberia.

You can read highlights of our journeys in posts on this web or in more detail in our books – Two for the Road, Circle to Circle and The Long Way to Vladivostok.

We hope we inspire you to hit the road, or just sit back and ride with us, enjoying the ride vicariously. “

If you intend to come to this meeting will you let Ron Adams know by Phone 9821 0444 or e-mail or by mail on the attached acceptance notice to Ron Adams PO Box 579, Malvern, 3144 by Friday 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 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

Ron Adams

Newsletter Editor.

______________________________________________________________________________

ACCEPTANCE ANZROC LUNCHEON THURSDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2016 FROM 12 NOON ANZ BANK BUILDING 34TH FLOOR 100 QUEEN STREET MELBOURNE

TO : Ron Adams

PO Box 579 Malvern Vic 3144.

By post or 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

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