Newsletter April 2017

NEWSLETTER APRIL 20 2017

Please click here to read the reformatted April 2017 newsletter

NEWSLETTER 20th APRIL 2017

WELCOME

Message from the President April 2017

A very good attendance of 50 Members and partners attended the Anzac Remembrance lunch at Greensborough RSL. It was our first meeting for 6 weeks since Woodend in March due to the Easter break. This is always a special event in our calendar as we remember those who have served their country. This year was a poignant event as we missed the contribution of Brian Christensen RIP who has recited the ode for as long as I can remember. We were very lucky to have Gerry McPherson step in and he did a most moving rendition followed by the last post and reveille. All Members stood in respect.

We welcomed Graeme Amor to his first ANZROC meeting after 20 years retirement from ANZ. It wasn't hard to spot Graeme as he stood head and shoulders above everyone else. We also welcomed Gary Mason to his first meeting since his appointment as Senior VP. Other members not seen for a while included Angelo Biviano, John Carrazza, Bryden Davis, Neil Dawtrey, Gary Horkings, Mary Nicolazzo, Joseph Romano, Geoffrey Sandow and Peter Saville.

Our planned Guest Speaker failed to turn up but we were very pleased to welcome Bill Telfer Secretary of Greensborough RSL who gave us a brief talk on his experience on the battlefield in Vietnam as a young soldier. It was most informative.

Thanks to Dal Crocker for organising the day and to all the RSL staff for making the event run so smoothly.

Our Geelong and Western Victoria Lunch will be held on Thursday April 27 at Geelong Yacht Club.

The next ANZROC lunch will be our annual Salvation Army Appeal at 100 Queen Street on Thursday May 11.

Details of both lunches in the newsletter.

Photos from the Anzac lunch have been posted to the anzroc website and facebook page.

APOLOGIES

Ron Adams, Annette and Graeme Baldwin, Diane Carew, Robin Chase, Bill Collins, George Cooper, Christopher Corry, Cedric Coxsedge, Leigh Davis, Don Davy, Mike Devlin (in Canada) , Phil Dunstan, Ray Gill , Roy Harper, Elaine Haw, John Hawkins, Erica Hayden, Keith Higgs, Bernadette and Wayne Hulbert, Graeme King, Con la Fucia, Bernadette Lynch, Wal McGillivray, Joan Nathan, Ken Pattison, Neville Pearson, Ron Phillips , Graeme Randall, Bruce Sanderson, John Stevens, Glen Twidale, Frank Valastro, Doug Watson, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins,

GEELONG AND WESTERN VICTORIA REGIONAL LUNCH - Thursday 27 April 2017

Geoff and Lesley Cook have coordinated arrangements for the first of what is hoped will be an annual event for those retired ANZ staff and partners who live in the Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Western/South Western Victoria areas. The lunch is open to all ex-ANZ staff, not just ANZROC members, so please spread the word amongst your ANZ contacts in the area.

This inaugural lunch will be held at the Geelong Yacht Club on Thursday 27 April commencing at 12.00 midday. Meal costs are between $11 and $17, and drinks will be available at normal bar prices. ANZROC will be supporting this function with a small subsidy to help cover expenses.

The Yacht Club is on the Geelong waterfront, 23 Eastern Beach Rd. Geelong, and is about ten minutes walk from the train station.

Please contact Geoff and Lesley as soon as possible to confirm your attendance, but no later than Sunday 23 April, as caterers need to be advised of expected numbers. Phone 5229 1456, mobile 0412 428 861 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NEW MEMBERS

Dowling Jim 25 years ANZ

Kendall Rod 7 years ANZ

Procter Chris 13 years ANZ

Salkeld John 39 years ANZ

Van Dort Jeremy 22 years ANZ

We look forward to seeing Jim, Rod, Chris, John and Jeremy at one of our forthcoming meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

FRASER D.F.(Don) 91 years March 2017

We were very sorry to hear that our respected Honorary Member Donald Fraser has passed away.

A message received from Donald's son Ian said “It is with sadness that I inform you that my father Donald Fraser passed away recently at the age of 91 years. I know that he appreciated the friendship and camaraderie that he found amongst your members. He looked forward to each `next` meeting, and when he could not attend, he avidly `studied` the minutes to keep up to date with everyone and everything. Don joined the Union Bank, from school, in 1942. He survived mergers through ES&A, and ANZ, retiring in 1983. He worked in many branches across Victoria, as a relief teller, an auditor and relief manager. Longer stays were at Ballarat branches, Bairnsdale, Foster, Brunswick, and Burnley, before being appointed manager at St Albans, and Essendon. Upon retirement Don, and Dorothy, wife of 66 years, spent many happy days touring both in Australia and overseas. Thank you all for the pleasure you brought to his life.”

HENLEY M.P.(MARY) 84 YEARS 7/11/2013

We were this week advised by the solicitors for Mary Henley’s Estate of her passing several years ago.

KENNEDY G.M. (Gerry) 93 years 23/3/2017

Gerry enlisted in the Australian Army in January 1943 and on discharge in September 1946 was a Private in the 2/33 Australian Infantry Battalion.

Gerry and his great friend Dave Brookman attended our ANZROC lunches regularly for many years but mobility issues for Dave, and Gerry moving into Cabrini Ashwood , prevented them from attending the city meetings over recent years.

SKELTON M.J. (Murray) 81 years 8/2/2017

Ian Ewart advised that Murray Skelton passed away on 8/2/2017 after a year coping with severe illness .Ian recalled that Murray was Manager 599 Swanston Street, North Carlton but their long association came about through a mutual love of sports events. Any members who spent time working with Murray might let me know of this for the newsletter .Murray was a keen correspondent to the newsletter and our condolences go to Anne and the family.

Dietmar Reichert emailed “sad news about Murray! I have never worked with Murray – but met him several times at Area meetings etc. ALWAYS A GENTLEMEN!!”

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

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

Congratulations from our members for your birthdays; Alma Barkell, Wendy Black, Bill

Bowring (85), Robin Chase (83), Bill Cleator (80), Max Colwell (85), Bryden Davis (88), Glynn Evans

(89), John Fogden (81), Doug Grant (81), Roy Harper (88), John Harris (80), Barry Kilmartin (81), Ailsa

Mackie, John McPhee (80), Peter Mitchell (82), Dennis Murphy (81), Eileen Perham, John Read (85),

Keith Remington (94), Lindsay Richards (87), Les Roberts (80), Greg Scollo (81), John Taylor (81),

Norma Thomas, June Thompson.

INTEREST RATES

From 1/4/2017

Less than $20,000 1.04%

Greater than $20,000 1.33%

LETTERS

Russ Appleton emailed “Thanks' to the ANZROC Committee and Kathy Trace for the birthday cards for last year and this year. I have been remiss in not writing earlier but the year was not the best.

I spent last year and this year so far being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease which on top of the chronic nerve pain that resulted from bypass surgery in 2011, has proved a bit of a distraction.

My neurologist is assessing me for Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, I have another meeting with him to discuss the surgery and implications surrounding it, (it is a bit invasive.) I have been enjoying the monthly newsletters, but I don't seem to be able to put names to photos.”

Will Bailey emailed “It would be nice to say that Kathy’s greetings on behalf of the Club arrived on THE day. Unfortunately i don’t know because Dorothy and I were taking part in a Bristol car rally in Tasmania and didn’t get back to Geelong until the day after my “day”. But I can record that the ANZROC card plus a number of other were waiting in my PO Box when I opened it on the 30th. Many thanks (and Kathy I’ll bet it was on time!} The last year has been a busy one particularly the past few months. Dorothy has had a second hip replacement; very successful too. I have had two cataracts fixed so I can see a lot better. The family has grown again with another great grandson, the third - where are the girls? We still get to Noosa as often as possible; not enough but we are working on it.

Sadly we note that a number of friends have passed away including some “bank buddies”. My 91 year old sister remarked that she now goes to more funerals than birthday parties! On a happier note best wishes to the Club and its members.”

Arty Booth emailed from Elliott Heads (Qsld) “Just a short note to pass on my thanks for the Birthday Card, which of course arrived on the day. Its been a little hectic here in Bundy in recent days, tracking the path of TC Debbie, and hoping that we are fortunate enough to escape the fury.

Even so, there has been in excess of 400ml of rain in the last few days, and we expect more over the next day or so.”

Jenny Cooke emailed “Many thanks to Kathy for managing Australia Post with aplomb. I opened the box on the day and there was the attractive ANZROC card. Last year was very busy, starting with a kitchen renovation, painting the exterior and re-roofing the deck. Between these, I squeezed in a trip to Switzerland and Italy, visiting all the northern lakes, Tuscany and Cinque Terre. Luckily, we had gorgeous hot weather. In Switzerland, I sat down in a country bus and the lady next to me recognised me from our school magazine while on the last night in Venice, I had dinner with another ANZer. We had travelled 16 days on the same tour without this coming out in conversation! Since that trip the interior has been ‘revived’ enough to enable a trip to the UK & Scotland in the coming months. “

Bob Delahoy writing from Inverloch said “Would you please pass on my grateful thanks to the President, Committee and Kathy Trace for the birthday card forwarded to me on my 88th birthday. It was very much appreciated as always. The day was celebrated with members of the family. My wife and I are still enjoying the fresh air and sunshine here at Inverloch and hope that it will continue for many more years to come.”

Glynn Evans phoned Kathy Trace to thank her for the birthday card and the good wishes for his 89th. Glynn celebrated with a dinner with his family.

John Fairbairn emailed “Please convey my thanks to Kathy trace for my card. This year Australia Post excelled as the card arrived a day early. I read with interest the monthly Newsletter and note that many former colleagues are still enjoying retirement. I regret that I am unable to attend Meetings but continue to survive in the pleasant Yarrawonga climate. I was saddened to learn of Brian Christensen’s passing as both Brian and I attended Box Hill Boys High School in the same years (a long time ago). I regularly meet with Maurie Harwood (on the golf Course) and have contact with Peter O’Dwyer at Probus Meetings, both continue to enjoy life here in Yarrawonga.”

George Finniss emailed “I would like to thank Kathy Trace as well as the committee and members of the Retired Officers Club (VIC) for the kind thoughts and well wishes on my birthday.”

John Gunn phoned Kathy Trace to thank her and the Committee for the good wishes expressed in his birthday card.

Graeme Horsburgh emailed “Thank you for your card on my birthday. A big one next year-here's hoping. As well as thanks to Kathy Trace, thanks also to the committee for organizing to keep us in touch with the happenings of our former workmates. Your work is much appreciated.”

Dave Hartwich emailed “Just a note of sincere thanks for the birthday card and happy wishes for my special time of year. When I received the card I remembered all the good times and friendships I made during my time at ANZ.”

Dorothy Hayes emailed “Please pass on my sincere thanks to Kathy Trace for my Birthday card this year, I really appreciate it. The weeks are going by so quickly. Will try and attend a lunch sometime this year to see all the folks.”

Graham Holt emailed “I noticed an old colleague and ANZROC member Bob Wishart received a mention in the local paper recently in winning three sprint events in the Victorian Masters Athletics Championships. Bob has been involved in athletics all his life and if I remember correctly once won the Bendigo 1000. I last ran into him about 10 years ago in Adelaide when he was on his way up to Alice Springs to represent Australia in the World Masters games. I have an idea that he also represented us overseas on a number of occasions. I worked with Bob in Esanda in the seventies and also ran into him from time to time in branch banking. I’m sure there would be a number of his old mates that would be interested to learn that he is still on the run. “

Rick Kimber wrote “I would like to thank the President and Committee for the very kind birthday wishes. Kathy Trace does a sterling job ensuring all cards are received on the correct dates and she deserves a particular thank you.”

Christine Lane emailed Kathy Trace and said “Thank you for the birthday wishes and card as it is always nice to receive it. My birthday celebrations for this year were in Canberra where I took in a visit to the National Gallery to view the beautiful French Versailles collection. “

George Lawson emailed “Thank heavens for Kathy’s card, I had forgotten my birthday was due. Just getting everything ready for the 18th annual pre Easter golfing trip to Yarrawonga which is now known as the MCCONNELL/DUGUID/CHRISTENSEN Memorial Golf week in memory of three very dear departed members of the group. Numbers this year are down to 8 from 12 with John Ries, John Phelan, John Briggs and Bevyn Ranford (he's 83 now) not able to make it. Included in the able group of participants left to carry on are ANZROC’s members David Barr, John Maguire, Peter Treleaven, John Crough, Richard Harding and myself. Drafting/recruitment to get numbers back to 12 will be discussed at Yarrawonga over some of the most overrated red wine anyone could consume. As normal there will be many banking stories to be told.”

Garry Lord emailing from Colac “After 48 years with ANZ I have announced my intention to retire on 7/7/17. I am already a member of ANZROC as I had 12 months on the outside back in 2002, however answered a call from the bank to assist for a month in 2003 which has turned into 14 years. During this time while I still resided in Geelong I have been based in Colac as Agribusiness Manager and travelled the highway on most days. Retirement will see the usual travel, especially with children and grandchildren based in Cairns and Townsville, and many days chasing the mighty Murray Cod at Mulwala and other parts.”

Ted Palmer emailed “Thanks Kathy & Co. Delighted to receive your Birthday Greetings on Wednesday. Happy to say life has been good to me over the years for which I am extremely grateful. No major health concerns which at 80 is quite gratifying. Travel plans this year include the Gold Coast and Tasmania, the 2 extremes you might say. I had better not mix up the seasons.”

Ron Pitt at 94years wrote ”Many thanks to Kathy Trace for your birthday wishes sent on behalf of you and the Retired Officers to celebrate my 94th. I had a great day”

David Robinson emailed from Battery Point (Tas) on his 81st “Will you please thank Kathy for the card which, as usual, arrived on time.”

Dawn Routledge phoned Kathy Trace to thank her for her birthday card which she greatly appreciated.

Geoffrey Sandow emailed …” Thanks to Kathy for the additional wording on the Birthday card, in recognition of one of those birthday's with a nought on the end, and for organising delivery 'on the day'. Joining Kathy in recognising my 70th were my Federal Member of Parliament, my State Member of Parliament and the Chief Medical Officer of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program! Impressive? And, of course, my family and friends. Quite some time prior, I had in mind celebrating with the family on the Saturday after my mid week birthday but Robyn got in first, informing me that Adele was performing on that day and we would be attending. Mind you, that was not MY birthday present! Nevertheless, Adele's performance was fantastic; a wonderful voice and very much a 'down to Earth' character. Our family celebration occurred the day after. To get away from Melbourne's colder weather during 2016, we got to see a bit more of what the World has to offer, by doing a lap of the Scandinavian countries, starting in Denmark's Copenhagen, on to Sweden's Stockholm, followed by a ferry crossing to Helsinki, then up through Finland to the North Cape, Norway, and ultimately back down to Oslo. Many, many highlights and new experiences; a tour that was thoroughly enjoyed. On the home front, we caravanned across to Yorke Peninsula, via Mannum. Some interesting places along the way and on the peninsula itself, as well as some great history and museums. A bit scary though, when some of the museum exhibits were items you used every day as a kid! Outside of those trips, it has, fortunately, been 'business as usual'.

Gregory Scollo emailed “Very warm thanks for your very kind thought in sending a much appreciated birthday card in occasion of my 81st birthday. This makes me feel that I still belong to a great organization, THE ANZ BANK, where I had the privilege to work for almost my entire working life and, enjoying every minute of it, meeting lots of good people and friends. My wife and I are enjoying very good health and we still are very active, enjoying life spending summer in Melbourne with our children and grand children and, winter in Townsville, North Queensland, where the weather is more pleasant and enjoyable. Again infinite thanks for the lovely card and kind thoughts.”

Syd Swaby emailed “Kathy, committee and members many thanks for the always most welcome birthday greetings.”

Bruce Tickell wrote “Please thank Kathy for the card which as expected arrived on time. Not sure that I welcome receipt as the numbers keep increasing. On this occasion however the age for me passed the dreaded Australian Cricket’s 87.May have a few more runs in me but the state of the pitch will be the determining factor and some deterioration is evident. Notwithstanding the above an optimistic outlook is essential and I may just buy a new bat.”

Frank Valastro emailed “Thank you for the birthday card which was received with much appreciation. Although I’m a retired ANZ officer I still work practically on a full time basis with Knox City Council as an Administrative Co-ordinator. In essence this means that I am restricted in participating on a more active basis with ANZROC. This “second career” has occupied my time over the past 15 years and although I’m not looking to fully retire before the next year or two I'm starting to plan for a number of activities before my 70th birthday. I enjoy receiving the monthly newsletter and reading what a number of my former colleagues get up to these days. With over six years on the Lending Inspection team and 23 years within the branch network and at ANZ Cards I made many friends some of whom I have caught up with on the odd occasion. Although I am still working I generally find that people these days do not enjoy their jobs primarily because of today’s political correct environment and plethora of rules and regulations. This has the consequential effect of procrastinating in decision making process and progress in general. Its times like that that makes me appreciate my 29 years with the ANZ. I consider those days as the glory days where one committed himself or herself to the job unlike today where one at the end of the day can’t get out of the building quick enough. Thank you ANZ.”

Julie Wilkins emailed “Thank You" for sending the Birthday Card which arrived midday 20th March, Kathy how do you do that. Card is much appreciated. And I enjoyed my day on Monday 20th.”

John Winbanks emailed “Please pass on my thanks to Kathy for the birthday card, which I did receive on time but due to circumstances too boring to relate I am only now able to acknowledge. Suffice to say the nbn is involved.”

AND acknowledgements from Murray Abraham, David Bennie, Val and Bob Bishop, Neil Dawtrey, Jim Dowling, John Evans, Helen Farnell, Des Field, Neil Franklin, Stan Halbish, Kerry Jewell, Dan Kirtley, Kevin Livingston, Anton Ponnampalam, Wayne Routledge, Dick Sanders, Sandra Street, Greg Watson, Doug Westcott,

ANZROC NSW, Qsld, SA, Tasmania and WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

PROGRAM FOR 2017:

8th June The Glasshouse Restaurant at Caulfield Racecourse

13th July Mulgrave Club

10th August Brian Rix at 100 Queen Street

9th November Annual General Meeting will be held again at 833 Collins Street..Note the change of venue

ANZ STAFF CLUB Looking for a week or a weekend away! ANZ Staff Club has 7 holiday home properties across Australia and they are located at some of the most popular holiday destinations Australia wide, including: VIC - Cowes, Rye, Apollo Bay, Lakes Entrance, NSW - Batemans Bay, QLD - Broadbeach, SA - Encounter Bay Our properties are fully furnished and close to activities that will allow Retired Officer members of ANZ Staff Club to be as busy as you want or as laid back and relaxed as you want. We have the availability for each property until 30th June 2017 online on our website www.anzstaffclub.org.au

NEXT MEETING THURSDAY 11TH MAY 2017

ANZ BANK RETIRED OFICERS CLUB NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON

Thursday 11th May 2017 in the 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 senior Salvation Army executive 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 meeting 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 Brendan and any support for the 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 collected on the day. The Salvation Army will issue official receipts to donors from their office.

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

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 5th May 2017 to meet ANZ catering requirements and so that a list of attendees can be provided to the ANZ Reception Desk.

Please note that the luncheon fee is $15.00 for 2017 and will be collected at the door to partially cover the costs.

Ron Adams

Newsletter Editor.

______________________________________________________________________________

ACCEPTANCE ANZROC LUNCHEON THURSDAY 11th MAY 2017 FROM 12 NOON ANZ BANK BUILDING MELBOURNE ROOM 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