Newsletter November 2017

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 9 2017

 Click on this link to read the November Reformatted Newsletter

ANZROC NEWSLETTER 9th November 2017

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

It was great to see 60 Members and Partners attend the ANZROC AGM at Docklands.

The formal proceedings confirmed that Dan Kirtley, Geri Macgregor and David Knuckey would join the ANZROC Committee. Ken Crawford was appointed to the vacant role of Senior Vice President. We thanked Life Member Neville Pearson and Gary Mason for their long and distinguished service to the Committee. Ron Adams nominated Gary Mason as an ANZROC Life Member which was unanimously endorsed by the Members present. A copy of the President’s report for 2017 follows this newsletter.

There has been a very strong response to the ANZROC Christmas lunch on Dec 14 with 284 confirmed acceptances already. We have extended the booking to 300 and are likely to reach that number so may have to create a waiting list. We have already locked in the date for the 2018 Christmas lunch which will be on Dec 13 2018.

We are working on a plan for our 2018 meetings including a special event in July at Mulgrave Country Club to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the formation of ANZROC Victoria.

A few members at the AGM expressed interest in putting forward ideas for ANZROC activities in the coming year and we welcome any feedback.

We were very fortunate to have Annalise Jennings as our Guest Speaker at the AGM.

Annalise spent 25 years working in different roles at ANZ but a chance visit to Far North Queensland ended up in a major career shift. Annalise spent time with the indigenous community in Napranum in Cape York taking leave of absence from ANZ to follow her dream. The Whole of Community Change Program she introduced allowed the town to take control of their destiny rather than the previous method of being told what to do. This resulted in an increase in community owned infrastructure, employment and a big decrease in the negative aspects associated with the remote aboriginal communities. http://www.dynamicexchange.com.au/indigenous/whole-of-community-change-program/

Annalise was bestowed the honour by Elder Mary Anne Coconut of Daughter of Tribal Lands and given the name Kili which means Lorikeet with bright coloured feathers for a nice, bright, happy person.

We learnt a great deal from Annalise's inspiring presentation and thank her for sharing with us.

Members not seen for some time included Wolf Damschitz, Neil Dawtrey, Jan and Keith Findlay, Ray Gill, Teresa Goldsbrough, Graeme King, Suniel Kucchal (first time), John Gietman (first time), Graeme Randall and Smita Datar (also first time).

Photos taken at the luncheon by Eamon Veaney and John Brown are posted on our Website and Facebook pages.

APOLOGIES

Peter Alexander, Bruce Avent, Annette and Graeme Baldwin ,Clive Bayley, Michael Black, Terry Boocock, Diane Carew, Bill Collins ,John Crough, Bryden Davis, Viji Dharann, Carol Dukes, Phil Dunstan, Tina Falla, Helen Farnell, Theo Hall, Roy Harper, Frank Hatfield, Elaine Haw, John Hawkins, Erica Hayden, Keith Higgs, Bernadette Hulbert, Sandra Joseph, David Knuckey, Harry Loucas, Rodney Manser, Gary Mason, Wal McGillivray, John McPhee, Fay and Gerry McPherson, Joan Nathan, Neville Pearson, Kevin O’Neill, Terry Parks, Ron Phillips , Alan Podger, Dietmar Reichert, Bill Robinson, John Stevens, Cindy Taylor, George Thomas ,Alan Trower, Glen Twidale, Frank Valastro, Doug Watson, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins,

NEW MEMBERS

Amato A. L. (Toni) 31 years ANZ

Brereton Gayle 37 years ANZ

Datar Smita 23 years ANZ

Gates Richard 25 years ANZ

Jackson Malcolm 41 years ANZ

Jones Richard 10 years ANZ

Morgan John 18 years ANZ

Thompson D. G. (David) 17 years ANZ

We look forward to seeing the new members at one of our forthcoming meetings. Smita  attended the AGM.

BEREAVEMENTS

Flyger John 82 years 31/10/2017

Michelle Williams, John’s daughter, said her father joined the Bank of A/Asia in Wanganui and spent more than 40 years in ANZ that included a few years in Suva before moving to Melbourne. John’s career covered time in branches, branch management and senior lending roles. John retired to Hervey Bay and returned to Melbourne about 10 years ago to be with family and he was a supporter of ANZROC attending Christmas lunches when he was able . He was a great friend of the late Alan Forrest and the late Neil Sharman. John was a member of the ANZ Bank golf club and enjoyed meeting and playing golf with his friends. The Flygers and the Forrests were prolific travelers around and across Australia but more recently ill health prevented him from venturing too far from home. The funeral is to be held later in November and a further report will be forthcoming. Condolences to John’s family.

We have been advised by ANZROC member Arun Nangia that Ray Barnes has passed away after being ill with a brain tumour for a number of months. Ray worked in a number of senior roles at ANZ Grindlays in South Asia, Middle East and New York. Condolences to Ray's family.

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

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

Congratulations from our members for your birthdays: Frank Attard (82), Annette Baldwin, Dick

Barry (80), Bob Challis (80), Graeme Croxford (80), Theo Hall (86), Frank Hatfield (86), Keith Higgs

(83), John Mangan (87), Zelda Martin, Gerry McPherson (93), John Osborne (80), Geoff Perdriau

(81), Jim Potter (87), Don Ranyard (87), Arthur Vale (87), Neil Warne (81), Ronald Williams (80)

INTEREST RATES

From 1/11/2017

Less than $20,000 1.02%

Greater than $20,000 1.31%

LETTERS

Peter Alexander emailed “Well - I now join the admiring throng of ANZROC Members who have received their Birthday Card(s) from Kathy Trace on the actual Birth-day. Kathy - How do you do it - given the “service” levels of “Snail-Post”? I am, genuinely, full of admiration that this simple, and kind and wonderfully timely gesture occurs so accurately, and precisely on the day.

Congratulations! - and, also, a big “Thank You” to all.”

Mike Aranha emailed” As usual I have received my card – postmarked 18/09 posted by our dependable Kathy T, from Newport. It took until yesterday, 12/10 to arrive in Mount Waverley.

Aussie Post needs to be put on the shame file. All the same I appreciate the card. Regards to all on the committee, for a job well done, year in and out”

David Begg wrote from Belmont “Please convey to President and committee my sincere appreciation of the birthday greeting for my 88th. It’s good to see that the “Pony Express” must still be operative and getting the mail through “on time”- my thanks to Kathy Trace for her efforts. The Newsletter is well received and pleasing to read-thank you very much for that. “

John Carrazza emailed “A special thank you to Kathy Trace, President and Committee ANZ Retired Officers Club (VIC) for sending a birthday card to me. I am still in full time employment as a Senior Sales Executive at a Real Estate Agent's office for the past 20 years since leaving ANZ in 1997.

Enjoy watching all sports in my spare time. A large emphasis is placed on family life with two daughters, two sons and grandchildren. “

Harry Carrodus emailed “A brief note to thank you very much for my Birthday wishes which, as usual, arrived on time. I celebrated the day with family and friends which turned out to be quite a festival of birthdays. We have had a hectic year relocating into a new apartment which gave a good excuse for a double celebration. Kathy, you have made a valuable contribution to the retired officers over many years which is greatly appreciated.”

Kerry Dodds writing from Lake Wendouree said “Once again please thank Katy Trace for her best birthday wishes. It has been a very busy year. We have just added another addition to the” family “- a 1960 Tank Fairlane. You will soon notice America’s oil surplus dissipate. (Google Ford Fairlane 1960 for the model). On a better late than never basis I noticed in the April newsletter of the passing of Murray Skelton. In 1964 I was the mail/batching clerk at Croydon branch. I imagine the Murray was the general clerk and Frank Hatfield was the Accountant. To be gentle on myself let’s just say I was a slow starter –my main concentration at that stage of my life was towards cars and motor cycles. Many errors were made at work and Murray Skelton would help every time on a most affable basis. His cheery disposition is something I have often recalled over the past 53 years. I met Frank Hatfield at an ES&A Christmas luncheon some years back but unfortunately never caught up with Murray again. The fact that he left such an impression on an 18 year old kid speaks for itself,”

Barbara Firth wrote to” thank Kathy Trace for her Honorary birthday greetings. I always enjoy receiving the newsletter and reading about fellow workers especially of ES&A 225 Swanston Street. Regards to all.”

Bruce Gay emailed” Jean and I have just returned from an overseas trip to Hungary, Austria and Switzerland and on return found my Birthday card from Kathy which I am convinced arrived exactly on time as usual. Thank you to the committee for the wishes and thank you Kathy for noting that it was a bit of a special Birthday. Thanks again to all.”

Bob Grant emailed “Sorry I’m late in responding to your Birthday message. The card arrived on time as usual so thanks again to Kathy Trace for her timely reminder that another year has passed. I had intentions of attending the Victorian Christmas Luncheon this year but it can’t be done so I will try and make it next year. My year has been much of the same with the Anglican Church and the Port Stephens Woodworkers Club taking up most of my time as I am treasurer of both. I also produce the Woodworkers Monthly newsletter which can be up to 16 pages and this takes an enormous amount of time. Nell & I went to Canberra in August to catch up with our old friends from Tasmania (Norm & Margaret Toma) who had recently moved to Canberra to be closer to family. Some of you will remember Norm as he originally came from Bendigo and worked in Country Victoria before going to Tasmania. He subsequently returned to Melbourne in Business Bank during the 80’s and later transferred back to Tasmania where he retired. We have been friends for many years. I have been suffering from an ulcer on my right foot for the past 6 months but it has recently healed and hopefully I will have no problems in the future. I have had to wear a special shoe on my right foot during this time which didn’t match the left shoe so it was always a topic of conversation. Otherwise our health is good and we have no serious concerns to worry about. We recently went on a Whale Watching cruise here at Nelson Bay and it was fantastic with a pod of whales performing at their very best. October is the best time of the year for such activity. We will be spending Christmas with our family in Nelson Bay but hope to take a short trip to Dubbo this month to catch up with family and friends. Merry Christmas everyone and I hope you enjoy the Christmas Luncheon with all your friends.”

Jack Grant emailed “My thanks again to Kathy Trace for the timely receipt of my birthday card for 12/10/17. After 8 years, we moved from our home in Berwick on 30/6/17 to a new Lifestyle Village at Berwick Waters in Clyde North (next suburb) and have settled in well. The move was motivated largely by my continued foot problems, which preclude me from any sport or gardening duties. I recently had a further operation on my foot, which will hopefully enable me to be more mobile in the future. I continue to be on strong antibiotics for the bone infection, which is difficult to cure.

I was saddened at the death of Bob Bishop on 6/8/17. We first met in the 1960’s playing basketball and cricket for the Bank and later become re-acquainted with Bob and his wife Val when they were moved to Geelong in the 1970’s. We became very good friends and had many good times together. He will be sadly missed. We enjoy being members of a local Probus Club, where I am the current Treasurer, and spending time with our daughter-in-law and our 3 granddaughters.

I look forward to catching up with fellow retired officers at the forthcoming Christmas Luncheon in December.”

Meg Grayling daughter of our late member Tony Grayling emailed “Thank you very much for the newsletter. My sister and I greatly appreciate it. We have had some lovely conversations with, or emails and cards from, ANZ retired officers, and were thrilled to have several members attend Dad's funeral. Please pass on our thanks to all - it is nice to know how highly Dad was regarded by his colleagues.”

Charles Griss emailed” I would like to communicate my thanks to the ANZROC team and Kathy Trace in particular, for the timely card for my birthday. Hard to believe that I have reached 76 and been ‘retired’ from ANZ since 1998. That is over 19 years ago; how time flies! I seem to have made a good recovery from my major heart surgery at about this time last year, for which I am thankful. We celebrated with the family at home. Our first grandchild has just started driving lessons would you believe. We have seven, so plenty to keep us occupied with the youngest being 6. I had lunch with a few of the ‘old boys’ and girls’ recently at Chloe’s. Maria Natoli with Will ‘in tow’, plus John Ries, David Butcher and others. I am still trying to hit that little white ball around Yarra Bend, in company with Peter Bearsley most Mondays. Peter has had a bit of a rough trot with a perforated bowel, but is now on the mend and in fact played (and won easily with a 94 off the stick) last Monday. Have planned and paid for a trip to Croatia and France in September of next year with another couple; there is confidence for you! “

Chris James emailed to change his address in Blind Bight and said “Retired life has been great and very busy so far. Now retiring from most Board/Committee positions to concentrate on travel.”

Larry James emailed “Please pass on my thanks to Kathy Trace for the birthday card which again arrived on time. Wonderful. Still keeping busy with steams trains at Puffing Billy, radio presenting at Golden Days Radio, and am also involved with the Theatre Organ Society of Australia assisting with their many concerts. Life is not dull. Had 10 days at Port Douglas in June where the temperature was around 28c each day. Of course a ride on the train to Kuranda was a highlight. At the moment l’m very busy with Seniors Week and the Seniors Festival to which Golden Days Radio is a media partner. There are so many nice people that you meet at these functions and it makes it all worthwhile.”

Vito Laruccia emailed “Hi Kathy. Thank you for my annual birthday card in September. The card arrived whilst my wife and I were doing a big road trip to Darwin. We were away for 8 weeks and managed to “clock up” nearly 13,000 klms in our car (we were not towing).We enjoyed all aspects of our trip and managed to avoid all the local wildlife meandering on the side of the roads.”

Kevin Livingston emailed from Kyabram “Could you pass on my thanks to Kathy Trace for the birthday card she sent to me, appreciate it. I always look forward to reading the newsletter.”

Ian Matheson emailed “Many thanks for the birthday wishes. I always enjoy reading the monthly newsletters to stay in touch with old work colleagues. Since leaving ANZ, I moved to Hong Kong with HSBC and since then have moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE with a Regional Bank. The weather can be fairly brutal, up to 50 degrees in the summer; however the winters are very mild and comfortable. Overall a good city to live in, great food, easy to get around, cheap petrol, virtually no crime and best of all, no income taxes.”

Emilio Moreno emailed “thanks to you and the committee for your kind wishes for my birthday. A quiet and very enjoyable day was spent with the family although with five healthy grandkids, quiet perhaps does not accurately describe the day! Good fun.

Hope your golf handicap is improving and I look forward to seeing you at the Christmas function. Kathy continues to defy the odds by her brilliance in timing in all of us receiving our birthday greetings spot on time.”

Committeewoman Joan Nathan emailed “I would like to thank you for my birthday card, it’s just amazing with all the cards you send how you manage to get them all out on time. I enjoyed spending my birthday with family and friends at ‘Sails on The Bay’ it was a lovely aspect overlooking the water at Elwood. We are all looking forward to spending some quiet time at Noosa together.

We all really appreciate the effort you go to, too make all the ANZROC members feel so special on their birthday. Thanks again Kathy.”

Peter Nielipowiec writing from Junortown said “I am sorry to be late with this letter but we have been busy packing and unpacking having just moved into a retirement village. I am having trouble writing as I am related to Michael Parkinson so I must be English so getting my wife to write the letter as I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I was deeply saddened at the passing of one of my friends Ken Chisholm on 5/9/2017 aged 75. Ken and I went to the same school in our younger days at Ouyen. I remember when I was hit by a car and came off my bicycle when I was 11 and Ken came to visit me in the hospital and asked me whether I will be right to play footy for the School in a couple of weeks. I said yes, how wrong I was, took nearly 3 years before I could walk properly. We laughed about that in our later years. Ken started in the ANZ Bank Ouyen in 1959/60, I followed him in 1961. I remember that one of my first jobs was to stamp the cheques paid as Ken had fallen a month behind. We crossed paths over the years in the Bank. A large farewell service for Ken was conducted in Bendigo and Shane one of Ken’s sons did an excellent eulogy of Ken’s life. Farewell Ken.”

Alan Pearce wrote “I would like to thank you Kathy Trace sincerely for all the work you do on behalf of ANZROC completing and mailing birthday cards to members each year. It is a huge task to undertake and I congratulate you for ensuring the cards reach members on their big days”.

Neil Robinson writing from Highton said “Thank you greatly for the happy (82nd) card that arrived in plenty of time. “Festive occasion” remind me of many great bank times- not forgetting the large room on the 2nd floor of 2 Malop Street Geelong where many great singers once performed including Dame Nellie Melba, Les Carr and Cheryl Barker. At one function John Trevena and myself sang the Gendarmes Duet followed by Gordon Christensen riding a motor bike up the stairs, then a couple of ladies sliding down the banisters. And what about the “dance trains” we hired from Geelong to Meredith and return with a three piece band playing all the way. Ah those were the days.”

John Sudholz emailed “Thanks to Kathy and the ANZROC Committee for the bow tie and balloons birthday greetings. Fortunately, another year has passed without any major issues .Noelene and I enjoyed a very interesting tour of Jordan and Israel in May and came home via Singapore where our daughter, Karen, and her husband have been living since March following his posting by Exxon Mobil. All very familiar after our four years there in the late 1980's.Looking forward to the catch up at the Christmas Luncheon on 14 December and thanks for all you do for the Club.”

Pete Treleaven emailed “Thanks to Kathy and the President for my Birthday card which arrived on time as usual. I am still alive and kicking and now looking forward to becoming an Honorary Member this time next year. Still playing golf 3 times a week albeit handicap getting longer, and enjoying a sea cruise every now and then. I was recently very honoured to be made a Hall of Fame member of the Albert Park/ANZ Football Club along with John Bloom and Keith Findlay. I played with the Bank team from 1955 to 1971. Caught up with Bill Jackson on the day at the Bar named in his honour. Warm regards to all.”

Bill Walker emailed “Many thanks to the President, Committee and indeed Kathy, for their kind birthday wishes. Long may they continue? I must say that I thoroughly look forward to the monthly Newsletter to follow the exploits of my ex colleagues. Congratulations to all,”

AND Noel Bottrell, Brian Day, Neil Franklin, Bill Jackson, Karl Mattingly, Bob Maughan, Geoff Stillman, Sandra Street, Gren Tonzing,

ANZROC NSW, Qsld, SA, Tasmania and WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

2017-18 SUBSCRIPTIONS

Thank you, the majority of members have paid their subscriptions for this year. However there are a number that are still to be paid.

All paying members, those of us less than 80 years of age, should have received a statement last month. If you’re a paying member and have not received an invoice or statement, please contact Glyn Parry-Jones at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0411 256 322.

To avoid the cost and effort to our club in sending out reminders, your prompt payment of any outstanding subscriptions would be appreciated.

(Please note, if you have to pay in through a branch, ensure you enter your membership number in the 'Agent Deposit Reference' field and '60' in the TC field and check that the teller enters these when processing. This will ensure we can match the payment to your account.)

ANZ/PNG REUNION Rex Gregory emailed “Just a reminder that the ANZ PNG reunion will be held on Sat 25 Nov 2017 at Mary and Errol James home 32 Forestwood Drive Maroochydore Qsld.

The Saturday function will be followed by a BBQ breakfast at Cotton Tree by the Maroochy River first thing Sunday morning 26 November.

Mary and Errol do the bulk of the food catering with the help of those whose arrive early and who wish to volunteer. This means that the financial contribution by each of us is pretty small. Last year we had about 20 or so attend, it would be great if we could better this number this time around. To assist with the catering could you RSVP me, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by email

Look forward to hearing from you “

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER 2017……BOOK NOW

VENUE – THE PAVILION VICTORIAN ARTS CENTRE, ST KILDA ROAD, MELBOURNE

The Club will again hold its Annual Christmas Luncheon thanks to ANZ Group making this excellent venue available and subsidising the cost of the luncheon. Pre-lunch drinks from 11.30am, Luncheon commences at 12.30pm.

There has been a very strong response to the ANZROC Christmas lunch on Dec 14 with 284 confirmed acceptances already. We have extended the booking to 300 and are likely to reach that number so may have to create a waiting list. We have already locked in the date for the 2018 Christmas lunch which will be on Dec 13 2018.

Attendees are asked to ensure their annual subscriptions are paid before the lunch.

The toast to ANZ will be given by Bernadette Lynch. CEO Shayne Elliott will respond to the toast to the Bank. A number of Senior Executives will also be attending.

Dress for the luncheon is neat business attire.

The cost to members of the function is $35.00.

Cut-off date for acceptances 30 November 2017

Again this year we will arrange for ALL members to be allocated a table.

· If you wish to host a table of ten, you will need to nominate as a table host and ensure that others in your group record the host name on the “acceptance slip” or email below.

· If you do not wish to host a table, but would like to sit with your colleagues please specify who you would like to have on your table and we will endeavour to meet your requirements.

· If you do not nominate a preference, we will allocate you to a table with comparable colleagues.

Bookings:

If you wish to attend, host a table or join a table, don’t forget to send the “acceptance slip” or email advice to: Ken Crawford 3 Glenwood Drive, Croydon 3136 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ken can also be contacted on 0439 432 280.

Members are encouraged to make payments electronically to ANZROC BSB 013 350 Account Number 3064 51947. Please include your name and initial in the “Payee information” so that we can correctly record your payment.

For those who wish to make payment by cheque, they can be made out to ANZROC and sent to Ken Crawford at the above address. Please include the “acceptance slip”.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

ACCEPTANCE SLIP

ANZ RETIRED OFFICERS’ CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON. THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER 2017

Name of member………………………………………………………………………

Cost of Luncheon: $35.00

Amount Enclosed /or Amount paid to ANZROC account. (Delete category not applicable)

I will be hosting a table Y/N. I wish to be on a table with………………….or allocate me to a table. Return this slip with your payment to Ken Crawford 3 Glenwood Drive, Croydon 3136 no later than by 30 November 2017

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Ron Adams

Newsletter Editor

0408 136 100

PRESIDENTS REPORT 2016/2017.

It is my pleasure to present the annual report of ANZROC Victoria.

Meetings

We have enjoyed hearing from interesting Guest Speakers bush poet Don McQueen and motorbike travellers Brian and Shirley Rix at our City meetings both of which attracted a very good turnout of Members. Regional meetings at Woodend, Ballarat and Geelong were also well supported as were the Suburban venues at Moonee Valley, Caulfield, Greensborough and Mulgrave. We continue to commemorate Anzac Day and support the Salvation Army at our April and May lunches.

Newsletter

Our regular monthly newsletters continue to keep everyone in touch with former colleagues. We are indebted to our editor Ron Adams, who continues to do a great job in collating all the letters received from Members and producing the newsletter. Thanks also to Anne Wee for creating the colourful on-line version.

Social Media

ANZROC’s Website has been in operation now for over 7 years and has received 170,000 views to date. The ANZ Retired Officers’ Facebook page has 335 followers which is a 50% increase on last year. We have published a range of articles relating to ANZ from the Bluenotes platform which have proved to be popular. We also publish items of interest to our Members and post Tributes to our members who have passed away. We encourage all Members and their families to catch up with what we are doing via these Social Media channels. Thanks to Elina Law, our youngest member for maintaining our website.

Committee Activities

Our Secretary Vicky Genius continues to look after the administration of the club with a combination of efficiency and humour and has also undertaken the role of distributing the printed newsletter of which there are still around 200 per month.

Our Social Committee Noel Beanland, Joan Nathan, Ken Pattison, Neville Pearson, Wolf Damschitz and Kathy Trace have identified guest speakers and tested out a range of venues for our meetings. Committee members George Cooper, Ken Crawford, Con La Fauci and Ken Pattison ensure that members are welcomed at meetings, collect the money and hand out name tags created by Ken Crawford.

Our Welfare Committee Ken Crawford, Joan Nathan, Neville Pearson, and Kathy Trace continue to provide support to members who have had various issues.Birthday cards are sent to all members (which always arrive on the day despite the vagaries of Auspost), Christmas cards to members aged over 90 years, and visiting members who are unwell and need support.

We also continue to insert obituary notices in the Herald Sun as a tribute to our departed members.

Immediate past president Peter Pritchard has been a great support to me in transition to the President role and has been instrumental in dealing with arrangements for our Christmas lunch this year with the Arts Centre and sending out invitations to the ANZ Executives. Peter also worked with Geoff and Lesley Cooke to set up the Regional lunch in Geelong. Glyn and Carl are planning to organise something similar on the Mornington Peninsula in 2018.

We were able to successfully re-activate our Golf events this year with spring and autumn competitions at Cheltenham won by Chris Proctor and Con La Fauci and Kathy Shady twice. Thanks to Ken Pattison and Glyn Parry-Jones for bringing ANZROC Golf back to life and attracting around 20 members each time.

John McPhee, Kevin Mitchell and Neville Pearson all Ex-Presidents and Life members of ANZROC retired from the Committee in 2016 and 2017. Gary Mason who served on the Committee for around 10 years retired in 2017. We thank all of them for their long and dedicated Service in the working of the Committee over many years.

Christmas Lunch

Last year our 2016 Christmas Luncheon at the Arts Centre was well attended with 280 members and bank guests enjoying the opportunity to get together. ANZ guests included Shayne Elliott, Graham Hodges, Michelle Jablko, Fred Ohlsson, Bob Santamaria and Tom Walker. We continue to be indebted to the Bank for their most generous financial support to ANZROC. At our Christmas luncheon Shayne Elliott, responded to the toast to ANZ given by Bob Lyon.

Membership

We have been very successful this year in attracting 51 new members. Sadly during the year 35 members passed away including some very close to us all. Can you please pause to remember them.

Financial

The club is in good financial position thanks to the good work of our Treasurer Glyn Parry-Jones and his predecessor John Brown. Member’s subscriptions and the Bank subsidy allow us to provide the resources to enable the club to function. We thank Norris Gale for undertaking the role of Hon. Auditor.

The Membership Management system introduced in 2016 has streamlined our financial processes and allows an easy means of communicating with our members. Thanks to John Brown, Carl Garley and Glyn Parry-Jones for getting the system up and running so smoothly. John Brown is a key user of the system in his role as Membership Officer making sure that all our members’ details are up to date.

Conclusion

I have been honoured to take on the role of President this year and I thank all committee members for their contribution. On my and your behalf, I invite you to show our appreciation and thanks to the committee,  for the achievements and results attained during the past year.

Eamon Veaney