ANZ Retired Officers' Club (Vic)

NEWSLETTER 14th August 2014

NEWSLETTER AUGUST 14TH 2014

WELCOME

President John McPhee welcomed 46 members and partners and our guest speaker Professor Bruce Holloway at our August meeting held on the 34th Floor /100 Queen Street The formal matters were dealt with by Committee woman Joan Nathan and those present then enjoyed catching up with colleagues. Members not seen for some time included Wendy Black, Harry Carrodus, Linda Davidson, Harry Loucas, Frank Marzin attending his first meeting, Geoff Perdriau, Maree Pritchard and Bruce Sanderson.

APOLOGIES

Graeme Ainscough, Clive Bayley, John Brown, Diane Carew, Don Davy, Phil Dunstan, Jim Dusting, Nola Forsyth, Val Goldsworthy, Theo Hall, Elaine Haw, Sandra Joseph, Peter Keating, Rick Kimber, Graeme King , Ken Lee, Jacqui Luckman, Jim Nicolson, Noelene Noonan, Peter Nyga, Terry Parks, Neville Pearson, , Graeme Randall, Bill Robinson, John Vanselow, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins, David Woods

NEW MEMBERS

Karaoutsadis J.C. (Jo) 30 years ANZ

Rao J. (Jyoti) 16 years ANZ/ANZ Grindlays India

Smith Russell 25 years ANZ

Sweeney M.R.(Michael) 43 years ANZ

We look forward to meeting Jo, Jyoti, Russell and Michael at one of our meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

Ferns K.V.(Kevin) 4/8/2014 80 years

Goldsworthy R.R. (Bob) 25/7/2014 82 years

Clive Goldsworthy son of Honorary Member Bob emails that Bob had 40 years of a wonderful and rich career with the ANZ. Clive recently retired from ANZ Singapore as a4th generation banker.

John Brown said that Bob was Chief Advance Clerk at 351 Collins Street Branch (M351 for those who remember) when John and wife Jan were there in the early '60s.

Sandra Street said she worked with Goldie back in the 70s when he and Col McInnes were setting up the South Melbourne Area which was headquartered in Albert Road. It was all lots of fun in those early halcyon days, getting to meet all the customers in the area and organising and setting up the office. Bob and his wife Jill added to the camaraderie away from the bank on many social occasions. Bob will be sadly missed.

Sheather K.J.(Kevin) 89 years 28/7/2014

Kevin enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in May 1943 and on discharge in November 1945 was Warrant Officer, 9 Aircrew Holding Unit.

Frank Edwards said that Kevin worked for him in Esanda Vic Division and Mark Stankovich said he worked with Kevin in Collections in Esanda.

Wehner Max 89 years 3/8/2014

Max enlisted in the Australian Army in June 1943 and at date of discharge in November 1946 was a Sapper in the 6 Aust Army Topo Survey Company.

At our August meeting members stood in remembrance of Kevin, Bob, Kevin and Max for a few moments of silence and our condolences are extended to their families.

No details of Kevin Fern’s or Max Wehner’s careers were available at the time of publishing this newsletter but if any members like to send me a note about Kevin or Max I will include in future newsletters.

Our long serving Records Officer Debbie Jerkovic advised that her father Donald (Don) Wirth passed away on 13/7/2014 and members extend their condolences to Debbie, Michael and Nicola. Don was a past student and then a key member of staff at Caulfield Grammar School over a period of 32 years from 1944 and then from 1997 for the next 15 years a volunteer assisting with the schools archives and alumni reunion programs.

NOT SO WELL

Pat Gaskin advises that several ANZROC members in Bendigo, Norm Gaskin, Ian Bell and Ken Chisholm are on the sick list and would welcome calls from friends and colleagues.

Kevin O’Neill is now home from a spell in hospital and called in to see John McPhee , Peter Pritchard and me after the August meeting but said he is still recovering and would appreciate calls from friends and colleagues.

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

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

Congratulations from our members for your birthdays: Alistair Abernathy (81), Henry Barker

(85), Bruce Campbell (93), Frank Donovan (92), Muriel Drummond, Frank Edwards (86), Ken

Fitzgerald (86), John Glasson (92), June Hoskin, Ian Ince (81), Peter Jones

(82), Bruce Kells (82), Mike Kennedy (85), Stan Lancaster (80), Ken Lee (85), Doug Long (90),

Cathie Mackiggan, Reg Nicolson (83), Peter O’Dwyer (82), Alwyn Ward (90), Tony Watt (85).

INTEREST RATES

From 1/8/2014

Less than $20,000 1.69%

Greater than $20,000 2.16%

Birdies Twitter

Neville Pearson reports that he has volunteered for the “NARI” National Aging and Research Institute research at the Melb University. It may be of interest to some members who may wish to

become interested in being part of such studies. Only involves 3 or 4 days annually and topics include issues such as:

* Memory benefits from participation in increased physical activity,

* Strategies to reduce the side effects of prostrate cancer.

Neville is fairly fit and in reasonable health so they use people in this category to provide a balance to measure against people with health issues and research into the cognitive benefit of exercise on memory and general well being.

Neville is currently touring Queensland but will be returning early September so if anyone is interested in the research project talk to Neville after 3rd Sept: Phone 9802 0187, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , address: 18 Browning Drive Glen Waverley 3150

GUEST SPEAKER

DO YOUR GENES CONTROL YOUR BEHAVIOUR?

Our Guest Speaker Emeritus Professor Bruce Holloway entertained and informed us on the subject “Do your Genes Control your behaviour”. Professor Holloway was appointed Foundation Professor of Genetics at Monash University in 1968. In addition, he has held visiting appointments at a number of Universities in the United Kingdom and the USA. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and an Officer of the Order of Australia. His research work was focussed on the genetic analysis of microorganisms important in medicine, agriculture and biotechnology. He was a member of the inaugural Commonwealth Government Industry, Research and Development Board. Since retiring in 1993, he has developed training courses in modern genetic techniques for developing country agricultural scientists.

He explained to the meeting that behaviour identifies how a living organism interacts with its environment. Behaviour can be either genetic or learned. Human behaviour is controlled mainly but not solely through the nervous system. Modern genetic techniques such as those that enabled the sequencing of the Human Genome have been used to demonstrate that heredity is more important than previously thought in controlling how humans display behavioural characteristics. A range of human behavioural traits was discussed including those involving the senses, emotion and risk taking. This recent knowledge of the basis of human behaviour has implications for health issues, the legal system and society in general.

The members and partners present were fascinated by the content of the presentation and many questions were raised both during and for some time after the meeting closed and Professor Holloway was one of the last to leave the venue. Committeeman Gary Mason passed the vote of thanks to our speaker with his usual aplomb.

LETTERS

Ian Bell emailing from Bendigo says thanks again for the birthday wishes which arrived on the day of his 72nd and it does not seem like 17 years since he handed the pen back. Ian looks forward to reading about old workmates in the monthly newsletter and hopes to be well enough to attend the Christmas function later in the year.

Huck Bourke emails his appreciation for his birthday card (65!!) to Kathy. Huck and wife Sandy recently arrived back home after a 6 week trip covering the Canadian Rockies, a cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage, a week in Alaska (not uncommon to see people with holstered pistols on their belts) and a great drive with the golf clubs from Seattle to Palm Springs via the Columbia River Valley, redwood forests in Northern California, Sonoma county wineries, Crater Lake, Yosemite (wow!) and finally Palm Springs (Indian Wells) where they played golf over three

days in 106-110f heat only to return to a good old Melbourne winter – at least the Hawks are still doing ok.

Treasurer John Brown reports that after a few weeks in Brunswick Heads he and wife Jan are then heading to Runaway Bay to stay with ANZROC’s Bruce and Glennis Robertson at Runaway Bay and then a quick trip further north to catch up with family on the Sunshine Coast. Then they will be heading slowly south, staying a couple of weeks firstly on the coast somewhere near Coffs Harbour and then maybe a couple more near Port Macquarie before a quick trip to be home in time to go to the Grand Final.

Don Davy joined Rae Collins at Rae’s 94th birthday celebrations and they enjoyed dinner at Rae’s favourite haunt the East Malvern RSL Club with family and friends. Don says that despite restricted mobility Rae is keeping well in himself and enjoys the company of family and friends.

Frank Edwards emails that it is good to be able to say thanks to Kathy once again for hitting the birthday card delivery right on the button for his 86th. It's good to still be vertical and breathing and in reasonable shape, even if just that little bit slower and always doing the Ronnie Corbett - "What else can I do while I'm down here?" trick. Frank is looking forward to his birthday next August but in between he and wife Mavis are planning another cruise to New Zealand.

Furio Frank emails his thanks for the card to Kathy Trace, as usual received on the day.

He sends his regards to the members.

Phil Goodier emails a thank you to Kathy for birthday greetings on the big 70!! It has been a hectic year! The Northern Territory again beckoned. Phil spent a period out west in the NT Wave Hill way with an old friend drilling for water then back over to the Eastern side on Maroak Station also with old friends catching many barramundi ,shooting and lapping up the warm weather and outback lifestyle. Back to good old Alice Springs for a while staying with ex ANZer Gavin Carpenter. On returning from the NT, Eastern Gippsland was the go fishing at Mallacoota and The Snowy River at Orbost and Marlo however bowls , more fishing and diving took over during summer as well as trips back to Yorke Peninsula chasing blue swimmer crabs and a sailing reunion at Wallaroo.

Spring offered a fortnight sailing a 44 ft Catamaran with son David and others down the Western Malay Peninsula from Phuket (Thailand) to Langkowi (Malaysia) through the Malacca Straits ending up at the Singapore Yacht Club for R & R. Going North again, the beautiful Eastern Malay Peninsula was the best for friendly resorts on tropical islands, deep, clear blue sea and hot, hot and humid days. It was so good diving over to cool off at times sometimes 100 Kms from the coast. The trip was not without incidents including experiencing the scary tropical storms called locally ' Sumatra’s'. The end destination was the very pleasant Koh Samui (Thailand). On return, the annual Shark Bay fishing trip with ANZers Bob Parsons, Karl Mizens and Peter (Capt Bligh) Bramwell was enjoyed.

Phil is now grounded until after daughter Jacqueline's wedding in September so bowls at Beaumaris Bowls Club with ex ANZers Ian Davies, Ray Pietsch and David Moffatt who are also members. Guess a little fishing over the winter will have to fit in with duties at the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Club.

Meryl Hallinan reports that she has been visiting family in Darwin for the past five weeks and really enjoyed the warm weather plus seeing her great granddaughters Mia and Bailey (born June 9th).

Don Hoffman emails his thanks for the birthday card and good wishes on the occasion of his 80th birthday. The years continue to pass quickly but thankfully Don still enjoys good health and remains active through lawn bowls, daily walks, gardening and Probus Club activities. Don spent the day having a celebratory lunch with wife Jan among 33 family and long time friends – couldn’t have enjoyed it more.

John Hudgson emails that the Birthday card arrived on the day and a big thankyou to Kathy and the committee - it is always great to receive the card from ANZROC. John and wife Ann were treated to a great night by the family. Fortunately they keep pretty good health but can’t believe another year has gone. John and Ann haven’t drifted far this past 12 months but have made several short weekend trips which they have enjoyed and have been kept busy with volunteering and John with golf (still trying to play the game) .They look forward to receiving the Newsletter and reading about their work colleagues.

Wayne Hulbert emails his thanks to Kathy for the Birthday Card he received recently. Kathy’s efforts are very much appreciated. Wayne and wife Bernadette have just returned from a quick trip over the Simpson Desert in their four wheel drive with offroad camper where they attended a concert on the biggest sand dune in the Simpson named Big Red. Big Red is about 35klm’s from Birdsville so it was an amazing place to hold a concert. The concert was held as a follow on to the Big Red Run which raises funds for Type 1 diabetes. Next trip will be Fraser Island in a few months time.

Peter Jones emails his thanks to Kathy Trace for the good wishes on his 82nd birthday. Peter had a great day and an evening meal with family.

Serge McIntyre writes to thank Kathy Trace for the birthday card. For a change Serge and the family were at home this time as for several previous years they were away overseas when the card arrived.

Godfrey Mills emails his thanks for the card. Godfrey and wife Nancy have just returned from a few weeks in Japan. What a fascinating place. Godfrey wants a Shinkansen Bullet Train for Christmas. They found the language barrier a bit of a problem outside the major cities but fortunately they do have a Japanese acquaintance, a doctor at Hiroshima City Hospital. He speaks pretty good English and helped out a lot. Godfrey and Nancy came home via Hong Kong. Compared to a few years ago it is even more overcrowded, if that is possible. They managed to buy some lapidary equipment but could not find any worthwhile uncut semi precious stones. That was disappointing. In retrospect perhaps they should have gone to South Korea in lieu of Hong Kong: that was the original plan. As Godfrey recalls after they got home he looked through the June Newsletter where he saw Terry Stapleton’s name mentioned. Earlier this year Godfrey and Nancy were in Wollongong NSW visiting relatives and long time friends. He was reminded of the days when he worked with Terry at Wollongong [C&K] branch under the watchful eye of the late Harry Nichols James. They subsequently worked together again at 394 Collins St {GMO Lending]. Glad to hear that Terry and wife Maureen are fit and well.

Bernard O'Reilly emails firstly and again congratulations to Kathy with his birthday card arriving on the day which was celebrated with a family dinner. Bernard and wife Claire’s 4 wheel driving/outback touring days are now behind them and they enjoyed their first real overseas trip earlier this year. Beginning with a tour of Gallipoli landing/battle sites on 23rd April, then on to attend the dawn service on ANZAC morning followed by the Lone Pine service. Their understanding of the true/accurate landing story and appreciation of the hardships /sacrifices made by these young men to assist us enjoy the comforts we enjoy today proved a very humbling experience. Then it was on to Berlin to spend time with their son (a German banker) and daughter in law before travelling to London for sight seeing. A 22 day tour of the UK and Ireland (you just have to love the Irish and many a pleasant evening was spent with a pub sing-along) where Bernard and Claire kissed the Blarney stone, followed by a trip to France and Rome. If he never sees another cathedral or castle he will not be disappointed. Then travelling by Eurorail pass, which took a 1 and half hour wait in the queue at Rome station to have the ticket stamped in approx 30 seconds, it was on through northern Italy to Switzerland with much beautiful scenery and fresh air which was very welcome. On the way to Vienna, via Salzburg (including a tour of the Sound of Music location) and Munich they were fortunate enough to join a tour of the BMW factory. This factory daily produces 950 vehicles with each one specified to the new owners’ requirements and all presold prior to production. Travelling on day tours from Vienna they visited

Prague and Bratislava and learned that the people were grateful for their freedom after the fall of the communist regime however it appears the Republics gained most from the separation which Bernard and Claire were told took place without any real consultation with the citizens. A very enjoyable time away however great to be home after 14 weeks and believe we are very lucky to reside in Australia

Ron Pidcock emails a big thank you for his birthday card, which arrived on the day - as usual.

In August Ron and wife Robyn are off to the UK to appear in a production of “Thespis” at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival which this year is being held in Harrogate, a lovely town near York. It has a magnificent Opera House and it will be a privilege to appear on that stage. “Thespis” was the first G & S play that the famous partnership wrote, but it was not until a few years later that they reunited to write "Trial by Jury” and of course the remaining 12 which are much better known, such as The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, The Mikado, etc.

Ron will be playing the title role of ’Thespis', and Robyn will be in the chorus. This will be the fourth time they have performed in the Festival, and the second time with the Savoynet group. The cast assembles from all over the world in Harrogate on August 5th, rehearse for a week putting the show together, then on the morning of the 13th they bump in to the opera house with scenery and costumes, rehearse in the afternoon with the English National Festival Orchestra, do the show at 7.30pm, then perform a short cabaret at the 'Festival Club' nearby. So when you are all assembling for your luncheon on the 14th, Ron and Robyn will have retired to bed after a long day.

Graham Smyth emails his thanks for the recent birthday wishes. Graham was travelling when the card arrived but he says life in Queensland is still enjoyable. Best wishes to John McPhee in his presidential role. He is an old "Methods Dept" colleague.

Mark Stankovich writes to thank Kathy Trace and the committee for the best wishes for his birthday. This year Mark’s birthday will be spent flying with wife Fay to enjoy a trip to Europe joining up with several members of their family on the way. It will be nice to escape the Melbourne winter for a few weeks.

Bill Swan received his newsletter by email on the road as he has been travelling with his caravan since 14 May, when he left home at Dalmeny (NSW South Coast). After a week of golf at Mildura, Bill has progressively made his way through Broken Hill, Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Katherine, Darwin and currently at Jabiru. This is his first trip through the NT, and he has thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful sights and scenery that this amazing part of the country has to offer. One of the many highlights was catching two barramundi on the Finnis River (62 cm and 73 cm). Bill has already travelled over 5500 kms, and still has another six weeks on the road, via Mt Isa, Longreach, and onto to Brisbane to visit his son and grandkids, before returning home.

Keith Taylor sends his thanks for passing on good wishes from the committee and members for his birthday.

Jim Trimble sends his thanks for the birthday greetings for his 86th. Doesn’t seem 26 years since Jim retired but gladly to say still on this planet to enjoy it all. Thanks to Kathy for the arrival as usual on his birthday and he hopes to hear from her in 2015.

AND Raymond Babb, Stephen Bee, John Caudry, Paul Comport, Brian Day, John Fairbairn, Ruth Fleming, Alex Fowler, Jo Karaoutsadis, David Knuckey, Don Maguire, Sally Ming, Dennis Murphy, Jim Nicolson, Ray O’Meara, Alan Panther, Glenda White,

ANZROC QSLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

ANZROC WEBSITE

Eamon Veaney reported that we have had over 77,000 hits since launch 4 years ago of our website so the site is popular especially the news and photo gallery.

We added a Facebook link earlier this year and that has reached over 100 Members and Family and Friends and reaches a lot of people.

Feedback to Eamon is welcomed as we make every effort to provide value for money for your membership and he can be contacted on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HEALTH INSURANCE WITH NIB!

As part of the ANZ Retired Officers’ Club’s commitment to looking after your health and wellbeing, we’ve negotiated a 9% corporate discount with nib.

Not only do you receive great value private health cover, you also have the added benefit of:

* No 2 & 6 month waiting periods to claim on Extras*

* Smartphone access to manage your claims

* Your choice of provider for Extras services+

* Access to over 400 nib Agreement Private Hospitals

The email address advised in our last newsletter has been corrected and for more information you can visit the https://www.nib.com.au/health-insurance/partner/anzroc , www.anzroc.nib.com.aior phone a Corporate Specialist on 1800 13 14 63.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

9th October Thursday Peter Bearsley ANZROC member and President Melbourne Rotary Club34/100 Queen Street

13th November Thursday Annual General Meeting

28th November Friday Golf day at Rosebud Country Club…detail in next month’s newsletter

11th December Thursday Christmas Luncheon at ANZ Pavilion Art Centre

NEXT MEETING

ANZ BANK RETIRED OFFICERS CLUB LUNCHEON AT MULGRAVE COUNTRY CLUB ON THURS 11TH SEPTEMBER COMMENCING AT MIDDAY

* The September ANZROC luncheon meeting will be held at the Mulgrave Country Club which is located on the North West Corner of the Wellington Road and Jells Road Wheelers Hill Cross Road

* There is considerable underground parking available as well as ground level parking on the North and East sides of the building

* Public Transport is not the best option and we suggest that any members who would require transport to attend the function, indicate such on the under mentioned acceptance slip and we will endeavour to arrange transport.

* We would also appreciate assistance from anyone who may be able to be called on to assist with car transport from the station should such be required

* Train travel to Glen Waverley is an option and if you intend to take this option please indicate such and we will endeavour to have a car pick you up from outside the North exit into Railway Parade at Glen Waverley Station

* We are delighted that several of the ANZ group known as the” Zedders” who hold a bi monthly get together at this venue will join us on this day

* The Mulgrave Country Club has an excellent reputation and the seniors two course lunch, consisting of either Soup and Main course or Main course and Sweets costs around $12 to $15

* Partners , ANZROC widows and ANZ Ladies Club members are most welcome to join us on this day and we are anticipating an excellent attendance

* Please post or Email the attached acceptance slip to Joan Nathan prior to 3rd of September.

* As Joan will not be in Melbourne to accept acceptances after 3rd of September please phone or Email your acceptances after 3rd Sept to Neville Pearson who will be back in Melbourne at that time

* Contact details for acceptances: * Joan Nathan: email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. phone: 97408001, address: 7 Lightwood Drive Sunbury 3429..phone 9740 8001. * Neville Pearson after 3rd Sept: email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , address: 18 Browning Drive Glen Waverley 3150..phone 9802 187

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ACCEPTANCE SLIP FOR ANZROC MULGRAVE COUNTRY CLUB LUNCHEON ON THURSDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2014 COMMENCING MIDDAY

* I / WE will be attending the luncheon

* Name.................................................

Partner’s name if attending...................................................

* I / We would appreciate assistance with transport: Pick up from Glen Waverley Station YES / NO

* I would be available to pick up (number: .......) members from the Northern entrance of Glen Waverley Station at 11.30am approx

* We may be able to arrange pick up from home given the number of retired members in this area. Please indicate if this would be necessary and we will endeavour to assist

Look forward to seeing a large attendance and a wonderful day

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