ANZ Retired Officers' Club (Vic)

NEWSLETTER MAY 11 2017

Please click here to read the reformatted May 2017 newsletter 

ANZROC NEWSLETTER 11th MAY 2017

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

We were allocated the smaller East Asia room on the 34th Floor of 100 Queen Street for our May lunch to support the Salvation Army. It was a perfect size for the 50 attendees and provided a more intimate setting than our normal venue. Ron Adams opened the meeting and Vicky Genius covered the administration matters.

Our Guest Speaker Major Brendan Nottle heads up Project 614 at Salvation Army HQ in Bourke Street which has a number of permanent staff and 1000 volunteers dealing with the homeless problems in Melbourne. Brendan is also a member of the State Governments Ice Action Task-force and Rough Sleeping Task-force. He was also awarded the 2013 Melburnian of the year for his services to the homeless and disadvantaged.

Brendan gave a very entertaining speech covering his first hand experiences dealing with the issues on the streets on Melbourne. He mentioned the increasing issues of young people obtaining cheap drugs at the weekend and the Salvo's attempts to get them home which takes the pressure off the Police. He related the success story of one person who was born with a heroin addiction who they were able to turn his life around and offer him employment in their organisation. Another, maybe apocryphal, story relating to a client with a pet Crayfish called Claude and Crown Security Guards had the audience laughing.

Brendan and his team will be participating in a charity walk to Canberra in September which will be a challenge but all in a good cause.

We presented Brendan with a donation of $2975 from our ANZROC Victoria Members for which he was very appreciative.

Members not seen for some time included Wendy Black with Noelle Christensen, Kevin Dynon, Aldo Faella making the trip from Torquay, Neil Gladstone, Harry Loucas, Kevin O’Neill, Alan and Judith Podger, Bruce Sanderson and Leanne Tong-Lyon.

On a couple of other matters the Regional lunch in Geelong on April 27 organised by Geoff and Lesley Cooke attracted 23 attendees and went off very well. We are investigating the possibility of similar lunch meetings outside of the regular ANZROC schedule on the Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland Regions.

We have hit a new milestone of 150,000 hits on the ANZROC website and have over 260 followers on our Facebook page (ANZ Retired Officers' Club). Photos from the Geelong lunch and the Salvo's lunch have been posted to the Website and Facebook page. There are also some other articles on Facebook which are not directly related to ANZROC but which may be of interest to our Members.

Finally we are pleased that Bernadette Lynch has agreed to propose the Toast to the Bank at our Christmas lunch on December 14.

Regards

Eamon

APOLOGIES

Bruce Avent, Annette and Graeme Baldwin , Diane Carew, Bill Collins, Cedric Coxsedge, Wolf Damschitz, Mike Devlin (in Canada) , Phil Dunstan, Helen Farnell, Ray Gill , Theo Hall, Frank Hatfield, Roy Harper, Elaine Haw, John Hawkins, Erica Hayden, Keith Higgs, Graeme King, Wal McGillivray, Fay McPherson, Gerry McPherson, Joan Nathan, Mary Nicolazzo, Terry Parks, Glyn Parry-Jones (Spain) , Ken Pattison, Ron Phillips ,Peter Pritchard, Graeme Randall, Bill Robinson, John Stevens, ,Paul Tovey, Glen Twidale, Frank Valastro, Doug Watson, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins,

GEELONG AND WESTERN VICTORIA REGIONAL LUNCH 27TH APRIL 2017

Lesley and Geoff Cook organised the Regional luncheon at the Geelong Yacht Club on Thursday 27th April and 23 members and partners attended. Members not seen for a while included Damian Burgess, John Calnin, Gordon Christensen, Graham Heenan, Jock McGregor, Kirk McNamara, John Shanahan, Maggie Murray, John Snowden and first timer John Salkeld. Ron Adams and Ken Crawford represented the ANZROC committee. Wives and partners in attendance made for a most enjoyable luncheon. Geoff and Lesley agreed to work with the attendees to plan future luncheons for the Geelong/Western Victoria region and we will advertise widely when the date is set.

Geoff and Lesley Cook emailed “The lunch was very successful. We had 23 attend and they all said they enjoyed it and were happy with venue and food. We also had about the same number of apologies so next time we might have more attendees”

NEW MEMBERS

Hondromatidis Gregory (Greg) 41 years ANZ

Irminger G.J. (Gary) 31 years ANZ

Liberatore Nunzio 48 years ANZ

We look forward to seeing Greg, Gary and Nunzio at one of our forthcoming meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

BROWN R.A.(Roger) 78 years 30//4/2017

Roger joined ES&A Bank in Macquarie Place Sydney in 1955,transferring to Melbourne in 1973 with ESANDA and after 41 years service retired as State Manager Credit Control Esanda .

Roger was always interested in sport having played rugby union, cricket and lots of golf at Box Hill Golf Club and in retirement was a keen follower of the rugby in Melbourne attending most matches with his extended family. He was also very interested in Probus and was a member of Monash Central Club for 19 years serving in many of the offices including President. Roger and wife Pam were also keen travellers with many overseas trips and road trips up the East Coast of Australia.

There was a large attendance at the funeral service for Roger where I met ANZROC members Frank Edwards, Hartley Hodgson, Serge McIntyre, Mark Stankovich and ex ANZers Therese Barwick, John Carroll and Pat McLachlan.

Frank Edwards emailed “Terrible news. Roger worked closely with me in AHQ before I retired and I have only good memories of him as a true gentleman who was always a pleasure to work with. He was one of a kind.”

Sue McCarthy emailed “He was a nice fellow.”

Ken Pattison emailed “Very sad to hear of Roger Brown’s passing, he was a great help to me with a Country appointment and the passing of my Father at the same time. A true gentleman and if I was not away I would have been at his funeral. Please pass on my condolences to his family.”

DUNCAN J.F. (John) 80 years 31/10/2016

We received late notice of John’s passing but if members have any anecdotes of John’s career let me know and I will include in forthcoming newsletters.

KILPATRICK A.G.(Alwynne) 92 years 25/4/2017

Alwynne enlisted in the Australian Army in July 1942 but left in November 1943 to join the RAAF and at discharge in 1946 was Flight Sergeant at the 39 Operational Base Unit. Alwynne served as a pilot in the Australian Air Force in New Guinea and other Pacific Islands mainly dropping supplies to Australian troops.

Highlights of Alwynne’s distinguished career in ES&A and ANZ Bank were

20th March, 1941 Joined the English Scottish and Australian Bank (ES&A)

Collingwood Branch

24th March, 1949 Appointed to staff at ES&A Head Office, Manager’s Department

Progressed to Senior Deputy Manager ES&A Melbourne Office

August, 1964 Appointed Manager London Administration ES&A for 3 years

1st October, 1970 ES&A merged with ANZ

Appointed ANZ Assistant General Manager Funds Management

1980 Appointed ANZ General Manager of Corporate Banking

Director of ANZ Savings Bank Finance

Director Esanda

Director of the Bank of Adelaide (acquired 1979)

Director of the Australian Resources Development Bank

1982 Chairman of Australian International Finance Corporation

21st June, 1984 Retired from ANZ Bank and ANZ Board

18th September, 1984 Appointed Director on the Board of Barclays Bank

Will Bailey past CEO of ANZ emailed “I was saddened to read of the death of our colleague Alwynne. I first met him in the mid '50's when he was on the staff of former GM of the ES&A, Greg Wilson. Greg was a real supporter of the younger generation particularly if they showed outstanding ability. Alwynne was destined to remain in the central administration for the bulk of his career. It was the practice of the ES & A to train bright people in general management skills rather than in general banking.

Alwynne and my paths crossed regularly over the years and he provided me with encouragement and advice; a great mentor. Many years later we worked together as part of Mac Brunckhorst and John Milne's general management team.

It was the three executive Directors, John, Alwynne and Roger Brunskill that persuaded the Board to walk away from the agreement to merge with the CBC of Sydney in the early ˆ80's. Later I know Alwynne had some reservations regarding this decision.

I will miss him as I have kept in touch with him and Sylvia since his retirement. They were a great pair, loyal to the bank in a way not common now as more and more people work for themselves under the umbrella of the Bank rather than having a lifetime of commitment to an organisation.

Farewell Alwynne.

Kerry Dark emailed “I worked for Alwynne as his PA for a couple of years before going on to work for John Milne who was then MD, succeeding Muriel Drummond when she retired. Alwynne was a true gentleman.”

Gary Mason reported “ I spoke to Alwynne prior to last year’s E.S. & A. reunion lunch. He sounded unwell however was pleased to be contacted – even though he was an apology”

Dick Milnthorpe emailed “I met Alwynne way back in the late sixties on my first trip to OZ. Although I was very junior, and I think he was No 2 in the ES and A, he took me to dinner at the old RACV and to his home where I met his wife. He was one of the 'old school', a perfect gentleman, and I very much appreciated his hospitality.”

Wingrave N.H. (Tony) 84 years 30/4/2017

Tony spent much of his time in regional Victoria and after 44 years with ANZ Group retired in Mooroopna but if you have any anecdotes I can use for the newsletter of time spent with Tony in ANZ they would be welcome....

Tony was a very popular guy with over 220 views and 3 comments for his tribute already on Facebook:

Imelda and David Christie Remember him well. And his extra colourful language. Beautiful man Shirley-Joy Duckworth wonderful memories of an amazing man who could always put a smile on my face Greg Collier Fond memories of Tony

Dick Sanders emailed “I met Tony at a Boarding House in Hawthorn Road, Caulfield filled almost entirely by ANZers – Sid Bulmer, Economist who soon returned to Brisbane; Rowley Tomlinson; Bill Stevens and few others. All were mad keen on Tennis even on a stinking hot day when we hosed down ourselves as well as the court.

I recall Tony’s then red haired girl friend – name escapes me and remember the times in the pub where Tony introduced me to Ozzie Beer – pity.

Knowing Tony for the few months I stayed there was one of Life’s experiences and he was one of Life’s characters. Regards and good wishes to his family.”

Ken Crawford emailed “ I worked with Tony at Cobram branch ( he was the branch Accountant ) for a short time back in 1967. A friendly fellow.”

Members at the meeting stood in remembrance of Roger, John, Alwynne and Tony and our condolences are passed on to their families and friends.

Don Davy advised that he attended the funeral service in late March of Helen Sowersby, wife of our Honorary Member Bernie Sowersby. The funeral was held at St Scholastica’s Bennettswood and there was a large attendance. Don spoke to Bernie and only saw Carmel Danaher at the service but there may have been other ANZROC members present.

Dick Sanders emailed “The Age newspaper of 13/5/2017 reported the death of John Gibson 7-9-29 to 11-5-17 in Sydney in his 90th year. Late of ESA & ANZ Banks and remembered in Melbourne for his term as Manager 394 Collins Street succeeding Geoff Stevens. Both good men.”

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

The following Honorary members will be enjoying a birthday during MAY 2017 and we

pass on Congratulations from our members for your birthdays; Bruce Avent (80), Les Beard (82),

John Caudry (89), Brian Day (80), Norm Dibbin (84), Nola Forsyth, Val Goldsworthy, Ian Lamont (97),

Neville Lewis (84), David Maunder (90), Geoff Menogue (83), Alan Podger (85), Terry Stapleton (87).

WELFARE REPORT:

Gary Mason

Gary spoke to Bruce Avent for his 80th and Bruce while not as fit as he would like asked Gary to pass on his best wishes to all ANZROC members.

Neville Pearson

Relatively quiet time as I have been away. I visited Ron Cashin at the on 11th May and enjoyed a great chat and cappuccino. Ron really enjoys company and would love visitors from days gone by. Suggest phone the facility on 9856 0999 to ensure he is not out on a bus trip or the like

INTEREST RATES

From 1/5/2017

Less than $20,000 1.03%

Greater than $20,000 1.32%

BIRD'S TWITTER

Neville Pearson writes:

The Bird and Cheryl are back in their nest

After what was a well earned rest?

A “LIBA LIBA hire boat with David, Jennie Schunke and Irene Bettonvil was a delight

Sitting around a camp fire on the Murray each night

A trip we did many years ago, with Dick Cowell, Herman Bettonvil, legends I am sure you all know

Marooned three times on sand bars was somewhat of a blow

The rescue boat was kept busy getting us back in the flow

We settled our nerves with red wine, and let the experts deliver

While “Bird” helped push the boat when he jumped in the river

Hardly a sign of human habitation to spoil ancient river gums that stand tall

A holiday we would recommend to adventurers, one and all

LETTERS

Bob Bell emailed from Mollymook “Please convey to Kathy Trace and the committee my thanks for birthday wishes, as my birthday was on Easter Sunday it was nice to receive the card on the Thursday. Life on the coast continues to be enjoyable; we are both blessed with good health and family that we see quite often. Last year we enjoyed 5 weeks on the Sunshine Coast in July/August and intend to do the same this year.”

John Blampied emailed “Thank you very much Kathy for the birthday card and good wishes on my 73rd birthday .You and ANZROC committee do a fabulous job of keeping members informed of what their former colleagues are doing during their retirement years. It is just sad to see that so many people that you have worked with and have known over the years are no longer with us.

I have been living at Mt Martha for nearly 7 years with Pamela and it is a nice place to spend retirement. We are both keeping good health. I joined Rosebud Country Golf Club a couple of years ago and it is amazing the number of former ANZ staff you catch up with again. Anyway, keep up the good work it is much appreciated.”

Luigi Bucello wrote from Dalmore “Please pass on my congratulations to the Committee on the wonderful job they do and a special thanks to Kathy Trace who despite having Easter to deal with was still able to get the birthday card to me on time. This was especially nice as I had spent most of the day in hospital as a follow up to kidney stones blasting a couple of weeks prior. Still learning to deal with other health issues but all the specialists I am seeing say to keep working at a slower pace than before , so still running the farm and if you are passing and see the “Fresh Asparagus” for sale sign up call in.”

Kim Charlton emailed “Have just returned from trip to find birthday card. Thank you.

Moved to Cobram on the Murray River from Gippsland in June last year. New digs is Green Palms Over 50’s Village where we can just lock up and go whenever it takes our fancy, which is roughly 9 months of the year, in various directions. The Eyre Peninsula in SA, Queensland, and of course Gippsland (will always be called home) are the favoured destinations. Have just returned from 3 months on the Eyre Peninsula (SA) where fish was on the menu twice a day and happy hour was 4.00 o’clock sharp, plenty of reading ; great time.”

Don Davy wrote to thank Vicky Genius and Kathy Trace and the committee for the birthday greetings which were very much appreciated. Prior to his birthday Don was entertained by his sister at dinner in Wantirna while he met his brother and family at Southland for lunch.

On the day friends met him for an afternoon tea and later that evening his elder daughter and family at Endeavour Hills continued with the celebrations at dinner.” A lovely birthday celebration”.

John Harris emailed “Would you please pass on to the ANZROC Committee, Members and Kathy my sincere thanks for the birthday card which included Kathy’s note that it was a special one.

My 80th birthday was celebrated with the family and thoroughly enjoyed. We continue to enjoy close contact with the family and social events with friends whilst Colleen still works part time in our daughter and son in law’s psychology practise and enjoys her golf. I am still actively involved in Rotary and continue playing tennis and occasional golf. Regards to all.”

John Hawkins emailed “Helen and I are getting ready for our 102 day world cruise. Some of the places we will visit.: The lost city of Petra in Jordan, Lipica Horse farm in Slovenia, the beaches of the Normandy Landings, Key West where Hemmingway lived and Easter Island to see the Heads and all the usual places and sights”

Graham Heenan emailed from Belmont “Thank you for the birthday wishes which I recently received. There is not much to report on for the last year with trips restricted to one week in Bright and two weeks at Mooloolaba in Queensland. Both Pam and I still have reasonable good health and this allows us to do most of the things we enjoy. The "Bombers" Anzac Day win cured most of my ailments!!!”

Laurie Holland still writing at 97 said “Thank you for the Christmas and birthdays cards which serve to march our progress. You can imagine that there is not much in the way of news or happenings to record. My wife Barbara has gone into care but I am still at home-closely supervised by our children. I am managing and looking forward to the coming year. Kind regards to all.”

Jo Karaoutsadis emailed “Just a quick note to say thank you for the birthday card from Kathy. It was the first I received and arrived a day early. Very much appreciated”

Des Kidd emailed “Many thanks to the Committee and to Kathy Trace for the birthday card. (Once again received right on time). After a couple of years of hip and knee replacements, and Jill’s cancer treatment, we were able this year on happier note, to celebrate our 50th Wedding anniversary in Hawaii.”

Barry Kilmartin emailed “Once again, thank Kathy Trace and the Committee for your good wishes on my recent birthday. I particularly enjoyed the Photo Gallery in the Newsletter.”

Graeme King emailed “A short note to thank Kathy Trace for my recent birthday card. It arrived right on time as usual. My 2017 birthday saw me achieve the big “70”, so we enjoyed a small Celebration with our immediate family & some dear friends. Happily I and my dear wife Sandra continue to enjoy good health and are managing a bit of travelling in amongst our home and family commitments. Unfortunately, we will be an apology for both the May and June ANZROC luncheons since we will be away cruising the Kimberley’s and then exploring some of the Red Centre.”

Terry Parks emailed from Toora “Please table my apologies for each of:

GEELONG AND WESTERN VICTORIA REGIONAL LUNCH - Thursday 27 April 2017 and LUNCHEON THURSDAY 11th MAY 2017

I was recently kicked by one of our Shire horse colts. He smashed my right hip and fractured my left. The right hip was replaced immediately, the left subsequently. The left hip dislocated four times before the surgeon would accept my belief that the prosthesis was faulty. After it dislocated twice within 36 hours he did believe me and scheduled urgent surgery to replace the replacement hip. It’s only three weeks since that surgery.

It has become even more difficult for me to attend these functions because ½ a gum tree fell onto my car while I was driving it. It will be with the panel beater until the middle of May.”

Tony Pompilio emailed “Just a brief note to thank you and Kathy for my birthday card from ANZ ROC (Vic).I appreciate the efforts Kathy makes to ensure they are posted and received in time.”

Barry Reid emailed to advise that he and wife Shirley had moved “We are enjoying our new surroundings which are only a 10 minute drive to Torquay and a 15 minute drive into Geelong cbd. Unfortunately my wife Shirley required surgery for a total knee replacement shortly after us arriving here. Recovery has been slow and somewhat painful and has restricted our social activities to date, however hoping to renew friendships with our Geelong friends shortly.” Denis Rice emailed “Thanks for the birthday card which was at home on my return from a South Pacific cruise on the Golden Princess. “

John Taylor emailed “Thank-you for the birthday card and your good wishes. A special thank-you to Kathy Trace for ensuring that the card was delivered on the day as per usual.”

Roger Thompson emailed “Just a short, somewhat belated thank you for my birthday card which was received in April. Could you please pass on to the committee and particularly Kathy my appreciation? My wife and I were touring outback NSW with our caravan in search of some better weather and have only recently returned home to find the birthday greeting amongst our mail.

Peter Westaway emailed from Warragul “Would you kindly convey to Kathy Trace and members of the committee my thanks for the Birthday greetings received as always on the day notwithstanding four changes of address since retirement. Now 20 years this month on from retirement life continues to bestow many days of happiness and good health. Country living has been rewarding.

Best wishes to all the members.”

AND Peter Alexander, Aldo Faella, Helen Farnell, Brian Farrell, Bob Hesketh, Frank Marzin,

ANZROC NSW, Qsld, SA, Tasmania and WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

REMAINING PROGRAM FOR 2017 :

13th July Mulgrave Club

10th August Brian and Shirley Rix at 100 Queen Street

Noel Beanland met Brian and Shirley Rix at Probus and has arranged for them to speak to ANZROC members 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.

14th September Visit to Ballarat

12th October Moonee Valley Race Course Hotel

ANZAC DAY 2017:

This article appeared in the Herald Sun April 23, 2017

“Generations of men and women who served Australia reflect on their experience”

by Aaron Langmaid,

FROM the dark skies over Germany to the dusty plains of Afghanistan, AARON LANGMAID discovers how war has touched the lives of servicemen and women of each generation. Included in his article was this anecdote from our ANZROC member Gerald McPherson who was a rear gunner in World War II. GERALD McPHERSON, 92 — WORLD WAR II, 1944

IT was Gerald McPherson’s 37th flight in a rattling old bomber in his role as a rear gunner — and almost his last.

Nine months into his tour of duty, his plane was caught in the searchlights high above enemy territory.

The pilots threw the plane around like a fighter plane in a bid to get out of sight, back into the dark sky above Kiel, a major naval base in Germany’s north.

“The pilot put the plane nose down; we dived over the North Sea,” Mr McPherson said. “I looked below and suddenly I saw two gunners in another bomber looking straight back at me.

“That’s how close we came to a midair collision.

“To this day, I have never forgotten it. We shouldn’t have been there in the first place and we almost didn’t make it back.”

NEXT MEETING THURSDAY 8th JUNE 2017

ANZ BANK RETIRED OFICERS CLUB NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE

CAULFIELD GLASSHOUSE RESTAURANT at Caulfield Racecourse….from 12 noon 8/6/2017

31 Station Street Caulfield East…

Situated on the edge of the most pristine horse racing courses in the world, is the recently refurbished Caulfield Glasshouse. Providing a modern stylish bistro, new wine and tapas bar, multi-purpose function room, state of the art Sports Bar, alfresco style dining and much much more, we have everything required to entertain guests!

The venue is approximately 200 metres from the Caulfield Railway Station and directly opposite is the venue which is part of the Caulfield Racecourse complex.

There is ample parking is available at the venue in a designated car park opposite the entrance to the restaurant.

There is a good choice of meals from the Bistro menu.

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

In order to meet the Hotel catering requirements if you intend to come to this meeting will you let Joan Nathan know by Phone or e-mail or by mail on the attached acceptance notice by Thursday 1st June 2017

Ron Adams

Newsletter Editor

_________________________________________________________________________________

ACCEPTANCE ANZROC LUNCHEON THURSDAY 1st JUNE 2017 FROM 12 NOON “CAULFIELD GLASSHOUSE RESTAURANT ”

31 Station Street Caulfield East ….

TO : Joan Nathan Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mail: 7 Lightwood Drive, Sunbury, Vic 3429

Phone: 9740 8001

I/we will be attending the Luncheon function

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