Notice Board - ANZ Retired Officers' Club (Vic)

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Report on 833 Collins St lunch June 2012

President Neville Pearson welcomed 61 members and partners and our guest speaker Philip Chronican CEO ANZ Australia and Steve Reeves from ANZ.

Secretary Peter Pritchard advised members of the apologies, bereavements and forthcoming meetings. Our newest member Bernadette Lynch and our long time member Terry Talbot who flew in from Evandale, Tasmania were attending their first luncheon meeting and those not seen for a while or returning from holidays included Ian Davies, Neil Dawtrey, Ray Gill, Val Goldsworthy, Phil Goodier, Frank Hatfield, Larry James and Keith Witney .It was a pleasure to welcome several of the partners of members attending and this made for a very sociable luncheon spent in the ANZ Headquarters at 833 Collins Street with widespread views of the city and Yarra . The catering was first class and several of the attendees were also given a guided tour of part of the premises which was greatly appreciated by those present.

GUEST SPEAKER

Our guest speaker was Philip Chronican who is Chief Executive Officer, Australia. Philip oversees the Australian geography and is specifically responsible for the bank's retail and commercial business and customers in Australia, as well as leading ANZ’s retail segment on a global basis.

Philip joined ANZ in November 2009. Prior to this, Philip was Group Executive for Westpac Institutional Bank since 2005 and Chief Financial Officer for Westpac Banking Corporation between 2001 and 2005. Philip had a long career with Westpac Banking Corporation dating back to 1982, which included various roles in retail banking, capital markets, treasury, economics and strategy. Philip holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours from the University of Otago in New Zealand and a Master of Business Administration with Distinction from the International Management Institute, Geneva.

Philip spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing ANZ in his area of responsibility in Australia. He outlined the scenarios that his team is working through including the concerns they have with the European banking crisis and the ongoing advantages Australia is enjoying through the Bank’s Asian links. Philip stressed the importance of the cohesion in the ANZ executive team and the benefits resulting from this co-operation and detailed some of the strategies now underway including the emphasis on customer service and further moves towards digital banking.

Members and partners were fortunate to hear Philip speak frankly on ANZ’s operations in Australia and he responded to a number of relevant questions raised by the attendees. Gary Mason proposed the vote of thanks on our behalf in his usual inimitable style.

Charles Rennie visit to ANZ Docklands

Charles Rennie former Managing Director of ANZ Bank turns 100 next year and as part of the lead-up celebrations an afternoon tea with Mike Smith was arranged in the Executive offices of ANZ HQ in Docklands.

Neville Pearson reports that ANZROC was represented by himself, Kathy Trace, Peter Pritchard, John McPhee and John Vanselow . John Vanselow worked with Charles Rennie when Charles was Managing Director. We all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and the stunning views from Mike Smith’s office and the Executive suites which were very impressive indeed and very much focused on state of the art communication technology.

PROFILE: CHARLES HENRY RENNIE

General Manager of Australia and New Zealand Bank Ltd (1967-69) Director and Chief General Manager, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (1969-73) and Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (1973-76)

Born at Kew, Victoria, on 31 March 1913, and educated at University High School, Melbourne, Charles Rennie joined the Union Bank of Australia on 20 December 1928.

He began as a clerk at 351 Collins Street, Melbourne, and moved through a series of branch clerical positions until September 1942, when he joined the RAAF.

On returning to the Bank in June 1945 he was appointed Accountant/Teller at Elsternwick. Early in 1946 he was transferred to the Inspector's Department (Victoria & Tasmania Division) and became Chief Clerk in this Department in 1948.

In July 1949 he was appointed Manager of the Union's branch on the corner of Lonsdale & Exhibition Streets, Melbourne. He attended the Administrative Staff College at Henley-on-Thames in 1953 while serving with the Bank in London. Between 1954 and 1957 he worked in the General Manager's Office, Melbourne, where he became Assistant Inspector in July 1954 and Assistant Senior Administrative Officer (Premises) in July 1955.

In April 1957 he was appointed Manager of ANZ Bank's branch at 377 George Street, Sydney, and in January 1960 he moved to Wellington, New Zealand, as Senior District Manager of the New Zealand Division. In July 1961 he became Deputy Chief Manager of this Division, and Chief Manager in April 1962.

He was appointed a Director and Chief General Manager of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd in 1969 and Managing Director on 1 April 1973.

Charles Rennie retired on 31 March 1976. His dedication and ability were vital elements in the success of the merger which formed Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd and he was a driving force behind the transfer of the Bank's domicile from London to Melbourne, one of the most momentous decisions in the history of ANZ Bank

Ian William Ewing

We regret to advise that Ian Ewing passed away aged 74. Ian worked at ANZ for 37 years.Ian was also a Past Commodore of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Ian's life was held at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, Pier Road, St Kilda on FRIDAY June 15 2012 at 10am.

Neville Pearson wrote the following :

Just returned from Ian Ewing funeral which was attended by approx 350 people at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron at 10.00am 15^th June 2012

Fantastic setting with Ian’s prized 34ft ‘Dubois’ Yacht displayed outside the windows of the room where the service was held, overlooking the Bay and StKilda Pier.

The ANZROC committee was represented by Neville Pearson and Con La Fauci. There were several ANZ yachting friends in attendance

Ian held several senior Freemason positions including Master of Sandringham Lodge, Grand Sword Bearer and the list goes on. Approx half the attendees were Freemasons and the service was a Masonic Commemoration

Frank Stanson

We regret to advise that Frank Stanson passed away on the morning of June 6 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Our sincere condolonces are extended to Christine and Daniel.

Frank worked at ANZ for nearly 30 years in the Treasury Dealing area and spent many years in the London and Hong Kong dealing rooms. He was a larger than life personality and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Frank's funeral at Templestowe Chapel on June 14 was standing room only with a huge turnout of family and friends including a large contingent of his ANZ colleagues. Anzroc was represented by Kevin Mitchell. A moving summary of Frank's life written by Christine was read by the Celebrant, Janis Tait and was followed by a heartfelt Tribute by his son Daniel. A couple of friends then shared their stories of times with Frank which inevitably involved cars and pubs. We then left for The Templestowe Hotel to gather with the family and share refreshments and toast Frank's wonderful life.

Bluey Duguid wins anzroc golf comp at Latrobe

The anzroc golf day at Latrobe attracted 31 players on Monday June 4 and we were extremely lucky to have the best of the weather in the morning. As soon as we completed our round the rain came and poured down steadily all afternoon.

Home ground advantage may have played a role but the winner on a countback with 40 points was Latrobe member John Bluey Duguid. The unlucky runner-up was Richard Harding, also a member at Latrobe. Third with 37 points was Jeff Pitt who plays on our neighbouring course at Kew. The two ladies played very well and Noelene Sudholz with 36 points just beat Kathy Trace with 35. Nearest the pins were also won by Bluey, Jeff Jim Karabatsos and John Graham.

We finished with a very pleasant lunch after an enjoyable game of winter golf.