REGIONAL NEWS

OCEANIA te: Please no Editorial Deadline Next 2019 4 January

ROLAND ISLER Swiss representations and the community. Read all about it REGIONAL EDITOR | OCEANIA on the CSA Oceania website: www. csa-oceania.org COUNCIL OF THE SWISS ABROAD | AUSTRALIA ■ The next edition of the «Swiss Review» will not contain Editorial: regional pages. This edition is therefore the last one this year Dear compatriots and friends, to include the «Regional News Oceania» Please take note of the editorial deadline for the first issue for 2019: ■ The Congress of the Swiss Abroad and the assembly of the Council were held in Visp on 10-12 August. At this Issue Editorial deadline Publication date most important annual event for Swiss Abroad, the Swiss community in 1/2019 Fri, 4 January 2019 Thu, 31 January 2019 Oceania was well represented by two CSA delegates from Australia and ■ I am very pleased to announce that from next year two from New Zealand. You can find a report on the CSA Oceania website: onwards, the «Regional News Oceania» section will increase www. csa-oceania.org from four pages to eight. With your support, I welcome ■ The bi-annual CSA Oceania Swiss Club Presidents’ Conference the opportunity to bringing you an even greater variety of held in Sydney concluded on 30 September. This event is an initiative by stories and news about our diverse Swiss community in your elected Australian Council delegates to bring together the leaders of Oceania. Please send your submissions by the above deadline Swiss clubs, organisation and groups in Oceania. The aim is to foster closer to [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from ties and provide an opportunity for information exchange between the you! Contact: +61 (0)412 935 565. Swiss Military Small Band Oceania Tour

In New Zealand, Swiss National Day was celebrated this year in a very of the Swiss Yodlers, and the next day they performed at special way. For the first time ever, a Swiss Army Band has visited New the Swiss Club of Victoria in Melbourne. On 8 August they Zealand! There have been several visits by New Zealand Military Bands delighted audiences at Federation Square right in the heart to Switzerland in the past and also a memorable performance of the of Melbourne, concluding their extensive Oceania tour. For civilian Top Secret Drum Corps from Basel at the 2016 Royal a visual as well as auditory sample of that performance go Military Tattoo in . But now Ambassador David Vogelsanger to: https://youtu.be/RLJ5PSFes7M had convinced the Department of Defence to send a formation of the To join the Swiss musicians for combined performances, Swiss Army Band on the longest trip they have ever taken. Australia mobilised the Australian Army Band, the Royal From 27 July to 1 August, the formation of sixteen young musicians Australian Navy Band and the Royal Australian Air Force gave a dozen performances in , Taranaki, New Plymouth and Band, as well as the Royal Australian Military College Band. Wellington. The Swiss Military Small Band joined forces with their New The musical harmony between the bands was a strong Zealand counterparts, the Band, the Royal New symbol for the solid friendship and reliable cooperation Zealand Navy Band and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band. The between Switzerland and Australia. bands never failed to delight spectators with their brilliant musicianship This series of performances was organised by the Swiss and extensive and sometimes surprising repertoire. Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate General in Sydney, During the Australian with support from RUAG Australia. leg of their first ever tour in Oceania, the Swiss Military Small Band gave five concerts together with Australian Organisation of the Swiss Abroad musicians in three cities: in Canberra, the performances Go to www.csa-oceania.org for the celebration of the Swiss National Day at the Embassy ■ for links to all Swiss Community Groups, Swiss Organisations and happily coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Australian Army Band Swiss Consular Representations in Oceania and important information Corps. The Swiss Band also performed at the Australian War Memorial in about issues concerning Swiss Abroad Canberra to commemorate the end of the First World War one hundred ■ Contact the CSA Oceania on [email protected] years ago. In Sydney, the Band played at the National Day Celebration

Swiss Review / September 2018 / No. 5 II Regional News Oceania

Community News and Events conjunction with our 1st of August celebrations held on the 29th of July, PNG: 1000 reasons to be thankful Mr. Rolf Gfeller opened the evening. with 280 people attending. It wasn’t just a simple bonfire our The invited Guest of Honour was the Upcoming Events: Permanent Secretary for the Ministry Swiss community enjoyed on the 727th 4 & 18/10: Keglen recommences at of Foreign Affairs for the Government of 7.30pm. Please bring a plate for supper. birthday of our nation at Orobiga, in Fiji, Mr. Ioana Naivalurua. 14 & 28/10: The small bore shooting rifle the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The evening master, Mark Kiser, will be hosting a flowed with series of three free courses to promote food and wine and encourage our juniors, in particular, and exchange on gun safety. It would be great to have of stories and a good muster of keen junior shooters information. to attend these sessions. Please contact There were Mark on 06 278 6266 or Othmar on 06 friendships created for some and for 278 6878 for further information. some it was great to catch up with 21/10: The Trudi Ott Belt will be at friends. There were Swiss Nationals stake in the small bore shoot, as well who came from Vanuabalavu – another as participants being able to shoot the island paradise in the Fiji group, from Championship Shoot. Shooting starts at the West of Viti Levu including Lautoka 1.00pm. Come along and give it a go. and Nadi and from central of Viti Levu 4/11: The final session on gun safety including Suva, Pacific Harbour and the Days ahead, the preparations started from 1.00pm with some shooting beautiful island of Beqa. by collecting dozens of long bamboo practice. The night was full of fun and laughter sticks, setting them up like a tipi tent. 1 & 15/11: Keglen, once again at 7.30pm. and ended with a promise to see each After an excellent Swiss meal, right after For further information please contact other again soon. getting dark, the 25 Swiss patriots were Heidi on 06 273 4286. Fiji was the first country in the world welcomed by a huge fire with hundreds 18/11: The Ted Napflin Memorial Shield to celebrate 1st of August. Vinaka, thank- of ‘bamboo shoots’ outperforming many and the Championship Shoots will be you, to all who made this wonderful day fireworks in Switzerland and without contested from 1.00pm. Please make possible. even spending a cent! Yes, we had a every effort to attend. thousand reasons to bow our heads, NZ: Taranaki Swiss Club 25/11: The annual Christmas Shoot being thankful to God for our beautiful Our popular Anniversary Shoot where / Keglen will be held from 10.00am. home, Switzerland, and its freedom. competitors could either shoot or skittle, Please bring a wrapped prize worth at was held on 7 July. Mark organises this least $10 and a $5 entry fee (this allows Fiji: 1st of August Celebrations event so well, and everyone enjoyed you to go into the mystery prize draws). The National Day of Switzerland was a superb meal of Sauerkraut, Margy’s Parents / grandparents please bring a celebrated on 28th July in the paradise delicious pickled red cabbage, potatoes, named, wrapped present for your child of Fiji Islands. peas, pork and Wienerli. Grateful thanks / grandchild for Father Christmas to to Mark and our talented musicians who distribute. Activities will be organised entertained the crowd. A great night! for the children with a Christmas The competitive Jassen afternoons theme. A pot-luck lunch will also be have finished, with the winner of the held, with Father Christmas making his JassentrophythisyearbeingHeidiSeifert appearance after dessert. A wonderful with joint runners-up Edi Fuglistaller social day, so please come along. and Mathias Seifert, congratulations to the winners. Social Jassen afternoons are NSW: Swiss Yodlers of Sydney & Swiss The 1st of August has given us an continuing, so if you’re interested please Folksdance Group Alpegruess opportunity to meet and remember contact Walter Seifert on 06 762 8559. Our annual Swiss National Day where we all came from. The best part We enjoyed the visit and concerts celebration, organised by the Swiss is that we can celebrate Swiss National by the Swiss Army Band very much, and Yodlers and the Folkdance Group Day wherever we are, in Switzerland or were very grateful to our Ambassador, Alpegruess, was held on Sunday, 5 abroad. David Vogelsanger for organising this August with over 1200 in attendance at There are a total of 47 Swiss Nationals tour. These musicians are very young the Castle Hill Showgrounds. living in Fiji, 18 of which attended this and friendly, so immensely talented. We had pleasure in welcoming Swiss event. The Honorary Consul General The concert held in Stratford was in Ambassador to Australia Mr. Pedro

Swiss Review / September 2018 / No. 5 Regional News Oceania III

Zwahlen and his wife QLD: Swiss Society of Queensland Mrs. Yasmine Chatila Upcoming Events: Zwahlen, Ambassador 13/10: AGM @ the Anglican church Hall in Hamilton QLD, to Kiribati, Nauru, the meeting will start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Papua New Guinea, 2-4/11: Springbrook Weekend, where participants help in Solomon Islands and the weeding program for half a day. Vanuatu. Also, a warm 2/12: Santa Claus is visiting the children later in the thank-you to the afternoon at the Scouts Club house on the foreshore in Consul General, Mrs. Bernadette Hunkler-Brown, her husband Wynnum. Nigel, and other members of the consular staff for attending this Any of the events are published on our website on event and supporting the local Swiss community. www.swissclubqld.org.au or for more information please The highlights of this year’s celebration was the attendance contact Anita Meier on 0401 957 309. of the Swiss Military Small Band, together with a combined Australian Army and Navy Band. The bands entertained us for an VIC: The Matterhorn Yodel Choir hour or more with wonderful music and singing which was greatly The Swiss National Day appreciated by all in attendance. They played the Australian, Swiss Picnic was held on 5 and Bernese National Anthems, the latter being requested by the August and the weather Ambassador. gods were smiling The Yodlers would like to thank the Ambassador for organising upon us with the most the attendance of the bands and for addressing our large gathering amazing weather. We of Swiss and friends of Switzerland. The attraction of the childrens’ estimate around 400 petting zoo, the Swiss wrestlers, bottle fishing, tombola, silent to 500 people attended auction and market stalls – all added to the day’s atmosphere. and enjoyed the food, Finally, the Yodlers would like to extend our thanks to our entertainment and most of all the social aspect, which is generous sponsors who have continuously enabled this annual always valued and a big part of the day. event to take place and to our volunteers, whose energy and input On 29 September the choir performed in Sydney as part we could not do without. of the Swiss Yodlers of Sydney 50th anniversary. Upcoming Event: Upcoming Event: 24/11: SCCS Seniors Christmas Luncheon in Tempe. Performing on either Saturday or Sunday October 27th and QLD: Fraser Coast Swiss Group 28th as part of the Swiss Festival in St Kilda (Check Swiss Festival for program details). Upcoming Events: 18/11: Performing in concerts at aged care sites. 7/10: Last Whale watching in Hervey Bay. We now have a Facebook page under the name Swiss 15/10: Lunch at Beach Café Aqua Vue, Torquay. Yodel Choir Matterhorn. We’d love you to like us. 15th of each following month: Meet for lunch. 15/12: Santa/Christmas Celebrations at private property. VIC: Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess A.S.C.C. For details contact Cecile Scherrer on 0409 286 326 or cecile. Upcoming Event: [email protected] or go to www.swissclubqld.org.au/ 14/11: FAHRT INS BLAUE – fraser-coast we would like to invite the retired community (over 65) to our mysterious and exiting MYSTERY TRIP. Cost is $40 per person, which includes a three course lunch. Pleased send your cheque to Sylvia Hochuli, 92 Addison Street, ELWOOD Vic 3184 or ring 9531 6575. VIC: Swiss Folk Dance Group Alpenrose The group had a busy year performing and learning new dances for our trip to Brisbane, where we will take part in the National Folkstanzfest at Easter next year. 2019 will be an exiting year for the group as we will celebrate our 70th anniversary! On behalf of both groups, I wish everyone all the best for the reminder of the year and the Festive Season ahead. Sylvia Hochuli OAM

Swiss Review / September 2018 / No. 5 IV Regional News Oceania

WA: The Swiss Yodellers of Western Australia Our group meets every first Wednesday evening of the month for a practice session. We are not only a yodelling group, but sing traditional Swiss and Alpine Region songs in different ACT: Events calendar languages. We would be very happy to SCREENING OF ‘THE DIVINE ORDER’ welcome new members anytime. We ■ On 17 October, the Embassy in Canberra will, Indulge in some Swissness for TWO days this desperately need new and young(er) in collaboration with the Australian National year at the beautiful and easily accessible Eildon blood for our happy band. For more mansion in St Kilda! University Film Group, screen the Swiss movie ‘The detailed information please contact our This year’s theme ‘DO YOU SPEAK SWISS?!’ will Divine Order’. manager, Peter Mueller on 9291 8402. shed some light on our often puzzling variety of Tickets to the screening will be offered through languages. Participate in some free language trial the Embassy’s Facebook page. classes and embark on an engaging scavenger hunt WA: Monatsjass based on the scenic ‘Grand Tour of Switzerland’! This is a monthly event and we meet ■ STAND UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS Enjoy food and drink from all culinary corners of every 3rd Thursday of each month, i.e. In connection with the 70th anniversary of our country and beyond, the greatest variety of somewhere between the 15th and 21st. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on entertainment yet, workshops, an art exhibition and a big surprise for everyone! And of course cheese, We meet and play at the North Perth 10 December, the Embassy in Canberra will, chocolate and TWO FLIGHTS TO SWITZERLAND Bowling Club, 10 Farmer Street, North in collaboration with the Australian National TO WIN!!! Perth. Drinks are available from the University Law School and the ANU Film Group, Don’t miss out on pre-festival give-aways and raffle bar at reasonable prices. We usually screen the movie ‘Non Assistance’, followed by a ticket pre-sales and follow us on: order pizzas for those who have not panel discussion. This movie is part of the program (fb) Swiss Festival Australia of the Human Rights Film festival in Geneva this (in) @swissfestivalaustralia had dinner. Play starts at 7pm. For more (web) www.swissfestival.com.au detailed information please contact year. It deals with the refugee crisis in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. Peter Mueller on 9291 8402. Further information will soon be published on VIC: Groupe Romand du Victoria the Embassy’s website and Facebook page. The Groupe Romand was founded in Further information: 1990 as a social club for French-speaking The Embassy of Switzerland in Canberra and the Swiss and other Francophones to meet Consulate General in Sydney are now on Facebook. and enjoy each other’s company in a Follow them for more information on the Embassy relaxed and informal atmosphere. We and Consulate’s activities, as well as regular have our own membership structure updates and information about Switzerland and all and are affiliated to the Swiss Club of things Swiss. Victoria. www.facebook.com/ The Group organises a number of SwissEmbassyCanberra recurring events like fondue or raclette CONGRATULATIONS! evenings, picnics, pétanque afternoons, Ecologist Dr Dieter Hochuli, mini-golf days and the viewing of Associate Professor at French movies. We are also active within Sydney University, has been the wider Swiss community for the honoured by having a newly celebration of the Swiss National Day as discovered species of mirid well as Swiss cultural events such as the (plant bug) named after him. Swiss Festival. World – meet Blattakeraia New members, new ideas and new hochuli! talent are always welcome. Contact the Congratulations to Dieter, Co-Presidents: his team and his family! Patricia Callegari-Medcalf This makes at least two Swiss names The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad has launched an T: 9583 2860 M: 0408 299660 that have been immortalised by having online petition calling for the introduction of e-voting [email protected] an Australian species named after. over the next three years. Your CSA Oceania delegates Anne-Lise Kavadas Professor Othmar Rietmann in the fully support this initiative and encourage all Swiss in T: 9489 0274 M: 0409 509 343 1860s discovered a species of freshwater Oceania to sign the petition: www.evoting2021.ch [email protected] snail, Bulimus rietmanni.

Swiss Review / September 2018 / No. 5