Committee 2009

Peter , President I grew up on a “Purahof” im St Galler Rheintal. In 1967, after a few drinks with a mate, the decision was made to leave Switzerland and go to the furthest point abroad and that seemed to be Australia. I disembarked the HMSS Orcades in Fremantle on the 16th January 68. I didn’t know anybody, had $ 25.00 left in my pocket and I did not “speaka” the English. Everybody went out of their way to help the poor bloke from Switzerland.  From farmhand in Merredin, I advanced to driving a 100 tonne haul pack up in Tom Price, to driving MTT buses in Perth. As I did not know Perth at all, my passengers usually guided me safely to the right destinations. Annalise, joined me at this time and we started our life together, far from home for her. It was time again to change career. From selling Collier’s Encyclopaedias door to door, I went to selling Regna and Hasler cash registers in the country of WA. In June1971, towing a caravan, we went around Australia, taking our 2 ½ year old Christoph along. I was enjoying myself, selling my new and traded cash registers around the country.  At the end of 1972, back in Perth, we packed our bags and headed to Switzerland with son and 6 weeks old daughter. The idea was to go for 3 to 6 month. The Swiss Army must have seen my potential and kept me, a little bit longer than anticipated. Having reached the rank of captain in record time, but still to many years short of general, I made another career change. After spending a year as manager oil milling with Unilever, I decided to start my own business in the feed additive area.  At the end of 1981, Annalise and I made the decision, to take our next holiday in Western Australia. Having sold our business, we left Switzerland in early 84 and made our home again in the hills of Perth. In the mean time, our family had grown to five. First we made a living in manufacturing and selling animal feed. In 92 we changed to window tinting, than home and business security and finally we moved into home renovations. Presently, we have enough to do, looking after our property and being grand parents.  Peter Gabathuler Keith, Vice-President Hoi, Sali, Gruezi, my name is Keith Worsley. I’m an English born Australian. I have lived in Australia since 1969. I grew up in Lesmurdie and have always lived in the hills or foothills of Perth. I met my wife Susanne in 1981 shortly after her immigrating from Aarau, Kanton Aargau with her parents Walter & Dorli Riniker. Sue & I were married in 1990 and in February 1998 became proud parents of twins Jasmine and Joshua. My first visit to Switzerland was in 1987. I instantly fell in love with the Swiss countryside, the architecture, culture, history, the people and the variety of languages and dialects to be found. It took another 9 years for a return to Switzerland before further holidays in ’97, ’99 and 2004. In 2001/02 I was elected to the SCWA committee serving as Secretary and Entertainment Officer until 2003/04. I understand some Swiss German but was happy to learn that the meetings were primarily spoken in English. I found being a member of the committee both a challenging and a rewarding experience. As the long term future and financial viability of our club relies on maintaining existing memberships, introducing new members and having our children remain active within the club as they “age out”; I believe this focus is as important now as it was back in 2001. I look forward to serving the Swiss community of Western Australia as a member of YOUR committee; a committee comprising of both old and new faces offering a mixture of experience, fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Keith Worsley Livia, Secretary I was born in Zurich and lived around that area for my first 20 years. After flying around the world as a flight attendant I decided to backpack Australia and improve my English. That is when I met my now husband in Perth and got hooked to the place.  I love Australian summer and the outdoor lifestyle, especially the beach, Rottnest Island and the river for wakeboarding. My family still lives in Switzerland but visit me regularly and once a year I go home to catch up with family and friends. I am looking forward to the involvement with the Swiss Club WA for the coming year. Livia Russell Veronica, Treasurer  Recently retired CPA Maja, Editor Dear Members, This will be my 4th year on the Committee with humble beginnings. I started off my career in the Swiss Club as Committee Member in 2005/06 and graduated to Editor in 2006/2007. It seems 2009/10 will be a greater challenge. I will be grateful of any ideas, reports and encouraging contribution to help produce the magazine. Don’t forget, this magazine is for club members (YOU) and should reflect on our Swiss culture and needs. I am looking forward to a great year with the club. Cheers, Maya Pitts Ben, Property Manager Ben Schildknecht Annaliese, Functions I was born in the “St Galler Rheintal” and I followed Peter  to Australia on 14th October 1968. Our life together started with the  Meckering Earthquake, shaking the pillars in the GPO in Perth, while  we were trying to send a telegram to my parents, that I had arrived  safely. As you can imagine, my life with Peter was never dull.  I keep busy, looking after our 3 year old grand son, but I still  manage to do some crafty things in between.  Annaliese Gabathuler