2023 December Christmas Functions

Canberra Christmas Luncheon 2023

ANZROC held an eventful function at the Royal Canberra Golf Club in Yarralumla. There were 23 in attendance, which was quite encouraging. After pre-dinner drinks, we sat down for our meal and shortly after being served, serious thunder and lightning caused a power failure in the building and, in fact, throughout, the whole suburb and nearby district. We had to finish our main course in semi-darkness, and then made the usual brief announcement for apologies and promoting ANZROC membership our mobile phone torches. Our dessert course was served in darkness with a few mini-candles and the odd phone torch at each of the three tables .Nevertheless, the social interaction and connection with free-flowing discussion continued even though we couldn’t see each other's eyes or reactions.

Coffs Harbour Christmas Luncheon 2023

Coffs Harbour held their first luncheon for several years on Wednesday 29th November at Jetty Beach House with 20 attendees. Members and their partners had a very enjoyable time catching up with people they had not seen for some time. The venue worked out very well with their own area and was not overcrowded. Thank you to Geoff for organising the function and we trust that members up your way will support futures ones in 2024. A few photos were taken on the day by photographer Terry Maguire, and these are below for members to view.

Illawarra Christmas Luncheon 2023

A good day was had at the Illawarra gathering today, with 55 attending, 34 of whom were members of ANZROC (NSW), together with their partners or friends.
Geoff and Robyn Taylor, Peter and Jean Maber, Ken and Lindy Dighton, Peter and Cathie Robison and Graeme and Judith Bool attended from outside the Illawarra due to some very long-term old connection to the area, and their efforts in making the journey is much appreciated. A lot of new faces attended - too many to mention individually - but it is hoped they enjoyed themselves sufficiently to line up for a rematch next year.

The food was good and chatter was incessant and noisy with the usual reminiscing, exaggerations and recounting of funny or ironic or outright outrageous behaviour of our peers over a long time kept all amused throughout the afternoon. A warm thank-you to Laurie Sainsbury who acted as spokesman on the day with announcements and apologies etc. Graeme Bool also spoke on behalf of the ANZROC (NSW) Committee and thanked the Illawarra team for their attendance and the organisers. He also mentioned the strong support we receive from The ANZ Bank under the direction of our CEO Shayne Elliott who has been a strong supporter of the Retired Officer Clubs throughout the organisation.

Port Maquarie Christmas Luncheon 2023

Club Co-Ordinator Ann Pereira advised the Club that Port Macquarie area had a very successful Christmas luncheon 7 December 2023. There were 17 attendees at the luncheon, and they all enjoyed the get-together to catch up with old ANZ colleagues, workmates, and comradeship and reminisce about their time in the bank. Well done, Ann, and great to see the support from retired ANZers in the area and the good attendance on the day.

Newcastle Christmas Luncheon 2023

A dull and occasionally rainy day (unusual for Newcastle!) had to be contended with by the25 members and partners for the end-of-year Newcastle lunch. Fortunately, the rainy patches did not cause any great inconvenience for our guests. Geoff Boyton formally welcomed everyone, and Ron Welsh gave a heartfelt eulogy for our good mate and longstanding “worker” for the Newcastle ROC sub-branch, Jim Richardson, who passed away in August. It was great to see Jim’s widow Cheryl back on deck and lending her usual willing hand by organising the lucky-door prizes.All-in-all, it was a happy group who all seemed to once again enjoy each others’ company and the Cardiff RSL buffet.

Sydney Christmas Luncheon 2023

Thanks to the very generous support of our Club Patron Gerard Florian the Club was again able to have our annual Christmas Cocktail function in ANZ Tower Sydney on 5 December 2023. Gerard was unable to host our function; however, we were delighted that ANZ Executive Mark Monaghan was able to host and provide a very informative update on ANZ Group position in the market to members present at the Cocktail function.
A very good turnout by members including from interstate, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong, and South Coast who travelled some distance to attend, together with our Metro members and all had a very enjoyable time meeting up with old ANZ colleagues. President Noel welcomed all to the function and specifically our host Mark Monaghan and thanked Gerard’s Executive Assistant Amanda Clarke for her arranging the function.
Immediate Past President Terry Auld thanked Mark for his attendance and very informative market update on ANZ Group which was very well received by members present. A very enjoyable function and we are very appreciative of the support of our Patron Gerard Florian and the Bank to ANZ Retired Officers. Happy & Safe Christmas to all members and their families and we look forward to 2024.

Wagga Wagga Christmas Luncheon 2023

Co-Ordinator Kevin Cameron advised that Wagga area held their Christmas luncheon at Wagga Wagga RSL Club on Saturday 9 December 2023. He said, "We had a very enjoyable lunch even though mercury was around 40, so it was very hot for travellers." Great to see members and their partners supporting Kevin, and all the best for a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

Past Events