Brunch followed by a cruise back in time
On Thursday 15 May 2025, forty members of our Swiss Community Care Society were once again treated to an exciting outing, starting at the Rumilicious Restaurant, Pyrmont, Sydney.
With waterfront views, a generous brunch of Mediterranean food and a stream of never-ending coffee prepared the group for the unique experience to follow.
We then took an easy stroll across the field to Pirrama Park Wharf, in time to observe our vessel, the historic 123 year old steam tugboat Waratah, with a crew of 14 volunteers, advancing towards the wharf.
Once ushered on board by helping hands and seated, the thick mooring rope was lifted, and the tugboat, with its boilers having been heated up the previous night, pulled away. With the heavy chain rattling in the stern commanding the propeller, steam silently drifted past the passengers and evaporated in the sky.
Under the gentle phut phut of the steam engine, we wandered around the boat climbing down the steel ladder to visit the stoker, sneaked a peek into the engine room, and chatted with the knowledgeable volunteers - two of them women.
As the funnel blew black smoke into the dark clouds holding back the rain, a member remarked, ‘the pope has not been selected yet’.
We steamed out into the harbour amongst modern vessels, enjoying the atmosphere aboard one of the oldest working steam tugs in the world. As the Waratah proudly blew its whistle, we thought about how this coal-fired tug was rescued from being scrapped in the 1960s and was lovingly restored by the Sydney Heritage Fleet.
A few raindrops ended a wonderful day.
Enjoy the photos below.
MAY 2024 - FILM AND HIGH TEA, PARLIAMENT HOUSE, sydney
An interesting and enjoyable outing was had at Parliament House in Sydney in May 2024. This comprised of a short film followed by a high tea served in theatrical fashion with billowing ‘smoke’ from three-tiered cake stands and a glass of bubbly.
The film, Tracing a Fatal Journey, recounted the outcome for Swiss national Xavier Mertz from Basle, a polar explorer, mountaineer, and champion skier who joined the 1912 Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Douglas Mawson. Mertz endured unimaginable hardship in the hostile environment, including losing his close companion in a crevasse and being forced to eat his loyal sled dogs in an attempt to survive. Mertz was the first Swiss person to set foot in Antarctica, which also claimed his life at age 30.
march 2024 - lunch at the apprentice restaurant, ultimo
By participating as dining guests, forty two of our members enjoyed the unique experience of observing young hospitality industry students present a first class dining service at the TAFE NSW training school in Ultimo, Sydney.
The March 2024 event was organised by our Community Function Coordinator, Beat Birchmeier and there was no guest age limit.
CHRISTMAS 2023
Christmas cheer for compatriots over 80 years
The committee of eight members was assisted by a dedicated group of volunteers who generously offered their time to hand-deliver 120 Christmas packages to compatriots 80 years and older, located all over Sydney and beyond. Beat, our events coordinator planned the logistics exercise, down to the last cookie and address label, and in November 2023 assigned volunteers to specific recipients.
Each packet contained a box of Wiehnachtsguetsli, a calendar and a letter from our president with Christmas greetings.
Christmas luncheon at the Concordia Club, Tempe
Over 100 guests attended this special luncheon. The 2023 event was convivial with carefully decorated tables, adorned with Swiss chocolates (naturally), and packets of home made Swiss Christmas cookies for each guest. Entertainment was provided by an accordionist. Regula Scheidegger played a piece on violin entitled Kleines Fantasiestück über 'O du fröhliche', accompanied by Tomas Drevikovsky on piano. Guests reminisced as they joined in with singing. A cheerful atmosphere was once again provided by the Swiss dancing group Alpegruess. The Lucky Door Prize hamper along with the tombola, ensured that every guest took home a gift. Guests were pleased to meet Mr Jérôme Charbonnet, Deputy Consul (seated next to Regula in the photo Gallery). As we've come to expect, the Concordia staff provided a quality meal and attentive service. Yet another very popular event, meticulously arranged by Beat Birchmeier and wife Esther. More photos in the Gallery.
The event was wonderful. I enjoyed talking away in Schwiizerdütsch and every time I attend I see another familiar face. Everybody is so kind and nice to talk to. The preparation and all the work put in to organising was absolutely fantastic.
I had such a great time. - Remark from a guest.
AGM - september 2023
Ambush on the 'Grand Canal'
Presentation of Honorary Membership
Presentation of Honorary Membership
At the 2023 AGM, president Regula Scheidegger surprises events coordinator Beat Birchmeier, while treasurer Martin Scarpino looks on. Rosso Italian Restaurant, Gladesville.
Presentation of Honorary Membership
Presentation of Honorary Membership
Presentation of Honorary Membership
In acknowledgement of their tireless work for the society, Beat and Esther Birchmeier are awarded Honorary Life Membership to the Society, by Regula Scheidegger.
AGM 2022
Flowers to farewell Uschy Suter (left) and Ursula Moser (right) from the committee. President Regula Scheidegger thanked these two committee members for their work and dedication over many years.