History

What's on?

Exhibition

Gala Ball

Sponsors

Booklet

Greetings

A Message from Mr Herbert Reiter,
President of the Austrian Association Sa Inc.


Dear Members and Friends,

I welcome all members and friends to our special year of celebration
“50 years Austrian Association in South Australia”

This achievement has only been made possible by the outstanding contribution made by the members of our club who have given many hours of their time to make the club what it is today.

From the beginning to present day our association has been run entirely
on a voluntary basis which in itself is an outstanding achievement and it
is a wonderful reflection on our community in wanting our club to continue to be the focal point for the Austrian Community living in South Australia.

Sadly time has beaten many of our members who did so much in the early years of our club and their efforts will always remain close to our hearts.

I wish to pay tribute to our past presidents and their committees for their magnificent contribution and laying a strong foundation that reflects on our club today.

I wish to acknowledge the many letters we have received in regard to our 50th Birthday and to say thank you to you all for your wonderful support.

Also heartfelt thanks to the many sponsors for their generous support towards our 50 year celebrations.

Our 50th Birthday is a celebration of success by the Austrian Community here in South Australia and I extend best wishes and thanks to you all for your wonderful contribution and support you have given us and I look forward to many more successful years to come.

With best wishes,

Herbert Reiter
President of the Austrian Association SA Inc., Adelaide

Grussbotschaft von Dr. Heinz Fischer,
Bundespräsident von Österreich

Liebe Landsleute und Herzensösterreicher!
Als Bundespräsident der Republik Österreich freue ich mich sehr, dem
"Österreichischen Klub Adelaide" anlässlich seines 50-jährigen Jubiläums herzlich zu gratulieren.

Ein nicht unbeträchtlicher Teil der Österreicherinnen und Österreicher lebt
berufsbedingt oder aus persönlichen Gründen im Ausland, ohne die Verbindung mit
ihrer alten Heimat verloren zu haben. Sie haben sich in vielen Ländern zu
Vereinigungen zusammengeschlossen, um einander in der neuen Heimat zu
unterstützen und neue soziale Kontakte zu schliessen.

So grüsse ich alle in Adelaide lebenden Landsleute, ihre Freunde und Bekannten, sehr
herzlich und freue mich, dass Sie in Australien eine neue Heimat gefunden haben.
Seit fünfzig Jahren ist der Österreichische Klub Adelaide eine Heimstätte für alle, die
ein "Stück Österreich" leben wollen. Die alljährliche Feier anlässlich unseres National-feiertags am 26. Oktober zeigt mir auch, dass sie darüberhinaus lebhaft daran Anteil nehmen, welchen politischen Weg Österreich in Europa und in der Welt gehen will.

Als Mitglieder dieses Klubs sind Sie alle "Botschafter" österreichischer Kultur und
Lebensart und leisten damit einen nicht zu unterschätzenden Beitrag zur Integration
zwischen unseren beiden Ländern auf der Ebene der persönlichen Beziehungen- dafür
ein ganz besonders herzliches "Danke"!

Zum Geburtstag wünsche ich dem Österreichischen Klub Adelaide, allen Mitgliedern
und Freunden, dass er weiterhin "Austria in Australia" so lebendig und vorzüglich
repräsentiert, wie das in den vergangenen 50 Jahren geschehen ist.
Ich danke Ihnen sehr herzlich für Ihr Engagement und wünsche Ihnen viel Erfolg für
Ihre Festveranstaltungen und alles Gute für Ihre weitere persönliche Zukunft!

Dr. Heinz Fischer
Bundespräsident der Republik Österreich

Message from Mr John Howard,
Prime Minister of Australia


It is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to the Austrian Association of South Australia on its 50th anniversary.

Many Austrians were to take up the challenge of immigrating to Australia
in the second half of the twentieth century and I understand the association was set up to help Austrian immigrants settle into the community and overcome the difficulties encountered during the early years in South Australia.

The association has now become the community centre for Austrians living in South Australia, holding many events throughout the year and generally supporting the community. It is occasions such as this anniversary that contribute to the mutual understanding that has been so important in the development of our diverse and harmonious society.

The Australian Government is firmly committed to a modern, vital and diverse Australia in which all people have freedom to express and share their cultural values and to be active and equal participants in our society. The genuine commitment of all Australians to a nation united by tolerance and mutual respect for others continues to build and strengthen this country.

I am pleased to offer my congratulations and support to the Austrian Association of South Australia and wish the organisers and members every success in celebrating your 50th Anniversary.

John Howard
Prime Minister of Australia, Canberra
Message from Mr Mike Rann,
Premier of South Austalia


I have much pleasure in sending this message of greetings and good wishes to the Austrian Association of South Australia on the landmark occasion of the 50th anniversary of its foundation.

On behalf of the Government of South Australia, I pay tribute to the local
Austrian community for its contribution to the social, cultural and economic development of our State.

Over the past 50 years, the Austrian Association has provided a wide range of services to the community and has responded to the changing needs of its members. Through the Association, the Austrian community has maintained and generously shared its rich heritage and traditions with all South Australians.

I extend my warmest congratulations on the 50th Anniversary of the Austrian Association of South Australia, and my very best wishes for a prosperous and successful future for all Austrian South Australians.

Mike Rann
Premier Minister of South Australia, Adelaide
Grussbotschaft von Dr Hans Demel,
Österreichischer Botschafter in Australien


Liebe Landsleute in Südaustralien!

Mit besonderer Freude möchte ich dem Österreichischen Klub Adelaide meine besten Wünsche zum 50-jährigen Jubiläum, das im Jahr 2007 gefeiert wird, übermitteln.

Wie unsere Heimat, die Republik Österreich, hat auch der Österreichische Klub Adelaide eine wechselvolle Geschichte:

War der Klub zunächst für alle Österreicher in Südaustralien, die ihre Heimat zumeist nur ungern verlassen haben, ein Bollwerk gegen Heimweh, Sprachschwierigkeiten und viele andere Probleme in einem fremden Land, so ist er heute ein Zentrum österreichischer Kultur und Lebensfreude nicht nur für diejenigen, die in Australien ihre zweite Heimat gefunden haben, sondern auch für ihre australischen Freunde.

Sie alle, liebe Mitglieder des Österreichischen Klubs Adelaide, sind ein lebender Beweis dafür, dass Österreicher sich in den unterschiedlichsten Bereichen überall bewähren und imstande sind, Brücken zu anderen Ländern und Kulturen zu bauen.

Ihr Klub ist trotz 50 Jahren im Herzen immer jung geblieben, wie die vielen jugendlichen Mitglieder in den Tanz- und Singgruppen beweisen. Für ihre Liebe zur Heimat, die sie ganz offensichtlich an die nächste Generation weitergegeben haben und die liebevolle Pflege österreichischer Kultur und österreichischer Lebensart möchte ich ihnen als österreichischer Botschafter von ganzem Herzen danken.

Ich wünsche dem Österreichischen Klub Adelaide zum 50. Geburtstag das Allerbeste und bin überzeugt, dass er noch viele solche Feste feiern wird.

Euer
Hans Demel
Österreichischer Botschafter in Canberra, Australien
Grussbotschaft von Frau Dr. Ursula Plassnik
Bundesministerin für auswärtige Angelegenheiten, Österreich


Liebe Österreicherinnen und Österreicher in Adelaide and Umgebung!

Als Aussenministerin und ehemalige Auslandsösterreicherin fühle ich mich jenen Landsleuten, die sich im Ausland niedergelassen haben, besonders verbunden. Sie sind die Pioniere eines weltoffenen Österreich, ein Stück Österreich in der Welt.

Die Auslandsösterreicherlnnen-Vereine stellen eine Brücke zwischen der alten und der neuen Heimat dar, sie sind zugleich Vermittler Österreichs und Treffpunkte im Ausland. Der Österreicherklub Adelaide ist nun schon seit 50 Jahren in Südaustralien aktiv, und es ist mir ein besonderes Anliegen, Ihnen zu diesem Jubiläum zu gratulieren und all jenen zu danken, die in den letzten fünf Jahrzehnten ehrenamtlich zum Erfolg des Vereins beigetragen haben.

Die österreichische Bundesregierung ist den Österreichern in aller Welt für ihre Verbundenheit mit ihrer Heimat dankbar und es wurde daher im neuen Regierungsprogramm vereinbart, Ihnen durch eine Vereinfachung des Auslandswahlrechts die politische Mitwirkung in Österreich zu erleichtern.

Ich ermutige Sie, mit unserer Heimat auch weiterhin verbunden zu bleiben und von der in Zukunft vereinfachten Möglichkeit zur Mitbestimmung auch Gebrauch zu machen.

Dem Österreicherklub Adelaide und allen seinen Mitgliedem wünsche ich weiterhin viel Erfolg bei seinen Aktivitäten,

mit herzlichen Grüssen aus Wien

Ihre Ursula Plassnik
Bundesministerin für auswärtige Angelegenheiten, Wien
Message from Mr Robert Gerard
Honorary Consul of Austria in South Australia


It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Austrian Association of South Australia Incorporated on their 50 years of continuous hard work serving the Austrian community in the State.

My involvement has been since 1998 when I was appointed the Honorary Consul of Austria in South Australia. During that time I have very much enjoyed the hospitality shown both to me and my wife, Fay, by the Austrian community, in particular, at the many functions that have been held at their Ovingham clubrooms.

The volume of work of many, many people is very obvious when attending the Clubrooms – volunteers who serve drinks, clean up, cook, run the dances - a great effort by all the people concerned. I understand that some 27-30 functions are held in the Club each year.

I believe that this Club is the backbone and strength for all Austrian activity in this State and what puts a fairly small community in numbers into a very high prominent position in South Australia.

I should make special mention of Herbie Reiter who was awarded the Golden Cross in 2003 from the Austrian Government for his efforts in leading and setting up the Association. I must admit that Herbie has been a huge driving force behind the Club and I hope he will continue this for many years to come.

There have been many high profile visitors from Austria over the last few years, they include Thomas Muster, Gerhard Berger, Karl Moik and the Vienna Boys Choir. Once again the club was a key factor in bringing these important people to the State and enabled many in the Austrian community to meet their important Austrian counterparts.

Finally, I would like to say how privileged I am to be the Honorary Consul and continue to undertake my role along with Gitti Schuster. I must make special mention of Gitti who is a great help in her role running the Consulate out at Cavan and previously at Bowden. I am sure many of you have become very friendly with Gitti.

Congratulations to the Association on celebrating 50 years.

Robert Gerard AO
Honorary Consul of Austria in South Australia, Adelaide
Message from Mr Hieu Van Le, Chairman,
South Australian Multicultural & Ethnik Affairs Commission


On behalf of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission I am delighted to provide this message of support to the Austrian Association of South Australia Inc. on the occasion of its
5oth Anniversary.

The South Austratian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission's role and vision is to achieve an open, inclusive, cohesive and equitable multicultural society, where cultural, linguistic and religious diversity is understood, valued and supported.

The tireless work of the Austrian Association of South Australia through its legion of volunteers has done much to promote the benefits of multiculturalism in South Australia.

I congratulate the Association and the Austrian South Australian community for maintaining and celebrating Austrian culture, history, music, food and language.

On behalf of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission I wish
the Austrian Association of South Australia every success for its 50th Anniversary
and for the future.

Hieu Van Le
Chairman of the South Australian Multicultural & Ethnik Affairs Commission, Adelaide

Grussbotschaft von Dr. Jörg Haider †
Landeshauptmann von Kärnten

Liebe Landsleute!

Es ist mir eine grosse Ehre, Ihnen allen zum 50-jährigen Bestehen des Österreicher Clubs zu gratulieren. Es macht mich stolz, wenn weit über
den Grenzen hinaus eine so starke Verbundenheit sowie Treue zum
Heimatland zum Ausdruck gebracht werden und die Wurzeln der Herkunft nie in Vergessenheit geraten sind.

Als Landeshauptmann von Kärnten grüsse ich alle Auslandsösterreicher, vor allem jedoch die Landsleute aus Kärnten.

Mit besten Grüssen

Jörg Haider
Landeshauptmann von Kärnten

Grussbotschaft von Dr. Josef Pühringer,
Landeshauptmann von Oberösterreich


Glückwünsche aus Oberösterreich: Pühringer gratuliert zu 50 Jahren Österreichischer Klub Adelaide

1957 wurde der Klub Adelaide in Südaustralien mit dem Hintergrund geboren, den rund 2000 emigrierten Österreicherinnen und Österreichern auch fern ihrer Heimat die österreichische Volkskultur weiterhin zu vermitteln. Und heuer feiert der Verein sein 50-jähriges Bestehen, auf das man sehr stolz sein kann.
Ich bin den ehrenamtlichen Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern dieses Vereins sehr dankbar für ihren Einsatz, das österreichische Kulturgut über den Ozean hinweg bis nach Australien gebracht zu haben und dort auch anderen spüren zu lassen.

Tradition und Innovation - das zeichnet das Kulturland Österreich und insbesondere Oberösterreich aus. Die Volkskultur spielt dabei eine große Rolle. 100.000 Menschen arbeiten ehrenamtlich in oberösterreichischen Vereinen und Verbänden, und zwar - das hat eine Studie ergeben - durchschnittlich sieben Stunden pro Woche. Eine gewaltige Zahl, eine großartige Leistung. Ihre Arbeit wird von den Mitmenschen unseres Landes geschätzt und anerkannt, das hat die Kulturstudie des Landes Oberösterreich ergeben. 40 Prozent der Befragten haben auf die Frage nach den Aushängeschildern des Kulturlandes Oberösterreich echte Volksmusik, Blasmusik, Trachtenpflege und Volkskultur genannt.

Und dass Volkskultur Menschen vereint und sie näher kommen lässt, kann man an dem Klub Adelaide sehr gut erkennen. Der Klub besteht heute aus über 300 Mitgliedern, die in unterschiedlichen Sing-, Tanz- oder Musikgruppen öffentlich auftreten und so die österreichische Tradition in Australien aufrecht erhalten.

Für die Zukunft wünsche ich dem Klub Adelaide alles Gute, dass seine Mitglieder auch weiterhin so gut dem Kultur- und Bildungsauftrag nachkommen und unsere
Bräuche in die Welt hinaustragen. Denn die Volkskultur ist für uns Österreicherinnen und Österreicher wichtig, weil sie jeden Tag aufs Neue gelebt wird.

Dr. Josef Pühringer
Landeshauptmann von Oberösterreich

Grussbotschaft von Dr. Heinz Schaden,
Bürgermeister von Salzburg

Liebe Landsleute!

Ihre Nachricht über den österreichischen Klub in Adelaide hat mich sehr gefreut - ich wusste nicht, dass es in Australien so einen Verein gibt!
Ich gratuliere den Funktionären und den Mitgliedern herzlich zum bevorstehenden 50-jährigen Jubiläum! Anbei finden Sie eine DVD mit einer kurzen Grussbotschaft aus Salzburg. Ich wünsche Ihen und allen "Österreichern" in Australien ein gelungenes Jubiläumsjahr 2007. Danke, dass Sie Österreich auch in der Ferne weiterhin verbunden bleiben!

Mit freundlichen Grüssen

Dr. Heinz Schaden
Bürgermeister von Salzburg

Grussbotschaft von Mag. Siegfried Nagl,
Bürgermeister der steirischen Landeshauptstadt Graz


Liebe Österreicherinnen und Österreicher im fernen Australien!

Zunächst einmal möchte ich Ihnen sehr herzlich zum 50-jährigen Bestehen des Österreicherklubs in Adelaide gratulieren!

Wir freuen uns über die Verbundenheit, die Sie nach wie vor mit der alten Heimat haben und wie sehr Sie im Herzen Österreicher geblieben sind. Als Bürgermeister der Landeshauptstadt Graz gilt mein besonderer Gruss natürlich jenen, die in Graz und in der Steierrnark ihre Wurzeln haben, aber selbstverständlich grüsse ich auch alle anderen Larndsleute ebenso herzlich.

Als wir im Kulturhauptstadtjahr 2003 Gastgeber für das alljährliche Treffen der Auslandsösterreicher sein durften, war ich überwältigt, wie viele Österreicherinnen und Österreicher erfolgreich auf der ganzen Welt tätig sind. Es erfüllt uns mit Stolz, wenn unsere Landsleute in fernen Ländern nicht nur reüssieren, sondern auch die Kultur und Tradition unseres Landes pflegen.

Sollte jemand von der Austrian Association of S.A. einmal nach Graz kommen, würde ich mich freuen, Sie im Grazer Rathaus begrüssen zu dürfen,

Mit herzlichen Grüßen aus Graz

Siegfried Nagl
Bürgermeister von Graz, Steiermark

Message from Mr Heinz Fuchs,
President of Radio Austria 4

Dear members and friends of Radio Austria 4!

It was in 1977 at a committee meeting of the Austrian Association here in Adelaide, where a radio program came up for discussion.
Mr Gerald Simonitsch, president of the Austrian Club in that year, suggested there was a need for a radio program to serve the Austrian community in South Australia.

Soon after that meeting, discussions were held with Dr Siegrid Gassner-Roberts from the University of Adelaide, Mr Toni Nelson, the Austrian Consul General in that year and of course the EBI Broadcasting Organisation.

On the 14th of January 1978 at 11.30am, the first "Austrian Half Hour" went to air here in Adelaide on University Radio 5UV 530khz on the AM-Band.

The election of the first Radio Committee was on the 28th September 1978 with
G Simonitsch as President, S Gassner-Roberts Secretary, T Taurer Treasurer,
Mrs T Taurer †, Music Director, H Reiter Program Manager, L Roberts Public Relations Officer and H Fuchs Announcer.

As years went by, Radio Austria 4 expanded, we welcomed the edition of an Austrian youth program, a women’s program and our 2nd youth program "Jetzt gehts los".

Currently we broadcast 3 times a week on 103.1Mhz, with a total of 2 hours on air time. All our programs can also be heard all over the world via the Internet.

In all those years we enjoyed a tremendous support from our listeners, friends and sponsors. We worked in harmony with the committee of the Austrian Association and are very proud to play a part of Multicultural Australia .

On behalf of Radio Austria 4 and all our listeners, I congratulate the President of the Austrian Association Mr Herbie Reiter, the Committee past and present, and all members of the Austrian Club on this special occasion, their 50th Anniversary and wish you many years of continuing success.

With kind regards
Heinz Fuchs
President of Radio Austria 4

Message from Mr Harald Scherwitzel,
Group Leader of the
Austrian National Dance Group (ANDG)

In 2007, the Austrian Association of South Australia enjoys a landmark Golden Jubilee, as it celebrates many of its wonderful achievements,
looks back on the history of its sub-groups and members, and remembers the many volunteers who made the Austrian Club the warm and friendly environment that we will continue to enjoy for many years to come. As our Club proudly celebrates its 50th Anni-versary, so too does the Austrian National Dance Group.

Founded in late 1957 by the Austrian Club’s first president, Mr Hans Neubauer, the ANDG made its debut performance in 1958. As Hans Neubauer is fondly remembered as the founder of the Dance Group, likewise Mr Walter Feuerreiter is remembered as the driving force behind shaping the future of the ANDG, from the time he took over leadership of the group in the early 1960’s. As Group Leader for a period of 13 years, his many ideas and a willingness to introduce new dances meant that the group was destined to succeed. Walter is also credited with forming the Junior Dance Group in the late sixties, ensuring that by the late seventies, when the founding ANDG membership was aging, a younger group was in a position to carry on the tradition of Schuhplattler. Working to keep the group together, the next Group Leader, Mr Werner Lachs will be remembered always for his enthusiastic efforts. Following Werner Lachs as Group Leader was Mr Hans Stiffner.
By introducing some traditional music and bell tunes which he had written, many of which are still played today, Hans’ contribution will long be remembered and appreciated.

1976 saw the appointment of Mr Herbert Reiter as Group Leader of the ANDG. Regarded Australia-wide as the epitome of what a Schuhplattler and Group Leader should be, Herbie’s contribution to the ANDG is priceless. In August 1979, sponsored by the Austrian Club and the Shooting Group Enzian, Herbie went on an eight-week dance study tour of Austria, bringing back dances performed in Austria at the time. Many of these dances are still performed by the group today. Even after standing down as Group Leader in 1987, Herbie continued to contribute his knowledge and skills as Vorplattler, until retiring from dancing in 1991.
Herbie’s commitment to the Austrian Association of South Australia continued after this time and he went on to become President of our Club. Under his presidency, the Austrian Club has seen many changes and renovations, but Herbie has continued to devote his time to assisting the current Junior Dance Group as a dance teacher and musician since 2002.

In 1978 a Junior Dance Group, which was equally as popular and sought after as
its senior counterpart, was formed under the leadership of Franz Knoll. Herbie
and Franz led their groups until about 1985, when the two groups united to form one group. During this period, another Feuerreiter, Walter’s son Romano, also became a Vorplattler of the group, continuing to uphold the traditions he had learned from his father.

In 1987, leadership of the group was handed to Mr Harald Scherwitzel for a period of six years, during which time many of the “senior” dancers began to retire from active dancing. However, this was also a time when many of the young dancers from Franz Knoll’s Junior Dance Group began to come of age – the Austrian National Dance Group was again in its prime.

The Dance Group’s first female leader, Miss Linda Lehermayr, took on the leadership role in 1993, followed by Mr Hans Oppawski who led the group for a period of two years. Throughout the period from 1990 to 1995, another group of youngsters – children of retired dancers – began to join in the dancing and the group continued to enjoy performing successfully at many local and interstate functions, as well as acquitting itself highly at the bi-annual Brücke Volkstanz-fest which was held around Australia.

In 1996, after serving an “apprenticeship” as Vorplattler under the leadership of Harry, Linda and Hans, Mr Paul Schiller was appointed as Group Leader.   Remaining in this position until his retirement from dancing in 2000, Paul was always happy, jovial and able to get the best out of the younger dancers around him. Many of the most memorable Schuhplattler Abend scripts were produced under Paul’s imaginative and creative hand and his presence within the group provided many of the funniest memories, both in the Dance Group and the Club.

Mr Kristian Fuchs was appointed as leader of the ANDG in 2000, leading the group for a period of two years; however, the group began to struggle with waning membership numbers during this period. Mr Danny Fuchs took over from his older brother, becoming Group Leader in 2002; however, he too continued to suffer from a lack of membership and commitment from the Dance Group members at the time. Due to a number of children showing keen interest in dancing, Mr Kristian Fuchs and Miss Kerstin Schuster formed a Junior Group in early 2002. By March 2003, the Junior Group had its first major public performance at the 2003 Brücke Volkstanzfest in Adelaide, performing a combined bracket of dances with the Senior Dance Group. Again, Mr Herbert Reiter offered his services to assist in teaching the young children and he remains an important member of the current Junior Dance Group.

The success of the nineties was unfortunately followed by dwindling numbers in the new millennium. 2003 was a particularly sad time for the Austrian National Dance Group, as the Senior Group determined to “call it a day”. However, rallying from the support of parents the children in the Junior Dance Group, not a minute was lost in re-forming under the name of The Austrian National Junior Dance Group. Since 2003, under the leadership of Mr. Harry Scherwitzel, whose children now dance in the Junior Dance Group, and with a significant contribution and support from Herbert Reiter and the parents of the children in the group, the ANDG has continued to uphold the Austrian culture and the tradition of Schuhplattler dancing and cow bell ringing in South Australia.

Performances at the 2005 Volkstanzfest in Melbourne, Victoria, heralded the beginning of a new era for our young dancers. The children were clearly crowd favourites at the 2007 Volkstanzfest in Canberra, A.C.T. Members of the Austrian Association of South Australia should be proud of the achievements of this young group as they held their own against much older and more experienced groups.
I am proud to mention that the ANDG boasted both the youngest dancers present in Canberra and at the same time is the oldest Austrian dance group in Australia – like the Austrian Club, we too celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2007.

On behalf of all Austrian National Dance Group members, both past and present,
I wish to extend our thanks to the Austrian Association of South Australia and its members for their support over the past 50 years.

I offer my sincere congratulations to the Austrian Association for the past success it has enjoyed and wish the Club continued success for the future. With some good fortune, the ANDG hope to be in a position where we will continue to celebrate many future milestones with you in years to come.

Harry Scherwitzel
Group Leader of the Austrian National Dance Group

Message from Mrs Anni Clark,
Group Leader of Chor Alpenfrieden

Choir Alpenfrieden is very proud to be an active subgroup of the Austrian
Association in Adelaide, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year.
Alpenfrieden is a mixed A Capella Choir, and it is made up of members from many different nationalities.

The choir celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2005. Through all the years, the choir’s aim has been to promote and keep alive the richness of Austrian folk music. For the Austrian community, to keep alive the connection to the old home land, but also to enrich the cultural aspect of the new homeland, Australia.
The choir has given and participated in many wonderful concerts here in Adelaide and in most of the states in Australia.

We were proud to perform together with other choirs Mozart’s Coronation and Requiem Masses and also works from Vivaldi, Händl and many others.
For the choir members, singing is a great joy and we hope that we can continue to do so for many more years to come.
Our musical director is Mr Peter Ruys, who has many years experience in conducting German-speaking choirs. Mr Ruys has been our conductor since 1996.

We wish the Austrian Association a very Happy 50th Anniversary, and many more successful years ahead.

Anni Clark
Group Leader of Chor Alpenfrieden

Message from Mr Heinrich Monz,
Group Leader of The Austrian Keglers (Ten Bin Bowling)

Bowling is a very old and competitive sport which is played around the world. In Austria “Kegeln” is traditionally played with nine pins, but here in Australia we use ten pins – hence the name “Ten Pin Bowling”.

The Austrian Keglers bowling team first started bowling in 1960 at Parkside, later moving to Cross Road Bowl and finally to Woodville Bowl where we still compete today. The founding captain was Hans Hergg, followed by Sepp Mittermaier (who led the group for 13 years) and Irwin Schott (who was in charge for 18 years). Congratulations to all captains and bowlers; in particular to those who were involved with the Fury League, which we won four years in a row.

Willy and Gottfried Gangl have been bowling with the Austrian Keglers since 1973 and still enjoy the game today. In 1996 Heinrich Monz started league bowling and he is the current team captain; his wife Pia has also joined the team.

Traudl Juraschek, with all of her wit and humour, was a valuable member of the team but sadly she was taken from us due to illness. Brigitte Lachs was also a very valuable team member but, due to other commitments, she was not able to continue with us. Currently our fifth bowler is Susie Pierce.

Recent success includes being League Champions in 1998, 2000 and 2005.
During the 2006 State Championship we broke the standing B-Grade mixed team record by 30 pins. Congratulations to all bowlers involved.

The Austrian Keglers would like to congratulate the Austrian Association on its 50th Birthday.

Heinrich Monz
Team Captain of The Austrian Keglers

Message from Mr Franz Tomasin,
Group Leader of The Table Tennis Group

On the fifth of March, 1960, the Table Tennis Group was founded as a sub-group of the Austrian Association of South Australia by the late Mr. Arnold Zinnoegger. Subsequent group leaders were Mr Oskar Staudinger, Mr. Norbert Ullrich and
Mrs. Angelika Tomasin. In 1977 Club Championships were introduced, which have since been the highlight of the year. I took over leadership of the group in 1986 at which time I introduced three Group Championship categories: for men, women and juniors. We also conduct team matches against players from various other groups.

Table tennis is a physical fitness sport which can be enjoyed by young and old alike. I hope that this sport will continue to be a part of the Austrian Club.

The Table Tennis Group would like to congratulate the Austrian Association and its members on their 50th Anniversary and wishes success for the future.

Franz Tomasin
Group Leader of The Table Tennis Group

Message from Mr Hilde Schoiswohl,
Group Leader of The Penioners Group

The Austrian Pensioner Group was formed in 1988 and commenced with only 14 members. Since that time we have grown to over 60 members. There have been several leaders of this group with Max Hummel being the first leader, followed by various others including Fritz Neuer, Tony Gigler and the current leader, Hilde Schoiswohl.

The group meets every second week on pension day to enjoy a friendly after-noon including coffee, cake, bingo and various card games. These afternoons are successful and well attended. The pensioners provide the cakes and the Austrian Club provides coffee and tea.

The Pensioner Group is generally active throughout the year, arranging bus trips to various South Australian tourist locations and also arranging meals at the Austrian Club on special occasions, including a Christmas Party.

The Pensioner Group would like to congratulate the Austrian Association of South Australia for keeping the Austrian culture and spirit alive for the past fifty years.

Hilde Schoiswohl
Group Leader of The Pensioners Group