The Swiss Club of Victoria News

100 x SWISSNESS - EXHIBITION

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:11:59 GMT

Led by Patrick Rychner, the ‘100 x Swissness’ Arts Project set out to photograph 100 members of the Swiss Club of Victoria—not just as faces, but as people with stories, histories, and quirks worth sharing. The aim was connection. Members meeting members. Old hands crossing paths with newer faces. Conversations starting where they might not have before.

That matters, especially in a club where many long-time members are aging and many newer ones are second-generation Swiss who don’t yet know the people who built this place. A portrait, it turns out,
is a good excuse to stop, look, and ask a question.

Each participant brought one object to their photo session—something Swiss, something personal, or something that simply says ‘this is me’.

These small details do a lot of the talking. They spark stories, memories, and the kind of exchanges that keep a community alive.

Shot in a consistent studio style, the portraits form a growing body of work—part exhibition, part art, part archive.

Together, they capture a snapshot of Swiss life in Australia, right now.
And this is only the beginning.

Exhibition Dates:

14/15 February 11am to 4pm

21/22 February 11am to 4pm

The Siwss Club of Victoria, Lvl 2, 89 Flinders Lane

SWISS SEMINAR _ POLITICAL RIGHTS FOR SWISS ABROAD

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 02:15:41 GMT

Webinar: Political rights for Swiss citizens abroad: Voting, electing, collecting signatures

Tuesday, 4th November 2025 AT 8 PM Melbourne Time

Are you a Swiss citizen living abroad and would like to know what political rights you are entitled to and how you can exercise them?

Then we cordially invite you to the third and last for this year joint webinar organised by the Consular Directorate of the FDFA, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) SwissCommunity and Soliswiss – Cooperative of Swiss Abroad.

What can you expect?

Voting, electing, collecting signatures: we will show you what options are available today and take a look at the future. We address the following questions in particular:

• What political rights do Swiss citizens living abroad have and how are these currently exercised?

• What obstacles exist?

• Who is responsible for what?

• Where does Switzerland currently stand on E-Voting and E-Collecting and what does the future hold?

Speakers

In addition to experts from the FDFA, the OSA and Soliswiss, an expert from the Federal Chancellery and representatives from Swiss Post will also be present.

No time? No problem!

The webinar will be recorded and will be available on swisscommunity.organd soliswiss.ch.

Please send any questions at webinar@eda.admin.ch

Participation:

You can participate on the day of the webinar via the link or QR code. The webinar is free of charge and no advance registration is required. Duration: approximately 60 minutes.

Tuesday, 4th November 2025

We look forward to welcoming you!

You can join the webinar on 4th November 2025 via the following links:

German: 12h00 (Swiss time) French: 14h00 (Swiss time)

Add a Swiss Club Website shortcut to you iphone home screen

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 03:10:33 GMT

Did you know you can easily add a button for the Swiss Club on your i-phone app screen.

Go to the club's website in your internet browser.

https://swissclubvictoria.au

When the page has loadedPress the up arrow button(at the bottom of the screen)Scoll till you see this menu
'Add to Home Screen' and select it. Add it

You will get a app button on your phone that directs you to the Swiss Club.

Its really this easy to have your Swiss Club website and member notifications on your phone.

Swiss President's National Day address 2025

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 03:37:57 GMT

In her 2025 National Day message to the Swiss Abroad, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter underlines the strong growth of the Swiss community abroad.

Play the Video
Dear Swiss Abroad,
Your number has now grown to more than 820,000 people, twice as many as in the 1980s. For Switzerland, this means that we have more bridge builders in the world, more unofficial ambassadors for our country. And more people who see and feel developments on the ground that we in Switzerland may not yet be aware of, or not to the same extent, but which will sooner or later also have an impact here in Switzerland.
We are living in times of upheaval. Power politics and protectionism are becoming more important than a multilateral order with the freest possible trade. Democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms are being called into question in several regions of the world. These worrying trends are causing uncertainty, including in Switzerland. As a geographically small country with an internationally networked economy, Switzerland is strongly affected by these developments. Our country is in favour of a multilateral order, peace and security, open markets and democracy. But it can influence the course of global affairs only to a very limited extent.
Nevertheless, I am confident that Switzerland will come through these turbulent times well by building on its strengths and focusing on what it can influence and control itself. It combines democratic and liberal traditions with innovation and openness. It is on this basis that the Federal Council is holding talks with our most important trading partners and all states. A country that retains its internal guiding principles can also become involved at international level and stand up for global interests in a spirit of solidarity.
Dear fellow citizens, many crises hit harder elsewhere than in Switzerland. You may be confronted with them in your country of residence. From the government’s point of view, it is important that you stay in contact with the Swiss representations – all the more so as the Swiss community abroad is spread across the globe and is constantly growing.
We all feel that we belong to different communities. Perhaps this year you have already celebrated the country in which you live. Or your region, your town or your village. And on August 1, we celebrate Switzerland all over the world. I wish you – also on behalf of the Federal Council – safety and well-being and a happy National Day!

Webinar 17th June Civil Status

Mon, 05 May 2025 08:25:06 GMT

Webinar: “Civil status – through the life cycle with the consular services”

The Consular Directorate of the FDFA, the Organization of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), SwissCommunity and Soliswiss are pleased to invite you to the first webinar of this year.

We invite you to the first webinar of this year, on June 17th, 2025, on the topic “Civil status: through the life cycle with consular services.” The webinar will take place at 12:00 noon Swiss time in German and at 2:00 p.m. Swiss time in French. It will last approximately 60 minutes. Participation is free of charge.

We would like to take this opportunity to inform you that further webinars will be held in 2025.

Are you Swiss abroad and planning to get married soon? Are you expecting a child? Is a relative abroad dying? Our webinar will show you what to look out for in these situations, what challenges need to be overcome and where you can find the information you need.

Topics

What are the tasks of Swiss representations abroad? Where can I find the information I need to register a civil status case? Why does the procedure seem complicated to me? Why does it take so long, for example, for the birth of my child to be entered in the registers of my home municipality in Switzerland? What steps do I need to take to prepare for a marriage? What route do the civil status documents take until they arrive in the registers of my home municipality in Switzerland? What happens if I am not registered anywhere, do not register the marriage, my child or the death of a relative?

Speakers

Experts from the Consular Directorate of the FDFA, the Organization of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), SwissCommunity, Soliswiss and the Federal Office for Civil Status will provide input and answer your questions. The webinar will be recorded and will be available to watch on the FDFA, OSA, SwissCommunity and Soliswiss websites after June 17th, 2025. If you have any questions about the webinar, please send an e-mail to webinar@eda.admin.ch

We look forward to your participation!

You can join the webinar on 17 June 2025 via the following links:

German: 12h00 (Swiss time) French: 14h00 (Swiss time)

Swiss Club Ladies Luncheon

Mon, 05 May 2025 08:20:42 GMT

Swiss Club Ladies Luncheon

A beautiful return after 6 years- Bringing once again Ladies together for a celebration of Laughter, light and lovely delights

Tuesday 20 May 2025 at the Edelwyss restaurant 12 noon

Cost: A la carte pay your own lunch.

Don't forget members receive a 15% discount

(Bring your membership card)

RSVP on the events web page or ring 0386574991 (leave a message)our first Ladies Luncheon will not only give us a chance to catch up, but also collaborate on how we'd like the event to evolve.

FILM SCREENING - LUCHSINGER AND THE GODS

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:10:21 GMT

Australian premier of the Swiss Film 'Luchsinger and the Gods'
In Swiss German with English subtitles

2 screenings only at the Swiss Club, 89 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
Friday 30 May 2025 at 19.30 - 21.30 & Saturday 31 May 2025 at 16.00-18.30

Tickets free for SCV Members & $10 donation for non members.
Tickets for Friday Night Tickets for Saturday Matinee

Financial difficulties and strokes of fate lead four Swiss senior citizens to Bali. A comedy with a quietly laconic tone about burdensome memories, insights into life, last wishes and the unexpected chance of happiness that is not necessarily due to the gods.
Because he can't make ends meet in Switzerland with his pension, Ruedi Luchsinger from Bern emigrates to Bali. At the resort where he is staying, the former taxi driver meets three other Swiss people in a similar situation. They become friends. They explore their new surroundings, talk about life, ask about its meaning and end up asking whether they would be different if they were born somewhere else and what that would feel like. And then suddenly death peeps round the corner, but life goes on.
Known from TV and the stage as an author, Markus Köbeli wanted to make his first film as a director in Indonesia with a small budget, a tiny team and spontaneous actors. Thanks to the involvement of Movie Studio Bali, it turned into something more: a Swiss comedy for senior citizens that takes up themes such as old age, poverty and emigration in the wake of films such as ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’.
The film is well cast with Andrea Zogg, Max Rüdlinger, Jürg C. Meier and Manfred Liechti in the leading roles. The prominent quartet play their way cheerfully through an abstruse story whose appeal is fuelled by the clash of two cultures as well as the subtle laconicism with which the protagonists view their lives. Rounded off with a twist that demands quite a bit of criminal inventiveness from Luchsinger and his mates, Markus Köbeli has succeeded in creating a refreshingly unpretentious comedy about the little bit of courage it takes to start all over again. 

Director Makus Köbeli.
Arranged for Australian premier screening by Hon. Consul of Melbourne, Mrs. Manuela Erb

Members get 15% off your Restaurant Bill.

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 01:20:53 GMT

Full Members can get a 15% discount off their Bar & Bistro bill when showing their proof of membership.

The easiest way to prove that you are a member, when attending the Club Restaurant is to show your membership card on your phone.

Here is how you can get your Card.

1. Go to the App store or Google Play and download the

WILD APRICOT member app and put in your email address and password.

If you have forgotten your password, follow the prompts for password recovery.

Next time you are at the Bistro you can claim your 15% discount.

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: Social Members can receive a 10% discount off the Bar & Bistro Bill.

Some events do not qualify for further discounts.

Edelwyss Restaurant Christmas New Year hours

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 04:11:04 GMT

The Edelwyss restaurant opening hours over the Christmas - New Year period are as follows:

Sunday, December 22nd - Thursday, December 26th: Closed.

Friday, December 27th and Saturday, December 28th: Open.

Sunday, December 29th and Monday, December 30th: Closed.

Tuesday, December 31st: Open.

Wednesday, January 1st: Closed.

Thursday, January 2nd onward: Open as per standard opening times.

Webinar: Working and job market in Switzerland

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 20:55:48 GMT

The FDFA Consular Directorate, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), SwissCommunity and Soliswiss are pleased to invite you to this year's third and final webinar in the webinar series « Returning to Switzerland »

On 10 December 2024, we invite you to the last webinar of the year, on the topic of "Working and job market in Switzerland". The webinar will take place at 12 noon Swiss time in German and at 2 pm Swiss time in French and will last approximately 90 minutes. Participation is free of charge.

Please note that more webinars will take place again in 2025.

Are you a Swiss national living abroad and of working age? Are you planning on looking for a job in Switzerland and working here? Our webinar will show you what you need to bear in mind and the challenges you will face.

Topics
What do I need to consider when returning to Switzerland, especially if I am of working age? How can I find a job in Switzerland from abroad? Where can I look for job vacancies? What is the right way to apply? What are my chances on the Swiss job market? What happens if I don't find a job straight away or if I lose my job? Am I entitled to unemployment benefit in Switzerland and what do I need to bear in mind regarding other social insurance schemes? What are the administrative hurdles? Who are the relevant authorities and contact persons?

Speakers
Experts from the FDFA Consular Directorate, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), SwissCommunity, Soliswiss, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Swiss Abroad Advice Centre at the Office of Economy and Labour of the canton of Basel-Stadt will provide inputs and answer your questions.

The webinar will be recorded and will be available to watch on the FDFA, OSA, SwissCommunity and Soliswiss websites from 10 December 2024. If you have any questions about the webinar, please send an email to:
webinar@eda.admin.ch

We look forward to your participation!

You can join the webinar on 10 December 2024 via the following links:

German, 12h00 (CH time) French, 14h00 (CH time)

SCV 2024 CHRISTMAS PARTY & BAREFOOT BOWLING

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 23:51:00 GMT

at the St Kilda Sports Club for a BBQ lunch, Barefoot Bowling and Petanque. Bring the whole family for for some fun and games and don't forget Samichlaus will be visiting!

SWISS SENIORS CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 23:49:25 GMT

The Swiss Club of Victoria with the financial support of the Swiss Society of Victoria, The Trachtengruppe Schwyzergruess, the Folkdance Group Alpenrose and the Jodel Club Matterhorn invites Swiss Nationals born 1954 or earlier to a Christmas celebration at the Swiss Club.

RSVP to Rita Schwaerzler-Abbt 0409 025 760

DINNER: 125 YEARS SWISS CLUB & EDELWYSS BISTRO & BAR LAUNCH

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 23:48:07 GMT

Edelwyss Bistro & Bar official opening- Join us for a set menu dinner to celebrate the newly renovated Swiss Club restaurant.

LUNCH: 125 YEARS SWISS CLUB & EDELWYSS BISTRO & BAR LAUNCH

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 23:44:26 GMT

Edelwyss Bistro & Bar official opening- Join us for a set menu lunch to celebrate the newly renovated Swiss Club restaurant.

1st August National Day Dinner

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 04:01:11 GMT

Registration and payment for this event HERE

Lampion Parade

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 03:57:24 GMT

Swiss National Day 1st August will start with a Lampion Parade commencing 17.30 at Federation Square and concluding at the Swiss Club

Booking details for this free event

Swiss Picnic National Day

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 03:53:21 GMT

The Matterhorn Yodlers are once again holding the Swiss National Day Picnic on the 28th July at Kings Park Upper Ferntree Gully, starting at 11 AM.

Restaurant Renovations

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 22:49:24 GMT

The Committee is delighted to announce that the builders arrived this morning (March 6th) to begin work on the first-floor renovations. After such a long delay, progress is underway.

Restaurant Renovations

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:21:49 GMT

The Committee is delighted to bring you the news that the Swiss Club has received permission from the Council for the first-floor renovations to proceed, and last night (February 21st) the contract with the builder was signed. Work is expected to begin later this month.

This represents a major achievement, and is due principally to the hard work, diligence and patience of Patrick Rychner, who has overseen this process.

Visit of Swiss Ambassador

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 03:46:48 GMT

On Thursday, November 23rd, the Swiss Club was privileged to have as a guest the Swiss Ambassador, Her Excellency Caroline Bichet-Anthamatten. The apéro was hosted by the Swiss Consul in Melbourne, Ms Manuela Erb. The Ambassador spoke of the diplomatic ties between Switzerland and Australia and how the two nations can work together on common objectives. Thanks are due to Ms Erb and family for organising a very pleasant evening, and also congratulations to her for being appointed as Honorary Consul in Melbourne for a further four years..

Alpenrose Dance Group Committee

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 01:06:47 GMT

At the AGM of the Swiss Dance Group Alpenrose, the following members were elected to the Committee:

PRESIDENT              SYLVIA HOCHULI
and teacher

VICE PRESIDENT
and SECRETARY     SUE ROGGER

TREASURER           PAUL EISENEGGER

Congratulations to all, and best wishes for a successful 2024.

Recruitment for Swiss AFL Team 2024

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 05:11:46 GMT

With the Swiss team being as well victorious in the 2023 AFI World Cup, defending the title and prolonging the winning streak, we have decided to be back in 2024, attempting another title defense.

The 2024 World Cup tournament will take place on 23 March 2024 in Box Hill (see flyer) and is again a 9-a-side, mixed, non-contact tournament, where we will be able to play with both men and women aged 15 years and over (https://aflinternational.com/world-cup/).

Additionally we are exploring to field as well a team for the full contact, 9-a-side tournament (World 9s) if we have enough players for it, announced for Saturday 3 February 2024, as well in Box Hill (https://aflinternational.com/world9s/).

For both tournaments, no previous AFL footy experience is required. Additionally the organiser is arranging regular training opportunities to build and extend your skills, starting in October.

If you are keen or know someone who would be interested, please reach out to matt@swissclubvic.com.au for more information and registration.

Swiss Companion Singers

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 05:00:17 GMT

Swiss Companion Singers

We are a bunch of lovely Swiss living in Melbourne that come together every fourth Thursday of the month at the Swiss Club and love to sing songs in all 4 languages that are spoken in Switzerland.

We had the pleasure to do a sing along for our own member Koebi Fatzer in March. He is at Tabulam and unfortunately can’t attend our rehearsals anymore. We had a very special occasion to come together and sing for Dora Higgins who celebrated her 100^th birthday in May this year! That was something very dear to our hearts and we really enjoyed bringing some home bound tunes to her special celebrations. We are also very grateful that we were asked to participate in the entertainment part at the Swiss National Picnic Day to celebrate our 1^st August that we enjoyed very much to bring some known tunes to the big audience at that event.

Singing brings happiness and joy to us as well as a connection to our homeland. The companionship under each of our members is something that we treasure among us dearly. After our rehearsals we stay together, have something to eat, and take time to chat with each other. Especially after COVID we found that we all really missed our get-togethers and now celebrate that part after rehearsals more consciously. We are busy rehearsing as we will be singing at the Kaffi Klatsch in Mid-September and at the Swiss Festival in November.

We meet every 4^th Thursday of the month at 4.45pm at the Swiss Club, anyone is welcome to join us!

Corinne Moor

Swiss Companion Singers

Convenor

0432 633 501