Selected Past Events
GABA Events in 2011
GABA Christmas Dinner - 8 December 2011
GABA Christmas Dinner - 8 December 2011
This year, 45 GABA Members and friends met for the traditional GABA Christmas Dinner at K&K restaurant in Sinnamon Park. We were served a delicious three course Austrian menu in a delighful outdoor setting decorated for the season. In true GABA social style, longterm members mixed with newcomers and everyone enjoyed the great atmosphere and friendly company.
Company Visit to Crest Electronics - 3 November 2011
Company Visit to Crest Electronics - 3 November 2011
GABA Members had the opportunity to visit Australia’s leading electronics distributor Crest Electronics, who is also a corporate member of GABA. As distributor for Entertainment Technology Accessories, from leading brands as well as the development of its own brand, Crest is now considered an Australian market leader, servicing more than 4000 retail stores across the country.
The Managing Director Mr. Greg Randle gave an overview of the company from its history to an exciting outlook for the firm, exploring new and exciting prospects of new brands, themes and developments.
All guests were treated to refreshments and a BBQ and had the opportunity to visit the state of the art material management facility and warehousing. Crest is enabling extraordinary material turnaround times with a 99.8% accuracy, to mention only a few of the highlights.
GABA would like to thank Crest for their hospitality and generosity, their professional attitude and customer care which was on display. It proved to be of the highest standard. Please refer to Crest’s website: http://www.crest.com.au
GABA Social Dinner - 8 September 2011
GABA Social Dinner - 8 September 2011
Our Mid-Year Social dinner and networking function this year was held at the ‘Italian Ristorante Artimono’ in Graceville. Our secret tip to try something different proved to be a great success. Chef Gabriele and his team made his restaurant ours and treated us with their endless Tuscan delicacies all evening, from Fettuccine al Ragú Toscano, delightful Gnocchi Gorgonzola e Noci, Scaloppina ai Porcini, Linguine ai Frutti di Mare culminating in delicious desserts like panacotta, tiramisu and gelato of the finest quality. No more said, we would like to keep this ‘our secret’.
We were privileged to have among our guests the Honorary Consul for Switzerland Mr. Daniel Gschwind, our Honorary Consul for Germany, Mr. Detlef Sulzer and our life members Dr. Bernhard Wenzel and John Kahlert, our Vice President. And all the party seem to have enjoyed themselves ...
GABA Business Breakfast - 14 July 2011
GABA Business Breakfast - 14 July 2011
Queensland experienced her most devastating period for decades with
cyclones and floods affecting all corners of the state. Anybody and in
particular those of our members adversely impacted by these natural
catastrophes will know by now, how important it is to have the ‘right
mix’ of insurance for their business.
GABA therefore offered the timely topic of "Insurance - What you must
have" challenging all delegates to review and understand their
insurance needs.
Tony Young from Suncorp' s Commercial Insurance presented the topic
and prompted all attendees to consider their exposure for adequate
protection of their inventory, capital, cash flow and livelihoods. The
need to understand risks, obtain sound advice, and implement an
insurance program that provides the peace of mind to get on with
business.
GABA Women Breakfast - 17 June 2011
GABA Women Breakfast - 17 June 2011
Alice Aulbach, one of the business founders ot the pastry and bakery business "King of Cakes" shared her story from the set-up business to the well-recognized brand that it is today, from her perspective as a woman in business.
GABA member Wolfgang Kelke wins Multicultural Entrepreneur Award
GABA member Wolfgang Kelke wins Multicultural Entrepreneur Award
Our corporate member Mr. Wolfgang Kelke, you may know him better as ‘The King of Cakes’, has won this year’s Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Entrepreneur Award.
The award recognizes multicultural business owners who have contributed through their creativity, innovation and determination to the multicultural society of the South East Queensland region and Brisbane in particular. We at GABA find it very pleasing that our efforts in the German Community were recognized and appreciated by the Lord Mayor.
Wolfgang’s Vision for the King of Cakes business is: “To become a benchmark in German culinary style and quality, bring the diverse cultural and artistic culinary offerings of Bavarian bakery and pastry creations to our Brisbane region and make them readily available, affordable and recognized by all”.
After this year’s devastating floods, the King of Cakes has again opened for business, continuing with his mission.
GABA’s congratulations go to Wolfgang for his great work and I am sure that you will agree with the quality, once you sample some of ‘the King’s’ fine offerings.
GABA Breakfast Networking Function - 17 March 2011
GABA Breakfast Networking Function - 17 March 2011
GABA completed their Leadership Series with Bob Jajko’s presentation about:
“Creativity and Innovation in Business”. The unfortunate natural disasters in Queensland in January this year seem to emphasize to an even higher degree the requirement to innovate and show maximum creativity in business management and future direction. GABA would like to thank Bob Jajko for his challenging and stimulating talk.
All participants acknowledged the far-reaching consequences of the evolving Japanese natural catastrophe and tragedy, in particular the enormous human loss, with a minute of silence.
- GABA Secretary Juergen Hoppe
- GABA President Juergen Woehrle
- Guest Speaker Bob Jajko
GABA AGM - 28 March 2011
GABA AGM - 28 March 2011
GABA held their Annual General Meeting at their premises in Yungaba on Monday 28 March 2011.
The president and secretary thanked all members of the GABA Management Committee for their contribution in the year past and look forward to the challenges for the coming year. Mrs. Tina Woehrle resigned from the committee and GABA would like to welcome Ms Gabi Sartory as the new member.
Thank you Tina Woehrle for all support and dedication to the GABA Women sub-committee over the past year.
GABA Events in 2010
"Leadership in Difficult Times" - 10 February 2010
"Leadership in Difficult Times" - 10 February 2010
This GABA Business Breakfast Function was a joint event with German Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Commerce and Industry QLD and GABA.
Any company intending on taking a leadership role in their industry requires a new breed of leader with a unique combination of skills in communicating, coaching, inspiring and motivating, as well as skills in business management, negotiation, and strategy.
This new generation of leaders must surely have a different approach towards people in order to be successful in today’s significantly changed environment.
One recent example of leadership is Telstra’s management re-adjustment strategy to counter the difficult times in the telecommunication industry.
German subsidiary companies in Australia are not immune from leadership issues, or from finding new solutions for business success. An overview of the situation with the German companies in Australia will be provided.
Guest Speakers:
Anton Jones, Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager and
Tina Vissem Members & Events Manager AHK
Location: Tattersall’s Club
- From left: GABA members Liz Kratz, Wolfgang Klette, John Kahlert and Gabi Sartori
- From left: Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Brisbane Detlef Sulzer, Tina Vissem, Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager Anton Jones, GABA Secretary Juergen Hoppe, GABA President Juergen Woehrle
- From left: Tea Ditterich, Antje Völler, Sandra Delpeyrou, Katja Goerlitz
GABA Women Breakfast - 24 February 2010
GABA Women Breakfast - 24 February 2010
This was an occasion to catch up with old friends and meet new people.
GABA AGM - 22 March 2010
GABA AGM - 22 March 2010
The Association held their Annual General Meeting, electing a new Executive Committee, and adopted an updated constitution. Special minutes are on the association’s record.
GABA Women Breakfast - 25 March 2010
GABA Women Breakfast - 25 March 2010
On this occasion, we were delighted to present as our speaker Ms Lorraine Cobcroft, small business owner, entrepreneur, writer, trainer, and orator.
Ms Cobcroft was speaking on the topic of “Virtual Networking: The Key to Market Share in Today’s Business World?” As she writes:
“Success in business isn’t about being seen by millions. It’s about getting the maximum number of ‘most wanted responses’ from the largest possible number of genuinely qualified prospects.”
GABA Breakfast Function - 5 August 2010
GABA Breakfast Function - 5 August 2010
Executive Coach Heiner Karst challenged us on an interesting topic, where the focus was more on YOU, dealing with questions like: Who is driving your bus?
Are you really in control of where you are going? Are you happy where it is going? Is your leadership of self emulated in your leadership of others? How well do you communicate across all levels of people you deal with inside and outside
of your organisation? How good are your diplomacy skills? Can your attitude and leadership style sometimes get in the way of your success? Do you find everybody always needs something from you - when is there time just for you?
Around these and other questions, Heiner shared some of his insights from coaching, grooming and mentoring executives in Australia and various other parts of the world.
Location: Tattersall’s Club
- Heiner Karst
- From left: GABA president Juergen Woehrle, Gabriele Zoulek, GABA vice president Juergen Hoppe, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Brisbane Detlef Sulzer, Reimer Moeller
GABA traditional mid-year dinner - 27 August 2010
GABA traditional mid-year dinner - 27 August 2010
Our social dinner was held at L'ACADÉMIE Hotel in Spring Hill.
GABA Women Breakfast - 20 October 2010
GABA Women Breakfast - 20 October 2010
On this occasion, we were very pleased to be able to welcome to our breakfast a very special guest from Germany, Ms Mirjam Novak.
Mirjam is an actress who has appeared in several films and television series in Germany. She also is one of the 16 finalists, from over 34,000 applicants, and the German candidate, in Tourism Queensland’s campaign of 2009, The Best Job in the World. Following the campaign, Mirjam was one of four candidates who made television advertisements for Tourism Queensland, which screened around Australia in the latter half of 2009. In 2010, she continues to act as an ambassador for Queensland in Germany. Mirjam was also an MC at this year’s Oktoberfest in Brisbane.
The breakfast was well attended by members of GABA Women who interviewed Mirjam in a Q&A style format. We all enjoyed hearing how an ordinary person from the other side of the world finds the courage to enter such a competitive campaign, and how it changed her life.
Our host, King of Cakes Graceville, put on a beautiful breakfast, as usual, offering a choice of an Aussie breakfast, a German breakfast, or a simple Swiss muesli.
Next Function for GABA Women will be the Christmas breakfast on Friday 26th November at King of Cakes, Graceville.
- Mirjam Novak
- From left: Marianne Kreuzer, Mirjam Novak, Wolfgang Kreuzer
- From left: Mirjam Novak and Martina Kohl
- From left: Susanne Borell, Liz Kratz, Gabi Zoulek, Gerda Wittenberg, Marianne Kreuzer, Louise Moeller, Wolfgang Kreuzer, Mirjam Novak, Tina Woehrle, Martina Kohl, Kate Wylie
- GABA Women Breakfast
Company Visit to IIM - 11 November 2010
Company Visit to IIM - 11 November 2010
GABA Members visited Industrial Installation & Maintenance Pty Ltd (IIM)
Members and their invited guests had the opportunity to visit the factory of one of GABA’s sponsors and friends, Richard Arnold. Richard founded the company with a partner some 20 years ago and today Industrial Installation and Maintenance (IIM) has become one of Australia’s leading suppliers of specialized pipe work, installation and maintenance for the mining, oil and gas and the power industries.
German determination, a strong will to succeed, continuous innovation in the engineering and manufacturing process and excellent quality assurance led to quality products which made Richard’s company the leading edge player IIM is today. The team of IIM made this visit indeed a special occasion and all guests had the opportunity to view the manufacturing plant, facilities and their processes.
Also the IIM team invited all their guests to refreshments and the customary opportunity to network.
GABA would like to express their gratitude and would like to thank IIM for the opportunity to visit and familiarize themselves with an industrial plant of such calibre.
GABA Women Breakfast - 26 November 2010
GABA Women Breakfast - 26 November 2010
This was the last function for 2010, and doubled up as our Christmas get-together.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported GABA Women throughout 2010.
GABA Christmas Dinner - 9 December 2010
GABA Christmas Dinner - 9 December 2010
Our annual Christmas Dinner was held at L'ACADÉMIE Hotel in Spring Hill.
Approximately 50 people enjoyed a delicious 3 course dinner, wine included.
- From left: Paul & Alice Sowa, Elisabeth Kissel, Elizabeth Mandla
- From left: Nick and Pat Zineas, The King of Cakes Wolfgang Kelke, Wolfgang Kleeberg, Susanne & Walter Borell
- Familie Liz & Ewald Kratz
- The Kahlerts and the Dowdys in conversation with Hannah Schumann & friends
- Juergen & Tina Woehrle, Kay & Wolfgang Olbertz
- From left: Colin de Costa, Doris Baron, Wolfgang & Waltraud Klette
GABA Events in 2009
"Local Strength in a Global Recession" - 18 February 2009
"Local Strength in a Global Recession" - 18 February 2009
GABA held their first event for 2009 on a very topical theme:
“ Local Strength in a Global Recession”
Now, more than ever before, is the meaning of “think global, act local” becoming a relevant reminder of what we have to do in our Queensland backyard to counter, or at least, soften the present economic crisis. One recent example of local strength is a Tourism Queensland’s campaign of “the best job in the world”.
The feedback received from the delegates was excellent. Tattersall’s proved as an excellent venue once more.
GABA would like to acknowledge and thank their guest speakers: Mr. Nick Ferris from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Brisbane (CCIQ) and Mrs. Wendy Levy from Tourism Queensland for their contributions and Markus Gilbert from the German Australian Chamber if Industry and Commerce (GACIC).
The event organised by GABA was a joint event for the members and guests of GABA, GACIC and CCIQ.
- Mr. Nick Ferris
- Mrs. Wendy Levy
- Various guests at the GABA Breakfast on the 18. February 2009
- From left: GABA VP:John Kahlert, GABA President Juergen Woehrle, GABA Secretary: Jürgen Hoppe, GACIC Executive Director Markus Gilbert, GABA past president Ron Mandla
GABA Annual General Meeting - 16 March 2009
GABA Annual General Meeting - 16 March 2009
The GABA Annual General Meeting was held at Yungaba.
GABA’s CLEM Jones Tunnel Visit - 30 March 2009
GABA’s CLEM Jones Tunnel Visit - 30 March 2009
Recently, GABA was offered an opportunity to visit the CLEM7 Tunnel currently under construction.
The GABA team visited the huge Bowen Hills worksite, where the major interchange from tunnel to surface road is being constructed. Due to strict Workplace Health and Safety requirements, we received a thorough induction into the project and an interesting safety lecture at the worksite, before being taken underground into the very humid and hot tunnel below the Brisbane River.
The 4.8 km long CLEM7 Tunnel with 2-lanes in each direction is Brisbane’s first major road tunnel. CLEM7 is planned to open in 2010 and will allow motorists to bypass the CBD and up to 23 sets of traffic lights, reducing travel time by up to 30% between Woolloongabba in the south and Bowen Hills in the north.
One of the most memorable aspects of the tour was seeing one of the “HERRENKNECHT” tunnel boring machines in action, installing massive concrete tiles which line the inside of the tunnel under the Brisbane River. These giant tunnel boring machines, made in Germany, named “Florence” and “Matilda”, have reached Main Street and are continuing their underground journey to Gibbon Street in Woolloongabba. They are expected to arrive there around mid 2009.
The CLEM7 Tunnel Tour was indeed an exciting experience for all participants.
For more information about the project visit the website: www.clem7.com.au
Sincere thanks go to the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Campbell Newmann, and to our Vice President, John Kahlert, for arranging the visit for GABA members.
GABA Women Networking Breakfast - 29 April 2009
GABA Women Networking Breakfast - 29 April 2009
GABA Women held their first networking breakfast for the year at King of Cakes, Graceville Village, 286 Oxley Road Graceville.
GABA Function at Clayton Utz - 16 June 2009
GABA Function at Clayton Utz - 16 June 2009
GABA held their Networking Business Function on June 16th 2009 at the premises of Clayton Utz. Clayton Utz is the leading provider in the Asia-Pacific region with a significant presence across Australia, with premises here in Brisbane’s CBD.
GABA was able to invite their members to a special address by Hedy Cray, Partner of Clayton Utz on the new Industrial Legislation, which was coming into effect in July this year. Having business partners of such repute and high standards is of great value for our members and this very topical theme gave us an insight into all the intricacies of this new legislation, GABA’s President Juergen Woehrle acknowledged at the function. We would like to sincerely thank our hosts and appreciate their generosity for this GABA event.
- Hedy Cray, Partner of Clayton Utz, giving her address to GABA members
- Michael Klug, Managing Partner of Clayton Utz with John Kahlert, GABA Vice President
GABA Women Breakfast - 29 July 2009
GABA Women Breakfast - 29 July 2009
As usual, our GABA Women breakfast was held at the King of Cakes in Graceville and, being the middle of winter, it was cosy affair. As we had not met for a couple of months, this was a networking breakfast where we renewed friendships and welcomed visitors and new members.
GABA Social Dinner - 27 August 2009
GABA Social Dinner - 27 August 2009
The GABA Social Dinner was held at the "L'Academie Hotel" on St. Paul's Terrace in Fortitude Valley.
This was another popular social networking dinner with 3 delicious courses, including wine.
Company Visit at Schenker Australia - 15 September 2009
Company Visit at Schenker Australia - 15 September 2009
At a time of increased bilateral trade between Germany and Australia, the safe and reliable transport of goods and the controlled cost effective shipment between the continents are two of the most important components within the supply chain from producer to user.
DB Schenker, one of the fore-most companies specialising in integrated logistics services offered GABA members the opportunity to visit their Brisbane branch at Qantas Drive,
Brisbane Airport.
GABA Women Breakfast - 30 September 2009
GABA Women Breakfast - 30 September 2009
GABA Women had a breakfast meeting at King of Cakes in Graceville.
Our speaker on this occasion was Ms Michele Kozsar who is a Counselor and educator. Michele spoke on the topic of anxiety and stress, particularly in relation to working women.
Oktoberfest Brisbane
GABA Christmas Get Together - 17 December 2009
GABA Christmas Get Together - 17 December 2009
GABA Christmas Get-together:
The Christmas function in December 2009 was held at the King of Cakes venue in Graceville. It was again a good opportunity for members to get together and reflect upon an exciting year of 2009, and also for our guests to receive first hand information what GABA is all about and how we plan to proceed in the New Year. The GABA Committee enjoyed catching up with friends of the association and expressed the wish for a renewed interest in GABA also from our younger members, potentially able to take part of GABA's future as members of the Committee. Watch out, as the AGM is scheduled for March 22nd 2010. The President, Juergen Woehrle, wished all our members and friends the compliments of the season, thanked all for their support and on behalf of the GABA Committee outlined some aspect of the following year's planned functions.
GABA Events in 2008
GABA 25th Anniversary Celebrations - 4 April 2008
GABA 25th Anniversary Celebrations - 4 April 2008
GABA celebrated its 25th anniversary at Parliament House in Brisbane on April 4th 2008. Our Guest of Honour and guest speaker Mr. Markus Gilbert, the executive director of the German Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GACIC), elaborated on the role of the chamber in Australia and in particular its assistance to small business and its ties with GABA to mutually continue support for their members. We look forward welcoming Markus again in Queensland in the near future.
It was a great evening with excellent networking opportunities, a superb venue – The Strangers’ Dining Room – and outstanding dinner service and background music.
Thanks to the GABA Executive for all of their hard work in preparation for such an outstanding and memorable occasion.
- GABA guests
- GABA vice-president John Kahlert
- GABA guests
GABA Events in 2007
GABA Dinner at the German Club - 22 August 2007
GABA Dinner at the German Club - 22 August 2007
GABA organized their mid-term dinner and networking function at the German Club on August 22nd 2007. A good opportunity to get together and catch up with friends and business contacts, whilst enjoying the cuisine of the new restaurant at the German Club.
Christmas Celebrations - 6 December 2007
Christmas Celebrations - 6 December 2007
Another one of our informal ‘get-togethers’ this time in Yungaba Kangaroo Point, where we have our modest office. The highlight was the musical entertainment of Wolfgang Klette’s ‘green choir’ who delighted everyone with their excellent repertoire of Christmas songs and unique interpretations of popular melodies. Thanks Wolfgang! The King of Cakes treated us again to some culinary specialities ad canapés from the German cuisine.
GABA Events 2006
GABA Member "Get-together" - 22 June 2006
GABA Member "Get-together" - 22 June 2006
Targeting new members as well as existing members, this new item on our events calendar proved to be an instant hit. Members enjoyed the chance to relax and simply get to know others or catch up with other GABA friends at this informal "after work" get-together at this iconic meeting place, the Story Bridge Hotel in Kangaroo Point. It’s planned to continue these "Get-togethers" on a regular basis.
GABA Women Business Breakfast - 23 June 2006
GABA Women Business Breakfast - 23 June 2006
Our guest speakers, Elizabeth Sullivan and Lin Cheng, from the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural unit, gave an interesting insight into the various aspects and activities for multicultural businesswomen in Brisbane. Special mention was made of an up-coming networking forum in which GABA-Women have offered to present a display-stand.
Multicultural Businesswomen’s Networking Forum - 11 July 2006
Multicultural Businesswomen’s Networking Forum - 11 July 2006
At this inaugural event, GABA-Women was able to promote GABA to interested business and professional women involved in or themselves from multicultural backgrounds. Guest speakers from the Brisbane City Council and Queensland State government highlighted the need to support and further the role of multicultural businesswomen in our communities and be proud of what we have all achieved so far. Our stand was well visited and Maree, Ricky and Louise (from the Executive Committee), together with GABA supporters Jodie, Silke and Ellen, were able to network with various interested women in this enthusiastic and enjoyable environment.
GABA Member "Get-together" - 20 July 2006
GABA Member "Get-together" - 20 July 2006
After our kick-off last time we were pleased to see more old and new faces enjoying this casual get-together at the Story Bridge Hotel in Kangaroo Point, especially now the World Cup is over and we can all get back to more normal living and sleeping patterns!
GABA Women Breakfast - 21 July 2006
GABA Women Breakfast - 21 July 2006
Networking and simply having time to get to know other interesting members and non-members was the focus of this month’s breakfast. Armed with business brochures and cards, we all enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and good company before work.
GABA Women Breakfast - 18 August 2006
GABA Women Breakfast - 18 August 2006
Ricky Johnston, first German-born woman to become a Member of the House of Representatives, talked about the passion and hard work that goes with being a member of parliament, especially for women in a male dominated field.
"Brisbane Economic Development Plan 2006-2010" - 20 Sept 2006
"Brisbane Economic Development Plan 2006-2010" - 20 Sept 2006
David Jackson, Manager Economic Development at Brisbane City Council was our guest speaker and explained, in a very interesting and informative presentation, the issues and tasks that await the Council in the years to 2010 and 2026. Our population growth will provide a particular challenge for the Council and six main areas are already being addressed today.
A very interesting and enthusiastic Q&A session with David after his presentation at the Tattersall's Club created a great forum for members of the business community to express and address further ideas and opinions important for Brisbane's successful future.
Oktoberfest Brisbane - 7 October 2008
Oktoberfest Brisbane - 7 October 2008
Oktoberfest Brisbane - GABA-VIP table
October 7, 2006 – RNA Showground, Brisbane
The most authentic Oktoberfest outside Germany is what the initiators of the Oktoberfest Brisbane aim to be. GABA's special VIP-table enjoyed authentic German food and drink specialities and great company at this inaugural event.
GABA Women Breakfast - 20 October 2006
GABA Women Breakfast - 20 October 2006
Kathy Hermosilla-Silva, Honorary Consul for Chile, offered interesting comparisons between Chile, Australia and Germany and also displayed many of the fine Alpaca products her company imports from the Andes region of South America.
GABA Women Business Breakfast - 17 November 2006
GABA Women Business Breakfast - 17 November 2006
Our last breakfast of 2006 was a relaxing "round table" event where Sabina, the GABA president, gave a short summary of the achievements of GABA, and in particular the Women's sub-group in 2006. All enjoyed the chance to simply enjoy each other's company in this great morning environment.
GABA Christmas Celebration - 23 November 2006
GABA Christmas Celebration - 23 November 2006
What a great time was had by all who attended our big end-of-year event! German "Gemuetlichkeit", food, music and traditions were wonderfully combined with Australians' easy-going enjoyment and weather resulted in much talk, fun and a fabulous way to catch up with old friends and get to know new ones.
Thanks to Wolfgang and his bevy of fabulous staff at "King of Cakes" for creating the best possible atmosphere and food, to "Bohemica" for their great musical repetoire and our raffle sponsors on this, our closing event for 2006.