SAGSE 50th Anniversary 1967-2017

German Aust ral ian Communi ty Cent re Qld Inc.

Society for Australian-German Student Exchange Qld Inc. “Goodwill in action” SAGSE

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SEIT 1967

• Detlef Sulzer • Linda Mains • Matthew Tesch •

Est. 2005 G e r m a n A u s t r a l i a n C o m m u n i t y C e n t r e Q l d

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Founded in 2005, the German Australian Community Centre

Queensland (GACCQ) brings together people passionate about supporting and promoting German culture, traditions and language in Queensland. We actively support initiatives, projects and the work of the German Consulate in Brisbane, and the wider German community. Furthermore, we are dedicated to fostering cross-cultural cooperation and relationships for the betterment of Queensland and its people. Community. Culture. Language. Support today for tomorrow. gaccq.org.au

Impressum

Contents

Timelines

First published in 2017 on behalf of SAGSE Qld, to commemorate the 50th anniversary (1967–2017) of SAGSE’s work in Australia and Germany, by: GACCQ (German Australian Community Centre Qld Inc.) c/- German Consulate Level 32, 10 Eagle Street Brisbane Q 4000 This 50th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet is the result of the vision of Detlef Sulzer, who, with drive, dedication and many, many hours of hard work has brought it to successful completion. The SAGSE Committee is very grateful to Detlef for his inspiration to keep SAGSE operating as one of the oldest and most highly successful student exchange programs in Australia for another 50 years! SAGSE Qld and GACCQ gratefully acknowledge the participation and support of the following businesses and organisations which have helped make this publication possible: AHK 42 Deutsches Theater Down Under 35 GABA 42 GACCQ Inside front cover German Australian Travel 44 German Honorary Consul, Brisbane 16 Goethe Institut 24 Götzinger 20 K&K Austrian Coffee House 35 King of Cakes 15 Learn German with Isolde 23 MLTAQ 13 Oktoberfest Brisbane Inside back cover Travel Counsellors 26 SAGSE Qld and GACCQ also acknowledge Masthead Design & Creative and Print Works: this commemoratve booklet has been designed and produced in Queensland. sagseqldinc.com To obtain additional copies of this booklet, please send an email to: sagseqld@tpg.com.au

50 years of SAGSE – nationally and in Qld

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Introduction by SAGSE Qld President Linda Mains

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OFFICIAL MESSAGES

SAGSE Vic. President and Acting SAGSE Federal President Dr Martin Schlegel 4 Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Arts Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP 5 Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Sydney Lothar Freischlader 6 Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon. Grace Grace MP 7 Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, Brisbane Prof. Michael Rosemann 8 Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multicultural Affairs Steve Minniken MP 9

SAGSE Queensland – Fritz’s generational legacy Detlef Sulzer

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SAGSExperiences

Queensland students’ experiences

Sebastian Condon, Kelvin Grove SC Gabriella Blundell, BSDE Samantha Ewin, Redlands College

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German student’s experience Katja Hansen Queensland parents’ experiences Marie and Peter King

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Benefits of the SAGSExchange

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Where are they now? Three stories of the SAGSExperience – and beyond Ben Fajzullin

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Liam Ayre

Monique Wirth (Watkins)

Headmaster, Ormiston College Brett Webster Students’ typical bus tours In Germany

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In Queensland

SAGSE Qld in 2017

MASTHEAD DESIGN CREATIVE

2698GAQ_MDC

Memories from Ursula Sterf

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Directories

50 years of names

Queensland students > Germany • 1972-2017 German students > Queensland • 1986-2017 SAGSE Queensland Committee • 1971-2017 Participating Queensland schools • 1971-2017

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Front cover images: Shutterstock.com / Davd Petit (top) / Danshutter (bottom)

Timeline 50 years of SAGSE … … and SAGSE Qld Inc.

Founding SAGSE Qld President Prof. Dr Keith Leopold

1967 Society for Australian German Student Exchange founded in Melbourne by Fritz von Einem-Joosten together with some friends 1968 Society for Australian German Student Exchange founded in NSW/ACT First group of six Australian students travels to Germany 1970 Society for Australian German Student Exchange founded in South Australia 1971 Society for Australian German Student Exchange founded in Queensland

1971 First SAGSE Queensland President appointed:

Prof. Dr Keith Leopold of The University of Queensland (UQ)

First group of German students travels to Australia Society for Australian German Student Exchange founded in Western Australis

1973

1975 To select from more than 100 applicants, scholarship examinations introduced at UQ Goethe Institute provided a third scholarship for SAGSE Queensland

1976 Society for Australian German Student Exchange founded in Tasmania 1979 After 27 years, Fritz von Einem-Joosten am returned to Germany

1983 Second Queensland President electeded: Detlef Sulzer of Thiess Contractors P/L 1984 SAGSE Queensland accepts schools and parents to provide scholarships

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1984

First national SAGSE President nominated: Detlef Kramer of Krupp The ‘Fritz von Einem-Joosten Foundation’ established with $50,000

1985 SAGSE Queensland in Hessen (DASH eV) founded by Michael Krüger 1986 SAGSE Queensland in Essen (SAGSEE) founded by Jürgen Krone 1987 SAGSE Queensland includes a 10-day bus tour to Outback and northern Queensland for German students, as well as a 10-day bus tour through southern Germany for Queensland students 1994 SAGSE Queensland long-term exchange established 1996 SAGSE Queensland obtains written permission from Fritz von Einem-Joosten am for schools and parents to contribute to airfares to supplement the number of scholarships, as insufficient contributions from industry and commerce were available in Queensland 1999 SAGSE Queensland long-term exchange discontinued 2000 Third Queensland President elected: Linda Mains of Kelvin Grove State High School (SHS)

1987 Final visit to Australia

by Fritz von Einem-Joosten am

2003 Death of Fritz von Einem-Joosten am in Bad Reichenhall, Germany

2004 Christine Mielchen-Wokock becomes President of SAGSEE (Essen) 2013 SAGSEE closed

2016 Death of Detlef Kramer in Sydney

(his position has not been filled, to date)

2017 Thorsten Boehm becomes President of DASH

Visits to an Austrian salt mine, the fairytale Neuschwanstein, coldly-sobering Dachau, and the joy and wonder of a wide variety of Christmas Markets, among other attractions, round out this great adventure and cultural experience. Homestays are arranged with volunteer host families in the state of Hessen and the city of Essen in Nordrhein-Westfalen , at no monetary cost. In return, families reciprocate when the German students come to Queensland in our winter (July–August). German host families are usually very generous and students are often lucky enough to experience skiing holidays and trips to various cities, castles, villages and local sights in Germany and Europe. Similarly, when in Queensland, the Germans go on a one week bus tour to Cairns and host families show them typical Queensland hospitality. Many teachers have commented that students who go to Germany with SAGSE come back with much improved German. There is no doubt that staying with a host family and experiencing an authentic German Christmas – as well as attending school for a few weeks – does wonders for the students’ language skills. They also gain in confidence, independence and maturity. They walk off the plane in January simply glowing! A frequent student comment is that the SAGSE trip is the experience of their lifetime. Many families have sent several children in succession to Germany with SAGSE and many lifelong friendships have developed between family members on both sides of the world. This is a true measure of the success of this program. Over the years, the SAGSE Queensland Inc. committee has send more than 2,500 exchange students to and from Germany – a remarkable achievement! There is no doubt that SAGSE Qld Inc plays a very active and valuable role in forging friendships and facilitating the exchange of cultural and educational opportunities for teenagers in Queensland and in Germany. SAGSE Qld thanks the German Australian Community Centre Queensland (GACCQ) for publishing this booklet, in particular its President Detlef Sulzer for initiating this project and assisting Matt Tesch, principal of Masthead Design & Creative, who designed this very special publication. Introduction Linda Mains, Qld President

Past President Detlef Sulzer with Linda Mains in 2010

The Society for Australian-German Student Exchange (SAGSE) was founded in 1967 in Melbourne by Fritz von Einem-Joosten (1916–2003), a German businessman who had been seriously wounded while fighting on the Russian front and who emigrated to Australia soon after the war. He believed such conflicts could be avoided if young people from different countries could meet and learn to understand each other. He set up a trust fund to pay for scholarships to enable young Australians and young Germans to participate in an exchange. A Queensland branch was formed in 1971 as a non-profit group with a committee of people interested in the promotion and exchange of German language and culture. Professor Keith Leopold from The University of Queensland was the first SAGSE Queensland President. In 1983 when Detlef Sulzer became President, the exchange concept was amended to enable a larger group of students to participate, by supplementing the scholarships with funds from schools and parents.This proved to be very successful and the exchange has continued to operate in this manner since I became President after Detlef Sulzer in 2000. The volunteer committee members organise to transfer up to 50 Queensland school students as a group to Germany on exchange, and to place up to 50 students from Germany in Queensland homes every year. The annual SAGSE exchange group consists of students from state and private schools across Queensland. It is ideal for teachers in schools where there are not enough students able to go on a dedicated school trip. The students are brought together to make an economically viable group. The more students who participate, the lower the individual cost becomes. The students participate in a reciprocal exchange for 6½ weeks, leaving at the end of November and returning mid-January. A one-week bus tour is arranged, with the group staying in Nürnberg, Salzburg, München and Rothenburg o.d. Tauber.

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Dr Martin Schlegel VIC & acting Federal President T (03) 9939-4495 martin.schlegel@sagse.org.au

GPO Box 2539 Melbourne VIC 3001 www.sagse.org.au info@sagse.org.au

13 September 2017 50 year Anniversary of ‘Goodwill in Action’

50 years ago, in 1967 in Melbourne, Fritz von Einem-Joosten founded the Society for Australian-German Student Exchange based on his belief that personal connections between young people could foster mutual understanding and respect in order to avoid conflicts. As globalization emerged as a theme, the exchange extended beyond the bilateral connections between the two countries and built a bridge between Australia and Europe. Today, in a highly digitally connected world, this vision and the exchange are still relevant and as important as 50 years ago: We all aware and use the ways of digitally engaging with our environment: People connect with friends on social media, we obtain insights into peoples views through video platforms and research facts online. However, nothing is more enriching than the personal engagement and direct conversation amongst people. That is why business people fly around the world to shake hands on a business deal, scientists gather at conferences to exchange ideas and SAGSE each year sends young students to experience everyday life as part of their families. As German Chancellor, Angela Merkel recently pointed out, ‘it is better to talk with each other than about each other’. As an organisation, SAGSE now operates in a number of States and Territories across Australia. Although slight nuances amongst the different chapters exist, the continued support of sponsors, corporate and family members, schools, host families and alumni – all operating on a voluntary basis - will ensure that many more young students can hopefully continue to enjoy the truly life-changing opportunity in the years to come.

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Dr Martin Schlegel

Sponsors

Corporate Members Machinery Forum, Porsche Cars Australia, Sick Pty Ltd, RSM Australia, Run Creative, iTalk Travel School Members Billanook College, Catholic Ladies’ College, Caulfield Grammar School, Deutsche Schule Melbourne, Dimboola Memorial Secondary College, GECKOS Inc. German Community Language School , German Saturday School, Korowa Anglican Girls’ School, MacRobertson Girls' High School, Mentone Girls' Grammar School, Oberon High School, Presbyterian Ladies' College, Scotch College, Trinity Grammar School, Vermont Secondary College, Viewbank College, Westbourne Grammar School

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Lothar Freischlader Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Lothar Freischlader Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Lothar Freischlader Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany

Detlef Sulzer GACCQ, President 15, Calver Court Currumbin Waters QLD 4223 Detlef Sulzer GACCQ, President 15, Calver Court Currumbin Waters QLD 4223 Detlef Sulzer GACCQ, President 15, Calver Court Currumbin Waters QLD 4223

Sydney, 11 September 2017

Dear Mr. Sulzer, My heartfelt congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the Society for Australian- German Student Exchange (SAGSE) but in particular for the decades long achievements in Australian-German friendship. When Fritz von Einem-Joosten on the background of his own dire experiences during World War II realized this project of international understanding, the world looked quite different than today. Soon after SAGSE was created in Melbourne in 1967, branches were founded in NSW (1968), South Australia (1970), Queensland (1971), WA (1973) and in Tasmania (1976). Over the years this exceptional initiative and the out- standing dedication of all those involved in this great endeavor permitted more than 2,500 students to discover Australia and Germany. I commend the great work for peace and international understanding which SAGSE initiated as indeed a “Good Will in Action” in promoting friendship between our two great nations. Scholarships and the Fritz von Einem-Joosten Foundation (created in 1984) enabled thousands of students to discover each other’s exotic world. These kinds of exchange pro- grammes were quite popular between Germany and France and other European neighbours – and were geographically relatively easy to realize. Over a long distance like between Austral- ia and Germany this was indeed a very ambitious project whose success was not guaranteed. But many volunteers on both sides and the support of the business sector made SAGSE a true success story over the past five decades. Every volunteer, supporter, student, parent, teacher Dear Mr. Sulzer, My heartfelt congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the Society for Australian- German Student Exchange (SAGSE) but in particular for the decades long achievements in Australian-German friendship. hen Fritz von Einem-Joosten on the background of his own dire experiences during orld ar II realized this project of international understanding, the world looked quite different than today. Soon after SAGSE was created in Melbourne in 1967, branches were founded in NSW (1968), South Australia (1970), Queensland (1971), A (1973) and in Tasmania (1976). Over the years this exceptional initiative and the out- standing dedication of all those involved in this great endeavor permitted more than 2,500 students to discover Australia and Germany. I commend the great work for peace and international understanding which SAGSE initiated as indeed a “Good ill in Action” in promoting friendship between our two great nations. Scholarships and the Fritz von Einem-Joosten Foundation (created in 1984) enabled thousands of students to discover each other’s exotic world. These kinds of exchange pro- grammes were quite popular between Germany and France and other European neighbours – and were geographically relatively easy to realize. Over a long distance like between Austral- ia and Germany this was indeed a very ambitious project whose success was not guaranteed. But many volunteers on both sides and the support of the business sector made SAGSE a true success story over the past five decades. Every volunteer, supporter, student, parent, teacher Level 17, 100 William Street, Sydney (Woolloomooloo) NSW 2011 Tel. (02) 8302 4-901 (dir. -902) / Email. l@sydn.diplo.de / www.australia.diplo.de Dear Mr. Sulzer, My heartfelt congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the Society for Australian- German Student Exchange (SAGSE) but in particular for the decades long achievements in Australian-G rman frie dship. When Fritz von Ei em-Joosten on the background of h s own dire experiences during World War II realized this project of international understanding, the world looked quite different than today. Soon after SAGSE was created in Melbourne n 1967, branches were founded in NSW (1968), South Australia (1970), Quee sland (1971), WA (1973) and in Tasmania (1976). Over the years this exceptional initiative and the out- standing dedication o all those involved in this great ende vor permitted more than 2,500 students to discover Australia and Germany. I commend the great work for peace and international understanding which SAGSE initiated as indeed a “Good Will in Action” in promoting friendship between our two great nations. Scholarships and the Fritz von Einem-Joosten Foundation (created in 1984) enabled thousands of students to discover each other’s exotic world. These kinds of exchange pro- grammes were quite popular between Germany and France and othe European neighbours – and were geographically relati ly easy o realize. Over a long distance like between Austral- ia nd Germany this was indeed a v ry ambitious project whose success was not guaranteed. But many volunteers on both sides and the support of the busines sector made SAGSE a ue success story over the past fiv decades. Every volunteer, supporter, student, parent, teach r My heartfelt congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the Society for Australian-German Student Exchange (SAGSE) but in particular for the decades long achievements in Australian-German friendship. When Fritz von Einem-Joosten on the background of his own dire experiences during World War II realised this project of international understanding, the world looked quite different than today. Soon after SAGSE was created in Melb urne i 1967, branches were founded in NSW (1968), Sou h Australia (1970), Que nsland (1971), WA (1973) and in Tasmania (1976). Over the years this exceptional initiative and the outstanding dedication of all those involved in this great endeavor permitted more than 2,500 students to discover Australia and Germany. I commend the great work for peace and international understanding which SAGSE initiated as indeed a “Good Will in Action” in promoting fr endship between our tw gre t nations. Scholarships and the Fritz v n Einem-Joosten Foundation (created in 1984) enabled thousa s of stu e ts to discover each other’s exotic world. These kinds of exchange programs were quite popular between G rmany and France and other European neighbours – and were geographically relatively easy to realise. Over a long distance like between Australia and Germany this was indeed a very ambitious project whose success was not guaranteed. But many volunteers on both sides and the support of the business sector made SAGSE a true success story over the past five decades. Every volunte r, supp rter, student, pare t, teacher can be p oud of these achievements. Today, in a political framework, Australia and Germany have become close partners, friends and allies who share the same v lues and work together for a more pea eful and stable future in the world. This has also been made possible by organisations like SAGSE which laid the foundations for today’s excellent bilateral relationship between Australia and Germany. Again my prof und ap reciation and congratulations to SAGSE and: happy anniversary!

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Level 17, 100 William Street, Sydney (Woolloomooloo) NSW 2011 Tel. (02) 8302 4-901 (dir. -902) / Email. l@sydn.diplo.de / www.australia.diplo.de Level 17, 100 William Street, Sydney (Woolloomooloo) NSW 2011 Tel. (02) 8302 4-901 (dir. -902) / Email. l@sydn.diplo.de / www.australia.diplo.de

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German Consulate Level 32, 10 Eagle St. Brisbane QLD 4000 Tel: + 61- 7 3221 7819 Fax: + 61- 7 3221 7335 E-Mail: brisbane@hk-diplo.de Prof Michael Rosemann Honorary Consul

7 September 2017

Congratulations to 50 years of inspiring hearts and minds

SAGSE is celebrating 50 years of connecting the future generations of our two nations. These 50 years have seen more than 2,500 young talents from Queensland and Germany expanding their minds and showing courage by travelling literally around the globe. Most of all, SAGSE-Queensland has helped to overcome cultural barriers and improved the understanding of each other’s values, traditions and habits. I personally had the pleasure of meeting a number of SAGSE students here in Queensland. The stories they were eager to share and the smiles with which they told these stories were priceless evidence of the fantastic experiences and insights that SAGSE has provided. INVALUABLE Behind the creation of these lifelong memories are so many unsung heroes who have facilitated the amazing success of SAGSE-Qld. Therefore, I applaud this important brochure as it provides the very important recognition of the wonderful work that everyone affiliated with SAGSE has done over these five decades. In a time, when the German-Australian relationship receives highest levels of political and economic attention, SAGSE is an outstanding example for how successful initiatives are ultimately grounded in a dedicated community. SAGSE clearly demonstrates that the coming together of like-minded and committed individuals can lead to long-lasting impact and the transfer of expertise and dedication from generation to generation of exchange students. I like to congratulate SAGSE and its entire ‘family’, in particular SAGSE Queensland’s three long standing Presidents of many years Prof. Keith Leopold, Detlef Sulzer and Linda Mains, the past and present committee members, associate volunteers, alumni and all supporters to 50 years of outstanding contributions to growing and nurturing the pool of ambassadors for the Australian-German relationship. I also appreciate the efforts of Detlef Sulzer, President of the German Australian Community Centre Queensland, who carefully compiled such important information for this invaluable booklet and shedding light on one of the longest lasting bridges between Australia and Germany.

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Sincerely,

Prof Michael Rosemann Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, Brisbane

WEBSITE www.australia.diplo.de

OPENING HOURS Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 12 noon

PHONE ENQUIRIES Mon – Fri 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Message from the Shadow Minister

I would like to congratulate the Society for Australian-German Student Exchange as they celebrate their 50 th anniversary in Australia. Queensland prides itself on having a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The lessons we learn from one another empowers us to build loving and respectful relationships with friends, family and as well in business. The contribution this Society provides in growing the understanding of Queensland’s youth through its exchange program is unquestionably one of the greatest gifts it can offer. The ability to learn and develop a greater appreciation for another culture is something I am sure all students from both nations will value for the rest of their lives. As the Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multicultural Affairs, I believe it is imperative Queensland continues to nurture its multicultural diversity for the benefit of our future generations. We are very fortunate to live in a country where the right to freely access information and share ideas goes to the very core of our democratic freedoms and values. To this end, I again pay tribute to the Society for Australian- German Student Exchange for the invaluable contribution they have made over the last 50 years in building international relationships between Australia, and in turn Queensland, and Germany.

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Steve Minnikin MP Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multicultural Affairs

Professor Dr Keith Leopold, Head of the German Language Faculty at The University of Queensland, assisted by his staff, undertook to develop the Queensland Branch. Success was soon evident: more than 100 Queensland students applied for the SAGSE scholarship and stringent examinations and interviews were needed to select two scholarship winners. Unfortunately, more scholarships were not available in Queensland, as few of the German firms providing funds for the scholarships had Head Offices in the state. In 1984, Fritz von Einem-Joosten was asked by the-then SAGSE Qld President Detlef Sulzer whether in Queensland the Society could allow parents to contribute to the costs of the students’ air travel, now much cheaper than 1967. Fritz approved this change, which gave the Queensland Branch the opportunity to annually send around 50 Queensland students to Germany, likewise receiving 50 students from Germany. (In his letter to SAGSE in September 1996, Fritz von Einem-Joosten highlights the Queensland arrangement as an acceptable alternative if no other preferred sources of funds are available.) SAGSE Queensland Inc. operates as a non-profit organisation. The cost of airfares, travel insurance, a SAGSE Qld jersey and a seven-day sightseeing bus tour (through middle and southern Germany as far as Salzburg in Austria) are payable. The six- to seven-week stay with the host family and attendance at school requires no payments as the exchange is entirely reciprocal, with the German exchange students staying for a similar period with the Queensland host families and attending local schools here. For the German students, a 10-day trip into the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef is organised. On the SAGSE Queensland exchange, all students are accompanied, assisted and supervised by two qualified adults. For several years in the 1990s, SAGSE Qld also operated a long-term stay (six to 12 months) exchange program in both countries, and also helped several Queensland schools to establish their own exchange program with a partner school in Germany. SAGSE Queensland Fritz’s generational legacy

SAGSE’s founder Fritz von Einem-Joosten

Fritz von Einem-Joosten was born in New Zealand to German parents, but returned to Germany with the outbreak of World War I. During World War II, while fighting on the Russian Front, he was seriously wounded, losing his right arm. Soon after the war, Fritz emigrated to New Zealand, then Australia, and believed such global conflicts could be avoided if young people from different countries could meet and learn to understand one another. Under his leadership, the Society for Australian-German Student Exchange (SAGSE) was founded in Melbourne in 1967 by a group of people involved in trade, commerce and cultural activities between Australia and Germany. Their experience of the past and optimism and expectations of the future gave them the desire to further the understanding between young people of both countries. An exchange scholarship was initiated for Australian and German senior school students to fly to each other’s country, stay with host families and attend school for a period coinciding with their respective summer holidays Fritz sought sponsorships from a number of German firms operating in Australia to cover the students’ (then) very expensive air tickets. Accommodation and board for the students was to be provided by the Australian and German host families free of charge on a reciprocal basis. Shortly after the Society was founded, increasing numbers of Australian and German companies operating in Australia, together with other ethnic and cultural organisations, were encouraged to join the Society, offering students from both countries a scholarship for a return air ticket. From Victoria the Society expanded to New South Wales, New Zealand, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia – and in 1971 to Queensland.

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Our goal in Queensland is to send as many students learning German to Germany as we can, at the cheapest cost possible. Since the founding of SAGSE 50 years ago, the Queensland Branch has sent more than 2,500 Queensland and German students to each other’s country. The programs aim to give students an insight into a foreign culture and establish friendships between the two countries. Queensland students, by attending a German school with their host brothers and sisters, improve their knowledge of the German language and experience a German winter and life with a German host family during Christmas and New Year. Likewise, German students improve their English, attending a Queensland school and enjoying beaches and sunshine during a Queensland winter that is more like a German summer. The SAGSE Queensland Inc. exchange is available to students in state and private secondary schools at a very reasonable price, providing students with exchange opportunities irrespective of their socio- economic background. SAGSE Qld is voluntarily operated, today mainly by teachers of German whose enthusiasm for the German language and culture drives their desire to send as many students as possible to Germany on exchange, to experience both first hand. Just as other Australian state branches have the supporting organisations GASS-Germany and the Förderkreis für Australischen-Deutschen und Neuseeländischen Schüleraustausch to help with running the exchange in Germany, SAGSE Qld established its own sub-branches to cope with our large number of exchange students. These were established

In 2000 Linda Mains assumed the presidency of SAGSE Qld and soon was confronted with endless additional bureaucratic requirements to ensure the safety of the students. SAGSE Queensland Inc. operates with approval from Education Queensland, within EQ guidelines, to provide the schooling component free of fees for international students and requires all eligible adults to comply with the Queensland Working with Children (Risk Management & Screening) Act 2000 . Even though, today, students receive numerous other offers from many exchange programs, SAGSE is still considered the top program in Queensland for the unique and most memorable experiences at the lowest costs for German language students. SAGSE Queensland Inc. expresses its gratitude and thanks to the late Detlef Kramer, for his immense contribution to the Society – from being a founding member in Melbourne, to becoming NSW President and, from 1984 until his passing in 2016, serving as SAGSE’s Federal President. Detlef gave great guidance and support to the successful operation of SAGSE in all of its Australian states and New Zealand branches. written by Detlef Sulzer and Linda Mains

Vineyard on the steep hills above the Mosel

River near Bernkastel

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by Jürgen Krone of RWE in Essen and Michael Krüger of the Ministry of Education in Hessen.

Shutterstock.com/Richard Semik

Queensland students’ experiences Sebastian Condon, Kelvin Grove State College

“I recently went on the SAGSE exchange to Germany, where I was billeted in Essen, hosted by the Heil family and attended Leibnitz Gymansium for the three weeks of school. I participated in all of the eleven subjects my host brother, Nikolas, took: German, English, French, Latin, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Sport, Music, Politics and History. I enjoyed my time in the school; it certainly improved my comprehension skills, and I learnt many new card games in the 10-minute interval between classes. I found the German people to be friendly, especially the students, who were always willing to practise their English on me. “After the fourth week of my stay, the last week of school, it was nearing Christmas and the time arrived for the Tannenbaum to be set up and decorated. Here, if a live Christmas tree is bought, it’s shedding needles and in the process of dying soon after purchase. In Germany, the tree looked fresh, strong and vibrant from the day it was bought until, presumably, they threw it out (I was gone by then). The Heils held a great interest in their tree. From the moment it arrived home there was heated debate about the height of the tree, and the straightness of its trunk. I was told to stand in one corner of the room, Jannis, my host brother’s brother, in another corner, while Liza and Nikolas took up the remaining positions. Bertram, my host father, lay under the tree, and on our directions fiddled with the stump for a good 25 minutes, until it was believed to be perfectly straight. That was a big cultural difference for me!

Sebastian with some of his SAGSE group members

“Christmas itself consisted of a church service in the evening of 24th December, and a simple baked dinner back at the house. Presents were passed around and opened after dinner and each person received an enormous – not joking – huge, plate of chocolates, lollies and baked goodies to munch on for the rest of the evening (and presumably the rest of the year!). We stayed up playing card and board games late into the morning, but eventually went to bed, as the next day was the erste Weihnachtstag , the first Christmas day. More delicious food, biscuits, cakes and other culinary delights, but it was held at the grandparents’ plac e.

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Driving scenery, Schwarzwald

Shutterstock.com/Julia R

“Apart from eating amazing food, I also visited the local museum. Nikolas, my host brother, wishes to become an archaeologist, and he had completed his Praktikum (a form of work experience) only weeks before, at that very museum, so I went on what equated to a personally guided tour. I also visited and went on a tour of the Zeche Zollverein , a closed coal mine – now a museum. “On one of the last days of my time in Germany I went snowboarding in the longest indoor snow hall in Europe. Though not a brilliant snowboarder, I was alright, considering I had only seen snow for the first time a few weeks before. “Another highlight was my attending a soccer match, Rot Weiß Essen versus Ost-Friesland – and the experience of a stadium full of Germans screaming and singing ‘Bundesliga zwei, Essen ist dabei!’ along with all the other ditties and songs they had invented for their local team was not one to be missed. “I was told by the man next to me that I had to scream louder if I wanted a win for the team. Obviously my mouthful of bread roll and bratwurst did not exclude me from the cheer squad …

“… but, nonetheless, my impassioned screams must have had some effect: Essen won 3-1. “In conclusion, I had a wonderful time in Germany, and thank all the people involved in the exchange’s organisation. It was great.”

View over Weihnachtsmarkt, München

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Congratulations, SAGSE, on your 50th anniversary! from the Modern Language Teachers’ Association Inc. (MLTAQ) The MLTAQ aims to facilitate communication and co-operation between languages educators, and to promote study, criticism, research and instruction in the fields of language pedagogy, teaching methodology and linguistics. Networks and branches exist for Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Indonesian and Korean. Regional branches and networks exist for Gold Coast, Darling Downs, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, Central Qld, Townsville and the Peninsula. Discover more about MLTAQ at: www.mltaq.asn.au facebook.com/groups/mltaqinc/ twitter.com/@MLTAQld Modern Language Teachers’ Association Inc. (MLTAQ) would like to congratulate SAGSE on its 50 th anniversary! www.mltaq.asn.au https://www.facebook.com/groups/mltaqinc/ https://twitter.com/@MLTAQld Modern Language Teachers’ Association Inc. (MLTAQ) would like to congratulate SAGSE on its 50 th anniversary! www.mltaq.asn. u https://www.facebook.com/groups/mltaqinc/ https://twitter.com/@MLTAQld The MLTAQ aims to facilitate communication and co-operation between languages educators, and to promote study, criticism, research and instruction in he fields of language pedagogy, teaching methodology and linguistics. Networks and branches exist for Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Indonesian and Korean. Regional branches and ne orks exit for Gold Coast, Darling Downs, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, Central Qld, Townsville and the Peninsula.

The MLTAQ aims to facilitate communication and co-operation between languages educators, and to promote study, criticism, research and instruction in the fields of

Queensland students’ experiences Gabriella Blundell, Brisbane School of Distance Education

“My trip to Germany, with 10 others, was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The five-week homestay, along with the six-day tour with the other Australian students, was the perfect mix of experiencing the German culture with a family and sightseeing in the southern part of Germany and Austria. “The opportunity to go to school with my host sister was a special experience which allowed me to fully understand the differences between the Australian and German school systems and provided me with the opportunity to meet many other German students. “As we stayed with our host family over Christmas, I was also able to partake in many German traditions, such as finding and chopping down our own Christmas tree. This was quite an ordeal as every tree was either the wrong shade of green, too dense, too sparse or the height wasn’t exactly right, but after two hours, we finally found a suitable specimen to take home! The German food was also delicious, especially the homemade Christmas cookies!

“My host family, including the entire extended family, were extremely kind and generous, making me feel right at home. “The six-day tour was one of the highlights of my trip. Although I didn’t know any of the other Australian students prior to the trip, I quickly became extremely close to all of them and we are still all great friends even after returning home. We saw so many different sites in southern Germany and Austria and took part in multiple guided tours. “Most afternoons we had free time to explore the towns in which we were staying, which usually included walking the local Christmas Markets and making a few too many souvenir purchases! “Overall, I would definitely recommend this trip to every student of German. Even over the relatively short time period of six weeks, my German language skills improved immensely as a result of being immersed and surrounded by the language and its culture. The friendships I’ve made during that trip will undoubtedly last a lifetime.”

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Gabriella and friends on the chute ride at the salt mine at Hallein near Salzburg

Queensland students’ experiences Samantha Ewin, Redlands College

“At the end of 2014 I was fortunate enough to travel to Germany for six weeks with 17 students from various high schools across Brisbane and throughout the state. “I stayed with a family in a village called Fürth in the state of Hessen. For the first two weeks, I went to school with my host sister Anna who was 15. School was different there: they don’t wear uniforms and in winter they begin school when it is still dark. “Then I went on an eight-day tour with the Australian SAGSE group, travelling across the border to Austria, other tours including the Sound of Music, Dachau (German concentration camp) and Neuschwanstein Castle. It was a wonderful experience especially listening to the history of some of the places in Germany (most were older than Australia!). “Christmas in Germany is a very different experience because they have real Christmas trees, although they can be a nuisance because of needles falling off the branches. Although I wasn’t lucky enough to have a white Christmas it did snow while I was in Germany. New Year in Germany was awesome because fireworks are legal over there! So at midnight everyone lets off their own fireworks; I found it a little bit different but by the end it felt normal. “For my last week in Germany my host family took me skiing. I had never skied before but after five days of learning I was ready to go down the mountains. The weather was beautiful for the first four days but the last day the wind was so strong that my host brother, Aaron, was skiing up the mountain!

Samantha on the ski slopes

“Overall, my time in Germany was a wonderful experience that I would relive in an instant. It was a privilege to be able to participate in this exchange and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”

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R oyal

only theKing canmake! Treats

Rothenburg o.d. Tauber by night

ESTERHAZY

PISCHINGER TORTE

BEESTING

Gluckwunch, SAGSE! : www.kingofcakes.com.au Cakes ~ Breads ~ Pastries ~ Sweets Wolfgang sch, SAGSE! King of Cakes is more than just c kes, with tra itionally-made bread a d pastries using the finest ingredients. Wolfgang Kelk, Master Pasrty Chef, is the King of Cakes. Using authentic German and Bavarian recipes that have been passed down through generations and his own special blend of spices. King of Cakes is more than just Cakes, with traditionally made breads and pastires using the finest ingredients. K lke, Master Pastry Chef, is the King of Cakes, using authentic German and B varian recipes that have b en passed down through generations and his own special ble d spic s.

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+ German passports + Name changes + Police Certificate + Document certification + German driver’s license and inheritance in Germany + Citizen emergency assistance + Learn German network + German culture promotion Services

Brisbane German Week www.germanweek.com.au David meets Goliath www.davidmeetsgoliath.com.au German Language Roundtable www.germaninbrisbane.com.au Leichhardt anniversaries www.leichhardtland.net.au Initiatives

German Film Festival (Goethe Institute Australia) Laternenfest (Brisbane German Language School) Karneval (Stammtisch group, Brisbane German Club) Oktoberfest Brisbane opening ceremony Events

German student’s experience Katja Hansen – “my wonderful time in Australia”

When 20 young German school students from the state of Hessen arrived in Brisbane as part of the SAGSE exchange program, little could they imagine what impact the six weeks staying with host families in Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba and Bundaberg would have on them, and how their love of Australia would grow. Here are the memories of one of these students … “These six weeks I spent flew by. It feels like yesterday that I arrived at the airport and saw my host family for the first time. Now it’s coming to an end, but when I look back it was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. “I saw so many different things in such a short time. We hiked through the national park (Carnarvon Gorge), snorkelled at the third most beautiful beach in the world (Whitehaven Beach), we went whale and dolphin watching, learned about the aboriginal culture and travelled with the Skyrail over the rainforest in Cairns. Each day was a surprise and no one knew what to expect. “I also really enjoyed my time at school. There are so many differences between schooling in Germany and Australian. In Germany there are no school uniforms, the start and finish of school is different for every student, the teachers are not like friends and they are stricter and not so funny and we get marked on your involvement in class. “I’m very thankful for my host family for doing these amazing trips to Brisbane city, New South Wales, Eumundi Markets, to the Gold Coast and a lot more. I enjoyed every day with them and I couldn’t ask for a better one.

Katja with her new Australian friends at school (above) and about to embark on a CityCat on the Brisbane River

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View across Carnarvon Gorge

“I’m very happy that I got to meet so many new people. Thanks to everyone who

made my time unforgettable!” Katja Hansen aus Griesheim

Shutterstock.com/Andrej Dobroskok

Queensland parents’ experiences Marie and Peter King’s thoughts on Bernie’s 2011-12 visit

“In the July 2011 holidays, we waited with great anticipation and some trepidation to collect our German exchange student from the arrivals area at Brisbane airport. “To our great relief, we were greeted warmly by a bubbly young lady who immediately bonded with us and our 16-year-old daughter. The next six weeks proved to be very enjoyable not only for Johanna but also for the entire family.

“When it came time to say goodbye, we just knew that our daughter would be well cared for in the reciprocal exchange that was to follow some months later. Bernie and Johanna kept regular contact right up to Bernie’s departure for Germany on 26 November 2011. “The preparation and planning carried out by the SAGSE volunteers was absolutely meticulous and nothing was left to chance. Two weeks before departure, as part of the essential preparations for the exchange students, a group meeting was held at Kelvin Grove College. “Here, parents and students met the committee members, the leader accompanying the SAGSE group and, of course, all the other excited exchange students.

A different view of the iconic Neuschwanstein

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SAGSE photo

“General advice and critical information were provided to students and parents. Rules around personal and group safety were discussed and the tickets and official SAGSE jersey were distributed. It was a great opportunity to hear past students’ and parents’ experiences and the advice received was greatly appreciated. “We left confident that our daughter would be well cared for in Germany and that there would be a level of supervision commensurate with her age and maturity. “The departure date quickly came around after a busy and demanding round of end of semester examinations and submitted assignments. At the airport, parents and accompanying boyfriends and girlfriends were quickly caught up in the excitement and expectation. After several group photographs, the eager travellers left for the departure lounge and set off on their German adventure of a lifetime. “The seven-day touring itinerary planned by SAGSE was very well organised and catered perfectly for the diverse interests of the group. From all reports and the beautiful photographs, the sightseeing on this part of the trip was a highlight of the exchange. The breathtaking scenery left indelible memories for everyone. “Bernie’s three weeks, during which she attended high school in Kassel, gave her an invaluable opportunity to practise using her conversational skills and to learn to use the bus, tram and other transport systems. “As Bernie’s host father did not speak English, she was challenged to converse fully in German and this accelerated her learning. “We were so fortunate to have had such wonderful German host parents who went out of their way to give Bernie absolutely amazing experiences. “Christmas in Germany was magical. She explored the markets, baked traditional German food with Johanna’s grandmother and experienced Christmas Eve celebrations with the extended family. New Year’s Eve was also special as Bernie danced through the streets of Berlin at the iconic Brandenburg Gate to greet the New Year. She was also able to go tobogganing as snow arrived just before Christmas.

Bernie King receives a bear hug in Berlin

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“For parents who are considering a SAGSE student exchange, we can highly recommend this wonderful opportunity. Some very sensible advice given to the students was that “Good manners, a pleasant, friendly approach and common sense are the best things you can bring with you and these will help you to be received well by your host family and your school.” “We also found this to be the case and Bernie’s positive approach certainly yielded her lasting friendships and many memorable experiences.”

Christmas in Kassel

Bernie with the other members of her exchange group

On behalf of the team at Götzinger Smallgoods we would like to wish SAGSE Queensland a wonderful 50th year anniversary! GLÜCKWÜNSCHE!

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Since 1908 G ö tzinger has been sharing beautifully made European sausages, ham and bacon. We use quality ingredients and traditional methods to produce the finest smallgoods in the land. Available in major supermarkets. THE BEST SAUSAGES IN AUSTRALIA!

VISIT OUR DELI.

Drop in for barista made coffee, try our delicious smallgoods and stock up on your favourite German groceries! We look forward to seeing you!

1 2 6 L A H R S R O A D Y A T A L A Q L D - P H 0 7 5 5 4 9 3 9 5 5 - G O T Z I N G E R . C O M

Benefits of the SAGSExchange

Learning • To improve your German by participating in an authentic immersion SAGSE exchange. • To increase your school results as a flow-on effect. • To improve your English! Yes, it has been proven that learning another language, especially another Latin-based language, helps to improve your understanding of how English is composed and how grammar works. • To experience the vast German culture, the history and its people. • To visit and observe some large German cities and gain a perspective outside of the Australian context. • The experience of using the German you learned at school to communicate with Germans.

Personal • To improve your thinking skills and analytical capability through the situations and experiences you will encounter whilst on a SAGSE exchange. • To gain an appreciation and tolerance of how other people live by staying with a host family and attending a German school. • To develop your self-confidence and independence. You will be required to act independently, use problem-solving and leadership skills on many occasions. • To acquire an understanding of others who are learning a second language. • For most students, this exchange has a maturing effect which makes you want to work harder to improve your final school graduation results. • With luck, you will have gained a second family for life!

Future • Employers recognise that the skills gained as a result of the SAGSE exchange are transferable to all facets of the workplace. • More pathways will be opened to future possibilities and careers, such as studying, working or visiting Germany later on. • You will have successfully completed the experience of a lifetime – and one you will never forget! • You will have become a stronger, more mature, outgoing and compassionate person!

Terminal 2 @ FRA: the goodbyes are difficult after the warm SAGSExperience

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SAGSE photo