CCA Committee
Photos Marlo Media, Marina Lončarić
Editors note: As we begin the digital era of the Vjesnik, we’re looking back at some of our favourite articles from the New Gen archives.
On a warm autumn evening in Geelong, history was made as the Croatian Cultural Association Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac commemorated its 20th anniversary with a magnificent celebration that captivated all who attended. The grand event, held on 1st March 2025 at the Croatian Community Centre, brought together generations of Croatian-Australians in a spectacular display of cultural pride and community spirit.
Founded in 2004, the Association has emerged as a cornerstone of Croatian cultural life in Victoria, dedicating two decades to preserving the rich tapestry of Croatian heritage while fostering meaningful connections within the wider Australian community. The anniversary celebration was a testament to this enduring legacy, with the Centre filled to capacity – a powerful reflection of the Association’s significance to local Croatian-Australians.
The evening commenced with a stirring performance by LADO Geelong, a folklore group with over half a century of experience in Croatian cultural expression. Their rendition of both the Australian and Croatian National Anthems moved guests to their feet, symbolising the beautiful harmony between Croatian heritage and Australian multiculturalism – a fitting beginning to an evening dedicated to celebrating cultural identity within Australia’s diverse landscape.
Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including Her Excellency Ms Betty Pavelich, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, and Mr Joseph Gene Petrić, Consul General of the Republic of Croatia. Local dignitaries were also present, with Ms Ella George MP, State Member for Lara, and Cr Eddy Kontelj representing the City of Greater Geelong. Mr Tomislav Butković, President of the Croatian Community Centre Geelong, attended alongside Mr and Mrs Pehar from North Geelong Warriors, Mrs Melinda Skoko and Mrs Natalie Mušić representing HKUD Lado, and Mrs Marijana Filipović and Ms Vesna Grgić from the Association of Croatian Language Teachers.
The community was further represented by Mr and Mrs Škratulja from the Croatian Community Centre, Ms Stephanie Fantela, President of the Croatian Lastovo Association, and Ms Keti Karlović. Adding to the prestigious gathering were Mr Andrew Hilliard, Board Chair of Bendigo Community Bank Lara, accompanied by Mrs Anne Hilliard.
The evening featured four distinguished keynote speakers who shared their thoughts on this significant milestone. The first to address the gathering was Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, Ms Betty Pavelich, followed by Ms Ella George MP for Lara, and then Cr Eddy Kontelj.
Mrs Katica Perinac, President of the Croatian Cultural Association, delivered the fourth keynote speech, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all past and present committee members. She acknowledged their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment, which have been instrumental in shaping the association over the past 20 years. Their efforts have ensured the preservation and promotion of Croatian culture, language, and heritage in the community. For twenty years, these volunteers have organised workshops, cooking classes, language programmes and fundraising events, creating a vibrant hub for Croatian culture while simultaneously supporting worthy causes locally and abroad. The Association’s impact has been far-reaching, extending to disaster relief efforts, mental health initiatives, cancer research, and sports programmes. Perhaps one of its most remarkable achievements has been the publication of the bilingual cookbook “My Mother’s Kitchen / Kuhinja moje majke”, which has sold over 5,000 copies worldwide and features artwork by the internationally acclaimed Australian-Croatian artist Charles Billich – a true testament to the power of cultural preservation through culinary traditions.
The celebration continued with a banquet of traditional Croatian cuisine, complemented by the enchanting musical performances of Major Minor. Internationally renowned comedian Joe Avati brought waves of laughter to the gathering, while a spirited wine and sausage-tasting competition showcased the culinary expertise passed down through generations.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Cr Eddy Kontelj, Mr Robert Pehar, and Mrs Đurđica Gnječ, had the formidable task of selecting winners from an impressive array of entries. In the sausage tasting competition, Niko Sučić claimed first place, followed by Ivan Kolar in second and Marija Ćosić in third. The wine tasting competition saw Marija Ćosić take top honours, with Ljubica Akmačić and Ratko Marinović securing second and third places respectively – a beautiful illustration of Croatian traditions flourishing on Australian soil.
A spectacular anniversary cake created by Mrs Snježana Demo from Vanilla Junkie drew admiring glances before delighting palates. This visual masterpiece was not only beautifully crafted to reflect the significance of the occasion but was absolutely delicious – a true culinary highlight of the evening. The event’s exciting raffle featured premium prizes including a KitchenAid Mixer, Le Creuset cookware, a silver ring, and more.
The evening reached a crescendo with the auction of a Charles Billich print titled “Croatica”, depicting Queen Catherine of Bosnia – a historical figure emblematic of Croatian resilience and cultural significance. Billich’s generous donation was received with profound gratitude, reflecting the artist’s ongoing commitment to connecting Croatian communities worldwide through his celebrated artworks.
To mark this significant occasion, the Association unveiled a 20th Anniversary Commemorative Tea Towel designed by community member Mrs Melinda Skoko. This limited-edition keepsake, featuring intricate artwork celebrating key moments in the Association’s history, serves as a beautiful symbol of two decades of cultural pride and community achievement.The elegant venue was transformed by exquisite floral arrangements from Townhouse Living, while Pop Hire provided a stunning backdrop that created the perfect atmosphere for this milestone celebration.
Marina Lončarić from Marlo Media generously donated her photographic talents to capture the essence of the evening for posterity, ensuring that this momentous occasion will be remembered by generations to come.
The success of this milestone celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. The Croatian Cultural Association extends its deepest gratitude to major sponsors: Central State Office for Croats Abroad and City of Greater Geelong. Raffle Sponsors were: Croatian Community Centre, North Geelong Warriors, Siketa Meats, Association of Croatian Language Teachers, HKUD Lado, Charles Billich, Ivan Paić and Blaz Gotovac, Croatia Lastovo Association, Steve and Tina Horvat, Statewide Ventilation, Chetkah Hair and Pakington Pantry. A special thank you to the Croatian Community Centre Geelong for its unwavering support in hosting this milestone event and for its continued dedication to preserving and promoting Croatian culture in Geelong. As the celebration drew to a close, guests departed with hearts full of pride in their heritage and a renewed sense of connection to their community.
The 20th anniversary celebration was not merely a reflection on past achievements but a stepping stone towards an even brighter future. With a solid foundation built on tradition, community engagement, and cultural pride, the Croatian Cultural Association Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac Geelong stands poised to continue its vital mission for many years to come – preserving Croatian heritage while contributing richly to Australia’s multicultural tapestry. In the glow of this magnificent celebration, one thing remains certain: the next chapter of the Croatian Cultural Association’s remarkable journey promises to be as inspiring as the first two decades have been.
NICE Article