Vjesnik TV took a tour of the grandiose and future-proofed Concord Community Club.
Whilst sensationally launched as the biggest Croatian social club in Australia, it’s the little details that stand out like the rising sun in Dalmatian summer.
Capable of hosting more than 1000 guests at any given time, the Concord Community Club is as striking for non-Croatian visitors as it is four our community.
And therein lies the secret to this impressive venue, which replaced the famous Punchbowl club and continues the Croatia Club Sydney legacy founded in Surry Hills in 1951.
Zvonimir Kurtović, who was the Croatian Club Sydney Concord president and one of the main visionaries during the move from Punchbowl, reveals his pride in the Croatian community landmark whilst hosting Vjesnik TV.
“We’re very proud of what we have built. The response has been incredible. We’ve had visitors from all over – locals, interstate travellers, and even tourists from Croatia,” Kurtović tells Vjesnik TV.
“Many people come after seeing the club on social media, and they always leave impressed.
“It’s not just about having a venue – it’s about creating a place that represents Croatian culture and heritage in Australia.”
CROATIAN-INSPIRED DETAILS
From the impressive facade, and virtually every step of the way through the vast facility, you are met by a succession of subtle and well-designed Croatian nods.
Stone from Benkovac, Dalmatian-style shutters (škure), Hrvatske plete and subtle, colour-matched Croatian checkers adorn floors, walls and ceilings.
More overt features include a sculptor from world-renowned Croatian artist Mate Turić, a Franjo Tuđman statue, portraits of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac and famous politician/writer Ante Starčević and Charles Billich’s unique contemporary artworks.
Kurtović, who’s also on the Council for Croatian Government for Croats abroad and remains vice-president of the Concord-based club, says the details were a key part of the vision.
“What surprises people most is the attention to detail. From the Croatian stonework to the historical city names engraved on the walls, people feel like they’ve stepped into a piece of Croatia,” says Kurtović, who drove it alongside now president Mijo Rimac, who also coordinated the build project.
“The layout, the cultural elements, even the food—everything is designed to reflect our heritage. We regularly have Australians with no Croatian background visit, and they’re always amazed by what we’ve created.
“Some of these elements are obvious. Others you have to look more closely. But if you do, you will see that there are Croatian influences everywhere.”
CONNECTING ALL GENERATIONS
Sprawled between the outdoor beer garden and vast indoor section, numerous families and groups of friends gather over traditional Croatian cuisine and drinks.
Several families are enjoying the surrounds after dropping off their kids for their weekly folklore lesson upstairs.
Another family has three generations sitting at the table, with the kids running outside to enjoy the playground whilst their parents and grandparents try and lure them inside for dinner.
Outside one group of Croatians share stories over a lepinja, ‘kulen’ and ‘mortadella’-headlined meza platter and octopus entree, followed by a succulent Croatian mixed grill meat platter.
Inside, a variety of multicultural groups sit – an Asian family sits in awe of the renovated Concord RSL club, where they used to attend.
Another group found it by chance. Both are now they’re regulars, hooked by the impressive interior design and vast Croatian-inspired menu.
Meanwhile, tucked away in a corner, a group of Anglo-looking types are locked away in a business meeting, before relocating to the restaurant area to order a wood-oven cooked pizza.
“The outdoor part in particular has become very popular for families and particularly children. It’s a popular and safe space, where kids can’t wander off,” Kurtović says.
“They can relax, enjoy some food and stay all day, with food and drinks available.
“We’re open seven days a week, for lunch and dinner, so we’re seeing people come regularly and make it a habit to catch up with family or friends.”
For any interstate visitors, a Concord Club pitstop and feed is a must on the Sydney itinerary.
This future-proofed and hospitable facility will undoubtedly play a crucial role in preserving the Croatian culture in Australia for decades to come.
