Australian Croatian Senior Citizens Club Nikola Tavelić
By Suzana Fantov
Photos: Snježana Buljan
Under the auspices of the Croatian Catholic Community in Clifton Hill, the Australian Croatian Senior Citizens Club Nikola Tavelić Inc. has been active for many years, bringing together members of the Croatian community in their golden years. The club holds regular gatherings every second Tuesday of the month, bringing joy, fellowship, and a spirit of faith into the daily lives of its members.
In its early days, the club had around a hundred members. Today, the number is somewhat smaller – a natural course of life, as some reach the end of their journey or are no longer able to attend due to illness. However, the seats never stay empty for long – new members quickly fill them, as they say, it’s never too late for good company.
A Spiritual Start to Every Gathering
Each meeting begins with the recitation of the Rosary and Holy Mass, led by parish priest Fr Bosiljko Rajić and Fr Velimir Maglica. After Mass, there is a toast with homemade rakija and then – lunch! Dedicated club members prepare traditional homemade meals: stuffed peppers, bean stew, goulash, hunter’s stew, fish… and the beloved chicken soup, a favourite among all. Finally – cakes, coffee, and laughter. The ladies bring their sweet specialties, turning the shared table into a true dessert feast.
More Than Just Socialising
The club is more than just a meeting place – it is also a source of valuable information and support. Thanks to the Australian Croatian Community Services (https://www.facebook.com/accsfd) and especially Boris Čerina, informative talks have been organised on available government assistance, along with practical workshops and health checks – for example, hearing tests. Pensioners have also enjoyed numerous trips, picnics, and visits to other Croatian communities throughout Victoria.
Keeping Up with the Times
Former president and now active member Snježana Buljan launched the club’s official Facebook page, where updates, photos, and event announcements are regularly posted. The club occasionally enhances its gatherings with visits from Croatian musicians – when singing and dancing begin, joy fills the hall. https://www.facebook.com/stncroclub
The Current Club Committee:
Jure Kristo (President)
Petar Holovka (Treasurer)
Perica Buljanović (Secretary) – this role was held until 2024 by Štefanija Drčec, who remains very active in the club, especially with kitchen duties, serving meals with a smile, and more
Mara Kožul (Vice President)
Ljuba Skukan (Deputy Treasurer)
Mara Čavar (Deputy Secretary)
The Heart of the Community
The contribution of this club is invaluable to the Croatian Catholic Community in Clifton Hill. Among its members are many who were actively involved in the establishment of the St Nikola Tavelić parish – the first Croatian parish in Victoria. Their dedication, volunteer work, and ongoing support are the foundation of the strong sense of community that continues to thrive today.
In recent years, thanks to the efforts of parish priest Fr Bosiljko Rajić, the parish has experienced both spiritual and material renewal. The Nikola Tavelić Club is a living example of how community spirit, experience, and goodwill can build and restore – not just buildings, but human connections.
The annual membership fee is a symbolic $5, while the enthusiasm of members remains as strong as ever. They warmly invite anyone seeking a kind word, a homemade meal, prayer, and a smile: Join us!
