Photos: Eurobodalla Croatian Association Facebook, Tim Grey Photography
Nestled in the heart of Malua Bay, the Eurobodalla Croatian Association Inc., affectionately known as the Malua Bay Boce Club, has been a cultural hub and gathering place for the Croatian community in the region for over three decades. We sat down with club president and manager Mato Tomicic to learn more about the club’s origins, its cultural significance, and the challenges and hopes for its future.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what your role in the club is?
My name is Mato Tomicic. I’ve lived in the Eurobodalla Shire for 29 years with my wife and children, who’ve had the joy of growing up here. For the past five years, I’ve served as the club’s president and manager. Alongside me is James Trounson, who looks after the bar and helps maintain the grounds.
Can you tell us a bit about the history of the Eurobodalla Croatian Association Inc.? How did it all begin?
The club was officially established in 1992 after a group of Croatians—both local and from interstate—approached the local council for land to build boce courts and a clubhouse. With the support of builders, suppliers, volunteers, life members, and generous donations, the club came to life and celebrated its grand opening in 1994.
What was the original vision behind founding the club?
The aim was to create a place where Croatians, especially retirees and holiday homeowners from places like Canberra and Queanbeyan, could gather, celebrate their heritage, and stay connected. Over the years, the club thrived—hosting traditional events like kolo dancing, festivals (Festa), and live music. Families would come together to enjoy spit roasts, shared meals, boce matches, cards, and bingo. Those were truly the golden days. Sadly, our numbers have declined recently, and there are Saturdays when we can’t even form a full boce team.
How does the club help preserve and promote Croatian culture in Malua Bay?
We keep our traditions alive through regular lunches and events like Mother’s and Father’s Day and Easter celebrations. In recent summers, we’ve had strong turnouts from younger Croatians from Canberra and Queanbeyan, which has been really heartening. Our club has also been the venue for many personal milestones—my wife and I held our wedding here, as did my daughter and her husband. We’ve hosted christenings, birthdays, and other family celebrations.
What are some of the regular activities the club hosts?
We host social gatherings, lunches, boce games, and cultural events. Community engagement is key—we welcome both locals and visitors from nearby Croatian communities. We also try to visit and support other clubs when we can.
What facilities and services does the club offer its members?
We have two boce courts, a bar, a spacious hall for functions, and a kitchen that helps us host events. It’s a modest setup, but one built with pride and community spirit.
What challenges does the club currently face?
The biggest challenge is sustaining and growing our membership. We’re a not-for-profit and operate solely through bar sales and event functions. We have no current sponsors, so we rely heavily on community participation. It’s been tough lately, but I remain committed to keeping the doors open.
What does the club mean to you personally?
It means everything. It’s more than a club—it’s a piece of our culture, a symbol of our roots, and a place where families and friends have made lasting memories. I’m proud to be part of something that brings people together.
Do you have a message for Croatians across Victoria or Australia?
Absolutely. If any Croatian clubs or individuals would like to connect, organize an event, or contribute in any way, we’d love to hear from you. Please find us on Facebook under Eurobodalla Croatian Association Inc. and reach out. Together, we can keep our traditions alive and thriving.
Keeping the Flame Alive
As the Eurobodalla Croatian Association faces new challenges, its heart remains strong—fuelled by passion, heritage, and community. With the dedication of leaders like Mato Tomicic and the support of Croatians across the region and beyond, the Malua Bay Boce Club continues to stand as a proud beacon of Croatian culture in Australia.
Related story: Croatian Karlovac Association in Sydney