Guardians of Croatian Unity in Australia
In the heart of distant Australia, thousands of kilometres from Croatia, there exists a place where the scent of homemade food and the sound of singing evoke memories of home. Additionally, the clinking of bocce balls adds to this atmosphere. This place is the Club Boće Gospić – a symbol of unity, culture, and identity for the Croatian community on the Australian continent. The club is officially known as the Australian Croatian Senior Citizens Club Bocce Gospic – Lynda Blundell Community Centre, 185 Blair St, Dallas VIC 3047 – Broadmeadows, Dallas. Founded two decades ago, the club has become much more than just a sports association. It has grown into a second home for many Croatians living in Australia.
In this interview, we speak with Stjepan Kaloci, the club’s secretary. He shares with us how the club came into being, how it has grown over the years, and why Bocce Club Gospić is more important than ever today. This importance lies in preserving the Croatian spirit in the diaspora.
Two decades of friendship, identity, and cultural pride through bocce and beyond
How was the Bocce Club Gospić founded, and what role does it play today in the Croatian community in Australia?
The Bocce Club Gospić was founded 20 years ago due to the enthusiasm and dedication of the late Pero Đuić. He was our founder and long-time leader. He was a man with a vision, someone who understood just how important it was to preserve our Croatian traditions, language, and unity. This was needed even thousands of kilometres away from the homeland. May he rest in eternal peace. Today, the club is led by our president Stjepan Novak. He took on the role in 2014 and continues this tradition with the same passion.
How has the club grown over the years?
In the early days, we had just around thirty members. This was a great number for those times. Today, we’re proud to say we have around 140 members. This growth isn’t just in numbers; rather, it’s a growth of unity, friendship, and mutual trust. Our members come from various parts of Australia. However, they’re all connected by a shared love for Croatia and a desire to pass that on to the younger generations. We embrace new members and welcome them to Bocce Club Gospić.
On the third Sunday of every month, we organise a communal lunch. We prepare homemade meals, often traditional dishes, to make everyone feel “at home.” These lunches regularly bring together around 100 members, which is an exceptional turnout. Besides the food, there’s also singing, laughter, bocce, and lots of socialising. Sunday afternoons become a real celebration of Bocce Club Gospić culture and togetherness.
From monthly feasts to cross-country trips – keeping Croatian culture alive down under
Travel is also an important part of your activities. How significant are these trips for the club?
Travel plays a vital role in our club life. Over the years, we’ve visited nearly all Croatian clubs and communities across Australia. These gatherings with other Croatians, sharing experiences, and meeting people with similar life stories– it’s priceless. On these trips, Bocce Club Gospić doesn’t just represent itself. It also learns from other communities, exchanges ideas, and strengthens the Croatian network throughout Australia.
What message would you like to share with younger generations of Croatians in Australia?
Our mission is to pass on what our parents and grandparents brought with them from the homeland. We ensure that they don’t forget who they are and where they come from. The club isn’t just about bocce and lunches – it’s a guardian of identity. We encourage young people to get involved, to come to our gatherings, and take part in activities. Our hope is that they one day take on the leadership of Bocce Club Gospić. The future of our community depends on them.
And finally – what does the Bocce Club Gospić mean to you personally?
To me, the Bocce Club Gospić is a second family. It’s a place where I’ve built lifelong friendships, where we nurture the most beautiful aspects of Croatian culture. These include unity, respect, and hospitality. Every one of our activities at Bocce Club Gospić has heart and soul. As long as we keep that spirit alive, the club will continue to thrive.
