Remembering the Children of Croatia’s Homeland War
Text: Luke Jurčević, president of WA Croatian Chamber of commerce
Photos: Matt Jurčević, photos from the movie
On May 3rd, the WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce held a solemn event to mark Memorial Day: Remembering the Children of Croatia’s Homeland War. This day ensures a lasting remembrance of the over 400 children who were killed during the 1991–1995 conflict. Among the darkest chapters, 3 May 1992 stands out as the bloodiest war day in the history of Slavonski Brod where the highest number of children were killed as well as in Škabrnja.
This year 2025, also marks the 30th anniversary of the war’s end and the WA Croatian community stands united in honouring the young lives. The Chamber has been working closely with Croatians Abroad – Hrvati izvan Hrvatske – not only to remember the past but to invest in the future.
In a gesture of solidarity and progress, the WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce is also facilitating new technology initiatives for Škabrnja Primary School. This includes robotics and creative industry tools to support innovation and education, endorsed by the school’s principal. Thanks to the efforts of the Principal Marin Pavicic and Ivana Razov with Dianne Jurcevic, Luka Jurcevic, Matija Bilandzija and Nada Gill. with Croatian company VIDI-X, Tomislav Kotnik, Kresimir Dominic to enable technologies in 2024 and new technologies in 2025. We are also seeking any sponsors to support these initiatives to contact the WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce.
We interviewed Mašenjka Katić and Don Markusić from ACAP – ZAGREB to discuss these initiatives as well as reflect on the past successful achievements with the delivery of a new 4WD ambulance, bio medical equipment and Banovina fire fighters support equipment during the earthquakes in Zagreb, Sisak and Petrinja. Don introduced us to this film and the efforts taken to commemorate this day in Croatia.
Also discussed was how Dubrovnik is to build a park and memorial honouring children killed in Homeland War.
We presented the film OD TOGA DANA – Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/xcF-nNC4kD8?si=ZNDZjK1D8ZZrqxAj
We interviewed the film director Slavica Šnur- how this film was created with her initiative and the stories she has documented and experienced with the interviews of the families of these tragic events, for anyone to comprehend.
After the event, mass was held at St Ana’s Catholic Church, 6pm May 3rd 2025, North Fremantle with Father Nikola Cabraja.
Through remembrance and renewal, this Memorial Day brings together generations in grief, pride, and purpose — ensuring that the children of the Homeland War are never forgotten, and their legacy inspires.
https://croatiacommercewa.asn.au/aboutus.html
UPCOMING EVENT
Friday, 9 May – WA | EU DAY – Young Professionals Networking Event!
- Welcome to the WA | EU DAY – Young Professionals Networking Event! Join us at The Bell Tower for an evening of networking with fellow young professionals. This is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and expand your professional circle. Whether you’re looking to make new contacts or simply socialize, this event is the perfect opportunity to do so. Don’t miss out on this fantastic networking event tailored for young professionals like you!
- In collaboration with other European Chambers of Commerce in Perth, we look forward to celebrating this day together!
- To get tickets please send an email to luke@croatiacommercewa.asn.au – the announcement was made on their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WesternAustralianCroatianChamberofCommerce
