Photos: Zlatko Kozlevčar
The Melbourne Croatia Senior Club has played an important role in bringing together older members of the Croatian community. We spoke with the club’s secretary, Zlatko Kozlevčar, about the work of the senior club.
Can you tell us more about the club’s mission and the types of activities or events you organise to support social connection and wellbeing?
Clubs mission is to provide a venue for gathering of members, resident activities like Bingo, Bocce, card games and of course the catering with affordable lunch and discounted bar items.
With 120 members and weekly lunches, the club remains a stronghold of community spirit
How many active members does the Melbourne Croatia Senior Club currently have, and what is the general age range of members?
Number of active or attending members ranges from 80 to 90, out of total of (rounded) 120 financial members.
Who makes up the management/board?
Not really the management or directors board, but just a committee body consisting of the president, deputy or assistant president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer.
What kinds of regular activities and programs do you offer for your members? Are there any particularly popular ones?
As mentioned before, there are regular resident activities like Bingo, Bocce and card games, but as far as programs are concerned, there is some association with Australian Croatian Community Services. Personally, I’m helping few individuals with providing copies of Hrvatski vjesnik newspaper and gradually trying to educate them with new digital technology, considering, most of them own fairly latest mobile phones, not everyone has a Facebook account, but I can provide basic link to local Internet pages. As far as other programs, we try to arrange day outings or bus trips, with lunch included, to interesting locations around Melbourne and the state of Victoria, plus various Croatian clubs in the country area like AHD Ballarat and Gippsland Croatian club in Morwell.
When and how often does the club meet? Is it weekly, monthly, or around special occasions?
We meet every Thursday for lunch unless there is a booking for a wake or a special club’s (Melbourne Croatia SC) function.
How do new members usually join, and is there a registration or membership process involved?
Yes, there is usual membership process, people can get invited or just turn up after finding out about the club. There is no special requirement like with the golf clubs.
More than games and gatherings: a vital support network for seniors, many of whom live alone
How important is the social aspect of the club for members, especially in terms of staying connected to the Croatian community and culture?
It is not just the importance of being connected to the Croatian culture, but it is more important aspect of socialising of our Croatian seniors, considering their social status, as in, most of them are in their 70’s and 80’s and they live on their own, so they definitely need this type of community socialising. Mind you, some of them get a transport provided by their relatives and others arrange a group taxi transport.
Do you collaborate with other Croatian
organisations or participate in wider community events?
As far as I know, of my 3 years of being a member, there was only a collaboration with ACCS and other local Croatian senior clubs with organising a daily outing or a bus trip. I would also mention Brimbank Council, which offers various courses related to community clubs.
Have you noticed any changes in attendance or interests over the years, and how has the club adapted?
Yes, you must consider the age of average member and their health condition. Just this year, we have lost two of our key and founding members. So, when mentioning founding members, they are the individuals who were involved in building and creating of the Melbourne Croatia Soccer Club and some founding members of Melbourne Knights.
This is something that our Croatian community needs to be aware of, especially the younger generation. Melbourne Croatia club was always and currently is considered as a temple or a holy place for soccer. That is great, but most of the people just turn up at the events and expect someone to be there serving by providing food, drinks, entertainment and seating. Not many people actually think of what is involved in running a club and how can you help by contributing your skills and time. So basically, foundation members are gradually disappearing, and our local clubs need new blood or younger generation to keep the tradition alive.
On May 8th, the club celebrated Mother’s Day, and from this lovely gathering, we are sharing a photo gallery with you. You can find more about the club’s activities on their Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1223857471533029
