In a fantastic display of community engagement and diplomatic dialogue, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia Dr Gordan Grlic Radman, graced our dinner function hosted by the Western Australian Croatian Community Centre and the Western Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce. The event provided a unique opportunity for the community to interact with the Minister, fostering discussions on strengthening Croatia’s current and future pathways.
The minister's presence added an air of significance to the night, symbolising the importance of collaboration between governmental bodies, the business sector and the diaspora community.
Master of Ceremonies Raymond Pecotic welcomed Dr Gordan Grlić-Radman Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia and Mrs Marijana Radman, Ambassador of Croatia to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, H.E. Betty Pavelich, Hon Minister Simone McGurk MLA, Mr Zoran Šangut, Consulate of the Republic of Croatia and Mrs Vanja Šangut, President of WA Croatian Community Centre - Mr Anthony Sumich, Luka Jurcevic –Member of the Council of the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Croats abroad and President of the WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Mayor of Cockburn - Mr Logan Howlett, Mayor of Fremantle – Representative – Councillor Ingrid van Dorssen, Father Nikola Čabraja St Anne’s Church, Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich and Eric Ripper, Zrinka Vlasic – Hrvatski Folklore Grupa Zagreb, Anthony Radich – LADO, Mathew Jurcevic - Croatia House – Hrvatski Dom Gwelup, Mr Miro Vuleta - Croatian Bowling Club Jedinstvo and Community members and guests.
Anthony Sumich from the WA Croatian Community Centre welcomed everyone on this momentus dinner that was prepared by local Chef Stipe Lozic. Luka Jurcevic presented the 2023 year in review and achievements for the WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce.
Zoran Šangut the Perth Croatian Consul discussed the spirit and the heart of the local Croatian community, while the Hon Simone McGurk - Minister for Training; Water; and Youth in Western Australia discussed the importance of the contribution of the Croatian community within Western Australia.
Croatian Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Dr Gordan Grlic Radman discussed Croatia as a member of the EU and NATO and described in terms of business and economic opportunities, which opens many doors for new investments and entrepreneurship. Emphasizing the interconnectedness, fostering a sense of unity and shared goals for progress. He was informed of the activity with the Western Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce and its achievements in connecting businesses across Croatia, Australia and globally.
The minister thanked the members of the Croatian community for promoting Croatian culture through the Croatian folklore group Zagreb and the Croatian folklore ensemble Lado. Also mentioning how impressive that the Croatian language is still actively learned on the other side of the world, which creates a feeling of immense pride". Young Croats in Perth continue to learn their mother tongue thanks to the Croatian Catholic Center of St. Ana under the leadership of Fr. Nikola Čabraje, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and within which the Croatian Ethnic School operates,
As the minister engaged with the Western Australian community, it was evident that the evening not only strengthened ties between the Croatian government and the business community but also inspired a collective vision for a thriving and a prosperous future.
The Minister's presence not only symbolised a commitment to the spirit of the Croatian community but also served as a testament to the government's dedication to understanding and addressing the diverse needs of the Croatian diaspora.
The evening culminated in a shared sense of optimism and unity, reflecting a community actively participating in shaping the future.