News- 35th Anniversary of Croatian Statehood Day

Proud to celebrate the 35th anniversary of CROATIAN STATEHOOD DAY, as well as continuing the celebrations of the 33rd anniversary of Australia recognising Croatia and setting up diplomatic relations at the WA Croatian Community Centre, North Fremantle. To acknowledge our heritage and to pay tribute to the republic of Croatia, for the people of Croatia and those of us of Croatian heritage, statehood day represents the day on which the country of our ancestors became a sovereign nation in its own right, declaration of independence - free from communist and socialist rule.

As part of the European Union, Croatia has been collaborating with the global diaspora, inviting them to explore opportunities within Croatia and through the WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce, we have showcased and promoted our members' capabilities in WA.

Ivana Marjanovic was our Master of Ceremonies at the WA Croatian Community Centre and welcomed H.E. Betty Pavelich Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia & Dean of Diplomatic Corps, also Consul of the Republic of Croatia Mr Zoran Sangut and his wife Mrs Vanja Sangut and Mr Francika Jelavic Roberts from the Consul office; the Hon Dr Tony Buti, Attorney General, Minister for Commerce; Tertiary and International Education; Multicultural Interests; representing Mr Basil Zempilas Leader of the Opposition, Sandra Brewer MLA, Shadow Treasurer and Member for Cottesloe. Also Luke Jurcevic – Member of Council of the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Croats abroad and President of the WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce.

With members of the consular corps across Europe, we also had invited councillors of local WA governments Tony Krsticevic, Karlo Perkov and Lord Mayor Logan Howlett of City of Cockburn, sister city of the City of Split in Croatia, City of Fremantle sister city of Korcula, Ingrid van Dawson on behalf of Mayor Hanna Fitzharding. Also Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds from the City of Perth with a big thank you for having Council House lit up in our famous red and white checkers.

Also invited Her Honour Justice Larissa Strk of the Supreme Court of Western Australia, our Patron from the WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce, life member and previous member of Parliament Ljiljanna Ravlich and Eric Ripper, as well as our patron Ron Romboc and Terri Gomboc OAM. It was great to also have our life and foundation president Brian Rakich AM and life member Dennis Yagmich. Our local priest velečasni Nikola Čabraja St Annes Croatian Church, North Fremantle, including leaders and members of the Croatian community and sports organisations were invited. Laura and Jure Denona – Gwelup Croatia and Hrvatski Dom – Croatian House, Dean Zlendic – Western Knights Soccer Club, WA Croatian Community Centre Anthony Sumich, Hrvatska Folklorna Grupa Zagreb Antoni Ukalovic, Folkloric Group LADO Glen Svilicich and Darlene Gianoli.

Singing the Australian and Croatian national anthems we had Hrvatska Folklorna Grupa Zagreb and LADO Croatian Folkloric Ensemble of Western Australia perform.

It was a fantastic night shared by all to celebrate our 35th Anniversary of Croatian Statehood Day.