Many thanks to everyone who attended our Gala Dinner held on 28 May at the Melbourne Museum! The event was a big success of being together and connected again.
The VCCC was delighted to have Her Excellency Betty (Bernardica) Pavelich deliver a welcome address to guests and talk about the extent to which both Australia and Croatia have changed in the last 30 years, the progress of the relationship between the two nations and the incredible growth, recognition, and progress of Croatia in those years.
We were also honoured to have our Local Consul General, Mr Joseph Petric present for these celebrations on the night promoting our local Croatian talents.
Following H.E. Ms Pavelich speech were Dr Ilija Sutalo and Dr Tania Penovic both successful academics spent time discussing the influences their Croatian heritage and culture had on them. Dr Sutalo and Dr Penovic delivered entertaining speeches with a clever combination of history and humour during dinner.
Rosemary Masic shared her story and the inspiration behind her luxury designer brand Nevenka, a tribute to her late mother. Highlights of her speech included sourcing much of her cipka (lacework) from Croatian ladies in the village who can take up to six months to complete one piece.
Our final guest John Didulica engaged in a Q&A with former VCCC President Cindy Drake. In their discussion, Mr Didulica provided great insight and links to how the sport of football has helped shape modern Australia, using references from his book Football Belongs: Eight Matches That Explain Australia. His theories caught the audience’s attention which inspired H.E. Ms Pavelich to continue the discussion about raising the platform for our Croatian voice within Australia.
Once more, we appreciate your support, and thank you all for joining and making this milestone one to remember!
Photos by Ana Mioc, MKT Photography