Keeping Croatian tradition alive in Australia

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

The Croatian Cultural Association (CCA) Geelong in Australia has hosted a memorable Christmas Lunch, bringing together members of the Croatian and wider local community for an afternoon celebrating culture, tradition and generosity.

The event highlighted the Association’s ongoing commitment to preserving Croatian heritage while also giving back to the local community, raising vital funds for those in need during the festive season.

The lunch was warmly opened by hosts Ana Erceg and Antonija Erceg, who welcomed guests and outlined the mission of the Croatian Cultural Association.

Established in honour of great-grandmothers, grandmothers and mothers who preserved Croatian customs, cuisine and traditions far from their homeland, the Association continues this legacy today by engaging all generations through cultural and culinary initiatives.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

The Association was honoured to welcome several distinguished guests, including City of Greater Geelong Councillor Eddy Kontelj, award-winning photographer and author Marina Brbot, Rob Pehar representing the North Geelong Warriors, Margaret Skratulja and Ivona Bilić from HKUD Lado Geelong, Marija Špoljarić from the Association of Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria, and Neelam Chotrani from Bendigo Community Bank Lara.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

A standout highlight of the afternoon was a vibrant performance by HKUD Lado Geelong, a group with more than 50 years of dedication to preserving and presenting Croatian folklore.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

Their dynamic program, showcasing Croatia’s rich folkloric heritage, was met with enthusiastic applause and pride from the audience.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

The Croatian Cultural Association expressed its sincere gratitude to HKUD Lado Geelong for their dedication and contribution, which added colour, tradition and joy to the celebration.

Preserving tradition through food

Guests were also treated to a special cooking presentation demonstrating how to make a traditional Croatian apple strudel. The presentation was delivered by Marica Perin, Ljiljana Radojević, Malinda Skoko, Lily Skoko and Alana Fortuna.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

Spanning four generations, the demonstration beautifully showcased the passing of culinary knowledge through family tradition, originating from Vukšiću Šipak in the Karlovac region.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

The Association extended heartfelt thanks to these women for sharing their treasured family recipe and for spending an entire Saturday preparing apple strudel for 150 guests.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

A key focus of the day was fundraising for the St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal.

Through a silent auction of Christmas wreaths and a festive raffle, the event proudly raised $1,600 to support families experiencing hardship during the Christmas period.

The event also featured a major raffle prize – a fully decorated Christmas tree valued at $3,000. The impressive prize was won by the President of the Pensioners Association at Dinamo Soccer Club Melbourne, adding to the festive atmosphere of the day.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

Generous sponsors of the Christmas wreaths included the Croatian Community Centre, GT&B Tile Shop, North Geelong Warriors, the Association of Croatian Language Teachers, Townhouse Living, Suzana Fantov and Kathy Franic.

Guests were inspired by a presentation from Marina Brbot, who shared the story behind her acclaimed book Because She Can. Her message of resilience, creativity and empowerment resonated deeply with attendees and was met with heartfelt applause.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

The Croatian Cultural Association also expressed sincere thanks to Julie Marinovic for capturing the spirit of the event through her photography; Kathy Franic for the beautiful table centrepieces and Christmas wreath; Suzana Fantov for her hand-painted wreath; the Croatian Community Centre for its ongoing support; the dedicated kitchen volunteers; and Drago Gudašić for expertly coordinating the preparation of the Christmas lunch.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

Special thanks were extended to Emma and Lauren Akmačić for their ongoing support at CCA events, as well as Michael Špiranović and Ivan Perinac for their assistance with this and many other Association initiatives.

(Photo: Julie Marinovic)

The Croatian Cultural Association Geelong continues to make meaningful contributions to both the Croatian and Australian communities, including the publication of its cookbook My Mother’s Kitchen (Kuhinja Moje Majke), which celebrates and preserves traditional Croatian home cooking.