Preserving Croatian heritage one recipe at a time

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

On Thursday, 9 July 2026, the Croatian Cultural Association Geelong in Australia proudly hosted its Winter Cooking Presentation at the Croatian Community Centre in Geelong. Despite a bitterly cold and foggy winter’s evening, the warmth of Croatian hospitality filled the hall as members of our community gathered to celebrate and preserve the rich culinary traditions passed down through generations.

This special evening was much more than a cooking demonstration. It was a celebration of Croatian heritage, family traditions and the spirit of volunteering that continues to keep Croatian culture alive in Australia.

Behind every dish presented on the night were countless hours of planning, preparation and teamwork. Long before the audience arrived, presenters and members of the Croatian Cultural Association Committee had devoted many days of their own time preparing food, organising ingredients and ensuring every detail reflected the high standard the community has come to expect.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

Julie Marinović inspired everyone with her demonstrations of homemade yoghurt, nutritious granola and home-cured olives. Julie devoted an extraordinary amount of time preparing each item before the event so participants could taste the finished products.

She generously shared her knowledge throughout the evening and went one step further by producing a beautifully designed bilingual recipe booklet for every attendee to take home.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

Her remarkable commitment, attention to detail and willingness to share her knowledge exemplify the very spirit of volunteering.

Niko Sučić shared the traditional art of preparing fermented sauerkraut.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

This was not simply a demonstration on the evening, but the culmination of weeks of preparation. Niko spent a day grating and salting fresh cabbage before carefully preparing it for fermentation. Four weeks later, the beautifully fermented sauerkraut was packed into jars, allowing everyone attending the presentation to enjoy an authentic taste of this treasured Croatian tradition.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

Maria Ćosić demonstrated the preparation of the much-loved Croatian classic, grah sa suhim mesom (bean soup with smoked meat). The preparation began well before the event, with Maria spending an entire day preparing the beans and smoked meat. On the day of the presentation, Maria was working in the kitchen from 1.00 pm, ensuring everything was ready before guiding the audience through the cooking process that evening.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

Throughout the evening, every guest enjoyed tasting the delicious dishes while learning practical skills that can be taken home and shared with family and friends. More importantly, they gained a deeper appreciation for traditional Croatian foods that nourish both body and soul.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

The Croatian Cultural Association extended its sincere appreciation to Djurdjica Skazlić and Ratko Marinović for generously donating their home-grown olives, which became an important part of the evening’s presentation.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

Special thanks were also extended to Evanny Marinović, Dimitrie Damos and Lachie Grogan, whose willingness to volunteer their assistance contributed greatly to the success of the event.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Croatian Community Centre for its ongoing support and generosity in making its facilities available. Without this valued partnership, events such as these would not be possible. Most importantly, we thank our outstanding presenters, Julie Marinović, Niko Sučić and Maria Ćosić, for so generously giving their time, sharing their knowledge and opening their hearts to our community. Their dedication reminds us that recipes are far more than instructions for preparing food; they are stories, memories and traditions that connect generations,” organisers said.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

The Croatian Cultural Association also acknowledged the many volunteers whose work often goes unseen. Their countless hours of preparation, organisation and service reflect the strength of the community and the pride they all share in their Croatian heritage.

“As each generation passes on its recipes, language and customs, we ensure that our Croatian identity continues to flourish in Australia. Through evenings such as this, we are not simply teaching people how to cook, we are preserving a way of life, honouring those who came before us and inspiring future generations to cherish the traditions that define who we are.

(Photo credit: Julie Marinovic)

The Croatian Cultural Association Geelong remains committed to preserving and promoting Croatian culture, heritage and traditions through educational programs, community events and cultural activities that bring people together and strengthen our community for generations to come,” they concluded.