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VIDEO: 70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia 

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photos: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

This year commemorates the 70th anniversary of the first Croatian Club formed in Australia which was officially formed back in 1951.

Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney was originally founded in 1951 by the Croatian immigrants in Sydney. Starting in a church hall in Marouba Junction in the 1950s and then in Surry Hills in 1951, the club then moved to Marrikville in 1972 and in 1982 they purchased the old Sundowner Hotel in Punchbowl. 

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photo: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

From this Društvo, the members raised funds to purchase the first Croatian church in Sydney at Summer Hill and also created the famous Sydney Croatia Football Team (now known as Sydney United) which was partnered with Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney until its move in 1982.

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photo: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photo: Old School Croats)

Back on the 5th of November 2021, Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney successfully purchased the old Concord RSL and is now located at 1 Nirranda Street, Concord West NSW 2138.

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

The new club (Photo: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

“This is a fantastic opportunity for not only the Croatian Community but an opportunity for the locals of Canada Bay local council area to experience Croatian Culture,” Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney told us.

To celebrate this historic moment of Hrvatsko Drustvo Sydney, they invited all members and the Croatian Community for a Club Blessing by Fr. Davor Filko and Flag Raising Ceremony on Sunday 5th of December 2021.

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photo: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photo: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photo: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photo: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photo: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

70 years since first Croatian Club formed in Australia

(Photo: Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney)

You can watch a short video showing the history of the Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney over the past 70 years on the link HERE.

 

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