Croatian Archives in Australia president Ana Watson prepares for the Croatian exhibition at Punchbowl, last week. Picture: NICK BLOUKOS
CROATIAN history in Australia is thought to have begun as early as 1813, when convict Stefano Posich arrived in Sydney.
On Sunday, the narrative will continue when the Croatian Archive Association of Australia hosts the Faces of Australian Croatians exhibition at the Croatian Club in Punchbowl between noon and 4pm.
According to the exhibition’s co-ordinator, Stephen Kokotovic, Croatians continued to arrive in Australia once gold was discovered in 1951.
However, the historical records have been scant for several reasons.
“They’re not well-known in the early pioneering days. They may have been known as Austrian or Italian, as part of the Austro-Hungarian or Venetian empires.
“Some of their names couldn’t be pronounced, so they Anglicised their names. Or, if they were under Venice, Italianised them.”
He gave the example of noted 1890s winemaker Trojan Drvenica, who was also known by the name of Troyano Darveniza.
The exhibition is twofold, and acts as both a celebration of the history of Croation immigration to Australia as well as a chance to piece together some of the gaps of what we know.
Mr Kokotovic said Australians of Croatian descent had been responsible fo many impressive feats, including the invention of the orbital engine by Ralph Sarich in 1972.
The historical exhibit, which forms part of NSW History Week, will include photographs, books and other documents, as well as traditional Croatian artefacts.
“One of the members is also in a folkloric group and she’ll be bringing along Croatian traditional costumes for a bit of extra colour.”
It will feature prominent Australians with Croatian descent, such as soccer player Mark Viduka, and document the lives of everyday people. Mr Kokotovic said the display was a work in progress and encouraged members of the community to lend or donate photographs, letters and other relics.
If you are interested in sharing your recollections of arriving in Australia send an email to cro.arch@hotmail.com.
Source: whereilive
1 comments:
Man, I wish I knew this was on.
I'm a direct descendant of the aforementioned Stefano Posich and would have enjoyed attending.
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