HR Tuesday 9 October 2012
Petar Graso touring Oz in 2012
Vol. 1, No. 6
Kiwi climber killed in Croatia
A New Zealand man fell 50 metres to his death in a climbing accident in Croatia as his girlfriend watched. Local media reported Yannick Branson, 25, fell while climbing Ilinac Rock, on the outskirts of the Adriatic town of Omis. Emergency services were called about 6pm local time last Sunday (30 September) after a distress call was received. Sini Nykanen, 25, Mr Branson’s Finnish girlfriend, was also injured in the climb. Rescuers said Mr Branson fell from a height of about 50m. Ms Nykanen was rescued from the halfway mark about 250m up. She was said to be in a state of shock. The head of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, Prizmic Vincent, said a team of about 20 people searched for the couple in the rain for several hours. Mr Branson was born in New Zealand but later moved to Australia, where he had been living in Melbourne for several years. He lists Katikati, 40km north of Tauranga, as his hometown on his Facebook page and is a former pupil of Katikati College. He was a member of
the Harlequin Rugby Club in Melbourne, and was considered a “great mate” and popular teammate, club chairman Brock Parker said. “Yannick was a passionate Quins member from when he first arrived in 2008 and played in the club’s second-grade premiership that year,” Mr Parker said. “He continued to play for the next three years primarily in second grade, but he did make a number of first-grade appearances.” Mr Parker said Mr Branson’s love of rock climbing was well known within the club and he had told teammates he was going to Europe on holiday, where he expected to do some climbing. “He’s been a passionate supporter from the sidelines and had forged many strong friendships at the club. He will be sorely missed by all on the sidelines,” Mr Parker said. Croatian authorities waited until Monday to retrieve Mr Branson’s body, as the cliff was too difficult to get to in the dark. Ilinac Rock is popular with climbers and the area is also known for extreme sports, such as rafting and canyoning.
the beautiful game
From fashion model to football coach... REPORT PAGE 4
AUSTRALIAN CROATIAN WEEKLY ~ POWERED BY BOKA CROPRESS
2 CRO SCENE
Petar Graso set to tour Australia later this year
Croatian pop star Petar Graso is set to tour Australia in November and December. The singer from Split will have his first Australian concert for years at Perth’s The Quarry Amphitheatre on 29 November. He will also appear in Melbourne on 30 November at the Dallas Brooks Centre and in Sydney on 1 December at the York Theatre. In a message to his fans, Graso posted on his Facebook page: “Hello Australia, here I come.”
STAFF WANTED Croatian Club Sydney is hiring bar tenders and waiters, RSA certificate is needed, send email to hrcroatianclubsydney@mail.com
CX HR CX
9 October 2012
The Gold Tournament that Shined! What a weekend! The 38th Croatian Soccer Tournament has been touted as the best ever, and it certainly is hard to argue against those singing its praises. If first impressions count, then the first sighting of the extraordinary ‘Bunker’ must have let everyone know that they were in for a memorable weekend. The organising committee did a splendid job with both the pitches and the club in great shape and ready to cope with the momentous occasion. I can’t express my gratitude enough for this and think the committee deserves all the praise being bestowed upon them by the community. However, without an army of volunteers this war never would have been won. It always lifts my heart when I see so many volunteers at the Tournaments as it shows how many people truly value what our community has to offer. Their tireless efforts will forever be remembered and is the reason why our community is the envy of other ethnic groups in this country. The standard on the pitch was nothing to be scoffed at either, with Melbourne Croatia’s third win in a row showing just how seriously they take this competition. With the amount of Australian Croatian talent produced over the years, being Tournament champions is a title that can be worn with much pride. Together with Melbourne Croatia I
Savez President Stela Krivicic during the Tournament Gala Night
would like to congratulate Division 2 winners HNK Mostar, Women’s champions Auckland Croatia, the inaugural Master’s champions, hosts Gold Coast Knights, the Ivica Jurkovic Team Spirit Award winners Gospic Bears, the Best Top winners Vukovar and the Best Kit winners HNK Bunker. I am also sure that Miss Croatia Australia & New Zealand for 2012, Miss Gwelup Craotia Helen Duplancic will be a wonderful representative of our community as she continues all her fine work in Western Australia. All of this occurred on the magical Sunday where all that is good about this tournament and every reason that makes this Tournament so important was so brilliantly illustrated. The coming together of the day’s finalists after the game showcased not only the players’ sportsmanship but also our oneness as a nation. Together in song, all present showed exactly why we protect our cultural heritage so vehemently
– our common love of all things Croatian. The jubilant scenes held in the clubrooms were the perfect warm up for the wildness that followed in the Bunker as Major Minor brought the punters into a frenzy closing off what was an unforgettable weekend. All those present in the Bunker until the end can honestly testify that no tournament before it could match the atmosphere created in the final hours!!! With the Gold Coast Soccer Tournament behind us, preparations are underway for the 39th Croatian Soccer Tournament which will be hosted by Melbourne Croatia. Andelko Cimera and his loyal bid team consisting of Melinda and Monica Cimera, together with Pave and Katarina Jusup delivered a tournament bid which showed us that Melbourne Croatia has a lot to offer next year. The tournament has continued to grow and improve over the years and there is no reason to believe that this trend will change as this giant
of Australian football prepares to provide us with a festa of football and Croatian culture as yet to be seen on our shores. At this year’s AGM, the following Board members were elected as the Savez representatives: President – Stela Krivicic, Vice President/ Accountant - Alan Pecotic, Secretary – Monica Maric and Committee Members - Mirjana Butorac, Steve Skornjak, Michael Viro and Ivan Vuletic, Honoury Presidnet – Michael Furjanic. At the AGM, the members present voted on a number of changes for teams participating in all future tournaments. These changes will be outlined to all member clubs in the next few weeks. As President of the Croatian Soccer Federation I promise the Savez will do its best to help the host club in the next 12 months so that our community can experience an event worthy of our nation and 39 glorious years of history. Stela Krivicic Savez President
INBOX: Letter to the Editor
We need a Croatian Newspaper in Sydney It is good news that Franović Brothers acquired New Croatia Weekly and combined it with Croexpress into the new Boka CroPress newspaper. I welcome the new weekly, and at the same time I would like to mention that New Croatia served the Croatian Community well in the past – in the given circumstances. Without prejudice in any way, I would like to acknowledge my first impressions about this newspaper. I found a circular letter from a corespondent of Boka Cropress in my email inbox, seeking feedback and input from the Croatian Community, therefore here are a few observations on my behalf: In today’s climate, where the internet takes a big part from the profit of printed media; fairness, impartiality, and most of all truthfulness, are of paramount importance for the survival of a newspaper. As my first observance, I would like to stress: that blaming Mr Harmat (11-09-2012, p. 2) as being biased, rather than independent and using copy/ paste method of news presentation, was grossly counterproductive. It would be hypocritical to use the same method if you regard Harmat’s style as inappropriate.
Investigative journalism is a very demanding and expensive field of action, so I reckon that not much will change in Boka Cropress in that regard. Being a senior citizen, like most of the readers of Boka “Cropress,” I do not really appreciate an editorial section with a highlighted background and small, faint print; it is a real challenge for “visually impaired” folk. I know! Every new venture has its teething problems, so my comments are in good faith. The front page, so far, lacks that impact that catches the eye. Too many ads crammed on the front page take away the feel of an informative paper with editorial opinion. I sincerely hope that editorials, too, will be based on taking stand on the issues of public interest, rather than the quotations of certain politicians. We do not need to agree on everything, nor would it be necessary to confess someone else’s transgressions when talking specifically about our own deeds. Fairness and trust need to be the main guidelines for any publication to succeed. During the past 10 years, more than 200 publications in Croatia alone ceased to exist: Arena, Nacional, Feral Tribune, and Vjesnik – being some of them.
Some of them just failed to gain market support due to their stubborn disregard for the popular public opinion. For printed media in general, the struggle of survival becomes a fact of life. On a positive note, I applaud the intention of the Editorial Team to concentrate more on the human potential, interest and needs of individual members, as well as of the broader Community. As a good example of that I would like to mention an ad on the SBS network, which reminds us, daily, about “7 billion stories and counting”. Every life is unique, and by telling our stories and sharing our experiences – without offending others – can enrich our lives in mutually pleasant manner. We may be surprised to learn how much potential and talent, on top of folklore, exists out there in the Croatian Community. Given an opportunity, even I my give it a try, too, in a modest way, by sharing a bit of my story. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that we need Croatian publications in Australia. To some of my friends, reading a paper in their mother tongue means a favourite pastime, so take it on Boka Cropress for the benefit of all. A. Tomelic
CX CX HR
NEWS 3
9 October 2012
Parliament bids last goodbye to speaker with commemorative session Top state officials, members of the government and parliament as well as other officials and public figures last Wednesday bid goodbye to Parliament Speaker Boris Sprem, who died of cancer on Sunday, at a commemorative parliamentary session. Describing Sprem as a friend, Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic said politics was a job that made a man bad and wondered if this job had poisoned Sprem. He recalled that Sprem got sick with a “treacherous, unstable, desperate illness.” Milanovic described Sprem as optimistic, honest and kind, as well as successful despite being modest. He said the late speaker was sometimes boyishly naive, yet determined, firm, with clear goals, which made him successful. “Everyone who was close to him can be proud of that success because Boris achieved it in an honest manner. He played by the rules, which is the hardest thing to do in life,” Milanovic said, concluding with, “Bye, dear friend. Bye, Boris.” Acting Parliament Speaker Josip Leko said Sprem had brought to Croatian politics a new spirit of closeness, immediacy and humanity. He said that despite a relatively short time
as parliament’s speaker, Sprem had managed to set new standards in running the parliament in a wish to restore citizens’ trust in it and state institutions ahead of Croatia’s accession to the European Union. Leko said Sprem had performed each of his many duties responsibly and professionally, and that his appointment as parliament speaker had returned him to the walk of life in which he could give the most democracy and the fight for the commonweal. For Sprem, social democracy was not just one of the possible political options in Croatian politics but the only possible option which ensures prosperity and social equity, said Leko.
Illness and death prevented Sprem from having in parliamentary debates more democracy, responsibility, quality and tolerance, he added. “I am confident that strengthening parliamentarianism in Croatia is the common aspiration of all of us here and that, following the common interest, we will succeed in this term in office to achieve that political goal,” Leko said, adding that this would be the greatest expression of gratitude to Sprem and his vision of a democratic parliament. President Ivo Josipovic said that with his kindness and wisdom, Sprem had ennobled many lives in Croatian politics by immeasurably loving Croatia and its people.
“Our citizens and our homeland have lost a politician who always saw to the commonweal and worked to the benefit of our citizens.” Josipovic said Sprem had performed his duty as parliament speaker with remarkable honour and success, and that all his colleagues, regardless of political affiliation, loved him because of his honesty, conciliatoriness and readiness for dialogue. “He consistently abided by what he announced as he stepped into the office of parliament speaker - that we must show through deeds that we serve citizens, that we are not led by personal, group, corporate or partisan goals,” said the president.
Susan Cox named as Ambassador to Croatia Foreign Minister Bob Carr announced Ms Susan Cox OAM as Australia’s next Ambassador to Croatia. Ms Cox is expected to take up her appointment in December, replacing Ms Beverly Mercer. Ms Cox is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She has previously served as Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, Deputy High Commissioner in Vanuatu, and Australian Vice Consul in New Caledonia. Departmental positions include Director of Passport Communication and Training, Director of the Post Security Taskforce and Director of the Consular Policy and Crisis Management Section. Ms Cox holds a Bachelor of Arts (Administration) from the University of Canberra, and is currently completing an Executive Masters in Public Administration at the Australian New Zealand School of Government. She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her role in the response to the 2002 Bali bombings. Senator Carr said this year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Croatia. “Australia and Croatia have extensive trade and tourism links, with Australia recently extending ‘e-tourist’ visas to Croatian citizens to encourage tourism and facilitate family reunions,” Senator Carr said. “The 110,000 Croatians living in Australia, and the growing flow of Australian tourists visiting Croatia, are a testament to the warm relations between our two countries. “I have a kinship with the Croatian community in Australia, including many close Croatian friends. “The appointment of Ms Cox will help generate further momentum in Australia’s growing relationship with Croatia.” Two-way trade between Australia and Croatia is worth approximately A$42 million a year. Australian exports to Croatia amounted to A$17 million, while imports from Croatia totalled A$25 million. Principal imports from Croatia include machinery and parts, food and preserved meats, while Australia’s principal export to Croatia is coal.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Bob Carr meets Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Neven Mimica.
Media Release
24 September 2012
The Hearing Bus is coming to town Australian Hearing is bringing hearing services to the doorstep of the Wetherill Park area, when its Hearing Bus stops by to offer free hearing checks and promote hearing health awareness on Thursday, 18 October 2012. As well as having a hearing check, visitors to the bus can find information on a range of common hearing issues and view a display of easy-to-use hearing devices for around the home. According to Rada Olic, Area Manager at Australian Hearing Liverpool, hearing loss is a prevalent issue in the community, with 60 per cent of Australians over 60 suffering from some form of hearing loss. “The mobile service is a convenient way to check your hearing and make sure you are in good hearing health,” Ms Olic said.
DYLAN ANGERS CROATS
Right wing party HSP dr. Ante Starcevic has called for a black-list of people entering Croatia - including folk singer Bob Dylan. The American legend caused controversy after telling Rolling Stone magazine last month: “Black people can sense Klan blood, Jews can sense Nazi blood and Serbs can sense Croat blood” in an interview about the roots of racism. Now the party wants him banned from Croatia. “We are sure Bob Dylan was not well-informed. “But if he does not apologize we will insist he be banned from visiting Croatia”, party spokeswoman Kristina Culjak told the Croatian Times. The call comes following Radio Split banning his songs from their play list.
“The hearing checks are conducted by experts from Australian Hearing and take around 15 minutes to complete. Our team will also be on hand to guide you through what next steps you may have to take in regards to your hearing.” People who visit the bus can also learn more about products that make everyday hearing easier, such as headsets for watching the TV and alert systems for doorbells. “Not everyone who is experiencing problems hearing needs a hearing aid. Sometimes it’s just hearing the TV at normal volumes, hearing your doorbell, or hearing your friends on the phone that’s the problem,” Ms Olic said. No appointment is necessary. Australian Hearing will provide hearing checks to any interested people who visit the bus on the day. Australian Hearing provides subsidised hearing services for eligible people, including pensioners and most veterans, at over 110 permanent centres and more than 330 visiting sites across Australia. For more information call 131 797 or visit www.hearing.com.au Media contact:
Rada Olic, Area Manager Australian Hearing Liverpool, Ph: 9612 3700
Australian Hearing Bus Itinerary Bus Site Liverpool Plaza St Johns Park Bowling Club Mounties Stockland Wetherill Park Fairfield Forum
Address Macquarie Street, Liverpool NSW 2170 93 Edensor Road Street, St Johns Park NSW 2176 101 Meadows Road, Mt Pritchard NSW 2170 561-583 Polding Street, Wetherill Park NSW 2164 8-36 Station Street, Fairfield NSW 2165
When 15 October 2012 16 October 2012 17 October 2012 18 October 2012 19 October 2012
Dinamo players are full of it, says Josip Simunic
Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Simunic has slammed team mates over their 2-0 defeat to Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine on Wednesday. Furious Simunic tore into his fellow players saying they were all talk and no action. “We all talk too much, but don’t believe what we are saying. Some players just simply didn’t believe we could do more. I don’t know why, but I guess it’s a question of psychology,” he told sports daily Sportske Novosti. Last Wednesday’s match was Dinamo Zagreb’s second defeat in two games of this season’s Champions League.
Man United keen on ‘Mini Modric’ Halilovic
CX HR CX
9 October 2012
fashion model to football coach
Tihana Nemcic wants to be treated just like any other head coach. The 24-year-old Nemcic, a former Croatia women’s international and part-time model, just happens to be getting more attention than usual. That’s because she has taken over as coach of a Croatian men’s football team - fifth division side NK Viktorija Vojakovac. Nemcic, a former club player in Croatia, graduated in July from the country’s Sporting University. Since taking over at NK Viktorija Vojakovac, she has asserted herself as the one in charge - not the center of a media stunt. “I am the head coach and I have full liberty to create and plan the team’s tactics,’’ Nemcic said. “If a woman and a man have the same professional qualifications for a coaching job, I see no reason why I should not get
into male football.’’ The team is currently eighth in the 16-team league standings with four points after one win, one loss and one draw.
Man United and Real are both keen on Croatia’s latest superstar, the 16-year-old attacker, Alen Halilović, dubbed ‘mini Modric’. Halilović has tried to distance himself from rumours linking with a move away from Dinamo Zagreb, but following his debut for the club where he starred in a derby game against Hajduk Split, interest has increased. Owing to his appearance, but largely because of his playing style, Halilović is often compared to fellow Croatian and former Dinamo Zagreb ace, Luka Modric. An attacking midfielder, he has used his left foot to devastating effect at youth level, while his speed and skill have so far compensated for his slight build, helping him ride challenges from stronger opponents to both create and score goals. Comparisons with Lionel Messi have also been made, too - match! Halilović made his first team debut against Dinamo’s ‘eternal’ rivals Hajduk Split on 29 September 2012, coming on during a 3-1 win. He even had a goal disallowed and, after the game, said: “This is my first of many games for Dinamo and the first goal will come, sooner or later.” In 2011, with no contract from Dinamo, Halilović and his dad were suspended by the club after they held discussions with Real, with a view to a move. However, the youngster eventually signed on as a scholar after falling foul of rules on transfers between players under 18. He has been included in Dinamo’s 2012/13 Champions League squad.
the
Biggest
Croatian Party in the
Southern
Tihomir Jagusic, one of of the club’s players, described Nemcic as “very good, focused and serious during training.’’ “We listen to her,’’ Jagusic said. “She is very strict at training.’’ Nemcic got interested in the sport when she used to follow her boyfriend to training. “I was watching him play, how he played ... and then I started to play myself and it has become part of me to this very day,’’ she said. “This is a big challenge for me. I have had some experience with kids, but with men’s teams - no.’’ Nemcic is finding life as a coach very different from
her days as a player. “When you are a player, you worry only about yourself and your personal performance,’’ she said. “Now, when I am a coach, I have to think about more players. But both jobs are equally nice. Both have ups and downs.’’ Nemcic, who was among 15 finalists for the beauty title of Croatia Miss Sport in 2008, does face a particular challenge in coaching the men. “We have a rule,’’ she said. “Boys go in to change. When they are finished, one of them comes out and calls me in. I would never put myself in the situation to walk in on them inside the dressing room.’’
TH SA E D VE AT E!
4 SPORT
Hemisphere
SATURDAY 24 NOV 2012
FEATURING
20thO t b 20thOctober2012
LOT 2 SOMERS ST, NTH SUNSHINE VIC 3020
R EVENING OUTDOONC CO ERT!