South Australian Croatian Biographies Launch
Welcome Address
Chairman of The Croatian Club Adelaide, Kruno Batrac, welcomed guests to the launch of the SA Croatian Online Biographies Project, held on Friday, 1 August 2025. He spoke of the Club’s partnership with the History Group in establishing the Croatian History Room Archive, located next to the Club library. The archive will soon receive a major upgrade with the installation of a compactus shelving system, supported in part by funding from the Republic of Croatia’s Central State Office for Croats Abroad.
Credits: Photo by Eva Mileković
Opening Remarks
Dr Damir Čulić, Chair of the Croatian Community Council, opened the evening by acknowledging the launch of the SA Croatian Community Biographies Project as a milestone achievement within a broader community effort. He paid tribute to the Croatian Club Adelaide’s 75-year legacy and its ongoing role in supporting the Council since its formation nearly three decades ago. His address also recognised the contributions of volunteers and community members whose shared efforts have shaped the biographies project and the wider Croatian History Festival.
Credits: Photo by Croatian History Group South Australia
The Biographies
Branimir Šprajcer, coordinator of the SA Croatian Biographies Project, guided attendees through a visual overview of selected biographies displayed on the projector screen. He explained the project’s current progress, noting that fourteen biographies had been published, with around thirty more at various stages of development. The presentation highlighted the two-stage rollout, the challenges of collecting and presenting biographical material, and the ongoing efforts to build and refine the digital archive. Tomislav Kovačev was thanked for developing the online platform, which forms part of the broader Archive Website scheduled for launch at the end of August.
Credits: Photo by Eva Mileković
Historic Display
This mounted photograph shows members of The Croatian Club Adelaide gathered at the original Club premises in Chief Street, Hindmarsh, believed to have been taken during a 1968 commemoration for Dr Maček, the late leader of the Croatian Peasant Party. The image forms part of the Croatian History Group South Australia's display of early community life. It is hoped that some of the individuals in the photo may be included in future entries for the South Australian Croatian Biographies Project.
Credits: Photo by Eva Mileković
The Link
Guests were informed how to access the South Australian Croatian Biographies online platform during the presentation. The biographies form part of the soon-to-be-launched Croatian History Room Archive Website, which will continue to expand over time. Attendees were invited to explore the live site at sacroarchive.com.au While the link is active and accessible, users may notice a "Not Secure" message in the browser address bar, as the site’s security certificate is still being finalised.
Credits: Photo by Croatian History Group South Australia
Celebratory Drinks & Next Launch
After the presentation, guests were invited to stay for complimentary drinks and informal conversation. Only four weeks to the Archive Website launch! The event will be held at 8:00 PM on Friday, 29 August 2025 at The Croatian Club Adelaide.
Credits: Photo by Eva Mileković
