Australian-Croatian family start new life in Croatia

Marko and Mateja Radočaj (Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

A young couple from Australia, Marko and Mateja Radočaj, made a life-changing decision to leave behind the bustling city of Sydney and move to the town of Vinkovci in Croatia.

Drawn by their Croatian heritage and a desire to reconnect with their roots, they’ve started a new chapter in the land of their ancestors, launching their own business and embracing the slower pace and warm community of their new home.

The couple are currently showcaseing their products at the Vinkovci Autumn Festival.

Every story has a beginning, and every name its roots. “The Pita Project” is inspired by Croatian heritage and was founded by Marko and his wife, Mateja, who moved to Vinkovci from Australia two years ago.

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

Marko moved with his family to the country of his parents, who emigrated to Australia 50 years ago.

He was born there, as was his wife, whose parents are also Croatian Australians.

He always felt drawn to the land of his ancestors, and after every visit to Vinkovci, his desire to return grew stronger.

“We wanted to live in Croatia. Previously, we’d only come here for holidays, but something pulled us to settle in Vinkovci, and there’s nothing better than that,” says Marko, who is enchanted by the small, welcoming town and its warm-hearted people, which make it the perfect place to raise a family.

“We have three children. The eldest is seven, the middle one is five, and our youngest is a 10-week-old baby,” he says, proudly adding that his daughter was born in Vinkovci.

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

He goes on to say that his children may even speak better Croatian than he does, as children tend to absorb and learn faster.

This year’s Vinkovci Autumn Festival will be a springboard for expanding their business and introducing new products as they present their specialities to locals and visitors alike.

The idea for the project came from Mateja. “My grandmother was from Bosnia, and that’s where the idea came from. But my mother-in-law also used to make pitas, so they both inspired us,” she explains.

At their café and restaurant in Australia, they introduced a bit of their heritage by making pitas. In addition to these, they serve amazing burgers and loaded fries for those wanting to try something different.

When people ask her the secret to a good pita, she simply replies, “It’s love. You need to be calm and love what you do,” she emphasises.

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

Aside from their love for food, they also have a deep love for Vinkovci.

“We have everything here. The children adore the town. It’s smaller and much safer than big Sydney,” they say.

Vinkovci (Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

Together, they are confident that Vinkovci offers the opportunity for a happy, fulfilling life, as well as the chance to grow their business. They believe the people of Vinkovci will surely recognise the quality and dedication of this young couple, who have found happiness in their new home.