Croatian Club in Adelaide celebrating 75 years

by croatiaweek
March 2, 2025
in Entertainment

The Croatian Club Adelaide Inc Founders. Photo taken at Hyde Park on 25 April 1950 (Photo: Supplied)

The Croatian Club Adelaide will mark a historic milestone – its 75th anniversary.

To commemorate this remarkable achievement, the Club will host a grand Gala on April 26th, 2025, bringing together the Croatian community, supporters and friends from across South Australia and beyond.

Founded on April 25th, 1950, the Croatian Club Adelaide was established by a passionate and proud group of Croatian migrants dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community.

Driven by the threat of cultural erasure during a time of significant political and social upheaval in their homeland, these pioneers created a welcoming space for Croatians to celebrate their traditions, assist newly arrived migrants, and to support the thriving Croatian community in South Australia. Research so far shows they are possibly the first Croatian Club established in Australia.

The first Croatian club in Adelaide, the former Salvation Army Citadel in Chief Street, Hindmarsh, was opened in 1961. (Photo: Cvjetko Milanović from the book by Fabijan Lovoković Hrvatske zajednice u Australiji – 2010)

The Club’s humble beginnings saw early fundraising efforts and the eventual purchase of the first dedicated venue.

For 75 years, the ‘Dom’ in its various iterations has stood as a central hub for the Croatian community and its supporters, ensuring a welcoming space where people can come together to socialise, dance, sing, learn and share the beauty of Croatian food, language, history and culture.

Over the years, the Club has also embraced other ethnicities and cultures, fostering an inclusive environment where all are encouraged to join in and celebrate diversity, building a stronger and more united community.

First performance of folklore by the Croatians in Adelaide. Folklore ensemble now known as HFS Lenek (Photo: Supplied)

The Club’s journey from modest beginnings to a vibrant cultural institution and community icon has been marked by continual growth.

Over the years, it has expanded from hosting dances and fundraising events at various venues around Adelaide, to securing the old Salvation Army Citadel in Bowden, and eventually the current venue in Brompton – a building that continues to serve as a focal point for Croatian community activities today.

The tireless and dedicated work of Club members and volunteers in building new clubrooms has been instrumental in this progress, with their efforts forming the foundation of the Club’s continued success.

The Croatian Club Adelaide has also been home to numerous Croatian cultural and social associations, including Croatian Folkloric Ensemble – HFS Lenek, (1951, named Lenek in 1973), Adelaide Croatia Soccer Club (established in 1952), the Croatian Ethnic School (originally founded in 1961 continuous since 1966), Hrvatska Žena Katarina Zrinski – Croatian Women’s Auxiliary (founded in 1974), as well as various other political and cultural groups.

Croatian Ethnic School students 1975 (Photo: Supplied)

These organisations have played an integral role in the Club’s evolution.

In its 75-year history, the Club has continuously expanded its facilities to meet the evolving needs of the community. Today, it boasts a variety of amenities, including spaces for traditional Croatian card games, chess, bocce courts, and areas for community meals and events.

It also provides a venue for essential support services, particularly for seniors, offering aged care programs and regularly hosting luncheons, dinners and other social activities that ensure every member feels connected and valued.

For over seven decades, the Croatian Club Adelaide has remained a cornerstone of cultural preservation and community connection, continuing its proud legacy of inclusion and support. It remains committed to honouring its heritage while embracing the future of a dynamic and diverse community in South Australia.

As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations, the Gala will be an unforgettable evening of Croatian music, dance, food and heritage.

Adelaide Croatia 1959 (Photo: Supplied)

The event will showcase the rich history and cultural traditions that have shaped the Club and the Croatian community in Adelaide over the past seven and a half decades. The Gala will feature a historical display, showcasing key moments from the Club’s 75-year journey, which will also be available for viewing at various times and events throughout the year.

A fitting to tribute to the tireless and unwavering efforts of the community’s members and volunteers over the years.

The Croatian Community Council’s Historical Group is also undertaking several important initiatives to preserve and share the rich history of the Croatian community in Adelaide. These include the creation of an archive website and the publication of a commemorative book.