LETNIK 40, ŠTEVILKA 1 DECEMBER, 1996 THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SLOVENIAN ASSOCIATION MELBOURNE INC, TOGETHER WITH ITS SUB-COMMITTEES, WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL ITS MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND ALL OTHER SLOVENIAN ORGANISATIONS, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY & HEALTHY 1997 SLOVENSKEGA DRUŠTVA MELBOURNE INC. IN POD-SEKCUE ŽELIJO VSEM SVOJIM ČLANOM, PRIJATELJEM IN OSTALIM ORGANIZACIJAM VESELE BOŽIČNE PRAZNIKE IN SREČNO NOVO LETO 1997 Slovensko društvo Melbourne vabi vse člane in prijatelje na skupno praznovanje praznikov v domačem in prijaznem okolju na našem hribčku, 82 Ingrams Rd, Research. Najprej bomo imeli naš tradicionalni piknik za "Štefanovanje", ki se bo vršil v sredo, 26. decembra, 1996. Zemljišče bo odprto od 12. ure in BBQ bo na razpolago od 12.30. Seveda tudi zaplesali bomo lahko in to ob zvokih ansambla "Plave Noči" kateri bodo igrali od 4. ure. Za otroke bo posebno presenečenje na ta dan Prostovoljni prispevki. V torek 31. decembra pa ste vsi vljudno vabljeni na "Silvestrovanje" s pričetkom ob 7.30 zvečer do rane ure v Novem letu 1997. Med večerom razna presenečenja in zabava z publiko. Kot lansko leto se bomo veselili in plesali ob zvokih "Frank Charles Ensemble Continental Band". Vsem, ki ta ansambel še niste slišali, zagotavljamo da je visoko kvaliteten, igra raznovrstno glasbo za vse starosti. Večerja na razpolago v jedilnici samo od 6. do 8. ure. Rezervacije nujno potrebne pri Darku in Margot Barba na 9437 1226. Vstopnina: člani $10 in nečlani $15. Rezervacije za ples sprejema Sandra Krnel na 9850 7349 po delavnih urah. Pridite in pričakajte Novo leto v prijetni atmosferi z znanci in prijatelji, ne bo vam žal! Naročene vstopnice morajo biti plačene in pobrane do 26. decembra vestnfk GLASILO SIX)VENSKEGA DRUŠTVA MELBOURNE Inc. LASTNIK - PUBLISHER SLOVENIAN ASSOCIATION MELBOURNE P.O. BOX 185, ELTHAM VIC 3085 Vestnikov Odbor - Vestnik Committee Jana Lavrič in Sandra Krnel Tisk - Printed by: Distinction Printing 164 Victoria St, Brunswick, 3056. Letna naročnina - Annual subscription: Australia - $15.00 : Overseas - $32.00 The Slovenian Association Melbourne Ine would like to invite all its members and friends to celebrate the forthcoming festivities together. They will, of course, be at 82 Ingrams Rd, Research. Firstly we will be having our traditional "Boxing Day Picnic" on Wednesday, 26 December, 1996. The grounds will be open from 12pm onwards with the BBQ firing up at 12.30pm. Entertainment provided by "Blue Nights" from 3pm and there will be a special surprise for the children in the afternoon. Entry will be by voluntary donations. ^ On Tuesday, 31 December, come up at 7.30pm and dance "out of 1996" and "into 1997" to the tunes of the "Frank Charles Ensemble Continental Band". For all who haven't had the pleasure of hearing this Band, we guarantee a great night. Dinner is available from 6.00pm to 8.00pm, by reservation only - please ring Darko or Margot Barba on 9437 1226. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members and must be paid for and collected at the Boxing Day Picnic. Reservations can be made by ringing Sandra Krnel on 850.7349. A à à k> à^kw* à s A ■>■ sdm news Y.es folks, it's the first Vestnik for the year and lots has happened since the last one 12 months ago!! As far as we know there haven't been any Engagements or Weddings so if any have happened, please accept our congratulations and best wishes for the future. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Even though we let you down with Engagements and Weddings, we will make up for it with babies - as you will see when you read on, the "Slovenian Stork" has really been working overtime in 1996 with no less than 8 babies being delivered. In date order, our arrivals were: On the 28th January, Pierre & Jacqui Van de Laak welcomed baby Harry William. Pierre is the son of Helen Leber and Pierre Van de Laak (Snr). On the 24th June, Sandra & Ty Beveridge were blessed with the arrival of their first child, Luke Ian. Sandra is the daughter of Tony & Vida Škrlj, who became grandparents i^/for the first time. On the 4th July Adriaan & Colleen increased the Van de Laak family with the arrival of Mia Angelique. This made our Helena a grandmother for the second time this year. On the 19th July, Carmen & Paul Boyle had another girl, Natalie Kate, sister for Amanda. Carmen is Frank & Maria Gril's daughter. On the 26th August is was the Česnik family's turn when Bojan and Anne were blessed with Vincent Jani. Bojan's parents, Mima and Stanko Česnik also became grandparents for the first time. On 7 September, John & Prue Zemlic had their second daughter, Gigi Penelope, giving 5 year old Bronte Ana a baby sister. John is the son of Janez & Anica Zemlic. On the 12th September, Sonia (Adamič) & Josef LoPresti had a baby boy, Sam Martin. Proud grandparents are Mima & Martin Adamic. NOur most recent baby came on the 22nd September - Peter & Mary Tomažič welcomed little Luke into the world. Peter is the son of Frank & Ivanka Tomažič. A big welcome and hug to all these babies and congratulations to all their parents and grandparents. The same wishes go to any that we didn't hear about. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ It seems like yesterday when we announced the births of the following young people, and now we are congratulatingr them on their 21st birthdays. Best wishes to Tina Barat, Margaret Kastelic & Andrew Urbančič, and also anyone else who turned 21 this year. Happy 30th Birthday Paul Beve who celebrated in a big way. Going up!! ... Happy 40th Birthday to Kevin Adamič, Rex Gregorio and Jana Lavrič - all three celebrated their birthdays with family and friends. I, personally can tell you that our Jana's celebration was above and beyond the call of partying - there were Bananas in Pyjamas, Hippies, Hari Krishnas - even Abba reunited for the night!! Congratulations and "bon voyage" to Veronika Smrdel who one of four teachers in Australia who teach Slovenian and are going to Slovenia to participate in the annual Seminar for teachers of the Slovenian language in Australia. We all wish you a safe trip and are sure what you learn will be of great benefit to your work in the Slovenian community. Our own Tania (Brgoč) Ledwich was part of the team whose logo was chosen for the "Sydney 2000" Olympic Games. Congratulations to you and your colleagues. Another logo was designed by Damian Lavrič for his primary school basketball team - not only did he win, but his logo will be used on all the school's basketball uniforms, equipment and letterheads. Well done Damian! ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ The SDM Calendar will be available at the Boxing Day Picnic and on New Year's Eve. Due to high postage costs, the calendar will not be posted. S.D.M. now has a fax - the number is (03) 9437 0966. On the last page of this Vestnik there is a list of Committee members and SDM functions for 1997 - it is designed so that you can tear the page off and put it on your fridge or cupboard door and you always have the list handy - especially when you are planning your social life and want to know when the next SDM function is. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Iskrene čestitke ge. Mileni Barat za njen 50. rojstni dan, ki ga je praznovala prve dni decembra, mož Ivan Barat, pa je septembra napolnil 60. let. Ga. Vika Gajšek pa je novembra praznovala svoj 70. rojstni dan -vsem trem praznovalcem čestitamo in želimo še na mnogo srečnih in zdravih let. Enake želje vsem praznovalcem pomembnih rojstnih dni! Društveni koledar bo na razpolago na pikniku ob praznovanju Štefanovanja in na Novo letnem plesu. Zaradi previsoke poštnine, koledaija ne bomo pošiljali. Prosimo, da ga osebno poberete. Slovensko društvo Melbourne ima v pisarni telefax, katerega številka je (03) 9437 0966. Zadnja stran Vestnika vsebuje seznam odbornikov in društvenih prireditev za 1997. Prosimo da to stran odrežete in postavite na vidno mesto - tako ne boste imeli izgovor da ste pozabili kdaj je naslednja društvena prireditev. Predstava slovenske ustvarjalnosti v Avstraliji je v letošnjem letu (aprila, maja, junija in julija) prepotovala Slovenijo, (Ljubljana, Trebnje, Maribor, Postojna), Italijo (Trst) in Avstrijo (Tinje). Naši likovni umetniki in literati so predstavili, potom Izseljenskega Sveta za Slovence po svetu, slovensko življenje in delovanje štirih desetletij izseljenstva v Avstraliji. Z veseljem in ponosom smo sprejeli občudovanje umetniške ustvarjalnosti naših likovnih in literarnih del. Preko devetdeset knjig, literarnih del naših avstralsko-slovenskih avtorjev in preko desetin slovenskega časopisa je sad 40 tih let našega izseljenskega življenja. Upali pa smo, da bo ta most povezal vsakovrstno svrst slovenske ustvarjalnosti izvirne dežele in naše diaspore. Že smo sprejeli med nami dva domača likovna umetnika, Veroniko Rakuš iz Ptujske Gore in Marjana Miklavca iz Sežane. Razstavljala sta v Melbournu (Slovenskem Društvu Melbourne in na Jadranu, slovenskem primorskem socijalnem Klubu). Nato v Sydneyu (Slovenskem Društvu Sydney). Radi časovne stiske (odšla sta namreč preje nego sta prišla) ostala sta samo 18 dni in prevelikih avstralskih razdalj je bilo nemogoče predstaviti njuna umetnostna dela širom avstralske Slovenije. Vkljub temu, pa sta umetnika žela velik kulturni in ustvarjalni uspeh. Naj se tem potom Izseljenski Svet za Slovence po svetu zahvali Slovenski Izseljenski Matici za pomoč pri predstavitvah v Sloveniji, Italiji in na Koroškem in še tistim, ki so popestrili naše razstave, mladim umetnikom glasbene akademije v Ljubljani, Trebnjem, tako Tržaškemu oktetu v Trstu, Jacob Gallus Petelinu v Tinjah, Big Ben kvartetu, predvsem pa vsej kulturni skupnosti naše izvirne dežele. Približuje se čas Božiča in Novega Leta, ko mi živeči na tujem obujamo tople spomine na mladostna doživetja teh lepih praznovanj. Dragi rojaki, naj vam letošnja praznična doba nudi občutek toplote in zahvalo za Vašo dobroto in nesebično pomoč pri vaših in naših povezavah kulturne ustvarjalnost med t Avstralijo in Slovenijo. Ivo Leber, Ko-ordinator Izseljenski Svet za Slovence po svetu Razstava je tudi rezultat večletnega dela slovenskih društvenih delavcev v Avstraliji, med njimi tudi Lojzeta Košoroka iz Sydneya, Helene in Iva Leber, na levi Berta Dolinar in na desni Helena Drnovšek, sodelavki SIM (slika iz Rodne Grude, junij, 1996) Letošnja razstava v Sloveniji pod imenom "Most", ki je razstavljala slike, slovenski tisk in društveno življenje v Avstraliji, je za nami. Da je bila razstava zelo uspešna smo se lahko prepričali sami, saj je glavni voditelj razstave, Ivo Leber, to razstavo prinesel tudi med nas v SDM. Iskrene čestitke in zahvala Ivu za izvrstno opravljeno delo, saj koordinirati nekaj tako velikega pač ni tako lahko. Milena Brgoč, avtorica "Opisne bibliografije slovenskega tiska v Avstraliji Potrebno je bilo ogromno veliko dela, potrpljenja, dobre volje in skratka ljubezni do vsega slovenskega. Iskrena zahvala tudi naši knjižničarki, Mileni Brgoč, ki je prevzela skrb za ves slovenski tisk, glasbo in zgodovino društev, pomagala pri razstavah v Sloveniji nato tudi pri S.D.M. in nenazadnje, sestavila je tudi knjižico - "Opisna bibliografija slovenskega tiska v Avstraliji". Hvala obema za vajino požrtvovalnost! ft>\ > # Jana letni ples V soboto 13. julija smo v ne tako nabito polni dvorani imeli letni ples. Dvorana je za to priložnost bila zelo lepo okrašena, atrakcija tega večera pa so bili naši najmlajši. Publiki je bila predstavljena najmlajša generacija zavednih Slovencev, ki so naša bodočnost. Lepo pripravljen večer z predstavo vsakega otroka posebej sta vodila Samantha Penca in Damian Pišotek. Na tem letnem plesu ni bilo izbire NAJ otroka, ker se zavedamo da so vsi otroci najlepši, najboljši, najbolj pridni, najbolj srčkani ... a kljub temu je ta ples pritegnil samo sedem otrok, katerih pet je bilo učencev šole S.D.M. To so bili: Amanda in Michele Hervatin, Bradley Conlan, Damian in Matjaž Lavrič ter Vanessa Zorzut in Natalie Postružin, ki nista učenki šole S.D.M. Staršem in otrokom prav lepa hvala za sodelovanje, saj so popestrili večer, mi pa smo zvedeli o njihovih ambicijah, hobijih, željah in načrtih za From l-r: Vanessa Zorzut, Damian & Matthew Lavrič, Natalie Postružin, bodočnost. Bradley Conlan, Michele & Amanda Hervatin, with their parents behind them On Saturday, 13 July we broke with tradition and didn't have a "Miss/Mr Slovenia Community" theme - instead, we introduced our younger generation of little Slovenians. Samantha Penca and Damian Pišotek kindly agreed to organise this first-time event. The evening arrived and we all came looking forward to meeting our "future generation" and those of us that came weren't disappointed - those of you that weren't there, you missed a great evening! I don't know who was more nervous and/or excited, the children, parents, grandparents, aunties or uncles. The time came - "let the introductions begin": Amanda & Michele Hervatin, Damian & Matthew Lavrič, Bradley Conlan, Vanessa Zorzut and Natalie Postružin. As each one was introduced we were told their age, ambitions, likes and dislikes and all appropriately musically accompanied - (for example Bradley came out to the Collingwood theme song - well done Bradley!!). It was a great evening, and the children put their "all" into their first public appearances - "thank you" to the children, their parents as well as organisers, Samantha & Damian. himna slovenskega društva melbourne Pred nekaj leti ko je g. Zmago Rafolt preživel kar precej mesecev v Melbourne-u je, kot začasen član pevskega zbora, sestavil naslednje verze v upanju da bi postali "društvena himna". Dolgo let je vse molčalo, dokler ni g. Virgilj Gomizel predložil učiteljicama naj bi se otroci slovenske šole naučili himno, jo peli ob prireditvah in tako naučili vse člane. Pesem se poje na melodijo "Sezidal sem si vinski hram" .... 0° K&ezVA NA GRIČU Na Eltham griču bor šumi, kot lipa naša sred' vasi; in v gozdu kjer je kraj poti slovenski dom stoji. Rojaki tu se shajajo veselega srca tu' pevajo in rajajo, kot so nekoč doma. Na griču bor bo zelenel domače pravljice šumel; slovenski duh bo tu živel, dokler bo Eltham pel. Rojaki tu se shajajo ... miklavž Na prvi dan poletja, nja hladen, deževen in pust prvi deceberski dan, smo na S.D.M. praznovali božićnico in prihod Sv.Miklavža, ter mesečno srečanje upokojencev. Veselja in zadovoljstva v dvorani pa nam ni mogel vzeti še tako deževen dan, saj smo bili vendar vsi navdušeni in veseli tako pomembnega obiska. Pridni skozi celo leto, ne samo zaden teden, ker smo se zavedali, da je Sv.Miklavž že pred vrati, to smo bili vsi, ne samo otroci. Tako se je tudi pokazalo, saj je Sv.Miklavž prišel s toliko darili, da so jih pripeljali, kar na vozičku. Od začetka smo mislili, da je šel Miklavž na dieto, pa smo takoj, ko je pozdravil navzoče opazili, da je pač novi Miklavž. Hudički so bili kar trije in to še isti kot lani, angelčki pa tudi. Novi Miklaž je najprej izročil darilo našemu pridnemu G. Mejaču (naj šepnem na uho, staremu Miklavžu), ki je to delo opravljal svojih 35 let. Sedaj mu zdravje ne dopušča več, a je rekel, da se bo Miklavževanja še vedno udeleževal, dokler bo pač mogel. Novi Miklavž je takoj na začetku povedal: "There will be more English in the programme". Stari Miklavž pa je vso stvar razložil takole: rekel je, da je pač novemu Miklavžu vzelo veliko več časa, da pride do nas in se je tako med potjo dobro naučil Slovenščino. Božični program, ki se je vršil pred prihodom Miklavža sta pripravili učiteljici slovenske šole S.D.M., ge. Magda Pišotek in Marija Penca. Program pa je vseboval naslednie. Najprej so otroci zapeli himno S.D.M. (objavljamo jo v tej ševilki Vestnika), Martin Tegelj je na klavir zaigral tri melodije, njegova sestrična Michele Hervatin je lepo zaigrala na kitaro, Damian Lavrič pa na violo. Deklamacijo "Dragi božiček" so lepo izvedli Damian in Matjaž Lavrič, ter Martin Tegelj. Fistričevi trije otroci: Simon, Michelle in Leah so angelsko lepo zapeli božično "First Noel". Vsi so namreč člani mladinskega pevskega zborčka v Melbournu, ter jih je publika preimenovala v "Von Fistrič children", po filmu "The sound of music". Kar ne moremo si predstavljati božičnice brez naših pridnih otrok, ravno tako so nam segle do srca mlade mamice, ki nas vedno razveselijo z njihovo prijetno glasbo. Anna Tegelj, Helena Trinnick, Lily Conlan in Marija Hervatin so zapele in zaigrale tri božične pesmi in tako popestrile program in vanj vlile posebno božično vzdušje. Nato so otroci slovenske šole, oblečeni v prizorček jaslic, zapeli tri božične pesmi: "Kaj se vam zdi pastirci vi", "Drummer boy", in "Sveta noč", pri petju zadnje se je pridružila publika. Iskrena zahvala ge. Anici Smrdel, ki kot vsako leto skrbno pripravi lep božični drevešček in jaslice. Pomoč pri ozvočenju dvorane pa je tudi zelo pomembna, ter je za pomoč pri vseh koncertih vedno pripravljen pomagati Kevin Hervatin, kateremu iskrena zahvala. St Nicholas visits S.D.M. How fast the year flies - it seems that the time between St Nicholas' visits is getting shorter - especially as we get older!! This year this special event was run a little differently - our own beloved "Sv Miklavž" (Mr Ivan Mejač) has decided to shave off his beard after 35 dedicated years of having children on their knees saying prayers to him, kissing his hand or his crook, telling how good they had been during the year and any other little secrets they wanted to share with him. It seems that even Miklavž comes to the time of "retirement" - but how do you replace a "Miklavž"? You can't just advertise for one - these people come naturally gifted and must be "children friendly". SDM is extremely fortunate that just that person was found - he is naturally gifted, very "children friendly" (he has 4 of his own) and, as it turns out, he is 38 years old - the same age as our original Miklavž was when he started. We are, of course, talking about Andrew Fistrič (Jnr.) (sorry we dobbed you in about your age!!) Andrew, welcome to your new role in life - you made an excellent iiaugural appearance - just think, you only have 34 to go before you can retire!! As usual, our afternoon started with a cultural program -performances by the children from our SDM Slovenian School, (Jesicca & Shannon Trinnick, Martin & Stefan Tegelj, Michele & Amanda Hervatin, Matthew & Damian Lavrič, Bradley Conlan. We also had musical performances by Martin Tegelj on the piano, Michele Hervatin on the guitar and the second and final appearance of Damian Lavrič who performed on his viola. Damian and his brother Matthew are all grown up now and are leaving our Slovenian school - thank you boys for all your years of participation and performing in concerts -you were always prepared to give anything a go - and hopefully you will help out in the future when needed. Thanks also to your parents for their dedication in the past - and the future!! The "Sound of Music" has the Von Trapp family, well we have the "Von Fistrič" family. Simon, Michelle & Leah sang the beautiful Christmas carol "The First Noel" for us and then joined the SDM children in singing "Silent Night". Being members of the Victorian Children's choir, you can imagine how beautiful their performance was -the blending of their voices was absolute magic -congratulations to not only the children but also to their parents for their dedication and support - it takes a lot of time and effort to get three children this far - and little Melissa is fast following in their footsteps. Our "young mums" thrilled us yet again with their wonderful performance - they played and sang three carols for us and then "backed up" all the children at the end of the program. Thank you once again to Lily Conlan, Maria Hervatin, Ana Tegelj and Helen Trinnick. Slovenia Rebuilds, Looking Westward It used to be part of Yugoslavia, but the "sunny side of the Alps" is now keen to join the European Union. from Bruce Dorminey in Ljubljana Five years after a 10-day war to gain independence from the former Yugoslavia, the tiny nation of Slovenia, with just under two million people, is well on its way to being normal. Slovenes are glad to be spared the problems that plague Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia. The slogan in Slovenia is European integration. The country is already a member of Nato's Partnership for Peace, and it has just signed an association agreement with the European Union in the hope that it will get full membership by the end of 1998. To be a member of the EU, Slovenia's 90-member National Assembly has to change the country's Constitution to allow EU citizens to buy land. The change is a foregone conclusion for most people, but it hinges on Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek's Liberal Democratic minority coalition's ability to get the legislation through Parliament. However, resistance by the more nationalistic factions could slow constitutional reform and complicate EU entry. Privatisation woes and the fact that the country lost 60% of its Yugoslav market after declaring independence have given rise to 13% unemployment. And Slovenia is still trying to dispel the notion that it was part of the war in Bosnia: it has never been part of the Balkans, geographically or culturally. Slovenia calls itself the "sunny side of the Alps". It is half the size of Switzerland, and borders Hungary, Austria, Croatia and Italy. There are good winegrowing regions, and 46 kilometres of superb Adriatic coastline. As part of the former Yugoslavia, it was responsible for 20% of gross domestic product with only 8% of the population. This year the economy is expected to grow by 4%, pushing its own gross domestic product to about $US20 billion. A young business student tending the bar at the lakeside resort of Bled sums up the consumer mood of the country: "Slovenes are materialistic. They care more about cars, a big flat and clothes than about food." However, the country's 34-year-old former Foreign Minister, Zoran Thaler, is taking a late lunch. Thaler, a Liberal Democratic MP, lost parliamentary support last June - as well as his ministerial post - after being accused of both moving too slowly on Western integration and planning a sell-off to foreigners. "The right sometimes accuses us of being anarchic liberals", he says. "I don't know what that means. The typical MP in this Parliament is a stupid, small guy who thinks Slovenia is the centre of the world and everyone is out to swallow us". Thaler now views the former Yugoslavia's brand of communism as a far cry from the old Soviet bloc. He blames people such as Harvard economist Jeffrey Sachs -enlisted by Slovenia and other eastern European countries to spur privatisation - for the false notion that all communist economies were alike. Lev Kreft, 45, is vice-president of Parliament and a member of the United List of Social Democrats, the principal opposition to the Liberal Democrats. "Slovenia is a Catholic country with Protestant ethics, so people want to work", he says. "In the 1970s and 1980s people had jobs, salaries and rights. Why should they agree to get no rights in democracy?" Even so, the country still has an expensive social "safety net" of comprehensive health care and extensive unemployment insurance. Bui with privatisation, coal mines have closed and steel mills have been restructured. Although 95% of Slovenian companies are fully privatised or in the process, 30-40% of the country's total capital is still in state hands. About 1000 companies are expected to remain state-owned for the forseeable future. Kreft says: "The Liberal Democrats are young people wh<^ entered politics in the 1980s wanting to change the world. They now want quick money. Our real quarrel with them is about development. We believe in a cohabitation of a social state and capitalist economy. But the Liberal Democrats believe everyone has to take care of himself". As leader of the Liberal Democrats, the 46-year-old Drnovšek has an approval rating that is consistently in the mid-50s, even though some see him as uncommunicative and inaccessible; a man whose only policy is lowering wages to make Slovenian products more attractive in export markets. As it is, about one third of Slovenian production (primarily pharmaceuticals, Renault cars and furniture) goes to the EU, so membership is essential if the country wants to eliminate its continuing problem with trade tariffs. But Slovenia is only now enjoying true autonomy, and for many the idea of being under the thumb of Brussels sounds like life under Belgrade. ^ For the moment, the capital, Ljubljana, is enjoyin* economic independence and relative prosperity. Last year, the Borza, the six-year-old stockmarket, averaged $US1.8 million in daily turnover. It is currently trading 20 common shares and expects 60 new listings by the end of next year. The State Undersecretary for European Affairs, Marija Adanja, says: "Some politicians dream about being like Switzerland. But if we remain on our own we could be pushed into some new Balkan package. So we had better integrate with western Europe as fast as we can". This article was published in the "Business Review Weekly", 18 November, 1996. Julka je bila ena prvih članic in dobrotnic Slovenskega društva Melbourne. Denarno je podprla SDM, že ko je društvo kupilo svoj prvi dom v Carlton-u. Takrat je pokojna Julka, za takratne čase podarila visoko vsoto denarja, kasneje ko so se zbirala sredstva za dom v Eltham-u, je bila pokojna Julka zopet med prvimi darovalci. Ime Julka Mrčun bo ostalo za vedno zapisano v zgodovini SDM in v naših srcih. Pokojna Julka je takole preživela zadnje dni svojega življenja med svojimi, ki jih je najbolj ljubila. Na sliki Julka Mrčun sedi zraven patra Bazilija, med koncertom v domu počitka Matere Romane. 8. junija letos je v svojem 85. letu starosti umrla Julka Mrčun. Julka je preživela zadnjih skoraj pet let, svojega duhovno bogatega življenja, v domači družbi med svojimi, v našem Slovenskem domu počitka Matere Romane v Kew. Bila je globoko verna ženska. Svoje celotno življenje je posvetila ljudem v potrebi in svojim Slovencem, saj se je med svojimi vedno najbolje počutila. Tako malo Slovencev kot nas je, pa nas je iz leta v leto manj. Žalostna novica, da sta v prometni nesreči 19. avgusta izgubila življenje Ivan (60) in Jožica Hanzelič (53), je pretresla vsakogar, ki ju je poznal. Nesreča se je zgodila v Queenslands koder sta Jožica in Ivan odpotovala na kratek oddih, saj sta v Melbournu imela uspešno podjetje - cvetličarno. Prav za društveno 40. obletnico nam je Jože posodil razne lončnice, ki so krasile šotor, v katerem je bila likovna razstava. Večkrat je daroval razne lončnice tudi za srečolov. Na žalost ju danes ni več med nami, delo ki sta ga opravljala, prijaznost in prijateljstvo z ljudmi, ki sta jih srečala, pa bo stala vedno v spominu. imenu članov S.D.M. izrekamo hčerkama in številnim sorodnikom naše iskreno sožalje. JANEZ BURGAR 12. april 1941 - 19. september 1996 Na žalost smo se zopet poslovili še od enega naših rojakov. V septembru je umrl nam vsem poznan Janez Burgar. Prav društvenim članom je še posebno poznan, saj je kot priden knjigovez marsikomu izdelal album za fotografije ob porokah in raznih drugih priložnostih. Društvu pa je leta in leta lepo vezal vse Vestnike, ki jih ima S.D.M., prav po Janezovi zaslugi lepo vezane v knjige po letnicah, v društvenem arhivu. Zeni Jelki, otrokom Ann-Marie, Darku in Tatjani ter številnim sorodnikom v Sloveniji izrekamo naše iskreno sožalje. Lovski piknik Veselo srečanje v naravi "Tooroorrong Reservoir", te dve besede so se že kar udomačile med našimi člani in prijatelji. Zadnji teden v novembru, prireja lovska družina na tem kraju svoj letni Lovski Piknik. Park leži med grički poraščenimi z mogočnimi visokimi evkalipti. Prostor je lahko dostopen in glavne ceste katera se vije po ravnini od Whittlesea proti hribovitemu King Lake-u in dalje proti Yea-u. Ko zaviješ iz tlakovane glavne ceste na stransko pot, posuto z peskom, te po par sto metrih vožnje pozdravi prijazen drevored. Ta pot popelje obiskovalca do vhoda v park, kjer se ti predstavi prijazno zeleno grmičevje pomešano med orjaške evkalipte. Na desni strani poti, proti koncu strmine, se oko sprosti na prostrani zeleni jasi po kateri so raztrešena nizka drevesa z košatimi zelenimi krošnjami, ki nudijo obiskovalcu prijetno senco in zaščito pred vročim avstralskim soncem. Po parku so raztrešene lesene mize in klopi ter peči za pečenje mesa na plošči ("BBO^ Od leve: Starešina lovcev, Frank Jelovčan in Tone Oberstar pečeta BBQ. Poskuša pa Ivan Barič Od leve: Mila & Werner Remšnik, Palma Ašenberger, Mirna Adamič in Mary Prosenak ... oj, Franček, kje si ??? Kot naročeno, je bil v nedeljo 24 novembra res lep prijeten sončen dan, vetr je hladil ravno zadosti, da smo se vsi počutili prijetno sproščeni. Zbralo se nas je nekaj čez sto. Med znanimi starimi obrazi, z sivimi lasmi in okroglimi trebuhi, je bilo lepo število druge in celo tretje generacije. Kaj je lepšega kot da se zberejo stara mama in stari ata ter mamica in očka z vnučki. Posebno še če je to prvi vnuček pa se z njim stara mama in ata ponosno pobahata. Za lačne so poskrbeli člani lovske in ribiške družine. Na plošči so se cvrle kar štiri vrste okusnega mesa. Za zajtrk so nam postregli z kokošjim, pozneje smo se mastili s svinjino in govejim, pa tudj^ poznanih čevapčičev ni manjkalo. Ko sem pred kratkim obiskal našo rodno grudo sem slišal, da so v Sloveniji sedaj čevapčiči poznani pod imenom "martinovi lulki". Na mizi je stalo več različnih posod, ki so nam ponujale vrsto skrbno pripravljenih solat. Solate so podarile naše skrbne žene in mamice. Za vse te dobrote smo se oddolžili le z prostovljimi prispevki. Med udeleženci ni bilo zaslediti kislega obraza, ravno obratno, vsi smo bili prijetno razpoloženi. Ko se je sonce začelo nagibati proti zatonu in smo se začeli poslavljati eden od drugega je marsikateri dal ključe od avtomobila ženi ali prijatelju. Upam, da so vsi prispeli domov živi in zdravi. Mislim in upam da bo prav če se organizatorjem zahvalim v imenu vseh udeležencev letošnjega piknika za odlično organiziran dan in se še za naprej priporočamo. Vsem, ki so lovski piknik letos zamudili je lahko žal, pa glejte da se vam isto no zgodi naslednje leto. Saj edino priznanje organizatorjem za njihovo skrb in nesebično delo je dober obisk. Stanko Prosenak soccer report The young men have done exceptionally well this year with Tony Lenko being the Goal scorer and Runner-up best & fairest for 1996 season. The winner of the award for Best and fairest for 1996 season was Rudi Plut. On Saturday 26 October, 1996 a Presentation night was held of all the clubs participating in the Amateur Soccer Federation of Victoria. Diamond Valley Slovenians were awarded the prestigious prize "Sportsmanship Award for 1996 Season". The flag and trhophy is displayed at the club. Congratulations to all the palyers for their participation and upon receiveing the fantastic award and good luck in the 1997 season! At this year's Soccer and bowlers presentation night at S.D.M. on the 12th October 1996, the attendance was marginally better than the Annual ball. At this dance the two sports clubs honour the sports men and women who participated in the sport throughout the year. D.V. Slovenians is the soccer club, known to all our members. Our very successful Soccer Team: The Diamond Valley (D.V. Slovenians) $ BOWLERS ''S*?' REPORT.... It's been 12 months since we have had the opportunity of giving you a bit of an update on the life of a typical SDM bowler. During the past 12 months we have participated in various "home and away" competitions - we've won some and lost some - but as the Slovenian saying goes ".... winning is not important, it's participation that counts", don't you agree? As a member of the Slovenian Bowling Association of Victoria, it was SDM's turn to host the Annual Bowling Dinner Dance this year, and what a great evening it was. Presentations were made, lots of dancing happened and of course a Slovenian function wouldn't be complete without the traditional "singing" at the end of the night...!! This year the ladies section has been fortunate in recruiting another bowler - we welcome with open arms Ema Janic who is very dedicated and comes practically every Friday night -and her bowling is great too! Welcome Ema. It would be great if a few more people started coming up and just trying out -you also might enjoy it and become a regular like Ema! Of all the competitions that happened this year, I think the most talked about one was the ladies competition between the "original" ladies team and the "current" team. In Slovenian, they were called "nekdanje" and "sedanje". It was played on a Sunday afternoon and I think the saying "once you have it you never lose it" must be true because the "originals" won! I would like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors of this competition: Frank Jelovcan, Steve Mavric, Joze Urbancic and the SDM Bowling Section who also contributed to their "trophy vases", which were presented at the SDM Bowling/Soccer Dance. The regular "SDM men's singles" competition took place over several months and the winners were Pepi Hervatin (1st Place), Joze Urbancic (2nd Place) and Branko Zele (3rd Place). They were also presented with trophies at the Bowlers/Soccer Dance. A "Big Thank You" to every tone who donated prizes for the Raffle during this evening, especially Dunav Butchery who contributed $100 worth of meat and Pacific Meats who donated hampers. These companies are not members of SDM but are always keen to contribute. Others who donated were Ivo Leber (Slo-Impex), Karl Beve (Motorcraft), Joze Urbancic (Kal Cabinets) and Tony Skrlj (retired). Other prizes were organised by the SDM Bowling Section. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks again to the sponsors. On behalf of the Bowling Section of SDM, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 1997 - and may everyone win many competitions! NEWSFLASH ... NEWSFLASH ^ We have just received notification from the Bowling Federation of Slovenia that they will be sending both male and female bowlers to compete here in February 1997. We look forward to seeing them and hopefully everyone will make them welcome. When more information comes through, we will make announce-ents on the Slovenian Radio programs. SK for SDM Bowlers L-R Franc Jelovcan, Marija Spilar, Lyn Beve, Ema Janic, Maria Plut (current team), Iva Mandel, Vida Skrlj, Ivanka Spilar & Pavla Plut (originals). L-R: Branko Zele, Edo Hojak, Frank Jelovcan, Pepi Hervatin and Joze Urbancic S.D.M. COMMITTEE - 1996/97 ^ Name Position held After hours telephone Frank Jelovcan President - Hunters & CSOV Representative 9359 3920 Donna Beve Secretary & Radio Liaison 9439 2848 Werner Remsnik Treasurer 9457 1119 Stan Penca 1st Vice President & CSOV Representative 9894 1017 Dusan Lavric 2nd Vice President 9459 3793 Darko Barba Caretaker - Bowlers Rep & Hall Bookings 9437 1226 Karl Beve CSOV Representative & Working Committee 9435 6867 Alex Kodila Working Committee 9432 4132 Steve Mavric Working Committee 9435 1568 Damian Pisotek Soccer & Youth Representative 9726 8465 Zvono Spilar Working Committee & Bar Duties 9460 3973 Joze Stolfa Working Committee 9306 2664 Janko Tegelj Working Committee & Band Bookings 9435 6036 SDM FUNCTIONS FOR 1997 ^ 26 January Australia Day Picnic 22 February SDM Open Day 15 March Trivia Night 16 March Working Bee 31 March Laster Monday Picnic f JQ St! S.D.r s^J y •» 4 May SDM Mother's Day ÌhL, /JT& 14 June White Winter Christmas ^ ! AJ «J 2 August Annual Ball 24 August SDM Father's Day ^ — 6 September Hunters Dance (20th Anniversary) 4 October Bowlers/Soccer Dance 2 November Memorial Prayers 4 November Melbourne Cup Day - Working Bee ^ 7 December St Nicholas Dance 26 December Boxing Day 31 December New Year's Eve Dance GROUPS for SLOVENIJA Book now for 3 economical groups departing: 16 January, 27 February, 31 March, 15 May, 21 June and 12 July, 1997 Slovenija Vas pričakuje Priglasite se sedaj za skupno potovanje: Zelo dobra ekonomske prilike za obisk lepe Slovenije in vseh strani sveta ... Pokličite ali obiščite naš urad za podobronejša pojasnila, da Vam lahko pomagamo pravočasno dobiti potni list in potrebne vize! Ne pozabite da je že od leta 1952 ime GREGORICH dobro poznano in na uslugo vsem, ki se odpravljajo na potovanje! PRIDEMO TUDI NA DOM! 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