The Australian Slovenian Review Summer 1995 Volume 3 Issue 1 Inside this issue... The One That Got Away Opinions Graduation Ball History Part 10 Life in the Drama Regional Profile Health by Vanessa Fabjancic The year 1995 has seen the passing of a significant event. It's an event that has become a tradition within the Sydney Slovenian Community and an event that lias been embedded for the past 16 years........Maturanski Pies. Maturanski Pies is a ceremonial event celebrating and acknowledging the efforts of the graduating Slovenian class of that particular year. To date, over 150 sudents have graduated at this ceremony. The ccremony is encrusted with an array of cultural performances by various groups within the community, often ranging from youth in the Slovenian dancing groups to the more senior displayed in the men's and women's choirs. Culturally, it is one of the few annual events within the community that sees a true uniting of first generation Slovenians with second and third. This is projected through the kaleidoscope of people and organisations in attendance, including the combined support of both Sydney Slovenian Clubs, Triglav and SDS. At the helm of this ship there has to be a captain who guides the event year after year. It is the efforts of Mariza Lican, a well respected member of the Sydney Slovenian Community, (hat has ensured its success and longevity. Since 1978 Mrs Lican has placed her heart and soul, into nurturing and educating students about Slovenian grammar, literature and culture. She then publicly recognised these students hard efforts in the form of 'Maturanski Pies'. Mrs Lican has not been alone in her efforts. The accreditation also extends to the many teachers of Slovenian over its history including Olga Lali, Joze Cujes, Danica Grzelj, Danica Sajn, Liza Reja, Erika Pelcar, Milena Codec, Bill Ferfolya, Marijela Gaspersic, Miriam Susnik, Marie Williamson and Majda Zcllmer (Mauric) who taught in Ashfield and was president of the school council for a year. In the web of languages offered at the Saturday School of Community Languages, the Maturanski Pies is unique to the Slovenian community. No other language group, including the likes of larger groups such as Italian, Lebanese and Greek, hosts an event similar to the context of the Slovenian. Although the Slovenian group is seen as a minority, this certainly is not a disadvantage but an opportunity and necessity to keep the Slovenian culture alive in Sydney and Australia. There has been suggestions over the years that the Maturanski Pies is losing its significance and bearing. It has been said that the program for the 'Pies' has failed to move into contemporary times and a cultural 'time warp' is the theme for the night. Second and third generation Australian Slovenians are developing a disinterest due to the lack of variation and carbon-copy likeness from year to year. It has also been said that the program should include modern concepts to (Continued on page 4) Editorial/ Writing Irene Stariha Dorothy Kobal Mia Lukezic Robert pecovnik Renata i mm - PaulU.o..-Waller Sutter Jude Bavčar Sylvia Kuznik Variesa Uatezic IS mBÏmI i r® -^HafliBH^ -si Marketing / Public Relations Robert Suber Jan Uakovec Jude Bavčar Mark Stariha Jenny Stariha-Bleesiny, Production Ciril Kosarok Henry Stariha JohnKobal EditorialConsultants mom Soma Kolar ... , : : V Adntuiisrration Renata Susan/ The Australian Slovenian Review ;s a ii^rittira ii-Ki.-'li '»in^P trt noil- profit venture, which aims to publish quarterly. Production and distribution costs are funded by sponsorship and advertising. 'Hie ASR is not a platform lbr any particular interest group and docs not represent any group or organisation within the Slovenian community. The ASR team believe that there should be a forum available to inform and discuss issues that are bfinterest to first and second generation Australians w:th a Slovenian heritage. Articles foi publications arc most welcome. They may be presented hand writtea typed or preferably on a MS-DOS format iloppy disk. Articles can be sent to: ASR. P.O. Box KL806 Kings I-angley 2147 or faxed to: (02) 674 4583 (Ecfitoriai WHO AM I? This seems to be the question on many lips of late. No, I don't mean who are you....I mean who is the Editor of ASR. 1 have been asked personally as have other ASR members and even the survey responses showed that this was a mystery that needed to be solved. Before 3 start giving away the answer, I thought it may be worthwhile giving the reason why my identity has been a guarded secret. Some would say I fear for my life....and with the seriousness of some of our community members, this could well be true!! Seriously though, 1 have never really considered myself to be the "real" editor of ASR. Although I write all of the editorials and reply to all letters, I do not make the final decision of what ASR will contain. Our team is just that, .a team of people who make decisions together (so that the blame cart be easily spread when things go wrong!) 'We do not write all the ASR articles and therefore do not necessarily agree with all that is printed, but our job is to print what may be interesting to you. But I digress... Back to who I am. See if you can beat the buzzer and get a pick of the Slovenian Face. WHO AM I? * I was born in Slovenia and migrated to Australia in the early 60's at the age of3 (don't I sound old!) * I was (and still am) a regular visitor to the Slovenian Church in Merrylands, where I met my future husband (also of Slovenian decent) * I was a one time STAR of Slovenian Club stages as the lead singer in a popular Sydney based Slovenian band, * I was a regular performer in the Youth Concerts. * I co-ordinated the Slovenian Youth Choir "Zarja" through its wild days. * I am the mother of the two most beautiful Australian/Slovenian children in our whole community. (I could go on, but I do not want to risk making other people's lives seem insignificant!!!!) Yes, you guessed it!! (and if you didn't you mustn't be from Sydney) I .AM IRENE STARIHA If that doesn't help you identify me then I could give you a physical description, but my vanity does not allow me to make you feel even worse! So now you have a name and a face to point a finger at... but don't forget you cati't just blame me!! All the people listed in the credits are as much to blame as I am (they just don't get the ritzy invitations!) Speaking of blame, it has come to our attention of late, that a letter is being circulated about the ASR and the inappropriateness of some of the articles (not to mention the type of people who may be printing such rubbish!). We are not the only targets of this letter. We find it untisual that the person who feels the need to circulate such information about us, does not write a letter to the editor and give all of our readers the opportunity to either agree or disagree with her. I am sure I could find a suitable reply to such a letter.,.. Anyway, enough about me! Let's talk about you! We received many replies (however we do want more!!) to our survey. They made for interesting leading and we have published the results in this issue. The nicest thing anyone said was that my editorials are interesting ... so 1 must thank my mother for replying to the survey. Some of the replies were so interesting I thought of a great way of using the information to increase ASR's funds. I suggested a Computer Dating system for Slovenians. TSie rest of the team were not agreeable so if you are interested you need to contact me directly (and don't tell anyone where you got the information!) We obviously have some very talented and successful Slovenians in our midst and some of them are not yet wed! Speaking of talented Slovenians, there are two HSC candidates (at least) from 1995 that should feel extremely proud of themselves. Julie Brcar and Rudi Cmcek were both awarded a TER score in the high 90's. Not only are both of them obviously bright but they are also two very nice, down to earth young people! Congratulations!!!! Sponsorship or advertising enquiries should be directed to: Robert Suber on (02) 829 1303 Timber is highest net export earner Tor Slovnenia. At a recent Ljubljana furniture fair, the secretary of the Slovenian Association of Timber Industries said the industry was mainly exporting to Germany, Italy ,the United States, Austria, Croatia, Russia, Great Britain and Macedonia. In the first eight months of last year exports amounted to US$ 394 million. The Slovenian timber industry employs approximately 20,000 people, working in more that 500 companies. Slovenia has a long tradition of harvesting its pine forests in a environmentally sound way and it leads Europe with the highest percentage of its land covered in Forest. Slovenian Version of Microsoft Windows 95 released. Slovenia is the smallest country for which Microsoft translates its products. The Slovenian version came out only three months after the original version and is the first operating system that Slovenian PC owners can use in their mother tongue. The Slovenian versions of Word, Excel and Office for Windows 95 will also follow soon. New Commercial TV in Slovenia. The new Slovenian private TV network POPtv premiered in December bringing a little more variety and choice to the once State dominated (and rather boring) television station of the past. According to Slovenia Weekly, one of the most powerful transmitters in Europe will be used allowing the signal to be received throughout Slovenia with sufficient capacity to also transmit outside Slovenia. Rosewood Homes award. Rosewood Homes "Maple" was awarded Top Home under $120,000 in the NSW Housing Industry Association Top Homes Award recently. The home, on display at Parklea HomeMarket, was nominated as being "an outstanding example of home building and design across all major criteria". Rosewood homes is a Australian Slovenian business success story. Slovenian gymnasts excel at International tournament. A. Pegan from Slovenia scored a very high 9.825 for his performance on the High Bar at the recent International Gymnastics Tournament in Paris. He finished first ahead of Japanese Y. Hatakeda and S. Dumont of France. Slovenian Ballroom dancers. Andrej Skufca and Katarina Venturini took out third prize at the world ballroom dancing championships in Verona. Sydney readers might recall Andrej and Katarina from their visit to Australia a couple of years ago. Their dancing exhibitions proved to be a big hit with Sydney-siders, and we wish them well in their continued climb up the competition ladder. Slovenian Credit ratings. The Slovenian financial system continues to grow strongly. In the credit ratings stakes the Institutional Investor magazine (October 1995) rated Slovenia on 50th place among 135 countries. Slovenia recorded "the biggest improvement in the survey climbing nearly 20 points in the past two and a half years" Slovenian Economic Statistics. In 1995 Slovenia had a very healthy total of $3,426 million (US Dollars) in foreign exchange reserves. This has more than doubled since 1993 when it was $1,556 million. Foreign Debt is now running at $2,956 million but with a GDP growth of almost 5% the overall economic performance is quite good. The inflation rate has fallen from 22.9% in 1993 to a very respectable 8.5% in 1995 while the unemployment rate is now 7.4%. Slovenian economic success story. The Economist reports that "Slovenia is one of the big success stories of Central Europe". Growth has been steady since 1993, inflation is in single digits, the private sector is thriving, productivity is high and growing, and the export structure is the most developed in the region. As a result, its per capita GDP is more than double that of the Czech Republic and Hungary, and is approaching the level of Greece". The Economist goes on to describe that the market is only the equivalent of a decent sized city and that Slovenia must not be complacent. Privatisation shares. Australian Slovenians who applied for shares in the privatisation of state owned companies in Slovenia have begun to receive their certificates. Typically the value of these shares has been 40,000 Tolars or around $4,000 Australian dollars. Various rules apply to whether they can actually be cashed in but nevertheless it represents a substantial milestone in the establishing a free market economy in Slovenia. In January the Ljubljana Stock Exchange celebrated the first listing of shares in a privatised company. Another 70 companies have completed public shares issues to certificate holders as part of their privatisation programs. Some of Slovenia's largest enterprises are included in those 70 companies. Slovenia on the Map in 1763. In 1763 the Hapsburg empress Maria Theresa ordered that a map of the entire Hapsburg Monarchy be produced. All of the 4,685 sheets of the so-called Josephs Military Map (Emperor Joseph II was Maria Theresa's son) were produced in colour. The Slovenian ethnic areas, the majority of them today included in the Republic of Slovenia, were at the that time included in Inner Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and the Venetian republic. Now the map, which was then a closely guarded military secret, has been used to produce a facsimilie edition of the Slovenian territory and it will comprise seven volumes. Each volume of the "Slovenia on the Military Map 1763-1787" will comprise two parts; the first part will contain descriptions of places in the original language (German) with Slovenian translations and the second part will contain copies of the original coloured sheets. The map is especially important to Slovenia because it is the first one that covers all the areas included today in the Republic of Slovenia. ❖ KOBAL & ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS & ATTORNEYS Dorothy Kobal B.Com L.LB. 81 SporingAve, (P.O. Box KL 806) Kings Langley 2147 (Tel) (02) 838 0334 (Fax) (02) 674 4583 Conveyancing, Wills & Probate, Small Business, Litigation and (Continued from page 1) further develop, invigorate and be in touch with modern Slovenian culture. In an effort to combat this problem, an active effort of the students is required through contribution of their time and ideas. The main ingredient of Maturanski Pies is students and it is students who should voluntarily take an active part in the event. As with every great success story, there is always a variable factor. With student intakes declining, the continuation of the Maturanski Pies is questionable. Last year, only a few students graduated and 1996 does not look promising either. It is vital that potential students consider studying Slovenian as an elective, not only for their own benefit but for the benefit that subliminally flows to the wider community. *> O Euro International Pty » Tf, J AUSTRALIA I 1/ I U. Mir {A.C.N. 050 989 618) Euro Furniture Wide range of colonial furniture from Slovenia. Dining settings. Rocking chairs, Bentwood chairs and Modem bedrooms. Available at all leading furniture retailers Euro Trading Trading with Slovenia in chemical commodities, pharmaceutical & food products, metals, machinery, sporting equipment and a variety of other products. Sydney Branch Showroom Address 2A Bessemer Street 3 Dalmore Drive Blacktown NSW 2148 Scoresby VIC 3152 Ph: 02 671 5999 Ph: 03 9764 1900 Fax: 02 621 3213 Fax: 03 9764 1461 Female 44 speeches were too long. It over dragged "I always enjoy it. It's a good parade for but if they shortened them it would be the young and their achievements. I fun." think it's great." Female 50's Female 14 "Too long." "I think it's a very good idea. They should make it a tradition." Male 50's "1 think it's great. There should be more Male 13 of that." "It's alright," Female 50's Female 35 "I like it." "The program is too long, the speeches are boring but the rest of the night is Female 50's good. This doesn't only go for the "The dance is fine but the ceremony is Maturanski Pies but all Slovenian too long." presentations." Male 50's Female 32 "It's good." "The program is too long and if they intend it to be that long, they should Female 11 have the presentation in the afternoon "It's good. Hike it." followed by a formal dinner. This should be just for the families of those Female 29 involved. They should then have a "Boring like hell. Especially when you separate dance for everyone else." can't understand it all. They should translate it!" Female 32 "The speech section is boring and as my Male 38 children are too young, I just come to "You have to have something to mark see nay children perform:" the occasion. To encourage others to go to Slovenian School. The ceremony Female 32 drags out too long, but otherwise it's "One I went to was good but the good." Female 28 "Pretty boring. I don't remember much about them because I haven't been for a very long time." Male 30 "I believe that it is a significant event when you are progressing tluough the Slovenian school system and are a graduate but it tends to loose its importance in later years." Female 22 "It is definitely a positive event for Slovenian youth and exposes you to a cultural aspect." The Graduation Ball What people said - Opinions Performance Report Ivan's Kitchens Penrith For craftsman quality kitchens vanities and cabinets Ivan Brcar (047)21 2010 (AH) 047 36 5525 Not only are we ecstatic with the number of responses (125), but the survey has given us a clear indication that we are reaching the readership target which we originally aimed for, that is Australian born second generation Slovenes. (74% of replies were from our target group of under 45's, and 70% of respondents were born in Australia, see Chart). Of great interest to us was the fact that we had readers born in countries as far away as Italy, Israel, Chile, Venezuela, Hungary, England and Austria. Occupations of Readers (14.3%) What makes an ASR Person Happy? The results of this survey!! Also interesting (and surprising) was the fact that a reader resides in Switzerland and has the ASR sent to him by friends, and other readers have it sent to them in Slovenia. Though the vast majority list our link to Slovenia as being by family blood lines (86%) we are pleased to see that marriage/fiancees (11%) and friends (3%) has given us an extended readership base of interested persons. Occupations of our readers were so varied that they needed to be grouped under a wide variety of titles (see Chart). We have doctors, Retired (10,2%) Motoring (1.0%) Adm inislration Unpaid (15.3%) Sales (5.1%) Finance (9.2%) Marketing (5.1%) Research (3.1%) Student (10.2%) Travel (2.0%) Computers (4.1.%) ,, .„, Engineering (3.1%) Food i±0Vo) Building (9.2%) Management (2.0%) Writing (3.1%) Social Work (1.0%) What You Like to Read! Crossword Main Stories 1-200 Cooking Letters Special Interest Editorial i News Flash builders, computer consultants, interior designers, accountants, couriers, engineers...........and even a pilot. Most popular occupations were teachers(9%), students(8%), pensioners(8%), domestic support{l 1%) and accountants(5%). 22% of our readers were self-employed. It appears that most of the sections of the ASR are a hit with readers, with the four most popular sections being Main Stories, Special Interest, News Flash and Histoiy (see Chart). 98% of readers believed the ASR was easy to ■ read and well laid out, though a few commented on their pleasure at not needing to read articles over three pages any more. Also mentioned was the need for justification,that we could use better clipart, and that more space should appear around some articles. A few responses indicated that it was great to see a publication which was in English and that they could easily read. Finance Social Pages Series 1 Regional FS&GS PLUMBING Drainage Gasfitting Maintenance & Repairs For all your plumbing needs phone Frank Skubla (02)674 7993 Mobile (018) 256 516 Gold Lie No. 11621 C.A. No. A.35S7 H.I.S. Electrics The articles most readers enjoyed were; • Profiles on Successful Slovenians • Slovenian Culture in Slovenia • Happenings in Slovenia • Politics in Slovenia • Finance • History • Slovenian sayings A whopping 28% of respondents indicated that they would be willing to contribute to the ASR, so if you said you would, the next phone call you answer may be from ASR!! To all of you who responded, THANK.YOU. We appreciated the feedback. If yon have any further comment, send us a letter. Happy reading. ♦> ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR GOLD LICENCE NO: EC38345 For all your Electrical work call Henry Stariha Phone: (02) 624-6132 Mobile; 018 972 425 Type of Employment Self-Employed Employee E30 Series 1 NNER WINNER \ .WINNER WINNER Survey Response Competition Our Advanced selection technique _ of throwing the survey forms into '1|f the air and then spotting the last to 'V touch the ground resulted in; 1 i w Katarina Mrhar of Victoria being declared the Winner. Katarina will shortly receive Microsoft Encarta and Publisher in the mail. Enjoy them... The ASR Team § II it' Slovenian Academics, in Australia by Mia Lukezic Not so long ago the Slovenian Studies department at Macquarie University had the privilege to be visited by an academic delegation from the University of Maribor. The delegation consisted of the University Dean, Prof. Dr. Ludvifc Trauner, Dr. Mirko Psunder from the Faculty of Engineering and his wife Dr. Majda Psunder from the Faculty of Education. Although they were essentially only passing through, returning from a seminar in Hawaii and spending only a day in Sydney, the delegation really made the most of their visit to the University. They were acquainted with representatives from Slovenian Studies, who accompanied them on their tour of Macquarie University. While inspecting the various aspects of the University our Slovenian delegation had the unique opportunity to exchange ideas and information with their Australian colleagues. I was lucky enough to be chosen to accompany part of the delegation and together with Metka Cuk act as interpreter for this historic tour, which was the first official contact between the two Universities. Hopefully, events such as this one will pave the road for academic co-operation and contact between Slovenia und Australia in the future. Metka Cuk accompanied Prof. Dr. Trauner and Dr, Psunder to the Physics Department to discover the latest research Macquarie University has been doing in physics and engineering. I accompanied Dr. Majda Psunder to the School of Education, where we had a very interesting conversation with the head of school, Dr. Daniel O'Brien. Dr. Psunder showed great interest in issues such as the Australian school curriculum and wished to learn more about the Australian primary and secondary education system in general, "Slovenian academics are trying to devise a school system modelled on other countries, so it will be easier for our students to study abroad if they wish to do so," Dr Psunder said. Over lunch we discussed similarities and differences between university life in Slovenia and Australia, and Dr. Psunder was especially amazed at the high level of awareness that Australian student organisations displayed in regard to issues such as aids and safe sex, gay and lesbian rights, drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence. She told us, that in Slovenia student organisations were much less open-minded about sensitive issues such as these and praised Australian students for their mature approach. Wc also discovered a lot about our fellow students in Maribor and about the history of the university itself which has a very recent, but nevertheless a very interesting background. Maribor University was founded in 1975 and is the successor of a number of educational organisations, which can be traced back to the days of Anton Martin Slomsek. Anton Martin Slomsek was in the mid 19th century, the bishop of the Levantine diocese in St. Andraz, Carinthia. In 1859 he moved the seat of the diocese to the city of Maribor, which allowed him to increase his influence on Slovenian national development. His seminary and religious schools thus became the first institutions of higher education in Maribor and were the forerunners of present day Maribor University. Today, the University has 10 different faculties and colleges, including the Faculties of Law, Business, Civil Engineering and Education. The University is represented by a rector, who co-ordinates work and the activities of the faculties and colleges. This person is assisted vice-rectors who co-ordinate international co-operation, research, teaching and student affairs. The basic tasks of the University are, of course, teaching and research and the University is boasting both national and international research fellows. There are approximately 12,000 students currently enrolled in the University of Maribor, with about 1,300 of them graduating each year. The University offers both full and part time study at all levels and about 150 to 200 students continue post-graduate studies, as the University offers them the possibility of completing both masters and PhD degrees. The University of Maribor also has a very strong student organisation, which is controlled by the student parliament. The student parliament consists of deputies, who are elected by the students at the beginning of each academic year. The student organisation unites all students regardless of their political or religious orientation, race or nationality. The aim of the student organisation is not only to offer them assistance during their studies, but also to ensure students are provided with adequate housing, employment and access to other services. The student organisation also provides on campus entertainment and regularly organises dances, concerts and film screenings, most of which are free to all students with a valid student ID card, regardless from which university they are from. After lengthy discussion we happily discovered, that there was not much difference between students in Australia or in Slovenia and that it would be great if we could maintain contact between universities for further cooperation. The delegation finished their whirlwind tour feeling inspired and a little overwhelmed, while we at Macquarie University felt happy to be given the opportunity to have met our fellow academics from the University of Maribor in Slovenia Hi-CIass Mechanical Repairs Service & Repairs on ALL Cars and Light Trucks Authorised Inspection Station Eddy or Silvio 39 Justin St, Smithfield 2164 609 2374 Thermal spas in Slovenia have been around for centuries. There are documents dating from 1147 monitoring the healing powers of the Dobrna springs. 1665 is considered to be the official beginning of the spa activity in Slovenia. At the end of the 17th century the water from Rogaska was being sold in Vienna. After 1840 the Rogaska Slatina became a famous cosmopolitan spa for European society. Napoleon's brother, the composer Franz Liszt and the Rotschilds stayed there. Slovenia's natural spas are located in the country's most attractive areas. They aim to satisfy every requirement of the guest -from rest, recreation, maintaining health to beauty programmes and preventative cures. The beneficial influences of the natural health features, such as thermal waters (levels of heat ranging from 32 - 62$ C), mineral waters (the world famous Radenska Three Hearts and Donat Mg), sea water and brine, Pannonian and the forest microclimate of the sup-alpine foothills, complement the spas with their extremely diverse, supervised therapies in modern, well equipped spa buildings. Many of the spas offer medical facilities with modern equipment, fully qualified medical staff and excellent hotel facilities. The modern medical rehabilitation available covers treatment of cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases, injuries to the muskoskeletal system, digestive and metabolic disorders, gynaecological, renal and urological problems, neurological and neurotic ailments and respiratory diseases. There are also special recreation, beauty and programmes for slimming courses, antistress ¡aid preventative cures. The spas and health resorts make every effort to help their guests to find a healthy life style. The health resort of Catez thermal spa developed around water sources. The resort offers its guests weight reducing programmes, medically supervised active recreation and preventative medical examinations. The Thermal Riviera covers an area of 550m, along with riding on the grounds of the Mokrice Castle (just 6kms away) and a golf course with club. The health resort in Dobrna emphasises preventative treatment, individual Regional Profile Health Resorts & Spas in Slovenia by Renata Susajn programmes for beauty and vitality, herbal baths, healthy food, outgoings, nature walks, riding, tennis and cycling. A major attraction in Rogaska Slatina is its mineral water, which has the highest magnesium content of any in Europe. There are treatments for stress, beauty and weight reduction as welt as riding, tennis, golf, equestrian centre and ski slopes. The Radenci health resort in the northeast of Slovenia boasts a 110 year tradition and four natural health features: ^tarstruck ^/^edding "^/irfco /productions Our wedding videos will capture those special memories your family and friends wtil cherish forever. Our company has been operating successfully in Sydney since 1984, We pride ourselves on total commitment and meticulous attention is given to every detail. We invite you to spend a few moments of your time viewing our demonstration tape and discussing your requirements with us Wendy & Michael Cufer (02) 528 6128 or 018 204 800 Radenska Three Hearts, thermo-mineral water, curative soft-water mud and a comfortable bioclimate. The wide variety of treatment offered includes strict medical treatments, regenerative, preventative beauty and family cures. There are numerous recreation facilities such as courts for tennis and ball games, a bowling alley, cycle ways, a large health park with pathways, a fitness and aerobics, boutiques and parks with ordinary and thermo-mineral water. The health resorts on the Adriatic in Strnnjan and Terme Talasoterapija Portoroz specialises in beauty and rejuvenation treatments for the entire body, there are special revitalisation treatments for men, reducing and anticellulite therapy, and treatments for insomnia, fatigue and neurological diseases. There are many other health resorts and spas in Slovenia such as Lasko, Dolenjske Toplice, Smarjeske Toplice, tenue Zrece and Terme Topolsice, each offering different and specialised treatments and facilities. One thing that they all have in common is the aim to provide a relaxing and healthy lifestyle for their guests and patients. ❖ NORTON MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD Accountants & Registered Tax Agents BILL FERFOLYA Ph: 560 4766 Fax: 564 1808 182 Norton Street, Leichhardt NSW 2040 Spirit of Christmas CD Adrian Vatovec of Adelaide, pictured with his two children, composed the words and music for the CD Spirit of Christmas which was written for the Adelaide Christmas Pageant held in November last year. The Pageant is an annual event and is billed as the largest Christmas Pageant in the world. The song Christmas Pageant waj the theme song for last years event. The CD was, and may still be. available in Sydney at the A ustralian Music Centre shop in the Rocks, or you could write to Adrian at PO Box 1340Adelaide 5001. The Editor Here she is! Justin case you have been wondering what she looks like. ASR's editor, Irene, (right) pictured with one of our dedicated typists and co-organiser for fun & games Jude Bavcar - Skttbla. J tide hopes to see most of you on her next project, co-organised with John Kern, the shopping spree to be held in June. Check details on the ad next page. Fr. Ciril retraces Father Clril BoJUJ returned to Australia m January this year for a holiday from his duties at his new parish ofBrezje in Slovenia. Pictured here catching up with some of the many friends made during his 10 year stay at St Rafael's Church Merrylands, Sydney. Mali PreShsren, the young folkloric dance troup from SDS performed at the contemporary dance festival at Parramalla Riverside Theatre last December. The group drew a loud applause from the audience. The young dancers, range in age from 4 years to ¡0 years of age, and have become very popular with their interpretation of Slovenian and contemporary dances. You may be able to catch their performance at one of the many functions held in the Slovenian community. his old footsteps Father Ciril also caught up with some of his friends from Melbourne on one ofFr Toni's regular hikes into the Kosciosko National Park. DATE PJACE EVENT DETAILS Thanks for your attention! 31 Marc-. - ñi:.:.I,y Sikafa«'.!: Church I'alm Sunday Mus Just to let you know that it's that time of the year again ■ time to go SHOPPING and at the same time raise funds for the ASR, 4th April -Holy Thursday St Rafaels Church Last Supper memorial mass 5Üi April -Good Friday St Rafaels Church Adoration of the holy cross Last year we raised in excess of $700.00 - so please support us again! 6th April - Holy Saturday Blessing of Easter foods Easier Vigil mass St Rafaels Saturday, 1 June 1996 Meet at the Slovenian Catholic Church, 311 Merrylands Road, Merrylands at 7;45am {SHARP)!! 8th April - Monday St Rafaels Easter Monday dance Pirhovanje 6pm music by Lipa Hunters Celebra:.o:i Lovska Veselica 2M> April - Saturday 1 Ith May - Saturday Mothers Day Dance 8pm Music by Black Baron $20,00 (includes bus transport. morning & afternoon teas and a light lunch) St Rafaels Motlieu Day Mass ?Li1o:iiiance by Slomškova sola in Hall Triglav Mothers Day Picnic 2-ópni Music by Black Baron The best shopping bargains to be found in Sydney - clothes, shoes, jewellery, leather gear, home-ware and more! Brands such as Sheriden, Chlc-a-Boom, Corning Ware, Orrefors, Kosta-Boda, Diamond Cut, Bendon, Table Eight, Lindt Chocolates etc!! Prizes also to be wan! 26th May - Sunday Picnic 2-6pro Music by Lipa 15:h June - Saturday Triglav 8pm Music by Black Baton 22 June - Sat-irday Tickets on sale now {and must be purchased before the day). Phone Jude Bavcar-Skubla (674 7993) or John Kern {599 1806) for further details and tickets! Hope to see you there! For more details on the events listed above contact the organisers direct: - SDS (Slovenian Association Sydney) 2-10 Elizabeth Si Wetherill Park (02)756 165» St Rafaels Slovenian Catholic Church 313 Merrylands Rd Merrylands (02) 637 7147 Trijlnv Chili Ltd. Sii-fM Brisbane Rri St Johns Park <02)6101627 Slovene Association Sydney A,C.N 000 904 754 Social Cluli available for 2-10 Elizabeth Sheet Wed ill ngs, Parties, Wetlierill Park NSW 2164 Functions St Hall hire * BISTRO * POKER MACHINES + LIBRARY with Slovenian Books Phone: (02) 756 1658 Fax: (02) 756 1447 TRIGLAV Club Limited ♦Full Membership invited ^Function Facilities available * Bowls, Snooker, Bingo -At Restaurant Club Events in 1996 • lozefovanje • Materinski Dan • Očetovski Dan • Wine Tasting • Miklavzevnnje • New Year's Eve Please contact the club for specific dates March BBQ - 12 Noon May BBQ-12 Noon Sept BBQ-12 Noon Nov BBQ-12 Noon Dec BBQ-12 Noon Dec Dance - 2 till 6pm Dance - 2 till 6pm Dance - 2 till 6pm Dance - 2 till 6pm Dance - 2 till 6pm Dance - 8pm till late into the New Year! Ph: 610 1627 Fax: 823 2522 Trigiav CIub Limited (ACN 001 297 927) SO - 84 Brisbane Road, St Jotm's Park NTSW 2176 This Article has been reprinted with the kind permission of The Economist. Copyright © The Economist Newspaper Limited, London 1995 The curious thing about Slovenia is that it seems a world away from war. You might as well be in Switzerland. The statue in the centre of little Ljubljana, the capital, is that of a poet, not a general. Yet only a short drive to the south, war has been tearing apart the lands that until recently were part of the same country as Slovenia. Janez Drnovsek, Slovenia's prime minister, immediately puts distance between his present and his former country. "We feel no involvement with ex-Yugoslavia," he says. "We have nothing to do with it. We were lucky to get out." If reservations about little Slovenia's fitness for entry into Europe were based on worries about the perilous Balkans, they can surely be put aside. Well before seceding from Yugoslavia five years ago, the two million Slovenes were much more western than other The curious thing about Slovenia is that it seems a world away from war. You might as well be in Switzerland. Central Europeans under communist rule. Their borders with Italy and Austria were more or less open; they could buy western goods and watch Italian and Austrian television. Otto von Habsburg recalls that, when the government in Belgrade assumed charge of former Yugoslavia's financial reserves at the time of the break-up, he asked the Slovene leadership how much it would harm their new country's treasury. Not at all, he was assured, Slovenes with any sense had always held their savings in Austrian schillings. If independent Slovenia is now anchored anywhere, it is to Austria. The European Union (EU) could take in Slovenia overnight without losing any sleep. The country is small, ethnically homogenous, well located and economically promising (only the Czech Republic's figures look better). The one thing that is not doing too well is foreign investment, kept at a trickle by Slovenia's relatively high wages and a market prevented by war from opening out to the Balkans. As a result, Slovenia's privatisation programme has dawdled: not even 40% of output is in private hands. But Mr Drnovsek, a popular Liberal Democrat, clearly does not consider this an obstacle to European entry, indeed, he seems to be in a rush, "If the Czechs and Slovenes went it first," he says, "it would make the digestion process easier for Europe." In its more realistic moments though, Slovenia sees itself going in jointly with the Visegrad Four, if only because the men in Brussels do not know how else to group it. next-door, which has shown itself far less forbearing than Germany has been over its little difficulties with Poland and the Czech Republic. This one has its roots in Habsburg territorial arrangements, though its flashpoint came later, in 1945, when Yugoslavia expelled Italians from Istria, a pleasant Adriatic coastal area which belonged to Italy before the war. Belatedly, financial compensation accords were reached between Italy and the old Yugoslavia. But Italy tried to go back on these after Slovenia became independent. One complication is that Slovenia wrote into its constitution a ban on foreign ownership of land. The European Union could take in Slovenia overnight without losing any sleep. The country is small, ethnically homogenous, well located and economically promising Italy is now pressing to retrieve property in Istria, and blocking Slovenia's association agreement with the EU. Slovenes think this is blackmail. To them, the Istria issue was settled long ago. No doubt there are good domestic political reasons for the Italian government to act tough. But it would be a pity to revive the exasperation the EU felt about Greece's intransigence towards liny Macedonia and its name - ail because of a row of beach villas. Competitive Advantage Unit Labour Cosis Austri,a=100% The statue in the centre of little Ljubljana, the capital, is that of a poet, not a general. Despite its credentials, Slovenia frets that entry is not the cut-and-dried matter it ought to be. The main obstacle is a property dispute with Italy (mm : : I: ::: : : Mm S:- 01994 EJ1990 20 40 60 80 100 History is much more than remembering conflict, although present in the then state of Yugoslavia, Slovenian objection to Tito's iron rule, never escalated to the point of armed insurrection. The post war period up to the death of Tito thirty years later, was a time of strong central government. Dulled nationalism emerged from these oppressive years of centralist government. During this time the movement towards a new independent land for Slovenians gained momentum. The 1950\s and early 1960's was a time of division, as countries in every continent were aligned politically with a communist or capitalist market economy. The free West played the trump card of restricted human rights in its anti-Bolshevik propaganda, while it persecuted those in their own democracies who exercised their rights of freedom of expression. Repressive communism did exist and millions suffered. Cold war politicians painted a bleak view of Yugoslavia. Slovenia was regarded by Yugoslavia as a valuable asset, partly due to its location, and mostly because of the preferences of its peoples. Slovenians were influenced by western European ideas and fashions. In the cold war period the whole of Yugoslavia seemed to be attracted by the west as it quietly rebelled against a draconian Russian style of communism. There was no room in a united Yugoslavia for a fiercely independent Slovenia. Its industry and wealth was accepted, its independence was not. Slovenia was a valuable part of a whole that was Yugoslavia. Slovenian immigrants would be recorded by the Immigration Department as Yugoslav citizens until 1992. There was a distinction between Slovenia and Yugoslavia for some people. One of the reasons why individual people left Slovenia was on the notion that there was the promise of a better life. Australia with capital works projects, such as the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electricity Scheme, zero unemployment, and the promise of a quarter acre block would have seemed attractive to immigrants. Canada or America were the other choices. The period of post war immigration which extends until the mid to late sixties was a boom time in terms of emigration. The Slovenian exodus meant that new lands were to inherit a Slovenian consciousness. When Slovenia met Australia a unique culture developed. There developed unique cliques or social groups in most major cities as Slovenian immigrants were united because of a fond remembrance for their homeland. These were tangible links to the past, and it has served three generations in preserving a living culture. The restrictions of Slovenian life under the Communist star were too much for some to bear, others left for personal reasons, and the rest stayed to bide their time. In rebuilding the socialist country of Yugoslavia, Tito saw the need for sacrifice, commitment and dedication for all people under the umbrella of this newly formed country. It wasn't until the 1960's that "borders became open to foreign tourists and the residents of Slovenia, with workers self tètorp of lobema ^ar îPerioîï $art ®en u by Robert Pecovnik management replacing the stricter control of collectives" (1), Politicians began to relax the police control of society. Tito wished to kick start the economy, appear not to be hiding behind the iron curtain, yet restrict society to the point of submission. Ultimately the "overall democratisation of society threatened the exclusive power of the communist party" (2). 1971 and 1972 saw the reformists forcibly removed from Yugoslavia. Many politicians and managers accused of liberal and business leanings had to go into early retirement or internal exile. New federal constitutions gave republics more independence but Yugoslavia's "leaden years" lasted from the counter-reformation until Tito's death in 1980. At this time the structure of government developed to such a point that it was seen to be a little more equitable. The revolving presidency gave each state autonomy to provide a larger stake in their own management. Croat nationalism was revived in the 1960's and the people of Yugoslavia had conflict within its people. The young and the old resilient but fatigued by the years of tight socialist control looked towards western voices of rebellion and disenchantment. In Vjesnik, a magazine of the time, a disillusioned student wrote "I regard Bob Dylan as far more of a revolutionary than our fathers, so happy and proud with their bourgeois comforts and Mercedes cars". The old socialist ways, open to corruption from the top was slowly being eroded'by the call for independence. In June 1968 Belgrade students and police clashed. The chant was for fewer cars and more schools "times they are a changin'" (3). There was a popular misconception that everyone remotely associated with the 60's was a hippy or a square. Such is the recent powerful media reinforcement of these images, that a generation of young people have only the barest notion that life outside of this stereotype was nonexistent. Well were there hippies in Slovenia? This examination of Slovenian history is superficial and it could not possibly answer that question. The cold war years with its myriad experiences means that all Slovenians cannot properly be documented. The question still remains what sort of state was Slovenia in the 1960's? Anger through literature is not as attention seeking as armed conflict. This is why a pacifist country would employ such a devise. In'the day and age of hippy ideals of peace and love it was not a primary concern of the Slovenians to resolve their tensions through confrontation. To respond but not attack would be the case in 1992. Was Slovenia ever armed well enough to attempt a forced exit from the Yugoslav union. The answer is probably no, but it would be nice to assume that Slovenian politicians and writers became the united front of the new Slovenian resistance. The early 1970's denied separatists movements a chance to breath. The death of Tito meant that the protest movement was building in support. Although it is a little tongue in cheek, the notion of Slovenia, and its method of demanding self rule, was very much like the old hippy who just wanted to be left alone. Reform in Slovenia, and the whole of Yugoslavia was to follow a pattern of restrictions, then minor reforms in personal freedom, again to restraint, and then total independence. It was a cycle of applying pressure then releasing this pressure so as to preserve the union of Yugoslavia. This style of government is reliant on a strong leader. When Tito died the process of independence sped up through the 1980's. Once started, the liberal reforms in Yugoslavia had to continue and the dawn of an independent Slovenia was soon to emerge. ❖ (1) Rapos K - Discover Slovenia, page 2 7 (2) Ibid (3) Grafenauer, N - The Case for Slovenia pp 25-41 Life in the Drama Group by Lolita Zizek & Roman Reznicek Where do I start to describe life in the Drama Group? It's fun, many times veiy entertaining, yet commitment plays the major role. Even though there are two generations, all members get on well and cooperate well with each other - it's one big happy family. We have a good comaraderie between us, especially among the younger members of the Group. We all have something in common and we're keeping it alive by participating in our cultural activities. There aren't that many activities which are provided for us apart from the Drama Group and Folkloric Dancing; so we try and keep in touch with what we have - and are having a great time as well. W We recently staged another play; a comedy comprising three acts titled "Vdova Roslinka" (Widow Roslmka). By all accounts, we yet again posted another success. We started work on this play in June and were told shortly thereafter that the premiere would be October 14 - you can imagine the jaws dropping when our Director, Ivan Kozelj told us that news! Tension built as the opening came closer, but thankfully no one "lost their head." Those with the major roles were a little panicky as all lines weren't fully learnt and the flow was missing. My part as Manica, Roslinka's daughter, was my first major role, which I nervously accepted. I guess the "casting department" figured I might have my parents' acting talent! I gave it my best shot and on the night of the premiere, I even shocked myself with the many spontaneous improvisations I came up with - these certainly weren't there during practice. When you have the encouragement from your fellow cast members and some of the audience coming up and congratulating you in between Acts, you get this amazing buzz that brings out just that little extra. I believe that happened to the whole cast, be it the tenth time on stage or their first. The extremely short period of time within which to learn our lines was a shock to the system for us all. For those of us whose native language is Slovenian, it wasn't quite so bad, but for a couple of our members the task was quite daunting. Comments such as "are you joking me?" were common place. My sister Karin, who speaks very little Slovenian, had her first speaking role in this play, and with some help she did a great job. It was quite strange hearing my little sister speak Slovenian. At the beginning we couldn't stop laughing because even the easiest part she had, laughing "Hi, Hi, Hi", seemed too hard for her - in terms of keeping a straight face anyway! The other younger members of the cast Robert, Tania, Adrian and Peter are old timers with many speaking roles behind them, so this time it was again "a piece of cake" for them. The biggest culture shock however, was for our newest member Roman. Roman, who I'm happy to say is also my boyfriend, is not Slovenian, but is of Slovak origin - the language he speaks is very similar but when it comes to the pronunciation of words, quite different. Here's what he had to say. "Tell me about it! Speaking Slovenski is no problem, but to learn Slovenski - with its different dialects, different accents on words, was defmetely a challenge for me. At first, of course, I had the tendency to say the words in my own dialect, and I couldn't understand why I was always being corrected. I soon learned quick enough though. Everyone would frastratingly yell "dobrega", "na okoli", "Cakaj, to dobis nazaj". After what seemed an eternity, I finally started getting them right, "kaj ne da ne"! As if speaking wasn't enough, then came the time to get the actions right. With a little help from Stric (uncle) Ivan and Adrian, things started to finally come together." On the afternoon of the premiere, I had a panic attack because I didn't have a costume - what I selected was "too good". My last minute search in the morning was to no avail. That's when ,0 Mum and Ati stepped in. An hour before we were to leave for the performance, Mum found Ati's old grey shirt and vest, lhat wasn't too bad, but when Ati told me my shoes were still too good, I thought "Oh no"! So off he went outside to his workshop and returned with a muddy, tan pair of shoes! "Ati, you can't be serious". He told me sharply "why not?". OK, I said and reluctantly went to put them on. When I emerged looking like a total "hlapec", Ati's response was "Now that's better". That's not what I said though! We arrived at the church hall, and I felt much better when I got the thumbs up from the "costume department". When it was time to go on, I felt a sense of pride, that I was contributing to my new community. I received a lot of "cestitke" (congratulations) afterwards and the elated feeling of a job well done will stay with me for a very long time. The rush of excitement and nervous energy stayed with me throughout the entire three Acts and when it was all over, relief set. in that all had gone well. It was a fun night, one we're sure was enjoyed by all. As Roman and I have been given the role of spokespersons for the young members of the Drama Group, we would sincerely like to thank Ivan, Mihelca, Herman, Dane, Pavle, Marta, Ivarska and Erika for all their help, encouragement and persistence and patience throughout the play. We look forward to the next one and hope that we can keep on having a ball! ♦> Stajerski Sedem -------------------1Australian Tour Review By Rudi Črnčec Although we most probably fail to realise, Slovenians have been very lucky over the last decade or so to have had many top class bands and performers make the exhausting and traditionally difficult to organise, tour down under, particularly in the last five years. Big Ben, Henček, Simona Weiss, Stanko Vidmar, Kamniški Koledniki, Corinth Choir, Alfi Nipič, Šaleški Oktet and most recently Štajerski Sedem have provided a steady stream of touring artists to whet the appetites and draw on the heart strings of Slovenians across Australia. Touring musicians seem to kindle amazing interest and extract new life in the audiences who attend their gigs. I don't think I'm wrong in saying the whole atmosphere in any particular club takes on new heights with their presence. It's like sitting in a cinema waiting for that accredited film to roll or more accurately I guess - sitting in an entertainment centre waiting for your favourite band to walk on stage. It then becomes slightly weird when you experience this sensation with your parents at the same table. Even more so when you hear older women around the hall fox whistling at the accordionist as he walks on stage. You could be mistaken for thinking you'd stumbled in on a Michael Bolton gig- I'm sure all those present at SDS & Triglav for the Štajerski Sedem concert had a "zelo, zelo dobro" time. After all, the dance floor never emptied and the band had to play well in excess of their scheduled stopping time. You couldn't even call it an encore. I don't think Slovenians believe in the concept of encores - because when Rudi Santl (lead singer) said they were going off, the crowd just screamed at him and, m jji'jn) that was that, the band kept on playing. The music was very good. I think a popular misconception held about Slovenian bands these days, is that they stick solely to a traditional repertoire. Nothing could be further from the truth. All the members of Štajerski Sedem are multi-instrumentalists and when they swapped instruments it sounded like a new band had stepped on stage. Their versions of sixties rock tunes were extremely listenable. Not the sort of Leningrad Cowboys satire you might expect, but genuine blues, with a horn section that would have made Benny Goodman weep. Later on speaking with a few of the guys on the phone, I was struck firstly by how loudly they all spoke. I'm not sure if this stems from the possibility of optical fibres running through the phone lines in Slovenia being somewhat thicker than here and require that extra effort, or if years of loud Elvis Presley covers had jumbled their ears. Either way, it didn't take long for me to realise I was dealing with a group of very talented and down to earth tourists. The band has been together for 10 years and has been working professionally for 5 years. Most of the guys are music teachers and Rudi Santl has sung with the Maribor Opera. Their tour here lasted a fortnight and encompassed Adelaide, Riverina, Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Newcastle and Melbourne (so if you didn't go, kick yourself, because you missed a good show). The band has toured previously in the US and Canada and without going into too much detail they have won numerous awards in music festivals and polls across Slovenia and Europe. We got chatting on the state of the music industry in Slovenia and I was assured that, especially since gaining independence, things have consistently improved. There are now 15 music companies, 5 TV studios and 50 radio stations which play and cater for home-grown music. There are apparently many young muso's coming through the ranks and the future looks healthy. The single biggest problem with Slovenian music at the moment however, is that the country is experiencing what bass player Samo Pokorn calls "a small nation complex". This basically means that the population's attitude is "how could any good music come from here" and consequently, particularly the youth, turn to the US and Europe for their music (what a shame). Exactly the same syndrome was evident in Australia only a few years ago and I guess to a small extent will always be present in both countries. Perhaps the most disappointing fact to come to light was that through some petty politics the band was unable to perform in any Slovenian clubs in Melbourne. The band had to hire local community halls in which to play. —1—„■•.*' ■ -wrf-.-Hi' • -,'mgr» tour but as far as I'm able to gather, only a handful of selfish, shameless individuals are at fault. The "Arthur Tunstalls" of the Slovenian community and to those I say - Grow Up - behaviour like this is detrimental and will not bring good to any clubs or more importantly to our small community. When a tour like this takes over a year to organise, it's a crying shame to have parts of it jeopardised by self-interested, materialists like you. Despite this setback, I'm certain the band enjoyed Melbourne -performing an all Australian gig at Monbulk called "the sounds of Slovenia for the hills of Melbourne" and appearing on Channel 31 is further testimony to their diverse talents. Štajerski Sedem are a fun bunch of guys who I'm sure enjoyed Australia as much as we enjoyed them. When asked about the possibility of a "Pozdrav iz Sydney-a etc" on the next album, they assured me they'd do their best. Keep smiling* Members of the band expressed their concern to me as I'm sure they have to others, that as a small aging community we must stick together, fundamentally through the medium of our clubs. Iam not fully informed as to the reasons behind the blocking of this leg of the Robar Bros PTY LTD ACN066 032 111 BSC Licence No 62799C Excavation Concreting Specialist Bogie Tipper Hire Drott Hire Backhoe Hire Dogtrailer Hire Stencil & Stamped concrete specialist Commercial & Domestic work Hourly & Contract price available Director Eddy Robar Moblle 018 067 553 AH Fax 02 623 1612 02 623 3625 63 Kent Road Orchard Hills NSW All Work Guarantied Over 30 yrs experience Young Australian ■ Slovenian achievers Recently, ASR had an opportunity to meet with two young Australian Slovenians who have just completed their Higher School Certificate and have been awarded with exceptional results. Their names are Rudi Crcnec and Julie Brcar. During a cool drink together we had an opportunity to learn about their educational activities, community interests and people who have inspired them to achieve high results. Initially we spoke to Rudi and we got to know this psychologist of the future a little better. Rudi's primary education started at Warragumba Primary School where his leadership qualities already culminated in Yr6 as captain and dux of his school. Rudi also had a passion for soccer and played for his team Warradale for 7 years. He then moved to Elderslie High School where once again he proved he could be academically successful partaking in debating at state level, being the captain of his form and at the same time representing his school in Commonwealth football and grade cricket Rudi had made an interesting comment that he is in favour of public schools rather than private schools. He believes private schools buy a good mark rather then a good education & feels that some private schools push a certain line, such as agriculture or sports orientation. Whereas public schools tend to be much more comprehensive and provide a realistic springboard into the work environment Rudi's TER in the HSC was a staggering 95.95, and as a result will be attending Sydney University. Rudi has chosen to do a Bachelor of Psychology and after 4 years of study he would like to complete his PhD in Psychology. What keeps Rudi occupied during most evenings and his weekends is his passion for music. His father bought him a piano accordion at the age of three and instantly took to it as a duck to water. Rudi's enthusiasm has kept him going for IS years, and coupled with his knowledge that he has talent, has made him many a Slovenian's favorite entertainer. His father got him involved in the Slovenian community and they originally played in the Slovenian dance group. He found himself diversifying into the drama group , playing at youth concerts and the folkloric and ethnic festivals. Rudi's passion has no limits on distance and time, where he regularly commutes to Wollongong to practise with the Men's Choir. As a sign of their gratitude they have made him a lifetime member of the Planica Club in Wollongong it was with the Wollongong Choir, which ho lived his most memorable moment, when they performed in Canberra during a celebration of Slovenia's declaration of independence. They performed to a group of people which had just heard that war had been declared against Slovenia, and the mood within that club was unforgettable. 1" Eft % i rssii : Bp® H Rudi is currently active as a member of the band Black Baron, & performs with the big and little dance groups. He is also active in the drama group and enjoys writing articles for the Australian Slovenian Review. Rudi has had a couple of role models , the most inspirational is his dad, Pepek. He taught Rudi to work smarter & not harder in his education, and all the activities that he is involved in. His musical activities have been moulded by one of Slovenia's favourites, Lojze Slak. Other musical influences have been the sixties period, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana. As a role model in the Slovenian community 1 asked him if he had a message to share. The first one in English was "all limitations are self imposed" and "z dobro voljo vse napravis". Now it was Julie's turn and it was at this stage that it became apparent to me that they both have full and active lives, and a very exciting educational past. Julie once again had an impressive portfolio of activities starting at Walters Road Public School, where she actively was involved in school life by being in the choir, playing in the school band and having parts in school plays. Julie also has a love of music and plays the organ, a range of percussion instruments and the recorder. Her final two years of primary school were spent at Kingswood South Public School and continued the same level of activity. Over and above this primary school education Julie attended Saturday school learning and excelling in Slovenian. She then moved into Caroline Chishoim Girls Catholic School for her first four years of high school. Apart from academically excelling at school. Julie remained an active member of the Slovenian community and appeared in many plays at the Mcrrylands religious centre. Julie spent her last two years at the McCarthy Catholic Senior High School. Julie said that these two years were her most active, being a student leader in the students representative council. Her duties included welcoming guests, hosting lormals, and addressing assemblies. She fulfilled all these duties with great diligence and was awarded with an outstanding TER of 98.25. Congratulations should also be extended for her first place result in Slovenian. Julie also achieved top 10 placings in other subjects and an overall top 1000 placing across the State. Julie participated in a broad range of activities in high school ranging from a news magazine to organising talent quests and being a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Julie would go on regular nursing home visits and would generate enthusiasm with fellow students to partake in fundraising. She also actively played in the school band mastering the sax and bass guitar with which she won the Penrith Eisteddfod. Julie has won a scholarship and vvili he commencing a Bachelor oi' Commerce (Information Systems & Management) majoring in Marketing and Human Resources Management at the University of New South Wales. Julie's most memorable moment was opening and reading her HSC results. The only thing bettering this was swimming with the dolphins on the Gold Coast during her holidays. In the future Julie would like to continue with her Worldvision activities where she is an organiser for fundraising. Recently, she has been involved with Amnesty International where she was involved in a petition to raise funding lor breust cancer research.. Finally, Julie would like to make special mention of her role models, being the McCarthy teachers and principal, which believe in attitude and application, being everything for success. Julie's own message is, to be an all rounder, and you can do anything. Julie is also a talented sports person playing Softball and achieving a high "home run" rate. She also played striker in the soccer team and was quite strong at athletics and swim meets. We should recognise that the parents of these two young Australian Slovenians should also be congratulated for their tenacity and commitment to their children's development.•> WINNER 1995-96 Extensive range of 3,4 or 5 bedroom plans. Can be modified to suit vour needs. Phone for FREE colour leaflets or call and inspect the style and quality of our Display Homes. Telephone: 02-6294394 or 02-671 3155 , ¿o vears Over ROSEWOOD umjee HOMES Exceptional Value, Top Quality and Stylish appearance. Variety of areas in West, North West and South Western suburbs. Some ready to occupy now. New Homes Built on your House & Land Packages • Perfect for first home buyers. • Ideal for investors Uuiiders Lie No. 34806 ,„„ ,, ... , c . u l. ■ ACN 002 M2 89i • Where Quality and Service are built m • Display Homes * Homeworld II. Hampton Crescent, Prospect • Parklea Home Market, Sorrento Drive, Glenwood Park. me and I very much look forward to reading it and finding out what is going on in the Australian/Slovenian community. The ASR welcomes suggestions and comments. Send correspondence to: ASR PO Box KL806 Kings Langley NSW 2147 or Fax: (02) 674 4S83 Letters Dear ASR team Just a note to inform you I thoroughly enjoyed my first issue of ASR and look forward to receiving future issues or' perhaps in the meantime, the issue prior to the last. My sister and parents also enjoyed reading my copy which I passed on after having read the whole issue the day I received it. My parents commented that it was wonderful to read articles that were so interesting and informative to their generation as well as to the younger generation. Keep up the great work! Sandra Bentley ABBOTSFORD NSW 2046 It's great to hear that we are reaching new readers (especially ones that enjoy the ASR). It is also pleasing to note that not only is our target audience interested in our stories, but also their parents. We are often criticised by the older members of our community for printing only in English but it seems that our parents are able to find our articles informative even in English whereas Slovenian for some of our generation is either too hard or impossible to read. Ed. Dear ASR team Wishing you all a successful New Year, I am forwarding you this volume by S Sitar. 1 thought it may prove a handy "fill in" or even a serial for your exemplary quarterly. Valentine B????? Your contribution was much appreciated, and we will be using it extensively in future issues. THANK YOU! Ed. Dear ASR team, Thought the small cheque enclosed might help offset production and mailing costs. Enjoyed reading my first copy and look forward to subsequent issues. Congratulations on a terrific review - all your hard work is really evident! Margret Prime Your donation way certainly not small when you consider you have only received one issue as yet! We will send you broke if you pay this much for each issue! Thank you not only for your contribution but also your encouraging words. Ed. Dear ASR Team I have just finished reading the "Summer 1995" issue and want to congratulate you again on a very interesting issue. I had to remind myself that it was Summer as I am in Slovenia at the moment experiencing a cold winter in Ljubljana and hopefully a white Christmas. My mother regularly sends the ASR to At the moment I am in Slovenia (since September) where I am studying the Slovenian language at the "Filozofska Fakulteta - University of Ljubljana". It is a one year intensive course. Every day 1 have classes from 9:30am - 1:30pm. I am studying with the help of a scholarship from "The Ministry of Education and Sport" of Slovenia. 3 also live in student dorms with oilier Slovenian students which is a great experience and visit local pubs, clubs and cafes. Ljubljana is small but a very exciting city. Every day I meet new people and of course always "bump" into Australians throughout their travels through Europe. I also teach English to Slovenian business men/women who are fascinated by the fact that I know Slovenian even though I was bom in Australia. For this I thank my parents! Slovenia has certainly changed in my eyes from the last time I was here (1986) or maybe its different when you are not a tourist for a few months but try to fit into the community. I would particularly like to congratulate you on your editorials. I find them thought provoking and I also circulate the ASR among my Slovenian university friends. Keep up the good work and warm regards from Slovenia. Katarina Persic Gr Nth Geelong, Victoria It was a real buzz to receive your letter on a number of levels. Firstly it is always great to be reminded that we have readers not only in Australia but also Slovenia (and indeed Switzerland and other interesting places). Hearing about your enticing adventures also offers us a (Continued on page 19) COOKING SLOVENIAN STYLE POTATO SOUP - KROMPIRJEVA JUHA The Australian autumn is here, and with winter just around the corner, this easy to prepare recipe is just the thing for a quick hearty meal. You could also try this soup with a few vegetables thrown in such as beans, carrots etc. Ingredients lkg potatoes 1 onion 2 spoons of oil parsley 1 bay leaf marjoram Method 3 cloves of garlic 1 spoon of plain flour vinegar salt & pepper thyme water Dice the peeled potatoes and cook them in a little salted water together with crushed garlic, a pinch of marjoram and thyme - when cooked do not drain the water, as it will be used for the soup. Place the oil in a separate frying pan, brown the onion, then add the flour. Stir it until the flour absorbs all the oil. Then add a little bit of water, and simmer until a thick paste begins to develop. Pour the paste into the pot with the cooked potatoes and add a squirt of vinegar and some fresh parsley. Add pepper for taste. Serve with freash bread rolls.* (Continued from page 18) subject for an extended article on how to receive Scholarships and what Slovenian School is really like. Consider yourself on assignment as our foreign correspondent! The salary is low, but the rewards are high! But the best thing of all was that you like my editorials! I often wonder if anyone reads them and now I know at least one person does! Ed Dear ASR team Well I suppose to some of you I am a "Blast from the Past". I want to thank a couple of your team for including me in your mailing list on the inception of ASR. I thoroughly enjoy reading your articles and catching up on what some of my old friends are doing. Twenty years ago I was always envious of the type of community which existed for the "then young Slovenians" in Sydney. Coming from a smaller community of Slovenians, we socialised with our parents' friend's children whilst still "under the thumb". However, once we became more independent we all went our own way. We haven't lost all contact with our old friends but we certainly didn't marry other Slovenians - since we grew up together it would almost seem incestuous and besides there were very few to choose from ! I think it is wonderful to see this generation continue Slovenian awareness not only amongst Slovenians but to non-Slovenians who are "interested enough to want to know more". I am married to an Australian (with a very mixed heritage) have a 17 month old daughter, Ruby Kate, and am expecting our second child in June. My husband thoroughly enjoys reading your magazine and learning more about Slovenia and Slovenians. Thank you very much to all of you for all of your efforts. Jani Celin Di Salvo Manly, QLD Firstly I need to inform you that the "then young Slovenians" are the ever young Slovenians! We don't get older we just get better! Some of us in Sydney have been very lucky to be a part of a close Slovenian community that served very much as an extended family. It seems though that there are many (even here in Sydney) who were not as fortunate as we and had limited links to other Australian Slovenians. It has made an impact on our lives, as many of us married other Australian Slovenians who saw our little idiosyncrasies as normal. Perhaps that is the reason that ASR was born... our memories of the community spirit are so positive that we wish to continue for our offspring. Times have changed, but deep down all Slovenians are special people and we need to teach our non Slovenian friends to appreciate this.Ed. ❖ Crossword Across 1 Fail to recall 6 Eskimo hut 7 Praise 8 Rub out 10 Baby's bed 12 You are vaccinated against this at an early age' 15 To break loose and leave suddenly as from confinement or from a difficult or threatening situation 16 Decorative plant 17 This Slovenian place was known as Poetiovio by the Romans 18 Leading alpine resort village in Slovenia 21 Zodiac sign 22 Church passageway 24 Praise 25 Pleased 28 Select group 30 To keep company with undesirable people 31 Land measure 32 Owing 33 To keep or hold in one's mind 35 A system of religious belief 37 To come or go into (a place) 39 A precise list of fees or charges 40 A loud cry 41 AGabor Down 2 Rowing implement 3 Got bigger 4 Interfering 5 Village on the windy and rocky border of the Karst plateau 6 Golf club 9 Having the ability to perform well 11 Musical work 12 A Slovenian town lying on the west coast of Istria 13 1995 Queensland State of Origin team coach 14 Light and clear red 17 Sudden feeling of distress 19 The medical term for loss of appetite for a prolonged time 20 A Slovenian industrial city with ironworks in a narrow valley of the Sava river 21 Camera part 23 Ships record 26 Electrical unit 27 Weird 29 Establishes by law 34 To assign to a class or classes 35 The act of swimming 36 Motionless and undisturbed 37 Actions taken as a joke 38 Far beyond what is usual,normal or customary*;* A- Did you want a copy of the Australian Slovenian Review, need to change your address or cancel your free copy? 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