IIvan Klopčič je preživel vsa svoja dosedanja imigracijska leta v Newcastlu. Leta 1958 je postal eden od ustanovnih članov in prvi tajnik današnjega Avstralsko slovenskega društva »Tivoli«, Newcastle, v katerega so vključeni Slovenci iz Hunter regije, Port Stephensa in Centralne obale. 1960. leta je bil izvoljen kot predsednik društva, pozicija, katero še danes po 45-tih letih pridno opravlja.

Ivan je kot prostovoljec vedno sodeloval z raznimi organizacijami. Bil je aktivno povezan z raznimi društvi in državnimi uradi, kateri še danes skrbijo za imigrante, in kjer je sam sodeloval v različnih upravnih odborih. To so bili predvsem Migrant Resource Center, Ethnic Community Council, Community Relation Commission in drugi. Za svoje delo je prejel številna visoka priznanja, medtem tudi državno priznanjeThe Order of Australia Medal – OAM.

Ivan je vsa leta polagal posebno pozornost bolnim in ostarelim, katere je vedno in še jih danes pridno obiskuje po domovih, bolnicah ali v domovih za ostarele. V okviru društva » Tivoli« vodi že od 1992. leta naprej poseben program za starejše in ostarele slovenske rojake, za kar dobiva društvo posebno, čeprav skromno državno pomoč, kar omogoča rojakom, ki sami več ne morejo, prevoz k zdravnikom, v bolnico, na slovenska srečanja in druge potrebe.

Ivan Klopčič še vedno neutrudno nadaljuje svoje prostovoljno delo. Tudi v času, ko se drugi umaknejo in pustijo stare in osamele, da živijo sami, jih Ivan še vedno skrbno obiskuje ter jim nudi prevoz. Vedno je pripravljen pomagati drugim rojakom v potrebi, katerih število se zaradi visoke starosti vedno bolj veča.

Ivan nadaljuje svoje prostovoljno delo ne glede na hitrost časa, medtem ko marsikateri drugi sedijo nazaj in čakajo na pomoč od drugod.

Ivan Klopcic’s life in Australia was always firmly joined with the Australian-Slovenian Society “ Tivoli” in Newcastle. From serving as a secretary of the Society in the years 1958-60 he moved to the status of the President of the Society and after more than 45 years of dedication, still holds this position.

While holding this demanding job, he was also involved with many different government and local bodies and had worked on a number of committees, such as at Migrant Resource Centre, Ethnic Community Council, Community Relations Commission, and others.

During his life’s work, he had a special affinity for the sick, elderly, and those, who were less fortunate than most. In a framework of the activities of the Austral Slovenian Society " Tivoli", Newcastle, he has been in charge since 1992 of a special government sponsored programs involving elderly Slovenians. He was and still is helping the sick and elderly, visiting them regularly, taking them shopping, to the doctors, on outings, visiting them in hospital and nursing homes, generally giving them a hand wherever it is needed.

For his work, he has received a great number of awards and recognitions from different government bodies and community organisations, the most distinguished being ‘The Order of Australia Medal’ for his service to the Slovenian Community of the Hunter Region, particularly in the area of aged care, and also the Premier’s Award for Outstanding Services to the Community and to NSW. Mr. Klopcic is continuing his voluntary work unconcerned with the passing of time, whilst many sit back and wait to be taken care of.

We salute you, Ivan, and wish you good health and many more active years among us.

Congratulations!