Elizabeta Kociper, rojena v Odrancih v Prekmurju, Slovenija, v družini, kjer je bilo osem otrok, se je že v rani mladosti naučila trdega in težkega dela. Ko se je poročila, sta se z možem, z željo, da si ustvarita lepše in boljse življenje, podala na pot in prišla v Avstralijo, kjer sta si ustvari dom in družino in se vključila v slovensko skupnost.
Born in Slovenia, in a family of eight children, Elizabeta,  as a child worked as a shepherd on neighbouring properties and later as a seasonal employee in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. After marrying Tony, they eventually came to Australia, where they intended to stay for two years only.  Staying at the Mayfield Migrant Hostel, near Newcastle, Tony soon found work and a rented home nearby. They moved to Sydney in 1971, and eventually bought a home at Merrylands, where they still live today.
They both soon became involved at the St Rafael Mission and other Slovenian organizations in Sydney. They took part in many slovenian activities and always helped unselfishly.
When Slovenian nuns had to return to Slovenia, Elizabeta had spend next ten years cooking for our resident priests, looking after their housekeeping, cleaning and washing.  She is a member of the Pastoral Committee of the Mission’s Centre and the church of St Rafael. As a member of one of the working groups, she also helps organising the caterings for special occasions. Being a very competent cook, she has also often helped at functions at the Slovenian Association Sydney.
Due to health issues, she has had to give up her work at St Rafael, but still continues taking an active part in pastoral committee and other activities.
 

Congratulations, Elizabeta, and thank you for your kind and hard work.

Jože Memeš, odbornik Slovenskega društva Sydney in Elizabeta Kociper