Reflections and Insights from Mr Alfred Brežnik AM
- This week Slovenia is celebrating 35th years of Independence. Are there any specific moments or feelings from that historic moment that remain with you?
First of all, heartfelt congratulations to Slovenia! Congratulations also to all Slovenians at home and around the world on this important historical anniversary of the declaration of the independent Republic of Slovenia.
I cannot believe that thirty-five years have already passed since that glorious historic day when, in Republic Square in our capital, we witnessed the fulfillment of these century-old dreams: to the sounds of the new Slovenian national anthem —Prešeren’s “Zdravica”—and the lowering of the old Slovenian flag with the red star from the tall flagpole, while simultaneously raising the new long white-blue-red flag bearing the new Slovenian coat of arms. An unforgettable and deeply emotional event that brought many to tears, including me—tears of joy. What more can I say—a moment of extraordinary joy that you can experience only once. We had gained—or rather, fought for—our own country. We had finally become a nation! Later, at Cankarjev dom, the atmosphere was also beautiful and joyful.
I also experienced another great historical moment when, at the invitation of Dr. France Bučar, President of the National Assembly, I attended the proclamation of the independent and democratic Republic of Slovenia. And then there were the meetings with the new leaders of democratic Slovenia; above all with DEMOS President Dr. Jože Pučnik—the father of Slovenian democracy, Mr. Janez Janša, Minister of Defence; Dr. Rupel, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Janez Dular, Minister for Slovenians Abroad and in Neighbouring Countries; and many others—all of whom later visited Australia to express their gratitude for our community’s assistance in achieving independence. - What role did the Slovenian community in Australia play in Slovenia’s path to Independence?
We, the Slovenes in Australia, also followed the events in Eastern Europe, undergoing major political changes in the 1980s. A Committee for the Protection of Human Rights was established in Ljubljana. Specifically, we, the Slovenes in Australia, joined the movement for an independent Slovenia by establishing a committee of the same name, first in Canberra, and the Association for the Support of the Slovenian Democratic Opposition, on December 10, 1989, in Sydney, and on February 18, 1990, in Melbourne. Both associations began an intensive fundraising campaign to support the democratic opposition, DEMOS. After DEMOS’s election victory and the formation of the first democratic government, the matter was not yet settled. It was still necessary to leave the Yugoslav Federation and secure international recognition.
The above associations for the support of democracy in Slovenia were reorganised and renamed the Slovenian National Councils in NSW and Victoria. On July 28, 1990, they merged to form the Australian Slovenian Conference and the World Slovenian Congress . The late Marjan Kovač became the first president of the ASK. At the first congress in Ljubljana, I was elected as a member of the honorary tribunal as one of the delegates. Upon my return from Slovenia, with the approval of the National Councils, Dr. Dular, and the Minister of Information, Mr. Stanič, I established the Slovenian Information Office in Sydney.
All of the organisations mentioned above—our office, all Slovenian associations, the church, and individuals—patriots—all worked hard and lobbied politicians and members of parliament, as well as directly with Foreign Minister Gareth Evans and Prime Minister Robert Hawke, to ensure that our new homeland, Australia, would recognise Slovenia, as an independent state. For the most part, we encountered understanding and support everywhere. I remember when, during a visit, Prime Minister Hawke promised us that once the EU—or at least one of its major member states—recognised Slovenia, Australia would follow. However, in December, the government changed, and Paul Keating became Prime Minister. The EU recognised Slovenia on January 15, 1992. The new Prime Minister, Paul Keating, kept his predecessor’s promise, and one day later, on January 16, Australia officially recognised Slovenia—as the first overseas country to do so. - How did the Slovenian community in Sydney celebrate Slovenia’s independence at that time?
The Slovenian community can certainly count this swift recognition—including that from Australia—as one of its achievements and successes. New Slovenian politicians have also acknowledged this and rewarded us with numerous official visits in recognition of our contribution. There were joy, celebrations, and festivities to mark the occasion. Countless celebrations and festivities took place throughout Australia where Slovenians live. Yes, I—we—have truly wonderful memories of that time—35 years ago. This is especially true for our older generation, who experienced it all firsthand. - In your opinion, what are Slovenia’s greatest achievements over the past 35 years as an independent country?
It is difficult to answer this question, because a great deal has happened over the past decades:
Firstly, following independence and the country’s recognition: Membership in the global community of nations (UN); Slovenia became a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization); Slovenian has become one of the 27 recognised languages of the EU. It is a member of all major global organisations. It’s incredible economic growth spans all sectors of activity. It is a success story—a stable country. Its economic growth exceeds the EU average, and it has one of the lowest unemployment rates. All of this assures foreign investors that it is worth investing in Slovenia. It has already held the presidency of the Council of Europe twice—and very successfully at that. I could go on—in short, it has a bright future. - How can we continue to preserve Slovenian culture, traditions, and the language here in Australia in the future?
By continuing everything that is currently happening. In our community, especially in Sydney with connections to Melbourne, the ACT, and Brisbane, it is very encouraging: HASA NSW (Historical Archives for Slovenian Australians), VOSA Radio, and media activities in general have demonstrated the incredible engagement of the second and even third generations. It seems that a renaissance has taken place in our community—and a positive one at that. Just keep it up; success is guaranteed. We are fortunate that all of this is concentrated in one place at our religious and cultural centre in Merrylands—which brings us even closer together. However, we don’t have a school, especially for the youngest children. Perhaps it would be good to explore this possibility as well and begin offering Slovenian language classes. Language is the very foundation of our culture. Keep up the good work and best of luck—God willing!