MALCI TURSIC & KLEMEN POPIT
SLOVENIAN COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD
Malči Turšič and Klemen Popit moved their family to Australia in 2010 with the dream of establishing a new business and creating new opportunities for their family. In Slovenia, Malči owned Hotel Mantova, while Klemen was a qualified chef with a passion for fine food and pastry. Upon arriving in Australia, Klemen started further training at Le Cordon Bleu, while Malči and Klemen began producing Macarons from the kitchen of the small apartment they were renting in Fairlight. In those early days, much of their time was spent baking in their home kitchen and personally delivering their products to cafés and bakeries across Sydney.
Based in Frenchs Forest, De Toni’s employs 32 staff and operates a full-scale production kitchen serving hospitality, events, airlines, and major venues.De Toni’s desserts and slices are renowned for their vibrant presentation and distinctive fruity flavours. Quality has always been central to Malči and Klemen’s philosophy, with the business using premium ingredients including Callebaut chocolate,Ravi fruit purées, and high-quality French and New Zealand butter to ensure the highest possible standard for their customers.
What began as a modest family operation has since grown into a world-class patisserie business.As demand increased, the business expanded steadily. Malči’s son, Neyc Zalar, later joined the business from Slovenia and today serves as Production Manager, while his wife Janja Zalar manages sales operations.
Throughout their years in Australia, they have consistently maintained strong ties with the Slovenian community. They have generously supported the Slovenian clubs, St Raphael’s Merrylands,other Slovenian organisations, and the Embassy through donations and supply of their exceptional desserts and pastries for community events and functions.
They have also built strong connections with more recently arrived Slovenians and regularly host gatherings and social events on Sydney’s Northern Beaches for newer generations of Slovenian migrants.
Klemen and Malči are outstanding ambassadors for Slovenian entrepreneurship and community spirit in Australia. Through their hard work, perseverance, dedication to quality, generosity and pride in their Slovenian heritage, they have built not only a highly successful business, but also a lasting and positive contribution to the Slovenian-Australian community.
NATASHA KUPUSIN
SLOVENIAN COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Natasha Kapusin is an outstanding community leader and ambassador whose contributions during 2024–2025 has delivered measurable, lasting impact for the Australian Slovenian community in Canberra.
Since joining the committee of the Slovenian Australian Association of Canberra Incorporated in 2021, Natasha has progressed to serving as both President and Secretary. Natasha is consistently delivering results that exceed the expectations of volunteer leadership and driving the organisation forward with clarity, energy, and purpose. She has been instrumental in strengthening the organisation’s long-term sustainability and growth. She has driven major fundraising and revenue generation initiatives, ensuring financial stability while enabling continued expansion and development.
A key legacy achievement has been the refurbishment and revitalisation of the community clubhouse, transforming it into a more functional, accessible, and welcoming cultural hub that will serve current and future generations. Natasha has also led significant efforts in cultural preservation and community engagement. Her leadership has directly contributed to increased membership, stronger engagement, and a renewed sense of connection within the community.
Her impact extends beyond Canberra through strategic relationship building with Australian government representatives and Slovenian organisations. A defining example of Natasha’s leadership occurred following the theft of the Slovenian heritage costume collection. In response, she mobilised the community, coordinating volunteers to recreate traditional costumes within just 10 weeks. This ensured continued representation at a major Multicultural Event and demonstrated exceptional resilience, leadership, and commitment to cultural preservation.
Natasha’s contribution has been formally recognised through the Outstanding Volunteering Contribution Award from the Electorate of Bean, highlighting her impact across the community.
Beyond her leadership role, Natasha maintains a strong personal connection to Slovenia, having travelled extensively throughout the country and climbed Mount Triglav.
Natasha Kapusin exemplifies outstanding leadership, cultural ambassadorship, and service to her community. Her achievements during 2024–2025 reflect not only strong personal commitment, but also a proven ability to unite people, strengthen community institutions, and create lasting outcomes that will benefit future generations. Through her vision, resilience, and willingness to lead by example, she has made a meaningful and measurable contribution that deserves recognition as an exceptional standard of community leadership.
JENNY STARIHA
SLOVENIAN COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD – ST RAPHAEL’S MISSION
Jenny is the youngest of three to Tončka and Tone (deceased) Stariha. In her younger years Jenny was closest to her dad, always helping him with his various projects.
Following the completion of school, she was accepted as one of the first female Electrical apprentices for the State Rail Authority of NSW, now Sydney Trains, and this led her to become a trainer within their Apprentice Training Colleague at Chullora. She then moved on to a very different kind of “training” — helping pre-schoolers learn to eat well — when she took up a role as cook at a Council-run pre-school close to her family home.
Jenny has a strong interest in soccer (football). She follows the Western Sydney Wanderers and has a special passion for the Rabbitohs.
Jenny’s connection to Slovenia and her heritage has been a defining influence throughout her life, shaped and strengthened by the inspiring example of her parents. As a result, Jenny have visited Slovenia several times and hosted relatives here in Australia.
Jenny frequently volunteers with Olga Konda and Josie Modrijancic at St Raphael’s Merrylands. Their service every Sunday, serving coffee and cake after mass, has sustained the connection amongst the older parionshers, giving them the rare opportunity to catch up and sustain their bonds. She has also contributed to many cultural events over the years at St Raphael’s Merrylands such as Easter Monday and Boxing Day, always there to lend a hand.
People like Jenny are the quiet achievers, strength and fabric behind our community, helping to keep our ageing Slovenian cohort connected, supported, and together as the years go by. Through the many hours she gives at St Raphael’s, especially on Sundays, she helps maintain the church as more than a place of worship – it is also a vital meeting point where older generations can gather, speak Slovenian, share stories, and continue the friendships and sense of belonging that mean so much.
Thank you for your tireless contributions and service to the Slovenian community, and for the care, consistency, and generosity you continue to show to those around you.
ZACHARY LIMARE
SLOVENIAN COMMUNITY SPORTS CONTRIBUTION AWARD
Zach Limare, is the son of Anthony and Nivas Limare, and the grandson of Maria and Jozef Bratovic. Growing up, Zach celebrated events with both his Slovenian and French sides of the family, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for culture and family values. He always attended Triglav events, as his Nonno, Jozef, helped contribute to the club being built. Triglav and the Slovenian community mean a great deal to him – his grandparents were enthusiastic bocce players and his Nonno was always helping behind the bar.
At eight, Zach developed a passion for tennis and progressed to national competition, playing around 20 tournaments a year. He ranked among the top 20 in his age group for several years and was selected for Tennis Australia’s elite squad program. During school, he won multiple team competitions, was part of the runner-up team in the NSW Schools NSWPSSA championships, and also won a men’s competition with his father and brother. Recurring injuries led him to retire from competitive tennis at 16, but his love of sport continued through coaching and community involvement.
Following his playing career, he moved into tennis coaching at his local club and later at Meriden Girls School. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Business at Western Sydney University. In 2024, he co-founded the Rugby League Round Table podcast with a friend, now broadcast live on 2GLF every Sunday morning from 8:00am to 10:00am.
In April 2024, he joined VOSA Radio as a sports reporter, combining his love of sport with his connection to the Slovenian community. His grandparents inspired in him a strong sense of pride in his heritage and the importance of staying involved in the community. Each week, he puts significant time into researching and preparing his sports report, showing both commitment to the role and respect for the platform. Through VOSA, Zach has found a meaningful way to honour that legacy and continue the connection to a community his family helped build.
Alongside his media commitments, he has built experience in sales and commenced a Graduate Business Program with MM Electrical, later earning promotion to Business Development Manager.
Zach’s contribution reflects more than personal achievement in sport and media; it speaks to cultural connection, community spirit and family legacy. As a third-generation Slovenian Australian, his involvement shows how younger generations can remain connected to their heritage through sport, storytelling and active community participation.
IDA KUSTEC
SLOVENIAN COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD – SLOVENE ASSOCIATION SYDNEY
Ida Kustec is a lifetime member of the Slovene Association Sydney, representing the heart and soul of our community’s endurance. Her journey of service began decades ago at the original Ferrers Road premises in Horsley Park. In those early days, Ida established herself as a pillar of the community, working in the kitchen with her then-teenage daughter, Kathy, by her side – planting the seeds for a family legacy that continues to this day.
When the Association transitioned to its current location at Elizabeth Street, Wetherill Park, Ida’s commitment remained unshakable. She carried forward not just her skills, but a deep sense of purpose, ensuring that traditions, conversations and shared experiences continued to bring people together.
For Ida, volunteering has never been simply about preparing meals – it has been about creating a space where people feel welcomed, recognised and connected to their heritage.
In recent years, as the Association faced significant challenges, Ida’s devotion did not waver – instead, it deepened. Her willingness to step forward, give her time, and support others reflects the essential role volunteers play in sustaining community life.
Through her consistent presence and generosity, she has helped maintain continuity, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of belonging that cannot be replicated.
In 2024, she stepped into the role of Director, bringing decades of hands-on experience and institutional knowledge to the leadership team. Ida is not only a guardian of our past but a vital architect of our future. Her transition from the kitchen to the boardroom is a testament to her versatility and to the power of volunteerism in building resilient, connected communities that thrive across generations.
Through the countless hours she has given, quietly, consistently, and without expectation, Ida embodies the spirit of volunteerism that sustains community life, reminding us that connection is built through time, care, and shared commitment.
JORDAN COVICH
SLOVENIAN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Jordan Covich’s passion for Slovenian culture is at the heart of his contribution to the community. He completed his secondary education at St Augustine’s College Brookvale before studying Communications and Media at the University of Notre Dame.
As a child, he attended Slovenian school at St Raphael’s Merrylands, building a strong connection to his heritage that has been deeply influenced by the lifelong involvement of his grandparents, Alojz and Jerica Grzelj.
Jordan is a natural connector who brings people together with ease. He actively embraces Slovenian culture through language, food, music and community life, from speaking with his grandmother to enjoying VOSA radio. Attending “Dobrodosli Doma” in 2025 deepened his understanding of Slovenia and strengthened his connection to family, friends and culture.
Starting with his position for the Committee of Club Triglav Mounties in 2021, Jordan has played an active role in organising social activities and supporting major community events, including the 30th Anniversary of Slovenian Independence, the Club Triglav Mounties 50th Anniversary presentation, and VOSA Radio celebrations. He has also provided technical support for live-streamed events and represented the community through photography, public relations and creative content across NSW.
In 2025, Jordan took on the important role of Media and Communications Coordinator for VOSA Sydney, continuing the email communications previously led by the late Martha Magajna. With support from the VOSA team and broader community, he established a weekly email newsletter that has strengthened communication across our community.
This role requires several hours of work each week, and Jordan consistently goes above and beyond to ensure each newsletter is clear, engaging and informative. He also manages the VOSA Sydney Facebook page, contributes creative ideas, and produces digital content that helps keep community events visible, connected and well supported.
Jordan embodies the message of Luca Doncic, “To succeed you have to believe in something with such passion that it becomes a reality.” Through his energy, creativity and cultural pride, he continues to make a meaningful contribution to the Slovenian community.