Thirty-five years have passed since that historic moment when Slovenians around the world celebrated the birth of an independent nation. Slovenia’s declaration of independence on 25 June 1991 marked a defining milestone in the country’s history and stands today as a lasting symbol of the resilience, courage and determination of all those who played a pivotal role in securing Slovenia’s freedom. The joyous scenes in Republic Square in Ljubljana, where thousands gathered in celebration, remain etched in the memories of Slovenians from across the globe.
The annual Statehood Day celebration at Club Triglav provides an opportunity for all generations to reflect on Slovenia’s hard-fought path to independence, honour those who contributed to achieving sovereignty, and celebrate the beautiful country that continues to inspire pride among Slovenians across the world. This year’s celebration was filled with warmth, laughter and heartfelt conversations, with many drawing back to Slovenia. Despite the distance from their homeland, the passion our community has for its Slovenian roots remains as strong as ever. In fact, that connection continues to deepen through the pride, commitment and active involvement of the next generations.
The outstanding success of the event was a testament to the dedication of the Mounties Group and Triglav Committee. Special recognition goes to Melissa Nguyen, Administration Assistant, whose exceptional efforts during the planning and coordination of the event helped bring together more than 120 people to commemorate this significant milestone. Adding to the significance of the day was the presentation of the 2024–25 Slovenian Community Awards, held biennially to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Slovenian- Australian community. Every table was filled, creating a vibrant atmosphere as guests enjoyed reconnecting with friends and sharing stories throughout the afternoon.
Formal proceedings commenced with MC Andrew Suber welcoming guests and expressing gratitude for the continued support shown by both the Slovenian community and the Mounties Group in preserving Slovenian culture and this longstanding tradition. President Peter Krope delivered his address, thanking everyone for attending and reflecting on the courage, strength and determination shown by the first generation of Slovenian Australians during the years surrounding Slovenia’s independence. He also acknowledged the strong presence of second and third generations Slovenians who attended.
Continuing the legacy and following in the footsteps of her father, Chairperson of the Slovenian Community Awards Committee, Stefanie Fabjancic, eloquently presented the Community Awards. She spoke passionately about how special these awards are to her and the importance of recognising the dedication of individuals whose service contributes to the success and continuity of community initiatives and organisations. In particular, she highlighted the vital role of the younger, third generation – many of whom were recognised on the day for contributing in new and engaging ways – acknowledging that the ongoing vitality of the community depends on their energy, ideas and commitment. The message was clear, we need to continue to nurture and champion our emerging generations.
One of the most memorable moments of the afternoon came from third-generation Slovenian Chloe Robic, who proudly wore the Slovenian national costume while delivering a heartfelt speech. She spoke movingly about her deep love for her Slovenian heritage and the values instilled in her by her late grandparents. Her words resonated throughout the room, inspiring guests of all generations and demonstrating the enduring strength of Slovenian identity, while also reflecting on the powerful connection younger generations continue to hold with their cultural roots.
In his final official address at Club Triglav before concluding his four-year diplomatic posting, Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia Canberra H.E Mr Marko Ham, thanked the community for its unwavering support throughout his tenure. As he prepares to depart Australia at the end of July, he reflected on Slovenia’s journey to independence and emphasised the importance of preserving Slovenian identity, language and culture for generations to come.
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the wider Slovenian community, Club Triglav also presented donation cheques to Misli Magazine, the Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians ( HASA NSW), and the Voice of Slovenian Australians Sydney (VOSA). Each organisation plays a vital role in preserving Slovenian culture, history and language while strengthening connections between Australian Slovenians and their homeland. Their work serves as a powerful reminder of our shared heritage, enduring community spirit and collective responsibility to ensure Slovenian traditions continue to flourish for future generations.
Club Triglav Mounties deeply values its strong relationships with the many Slovenian organisations that collaboratively strive to preserve our shared heritage. The Voice of Slovenian Australians Sydney continues to play an important role through its independent media services, including the weekly radio broadcast and newsletter that promote community events and keep Slovenians connected and updated throughout Sydney, Australia and around the world.
The Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians (HASA NSW) has spent many years preserving documents, photographs and historical records, ensuring that the rich history of Club Triglav and the broader Slovenian community in Australia will remain accessible for future generations.
As we celebrate 35 years of Slovenian Statehood and Independence, Club Triglav proudly acknowledges the remarkable achievements, growth and resilience of both Slovenia and the Australian Slovenian community. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who continues to serve, contribute and dedicate their time to preserving our culture, history and traditions. Through these collective efforts, future generations will continue to understand, appreciate and take pride in the homeland and heritage that have shaped the community for decades.
V nedeljo 21 Junija, smo v Klubu Tiglav praznovali Dan Državnosti in podelirev priznanj zaslužnim članom Slovenske skupnoisti, ki so narazličnih področjih s svojim delom in promociji Slovenije in Slovenske skupnosti dosegli odlične rezultate.
Kot je že običaj se je ob Slovenskem prażniku in podelitvi priznanj zbrala velika množica od klubskih članov , prijateljev Triglava in častnih gostov, ki so praznovanju pomembnega državnega praznika in podelitvi priznanj dodali še posebno slovesno vzdušje ob proslavljanju rojstnega dne Slovenije pred 35 leti.
Po dobrem kosilu je voditelj proslave Andrej Šuber v imenu Kluba pozdravil častne in ostale goste in jih povabil, da prisluhnejo poteku proslave.
Po odigranju obeh Himen, Slovenske in Australske sem bil povabljen , da prisotnim izrečem dobrodošlico in se jim zahvalim za številno udeležbo s sledečimi besedam;
Dober dan –Good Afternoon
Your Excellency Mr. Marko Ham, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia
Fr. Darko Žnidaršič, Slovenian Mission, St Raphael, Merrylands
Mounties Group President Steve Fitzpatrick
Former Club Presidents
Honorary Life Members
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Today is a special day, so please allow me to say a few words in my mother tongue, Slovenian.
Spoštovani častni gostje, člani in prijatelji Kluba Triglav. Dobrodošli na današnjo svečanost ob. 35. Letnici Dneva Državnosti, ki ga je Slovenski narod doma in po svetu zaznamoval in dočakal pred 35 leti, ko se je zapisal v zgodovino in stopil enak med enakimi na svojo samostojno pot mlade države.
Dobrodošli tudi na svečano podelitev priznanj sedmim članom Slovenske skupnosti, ki bodo s svojim znanjem in iskušnjami kovali pot prihodnosti pri ohranjanju narodne zavesti in indentitete Australskih Slovenk in Slovencev.
Enako dobrodošlico izrekam tudi drugi in tretji generacji na katerih ramenih bo v prihodnje ohranjala Slovensko kulturno zakladnico, narodno zavest in iskala nove poti, nova obzoraja v Australsko Slovenski skupnosti in mozaiku multikulturne Australije.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is both a privilege and an honour to extend my warmest welcome to each and every one of you on behalf of Club Triglav–Mounties as we gather to celebrate two very special milestones: the 35th Anniversary of Slovenian National Day and the 23rd Anniversary of the Slovenian of the Year Awards.
For the past 23 years, these Awards have recognised and celebrated the outstanding contributions and achievements of members of our Slovenian community. During that time, 104 deserving individuals have been honoured across a range of categories. As Club Triglav–Mounties, we are extremely proud to continue sponsoring this important and highly respected event.
The Slovenian of the Year Awards acknowledge the achievements of Slovenians throughout New South Wales and the ACT, while helping to build a bridge between generations. It is our hope that these awards inspire future Australian Slovene generations to take pride in their heritage, identity, and the contributions of those who came before them.
Today, rather than speak at length about the significance of these occasions, I will leave that to others who will share their insights later in the program. Instead, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for joining us and helping make this celebration so meaningful.
Za tem, je sledil nagovor g. Marka Ham Ambassadorja Republike Slovenije .
\
Nagovor veleposlanika Hama ob praznovanju Dneva državnosti
Triglav Monties Club
Sydney, 21. junij 2026
Dear Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Triglav Mounties Club, Mr. Peter Krope, esteemed Advisory Committee Members, member of the Board of Directors, Honorary Consul of the republic of Slovenia in NSW Mr Aleks Lajovic and Honorary Vice-Consul Mr Mark Stariha, former honorary General Consul of Slovenia Alfred Brežnik AM, Father Darko Žnidaršič OFM, Head of the Slovenian Catholic Mission and the Church os St Raphael in Merrylans, President of Has a NSW Mrs Olga Lah, Walter Suber OAM member for NSW in the Committee of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians abroad, dear creators of radio VOSA program and VOSA newsletter, dear club members, dear compatriots, honoured guests, including Federal Member for Fowler Ms Dai Le MP and Tri Vo MP, State member for Cabramatta. Is is great honour for me to address you today as we celebrate the National Day of our beloved Slovenia. This occasion is especially meaningful to me, as it is the last time I joined you at this celebration. I am delighted to see so many you gathered to honour the birthday of independent Slovenia.
Slovenian National Day is celebrated on June 25th. On this day in 1991, Slovenia formally became independent. The Declaration of Independence and the Basic Constitutional Charter on the Sovereignty and Independence of Slovenia were adopted and solemnly proclaimed the following day in Republic Square in Ljubljana.
The Yugoslav authorities did not recognize Slovenia’s independence. Instead of congratulating to the people of Slovenia for their democratic decision which was inline with a federal constitution of the day they sent the army and the air force to stop us. Armed clashes between the Yugoslav Army and the Slovenian Territorial Defence and Police began on June 27th. Within days Slovenia halted advancing armoured units and regain control of its borders. The intervention ended on July 7th, when Yugoslav Army began withdrawing to its barracks.
What was more important was also that we won the hearts and minds of people around the world because alongside the war, the battle for international recognition began. Some countries support us immediately, especially those that had themselves emerged from Soviet Influence. Most others had to be convinced. Slovenians at home and abroad united for a common goal. Dear Australian Slovenians, dear members of the Triglav Mounties Club and other Slovenian organizations in NSW, allow me once again to thank you for your support and your efforts, which helped Australia become one of the first overseas countries to recognise Slovenia. Let’s also remember those who contributed to this cause and are no longer with us.
Thirty-five years have passed, and the world has changed profoundly. The fall of the Berlin Wall did not bring the end of history. In 1991, the world was filled with hope; today we face the highest number of armed conflicts since World War II. For the first time since the breakup of Yugoslavia, Europe is again witnessing a full-scale interstate war — Russia’s attack on Ukraine has shattered decades of peace. The Middle East has not been this unstable for years. And Sudan is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of our time, with the highest number of civilian casualties among current crises.
A world that was meant to be governed by rules is turning into a world governed by power and unilateral decisions. This is not an environment favourable to small states such as Slovenia.
Fortunately, Slovenia is not alone but part of the strongest alliance in history — NATO, the best insurance policy we can have.
Equally important is our membership in the European Union — the largest single economic area in the world. With 450 million consumers, the strongest trade network, and the largest export-import system, the EU remains a global economic powerhouse. But this weight also brings responsibility: at a time of the highest number of conflicts since 1945, Europe must translate its economic strength into political and security determination.
It is equally important that we build relations with like-minded countries such as Australia. This year has been a breakthrough: the EU–Australia security and defence partnership was concluded, free trade negotiations were finalised, and Australia will join Horizon Europe – the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation next year.
Despite global turmoil, Slovenia remains one of the safest, most stable, and most developed countries in the world. We rank among the ten most peaceful nations, among the least polluted countries, and around 23rd on the Human Development Index. Slovenia is also one of the safest countries for tourists — Ljubljana is among the safest capitals in Europe, crime rates are among the lowest in the EU, and the risk of terrorism is extremely low.
Challenges remain, including strengthening competitiveness. Slovenia performs strongly in trade, infrastructure, safety, low inequality, and human capital. But long-term growth will depend on productivity, innovation, institutional efficiency, and attracting talent.
In 35 years, Slovenia has achieved much, yet it has not lost its ambition. We look to the future with optimism — for even higher living standards, economic growth, and a green transition. In this, we share much with Australia.
However, A state is not merely a collection of institutions, laws, and administrative mechanisms, but in Slovenia’s case a refined community of people united by centuries-shaped customs, cultural heritage, and the values that define our shared character. Its strength does not arise solely from political organization or economic performance, but from a sense of belonging, from mutual trust, and from the awareness that we are part of a story greater than any individual. A state is a space where history and the future intertwine, where identity is preserved and new visions are born — a community built not only through laws, but through responsibility, respect, and shared values. Let’s keep this in mind, and in this respect thank you Club Triglav Mounties for preserving Slovenian Culture and sense of common values and belonging.
Osebna zahvala
Spoštovani člani kluba Triglav Mounties in dragi gostje, dovolite mi, da zaključim z osebno zahvalo, saj konec julija odhajam nazaj v Slovenijo in zaključujem mandat veleposlanika v Avstraliji.
Klub Triglav je že ob prvem stiku v meni zbudil spoštovanje. Morda novi prostori ne odsevajo tradicionalne slovenske arhitekture a ima nekaj kar je za vsako organizacijo še bolj pomembno od izgleda skupnih prostorov – skupino zavzetih članov, med katerimi so tudi pripadniki tretje generacije, pod vodstvom neutrudnega predsednika Petra Kropeta. Klub z dejavnostmi, ki jih organizira punches above its weight- praznovane 8. marca, ANZAC Day in seveda tradicionalno obeležitev dneva državnosti in podelitev plaket in priznanj »Slovenec leta v NSW« v sodelovanju z ostalimi tukajšnjimi slovenskimi organizacijami.
Ko pomislim na Triglav Mounties pomislim na stabilnost, povezovalnost profesionalnost, predanost, hkratno zvestobo tako Sloveniji kot Avstraliji in kar je najpomembneje skupino predanih prostovoljcev.
Posebna zahvala predsedniku kluba – gospodu Petru Kropetu. V letih svojega službovanja sem srečal po različnih državah številne osebe, nekateri so delovali v slovenskih društvih, nekateri ne, a redko sem srečal tako dostojnega človeka kot ste vi. Bilo mi je v čast, da sem vas spoznal in da sva lahko sodelovala.
Hvala, vesel dan državnosti in in naj živi Slovenija!
Thank you, happy Statehood Day and long live Slovenia!
Kot je Ambassador že omenil, je to bil to njegov zadnji govor pred njegovom odhodom v Slovenijo po štirih letih njegovega službovanja v Australiji.
V zahvalo ob njegovem zadnjem obisku Kluba Triglav se mu je vodsvo in članstvo kluba zahvalilo za vso pozornost ,njegove govore in prijateljski odnos , ki ga je gojil v času njegovega službovanja, najprej s stekleno plosco na kateri je bilo zapisano sledeče—-
Presented to His Excellency, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenija
Mr. Marko Ham – In recognition of four years of cherished friendship and commitment to Club Triglav – Mounties .
From your friends at Triglav Sydney
Drugo darilo je bilo bolj uporabne narave ; podarili smo mu ikono Australije “Akubra” klobuk , da ga bo varoval pred poletno vročino, ki ga bo dočakala doma v Sloveniji.
Vodja prireditve je nato poklical pred mikrofon prikupno mlado dekle v naroni noši Chloe Robič, ki je s svoji govorom, kako se ona počuti in kaj ji pomeni biti dekle Slovenskih korenin navdušila občinstvo , ki jo je nagradilo z bučnim aplavzom.
Klub Triglav, že več kot dvajset let podari finančno pomoč ob Slovenskem Državnem Prazniku pomebnim prostovoljnim organizacijam brez katerih bi bila Slovenska skupnos zelo prikrajšana .
Finančno pomoč za cerkveno revijo Misli je sprejela članica pastoralnega odbora Mimi De Rooy , za HASA – Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians Predsednica HASE Olga Lah in za VOSA – Radio –Glas Slovenskih Australcev ,tajnica Kristina Suber.
Po deset minutnem odmoru je Predsenica organizacijskega odbora za podelitev priznanj Stefanie Fabjančič povabila občinsto k podelitvi priznanj sedmim članom , ki so za svoje delovanje v Slovenski skupnosti bili predlagani od Slovenskih klubov, Cerkve in posameznika , ki ima prav tako možnost, da predlaga kogar koli , če smatra , da si priznanje zasluži.
Občinstvo in prejemnike priznanj je Stefanie nagovorila z zelo pozitivnim spemnim nagovorom.
Good afternoon everyone, and thank you for being here. It is really wonderful to be standing her as Chairperson of the Awards Committee for the second time.
The awards are very close to my heart. As a third generation Slovenian Australian, I’m part of generation that was grown up with this community in a different way to our parents and grandparents-still connected, but often balancing it with very full lives of our own.
Some of my closest friends are also grandchildren of that first generation of Slovenian Australians, and sometimes wonder if our grandparents ever imagined their friendships would carry on through us. I think that is incredibly special and a real testament to the long lasting impact cultural communities have on people.
And this year in particular, I’ve been reminded that younger generations are showing up in different and unique ways. It may not always look exactly like it did before, but the care, effort and connection are absolutely still there — with some of those people being recognised today.
What I really admire about our award candidates, is that so much of this work happens around their very busy lives — jobs, families, kids, commitments, and all the other things that somehow fill every spare minute of our days. And yet people still show up, often quietly, often behind the scenes, and usually without expecting much fuss.
That is why these awards matter. They are a chance to make a bit of fuss — in the best way — and to say thank you properly.
They also give us a reason to come together, catch up, and remember that this community has been built over generations.
I also want to say a sincere thank you to the volunteers on the Awards Committee for their ongoing support and guidance. It is very much appreciated, and these awards would not come together without you.
Congratulations to all of today’s recipients, and thank you for helping keep this community alive in your own way.
Letos so priznanja prejeli
Jenny Stariha – Slovenian Community Volunteer Award – St. Raphael’s Mission.
Jordan Covich- Slovenian Community Service Award,
Malci Tursic in Klemen Popit –Slovenian Community Entrepreneurial Award,
Natasha Kupusin – Slovenian Community Leadership Award.
Zachary Limare – Slovenian Community Sports Contribution Award.
Ida Kustec , Slovenian Community Volunteer Award – Slovene Association Sydney.
Po končanem uradnem delu prireditve je v prijateljskem vzdušju in prijetni družbi sledilo druženje in veselo razpoloženje vse do poznega popoldne.
