NA SJEVERNOM DJELU MELBOURNEA POKRENUTA NOVA FOLKLORNA SKUPINA

MELBOURNE - Pri Ogranku Hrvatske dmokratske zajednice u Fawkneru osnovanaje 9. prosinca 2002. godine nova folklorna skupina, koja ce prvi putnastupiti pocetkom svibnja 2003.

"Ideja o pokretanju folklorne skupine u kojoj bi plesali mladi Hrvati sovoga dijela grada stara je vec nekoliko godina", kaze predsjednik HDZ-a uFawkneru, ujedno i predsjednik Koordinacije HDZ-a za Australiju i NoviZeland Rade Buljubasic. "No, stalno se s osnivanjem otezalo iz vrlobanalna razloga - nismo uspijevali pronaci ucitelja.

Konacno, uspjeli smo se dogovoriti s Josipom Borosem, koji se prihvatiotoga posla.

Sjeverni dio Melbournea i inace je bio zapostavljen. Recimo, ovdje uopcenisu postojala nikakva drustva, sve do pocetka 1990.-ih kad je osnovanogranak HDZ-a, koji je poceo vrsiti ulogu drustvene organizacije iomogucavati Hrvatima da se okupljaju i druze.

Na koncu, 9. prosinca 2002. uspjeli smo osnovati i folklornu skupinu,kojoj cemo mi putem HDZ-a osiguravati (tj. financirati) dvoranu za vjezbei nastupe pri Katolickom Centru Svetoga Marka u Fawkneru kojega vodi vlc.Velimir Maglica.

Prvi nastup nove folklorne grupe bit ce 3. svibnja 2003., a nakon togaocekuju nas veliki poslovi u svezi folklora. Vjerujemo da cemo uspjetinabaviti nosnje za plesace, a potom planiramo i tamburaski sastav.

Veseli nas sto je vec u pocetku odaziv roditelja dobar, jer je nas krajnjicilj da se mladi Hrvati zadrze na okupu, da se medusobno druze, da govorehrvatskim jezikom i o hrvatskoj domovini, da cuvaju uspomene, svijest iznanje o svom hrvatstvu. Konacno, neka se druze, neka se zabavljaju, paneka se ubuduce medusobno zene i neka radaju nove Hrvate"

Folklornu grupu nazvali smo imenom tvorca hrvatske himne AntunaMihanovica. Dakle, puni naziv ce biti "Hrvatsko kulturno drustvo AntunMihanovic Fawkner". Vjerujem da ni u odabiru imena nismo pogrijesili",kazao je Rade Buljubasic.

Josip Boros, ucitelj nove folklorne skupine na samomu je pocetko iskazaosvoju radost zbog cinjenice da je odabran za prvoga ucitelja i jednoga odosnivaca grupe, a o sebi je kazao:

"Rodio sam se u Dakovu, u Slavoniji. U folklornim skupinama poceo samplesati jos kao dijete u Slavoniji. U Australiju sam doselio sroditeljima sedamdesetih godina, a prvo sam plesao u "Ladu" u Geelongu, ucijemu sam osnivanju i sudjelovao.

Iz Geelonga sam presao u "Sokadiju" koje je djelovala pri "Dinamu St.Albans". Tu grupu vodio sam neke cetiri godine, a predao sam uciteljskomjesto jednoj gospodi koja je plesala u "Hrvatskoj zori" iz Sunshinea, jersam bio povrijedio nogu.

Potom me vlc. Ivica Zlatunic iz HKC-a Duha Svetoga u Springvaleu zamolioda se tamo prihvatim uciteljskoga mjesta u folklornoj skupini, koja je vecbila na okupu, no nisu imali ucitelja. Prihvatio sam to i u "Zvonimiru"ostao nekih godinu dana.

Sada sam, evo, prihvatio ponudu iz Fawknera, gdje intenzivno vjezbamokojih dva mjeseca. Krenuli smo od nule, ali zasad imamo oko dvadesetakclanova. Oni su vec uzvjezbali dva plesa, jedan iz Sjeverne Hrvatske ijedan iz Slavonije.

Prvi put cemo nastupiti 3. svibnja ovdje u St. Mark’s Parish Hall uFawkneru, pa ovom prilikom pozivam clanove hrvatske zajednice - posebnoone koji bi nam se htjeli prikljuciti - da nas dodu vidjeti. Uvjeravam ihda nece biti razocarani".

U upravnom odboru HKD "Antun Mihanovic" su: Josip Boros (predsjednik), AnaOpacak (tajnica), Slavica Crvenkovic (zamjenica tajnice), Ljilja Odobasic(riznicarka), Ljilja Petrevski (zamjenica riznicarke) i clanovi RadeBuljubasic i Mario Gregov.

Mate Basic

Source: http://www.mrons.com/drno/news1946.htm

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican confirmed officially that John Paul II will visit Croatia for the third time, June 5-9.

Joaquín Navarro-Valls, director of the Vatican press office, said today that the "Holy Father John Paul II will make an apostolic trip to Croatia from June 5 to 9, and will visit the cities of Rijeka, Dubrovnik, Osijek and Djakovo, and Zadar."

During his trip the Pope is expected to beatify religious Mary of Jesus Crucified Petkovic (1892-1966), founder of the Congregation of Daughters of Mercy.

Croatia, independent since 1991, has close to 5 million inhabitants, about 80% of them Catholic.

The Pope visited Croatia in 1994 and 1998.

Larry Cirignano
CatholicVote.org
2029 P St NW
PO Box 70695
Washington, DC 20024
609-781-0090
e-fax 202-318-0789

All Whites to take on world 10th ranked team the United States as part of buildup to Confederations Cup

The All Whites build up matches for June's Confederations Cup have been confirmed with a match against world number 10 the United States, replacing the clash with Croatia.

Croatia, the world's 34th ranked team, pulled out of the proposed June 5 match so the All Whites will instead play the USA at an Eastern American venue on June 8.

The USA will play in the opposing group at the Confederations Cup.

New Zealand begins its preparations with a match against Scotland on May 27 at Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh.

The All Whites will then fly to North America for the match against the USA before leaving for France, where they will be based at the French National Rugby Centre at Marcoussis in Paris.

The All Whites kick off the Confederations Cup with a match against Japan in Paris on June 18.

They also play Colombia and hosts France in pool play.

The squad of 23 players for the Confederations Cup will be named on April 28 and will assemble in Birmingham on May 22.

Source: http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=30446&c=w

Millward Brown has signed a licensing agreement with Centum Research in Zagreb, a recently established Croatian research agency with a staff of four, offering both qualitative and quantitative expertise. It was founded by former Coca-Cola researcher Mladen Simunic.
Commenting on the licensing deal, Petra Prusova, Managing Director of Millward Brown in Central and Eastern Europe, said: "We are delighted to welcome Centum to Millward Brown. We look forward to working closely with them to help them build an understanding of Millward Brown's philosophy of brands and communications, and an understanding of how our proprietary techniques and approaches can be used to help Croatian and multinational clients build their brands and services in this part of the world. In the early days, the team at Centum will be strongly supported by our personnel from Hungary and the Czech Republic."

Andrea Bielli, main board member with overall responsibility for Millward Brown's operations in Western Europe and CEE added "Having a qualitative and quantitative presence in Croatia underscores our commitment to offer our clients Millward Brownís expertise and insights wherever they may be based. Our multinational clients working in Croatia will certainly benefit from having an on the ground Millward Brown presence."

Source: http://www.mrons.com/drno/news1946.htm

Power Plant Dispute Continues in Croatia, Slovenia

ZAGREB, Croatia, March 19, 2003 - Croatia will ask its neighbor, Slovenia, to pay $56 million in retribution for eight months worth of energy withheld from the shared Krsko nuclear plant.

Krsko was constructed by both countries in the 1980s while part of Yugoslavia.

Croatian power authorities at HEP are requesting the $56 million in compensation for undistributed electricity from June 20, 2002, to March 1, 2003. Plans call for additions requests of $5-6 million per month from as long as electricity is withheld.

The Slovenian-Croatian power dispute began in 1998 when Eles, the Slovenian power monopoly, halted power distribution from the shared Krsko plant to HEP, a Croatian power board. In another move designed to cut Croatia off from receiving electricity, Slovenia nationalized Krsko in July 1998.

An agreement reached last year reaffirmed joint management of the plant and became law on June 30, 2002, when Croatian parliament okayed the plan. Slovenian parliament only approved the measure this month. In addition, the agreement lays out plans for the two countries to share decommissioning costs and responsibility for nuclear waste disposal.

It is not clear when or if electricity distribution to Croatia will resume. Croatia has warned it may begin arbitration procedures if it is not permitted to rejoin the management of Krsko within 60 days.

Slovenia would prefer that Croatia sells its stake in the plant, according to a Sunday report in Croatian daily Jutarnji Iist.

Sales discussions have taken place in the past, but the two countries could not agree on a price. Croatia demanded $717.5 million for its share in the plant while Slovenia refused to pay more than about $150 million.

Source: http://www.earthvision.net/ColdFusion/News_Page1.cfm?NewsID=24222&start=1

Croatia devours Steel in goal feast
Neville Paterson
Thursday, 3 April 2003

Croatia and Steel produced another goal feast with Croatia getting up six-three at Magill Park on Saturday.

Croatia had Jones and Leopold in for the injured Shepherd and Morris, while Steve Perkins started instead of Veart who sat on the bench with a suspect ankle.

Steel started the game the best and after three minutes Jackson's cross found Andy Fay at the back post, but his downward header hit the base of the post and the danger was cleared.

After 10 minutes Fay made amends when he rode two challenges before tucking the ball under Rigg for a one-nil lead.

After 20 minutes, Croatia hit back when Stamoulis was allowed too much space on the edge of the box and his curling shot nestled into the top far corner for a great goal and one-all.

Ten minutes later Croatia took the lead as DaRocha volleyed in a first time cross into the Steel box that just eluded Jackson's stretch and Stamoulis pounced with a diving header to send it past McManus for a two-one lead.

Just before half time Todd sent a low ball across the box and Stamoulis was eyeing a hat trick, but a great challenge by Tony Fay kept his side in the game.

Teams went into the half time break with Croatia one in front.

Two minutes into the second half Steel got the equaliser as Docherty produced a pin-point cross, from way out on the right and it was met by Ledington, who squeezed it between Rigg and the post for two-all.

Croatia then went on a goal-scoring run that blew the game apart.

It started 10 minutes into the second half when Stamoulis' header from a corner was cleared off the line, but Faulds reacted quickest to drive the ball under McManus for three-two.

Five minutes later Andy Fay's shot on the run saw Rigg save well down to his right but as the ball went up field Todd showed good composure to set up Faulds and he drilled it into the bottom corner as Croatia stretched their lead to two.

With 15 minutes to go Rigg's clearance went straight to Docherty who smacked it right back at goal trying to catch the keeper off his line but Rigg scrambled back to save the day.

Soon after that incident Croatia got number five as Fauld's corner was cleared by Steel's defence.

Beidenweg gained possession, cut inside his man and let fly with an effort that rattled the roof of the net.

With 10 minutes to go Docherty's free kick was cleared by Perone but Ledington gathered the ball and unleashed a left footed thunder bolt that crept just inside the post for a superb goal and reduced Croatia's lead to five-three.

Five minutes later DaRocha got on the score sheet as sub Scatena fed him and Marcus chipped the keeper for six-three.

Just before the end, sub Veart's cross was met with a glancing header by Docherty .

But he couldn't believe it as the ball hit the post and crawled along the goal line before been hacked to safety.

At the final whistle Croatia locked a place in the cup final while Steel will need to win their remaining game against Wanderers to have a chance of securing that final spot.

Reserves

No goals in the first half but after the break, Peter Ledington's fine finish from the penalty spot gave Steel a one-nil lead .

However, quick goals from Best, Bone and Peterson put Croatia three-one up.

Then the goal of the match by youngster Logan Green gave Steel some hope but Croatia held on and qualified for the final.

Due to public demand (from the Steel supporters) I have to write that I missed a sitter in the first half.

Source: http://whyalla.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=sport&subclass=local&category=soccer&story_id=219357&y=2003&m=4

with Neville Paterson
Tuesday, 8 April 2003

Great game ... Westlands goalkeeper Roger ‘Shaka’ Franklin made some great saves against Croatia, but was unable to stop this one!

Croatia made it five wins from five games after a three-nil win over Westlands at Dakalanta Park on Saturday to cruise into the final of the league cup.

The highlight of the match came from Westlands keeper Roger "Shaka" Franklin who pulled off some exceptional saves to keep his side in the game in the first half.

The first chance came after 10 minutes when Faulds flicked the ball over his head and unleashed a left foot volley that just flew over.

Five minutes later a Fauld's pass with the outside of the foot was met by DaRocha but Franklin saved well at his near post.

Soon after Franklin failed to gather a through ball that took a bad bounce, Scatena though with the goal at his mercy could only hit the bar.

Twenty-five minutes into the game Rincon burst into the clear and was challenged by Perone in the box, Westlands claimed a penalty but it was waved away by the referee.

Five minutes later Scatena's cross was met by Stamoulis at the back post but Franklin produced a great save to deny Theo's header creeping in the near post.

After 35 minutes Croatia were awarded a penalty that Todd lined up, there was nothing wrong with his spot kick but Franklin was on fire and pulled off another superb save way down to his right.

Just before half-time Birch hit one from long range that went wide as both teams went in to the break locked a nil-all.

The second-half was only one minute old when DaRocha was put into the clear and lobbed the ball over the keeper for Croatia to take a one-nil lead.

Minutes later a Westlands corner fell to Ellis in the box but he had to take the chance quickly and it went just wide.

Ten minutes into the second half Croatia made it two-nil when a Fauld's pass allowed Scatena to get inside his man and he smashed the ball into the bottom corner from a tight angle.

Westlands then had a good patch of their own when Rigg's clearance went straight to Rincon but Rigg made amends to save the shot and 10 minutes later Birch hit a volley on the run that the keeper had to parry.

With 10 minutes to go substitute Best floated over a great cross but Stamoulis couldn't keep his header down.

As the ball went upfield Ellis weaved his way along the by-line, his curling effort though flew just past the far post.

With only minutes to go DaRocha was bundled over in the box and he dusted himself off to take the ball off Stamoulis and put away the penalty for three-nil.

Just before the final whistle Rigg had to deal with an Anderson free-kick but it was Croatia who came out victorious.

Reserves

Croatia will enter the final with high confidence after a five-one win over Westlands with the scorers being Leopold (2), Mikic (2) and Bone (1) with McEwan banging home for Westlands.

Source: http://whyalla.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=sport&subclass=local&category=soccer&story_id=220271&y=2003&m=4

PONCHATOULA - The warmth and friendship of citizens in a small city thousands of miles from his homeland make him feel at home, the Rev. Harvey Blaschko said.

A native of Croatia, he has been in the United States for 17 years and for 17 months at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he now serves as an associate pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In an interview Thursday, he recalled his journey from Croatia, one of the republics that made up the former Yugoslavia. Croatia lies along the coast of the Adriatic Sea across from Italy.

Blaschko worked in Germany in a Croatian Catholic mission in Hamburg and in the German parish of St. Elizabeth before heading to Chicago to help his brother in 1986, he said. He worked with two Franciscan and two Dominican parishes during his tenure in Chicago. And although he enjoyed his job, he still had a problem with Chicago.

"What was the problem? The Chicago climate," he said.

He asked to be relocated to a place where the climate was more agreeable, Blaschko said. An opening was found at St. Joseph and head pastor the Rev. Justin Kauchak agreed to have him at the church in 2002.

"Oh yeah, I'm enjoying seeing all these flowers and everything," he said peering outside a window. "In Chicago, it's still cold."

Although he does not have a satellite dish to watch television programs in Croatia, he still manages to talk to his friends in Chicago on a regular basis, Blaschko said.

He has traveled to Croatian communities from Slidell to Lafayette to conduct masses and was preparing to go to Belle Chasse and Port Sulphur to conduct more, Blaschko said. The lifestyles the immigrants had at home is similar to that in south Louisiana.

"They had the fishermen and the oysters," he said. "Same thing here."

Even though some have studied English and adapted using it, Blaschko said, some older immigrants are still having problems with the language. He wrote a letter to Diocese of Baton Rouge Bishop Robert Muench seeking help for those older immigrants and he is waiting for a response.

He talked about his homeland's history after World War II and Yugoslavia's disintegration in 1991.

"Yugoslavia was an artificial state nobody liked. Finally she died," he said.

When the communists came into Yugoslavia after World War II, they killed all the Croatian Muslim elite and did not allow them to open any learning centers in Sarajevo, Serbia, Blaschko said. The ruling party told them to send their young clerics to Cairo to learn. The clerics returned to the country with a different understanding of Islam.

"In Syria or Turkey, they really can live with other people and don't have ideas about jihad," he said. "These young clerics going to Cairo, they took everything negative out of Islam. Now we have a country with Taliban. Fundamentalists and faith fanatics, we cannot live with them."

He saw similarities between the current war in Iraq and the wars in his homeland of the 1990s, Blaschko said. He believed Iraq, like the former Yugoslavia, is an artificial state created after war. The Kurds along with the Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims are killing each other for territory. That version of tribal warfare reminds him of the fighting in regions such as Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.

"They cannot live together," he said, "but if everyone had his piece of the cake, I think there can be peace."

Source: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1423&dept_id=169554&newsid=7641433&PAG=461&rfi=9