Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney was originally founded in 1951 by the Croatian immigrants in Sydney, Australia. Starting in Surry Hills then moving to Marrikville in 1972 and in 1982 they purchased the old Sundowner Hotel in Punchbowl. Last year they commemorated their 70th year anniversary.
From this Društvo, the members raised funds to purchase the first Croatian church in Sydney at Summer Hill and also created Sydney Croatia Football Team (now known as Sydney United) which was partnered with them until its move in 1982.
Back in November of 2021, they successfully purchased the old Concord RSL and to celebrate this historic moment of Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney, they invited all members and the Croatian Community for a Club Blessing by Fr. Davor Filko and Flag Raising Ceremony.
Now more than one year on and the new club is closer to becoming a reality.
“This is a big milestone not only for our club, the Croatian community in Sydney, but also for the wider Croatian diaspora. We thank our past and present members since 1951 who founded and built this club into what it is today and created a fantastic legacy for future generations,” said authorised builder, entrepreneur and director of the Hrvatsko Društvo Sydney board since 2012, Mijo Rimac, before adding.
“Since the purchase of the former Concord RSL in November 2021, we have been working tirelessly towards delivering the new club as soon as possible. With input and suggestions from Club Members, Croatian Community, Local community, and successful hospitality venues, we are on a journey to deliver a one-of-a-kind destination in Sydney
Our vision is to create a Modern, Family orientated, Croatian inspired club that all Australians of Croatian descent will be proud to call their home, but one which will also become a landmark destination for the broader local community. This is a truly exciting new era for the Croatian Community in Sydney and a world first for the Croatian Diaspora.”
The club will be broken up into different zones, Reception/Function Centre, Sports Bar, Lounge Area, Bistro, Alfresco, Croatian Memorial Garden, Memorabilia Room, Class/Conference Room, Cabana/Beer Garden and Children’s Outdoor Gym and green space area. The elegant Reception Centre will be separated from the rest of club catering for 350 dining or 500 conference style seating.“Our signature feature will be our outdoor Alfresco Cabana Area that is inspired by Croatia’s Adriatic coast. This will include two wood fired pizza ovens and charcoal Grills for a modern but authentic Croatian inspired menu. The open-air Cabana’s and raised seating amphitheatre area will house a large outdoor screen and stage for patrons’ entertainment every night of the week. The outdoor children’s play gym along with a secure open green space for kids will be a drawcard for young families.
We are proud to announce that we have successfully achieved Development Application Approval, which now moves us into the construction phase of the project. We are extremely proud that what would normally take two to three years to realise for many organisations, we achieved in three months. We wish to thank the numerous volunteers, namely the” Design Team”, in helping achieve major milestones since we purchased the site.
We have been approached by numerous individuals and businesses wanting to help us achieve our goals in building a new Club for future generations. Accordingly, we have decided to erect a permanent Honour Wall for the varying categories of support in building this new club, but also one which will honour past members of this great club.
This Honour Wall is found in most clubs and will be a permanent display for future generations to show the families and individuals who have contributed in building this new club.
We invite all Croatian Businesses wanting to assist in the construction phase to submit their Expression of Interest to us by 3rd February 2023. Those individuals/families also wanting to support this Club can contact us directly for further information.
Our aim is to open our doors to the new club by the end of 2023 and welcome any forms of assistance from the broader community. Please feel free to contact the Club or Directors directly – Zvonimir Kurtovic, Mijo Rimac, David Matesic, Paul Cubelic, Marko Ostojic, Ivan Spehar, Sam Zdrilic.”
More info and how to contact can be found on the website: www.TheConcord.com.au
