In June of 1957 a dance to celebrate “Antunovo” was organised by keen members of the growing Croatian community in Geelong. The success of this social function led to more serious discussions and, at a meeting in September of that year, the Australian Croatian Association Kardinal Alojis Stepinac was formed. Those early meetings were held in private homes, sometimes public halls, and saw the Croatian community grow rapidly – particularly in North Geelong.

The Association’s choice of name came about after one of the founding members saw a broadcast of a church service at which the Irish Priest spoke of the injustices being suffered by Father Alojz Stepinac during his illegal imprisonment. That the plight of this Croatian priest had caught the attention of the world was a surprise to the founding members and so the Association was named in his honour.

The main aims of the founding committee and members were to help the increasing flow of Croatian immigrants to establish themselves in Geelong (and Australia) and to promote Croatian culture and language. Many new arrivals to Geelong relied on the “Croatian Hall” as their first port of call in an effort to find friendly faces and support – a place that you were sure to be welcome.

In and effort to promote one of Croatia’s (and the world’s) favourite sports, the Association was involved in the formation of the Zagreb Soccer Club in 1958. That club later went on to become the Melbourne Knights Soccer Club.

The year 1959 saw a Folkloric dance group established by the Association to further Croatian culture via public performance, exiting dance and costume.

In 1961 the study of Croatian language was made available with assistance from the primary school of the Holy Family Church in Separation Street.
Many of the members of the Association were involved in the formartion of the North Geelong Soccer Club in the early 1960’s and the support has continued ever since.

Throughout the 60’s fundraising was an important mission for the Association as the community had dreams of establishing their own premises – a home (Dom) – for the Croatian community. These dreams were realised when in 1969 the K. A. Stepinac Croatian Hall was built by the Association. This was the first Croatian association in Australia to build its own premises and was done entirely with its own funding – no government assistance.

The Association lobbied Australian governments tirelessly for the official recognition of the Croatian language in Australia and saw success in 1978.
Also in 1978 a new “members lounge” building extension was added to the original building and opened.

The 1980’s saw the Association consolidating itself and continuing to serve its community. The Croatian population continued to grow, celebrations, weddings and dances became a regular social event at the Hall, and the Association continued its support and lobbying for the recognition of Croatian people.

1990 saw free democratic elections held in Croatia – an event followed closely by Croatian associations around the world. The declaration of an independent Croatian Republic on the 10th of May 1991 meant jubilation for Croatians the world over and celebrations at the K.A. Stepinac Hall were intense.

This era introduced new generations to war and the Association commenced a new mission of fundraising to help the efforts of the Croatian Republic fulfil its destiny. This included a bank loan of $125,000.00 to help provide humanitarian aid – possibly the only association in Australia to take out such a loan.
In 1995, the Croatian Consul General Jerko Vukas made an official visit to the premises to formally recognise this Australian Croatian Association on behalf of the Republik of Croatia.

The war in Croatia ended in 1997 but the Associations help efforts continued. In that year the Association celebrated its 40th year with a dinner for members which was attended by a many special guests including ; Consul Gen Josip Meter, Ante Babic, Minister for Housing and Aboriginal Affairs Anne Henderson (rep Premier J. Kennett) and Fed member for Corio Gavin O’Connor. This 40th anniversary was an indication of the Associations resilience and the support that it has given to, and received from, the community it serves.

Today you can enjoy the hospitality of the Australian Croatian Association K. A. Stepinac and visit its premises at 101-111 Separation Street North Geelong to have a drink with friends, enjoy meals, try “Lady Luck” in the gaming area or just to feel at home in a place where you are welcome.