Croatian Studies Review, Vol. 6 No. 1, 2010.
Original scientific paper
The future of the Croatian community and identity in Australia
Ilija D. Šutalo
; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Curtin University of Technology, Australia
Abstract
The Croatian community in Australia is in a state of demographic transition because it is
adjusting to the establishment of Croatian sovereignty. The Croatian-born population in Australia
is ageing and, consequently, during the next decade the number of Croatian-born in Australia
will dramatically decrease. Previously, the Croatian community effort in Australia was focused
on achieving Croatian independence, as well as establishing clubs, sporting venues and Catholic
parishes throughout Australia. The focus now is on preserving the Croatian community and identity
in Australia. There are also efforts at building links with Croatian institutions in Croatia.
This article analyses the current status of the Croatian community in Australia and investigates
what can be learnt from the experience of other Croatian communities in the diaspora. It argues
that to ensure a strong Croatian community in Australia in the future the second and subsequent
generations of Croatians will need to take a more active role in preserving the Croatian community
and identity in Australia. This has already begun through second-generation Croatians taking a
more active role in club activities. This article also recommends strategies to help preserve the
Croatian community and identity in Australia beyond this generational transition.
Keywords
Australian-Croatian; Croatian community; Australia; immigrants; identity; diaspora
Hrčak ID:
86317
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2010.
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