Your Community

Serbian Orthodox Community

Your President & Secretary

President - Draza Stefanovic, Secretary – Srboslav Tanic

Your Address

122 Ballarat Rd , Hamlyn Heights

Community Hall or Meeting Place Address

Hall and church at 122 Ballarat Rd, Hamlyn Heights

Your Phone/Fax/Email

How long has your community been operating?

The community was formalised on 25 May, 1952. The Church committee was formed in 1958, prior to this the group had been meeting at the Church of England in Moorabool Street. The Serbian Orthodox Hall was opened in 1965. The Church was completed in 1973.

How many members does your community have?

There are up to 1000 Serbians living in Geelong (300 homes).

What is the first language of your community?

Serbian

When did members of your community first start arriving in Australia. Was there a period of peak immigration?

(Provide a brief history).

In post-war years of late 1940’s, many Serbians found themselves in prison camps in Germany. They did not want to return to their home land because it was occupied by communists. A number Serbians chose to immigrate rather than remain in exile. They were offered a choice of destinations including America, South Africa and Australia. Australia was a popular choice, and immigrants signed a contract guaranteeing they would work for 2 years when they arrived. Some of the most common jobs were working on the railroads and cutting wood.

What National Days, religious days or special events does your community celebrate?

Vidovdan – celebrated on 28 th June. This is a bit like ANZAC day in that it remembers the defeat of the country during wartime. Vidivdan commemorates Serbia’s defeat by Turkey in 1389. Serbians lived under Turkish rule for 500 years after this.

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on 19 th December.

St. Sava Day is celebrated on 27 th January (this was an important figure in Serbian history, instituting the teaching of religion in schools).

Mothers Day – Children tie the legs of their mother who must give them gifts before they will untie her.

Briefly describe your national dress - including any items of special significance.

Colours for the national dress are red, blue and white (same as the flag).

Briefly describe your community’s arts – including music/dance/song or artworks.

Music, dance and song are important to the Serbian community. The first dancing group performed at the Geelong West Town Hall in 1959 (see picture).

Briefly describe your community’s traditional food & drinks - including foods and drinks you would avoid (if any)

Sljivovica – a delicious plum brandy. Sarma – cabbage rolls. Gibanica – a type of cheesecake. Cavapi – a traditional sausage.

Anything else you’d like to add?

The Serbian Orthodox Community today includes a Ladies Committee, Pensioners Club, Golf Club, Youth Club (Branko Radicfvic) and a Sunday League Soccer Club with Club Rooms at 240 Plantation Rd, Corio.