Slovenians party at Melbourne's Federation Square for Independence Day!

Slovenians in Victoria celebrated Slovenian Statehood Day at Melbourne's Federation Square on Sunday, June 25th, right on the 26th anniversary of Slovenia being declared a sovereign and independent state. A large crowd gathered to celebrate this special event in a very jovial and informal atmosphere attracting the attention of many visitors from all different walks of life and ethnic backgrounds who also joined in on the celebrations! This historic event with the raising of the Slovenian Flag at Federation Square was organised under the auspices of the Council Of Slovenian Organisations in Victoria. The main event organiser was Mrs Frances Urbas Johnson, president of CSOV. A short program to mark the event was held with the Australian and Slovenian national anthems sung by Helen Trinnick and Anna Tegel. CSOV president, Frances Urbas Johnson gave a welcoming address, followed by a special blessing and prayers offered by Jesuit priest, Fr Viljem Love DJ. Ambassador for the Republic of Slovenia in Australia, Mrs Helena Drnovšek Zorko gave a keynote speech highlighting the special meaning of Slovenian independence as well as the huge contributions made by the Slovenian Community towards multicultural Australian society. At the conclusion of the program, the celebrations continued in a very festive way with singing and dancing to live Slovenian music provided by Andrej Hodnik on baritone and Lenti Lenko on button accordion. It was a very emotional event for many tears of joy and happiness being openly shed by those who were present at the event! Congratulations to the organisers for such a successful event and it's hoped that this will become an annual event with an even bigger turn out next year.

Gathering at Federation Square, Melbourne Source: SBS Slovenian