issn 1448-8175 pp 534387/00013milena, hans kettler $10 jadran vatovec $10 slava gorkič $20 ivan...

SLOVENIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ISSUE No. 44 Summer / poletje 2007/08

NEWSLETTER Slovenski Klub Adelaide 50 let 1957 – 2007 Slovenian Club Adelaide 50 years

Slovenia - Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Jan – Jun 2008

ISSN 1448-8175 Australia Post print approved PP 534387/00013

President’s Address 50 years is a very long time you would think. If you sit down with your friends in our clubrooms and talk about happenings through that time, hard work achievements, arguments and happiness, you realize just how short 50 years really is. So many people contribute with hard work, time and financial support that it would be impossible to name everyone, because you always miss somebody, especially those who are silent contributors as they do not make a big noise. They just help and they are happy and make everyone around them happy. On this occasion I would like to thank all of those in the past and those of you in the present that are still helping and maintaining our club to be the place it is today, our home away from home. On behalf of our committee I wish everyone a happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Tomo Leš

SLOVENIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER Issue No. 44 Summer / poletje 2007/ 08

2

Slovenia South Australia:

Input and involvement from all South Australian Slovenians is welcomed and encouraged. Expressions of interest and contributions should be forwarded to the President at least one week prior to the Slovenian Club Committee’s scheduled meetings (second Sunday of every month). editor: Cultural Subcommittee contributions: Olga Hrvatin Ivan Legiša Tomo Leš Olga Orel Rosemary Poklar Adrian Vatovec Cassandra Vatovec Sources: include STA, Slovenia News, Radio Slovenija, Sinfo, Ice (Insight Central Europe), 24ur.com, Delo, Mladinska knjiga, SiOL.net, The Slovenia Times. Slovenia South Australia sponsors: � Slovenian Club Adelaide � Office for Slovenians Abroad,

Ljubljana, Slovenia Contributions are being sought from the Slovenian community for Issue No.45 of the Slovenia South Australia Newsletter. Contact the editorial committee.

Radio Committee Slovenian Radio Contact the Slovenian 5EBI radio broadcast committee or the appropriate program presenter if you wish to acknowledge someone’s birth, birthday, death, engagement, wedding, anniversary, get well wishes, achievement or some other community announcement. Radio broadcast committee members are Vida Končina, Ernest Orel (President), Olga Orel, Cvetka Petrovski and Rosemary Poklar. Program presenters are: Olga Orel (with Cvetka Petrovski monthly) and Vida Končina (Sunday afternoons); Pater Janez Tretjak (Wednesday evenings) or Rosemary Poklar (last Wednesday evening of the month only with guest presenters Adrian Vatovec, Anna-Maria

Zupančič, Chantel Flavel Zupančič and Stanka Sintič). The Slovenian program has been broadcast in Adelaide for over 30 years. Za Radiothon 2007 so prispevali naslednji gospodje in gospe ter družine: Emil Borlak $20 Cilka, Jože Jerebica $20 Branko Kreševič $20 Oto, Rezika Trošt $20 Tončka Kostaš $20 Julijana Viola $20 Družina Polajzer $20 Sonja Kovačevič $20 Franc Gojak $10 Tone Jesenko $10 Anica Rant $50 Slovenski Klub Adelaide $50 Družina Orel $50 Meri Puž $10 Danilo, Iva Kreševič $10 Angela Luter $10 Jože, Cvetka Jamnik $10 Alojz, Olga Hrvatin $10 Marija, Ivan Zagorc $10 Frank, Vida Končina $10 Alojz, Olga Poklar $10 Rosemary Poklar $10 Rudi, Jana Mezek $10 Marjo, Ivanka Jenko $10 Francka Klobas $10 Anica Župančič $10 David, Ivanka Pahor $10 Franc, Mary Železnik $10 Magda Rother $10 Valerija Milanovič $10 Angela Dodič $15 Franc, Anita Magaina $30 Štefan, Zinka Kolman $20 Štefan, Lenka Ivančič $20 Rudi, Lin Perkovič $20 Viktor Konestabo $10 Marijo, Katica Segulin $20 Miran, Mija Jug $10 Alojz, Rozi Kreševič $10 Tone Gustinčič $20 Polda Vatovec $10 Bruna, Claud Cassini $50 Bianka, Ciril Galič $10 Dana, Nik Bric $20 Štefan, Rezi Gabršek $20 Milena, Hans Kettler $10 Jadran Vatovec $10 Slava Gorkič $20 Ivan Legiša $20 Ana, Izidor Strgar $10 Danica Kaluža $5 Tine Kramar $10 Nik, Magda Kodele $20 Radislav Turelli $20 Charlotte Valenčič $20 Marta Zrim $10 Vida Katern $10 E. Grasy $25 Rudi, Ana Krajnc $30 Franc Lavrenčič $20 Stane, Blaženka Benigar $20 Olga Ivančič $20

Neimenovana gospa $30 Marija Milošič $10 Philip Ivančič $10 Milan, Ivanka Lukač $10 Tereza Škvarc $10 Ivanka Ivančič $10 Cvetka Petrovski $10 Kristina, Albert High $20 Tone, Marija Bunderla $20 Anica, Hans Szivatz $15 Frank, Rosi Šnofl $10 Francka Wetzel $10 Marija Bernik $10 Milan, Lidija Vrabec $10 Albin Štefančič $30 Vsega denarja od slovenske strani je bilo t. l. 2007 za Radiothon 1280 dolarjev – Hvala vsem, ki nam je mar, da zveni slovenska beseda na radio postaji 5EBI–FM. Olga Orel

GLASBA - MUSIC Slovenian Choir Adelaide (Slovenski pevski zbor Adelaide) rehearsals every second Sunday at 4.00pm, in the clubrooms. Slovenka Te Ljubim Kaj mar mi dan če siv je pust Če je ledena noč Saj mi ljubezni plamen tli Le zate vsrcu vroč Vsak dan vse dni bolj ljubim te Ob tebi čas beži In ktebi vmislih spaja me Da zabim na skrbi Slovenka te ljubim srce tako igra Iz dneva vdan prepevam ta ta ta ta tam Slovenka te ljubim le tebe rad imam Radost ti poslajam vsaki ljubi dan.

Ivan B. Legiša

ART CLASSES Tomo Leš has had his paintings exhibited at numerous art exhibitions in Adelaide and received his professional training in Europe. Tomo is exclusively offering members of Slovenian Club art classes for no cost. These classes would normally cost many hundreds of dollars. Contact Tomo at the clubrooms.

Slovenia South Australia Newsletter email contacts: [email protected] [email protected]


3

"

Zapeljivke and Boris Kopitar Concert Slovenian Club Adelaide, October 7, 2007

Zapeljivke and Boris Kopitar

Anita Polajzer, Zapeljivke: Maja Dobrotinšek, Melisa Spruk and Monika Mlinar – and Cassandra Vatovec

Boris Kopitar

Rezi Gabršek, Boris Kopitar, Štefan Gabršek and Nik Kodele


4

HAPPY 15th ANNIVERSARY SLOVENIAN CHOIR ADELAIDE! 1992 - 2007

GREMO - - - v CANBERRO GREMO ki je srce nacije in, ki pripada vsem nam. Tam se naši ministri srečujejo, debatirajo in postavljajo nove zakone, ki urejajo našo sedanjost in prihodnost." Tako nekako, nas je gospa Olga Hrvatin spodbujala, ogrevala in navduševala na pot. Blaženi, dolgo pričakovani dež je ravno jutru pošteno umil obraz, ko smo se zbrali v jato, za sedem dnevni izlet. Ta čas, da nas je Olga preštela in ugotovila, če smo vsi, smo si brezskrbni potniki izmenjavali milimetre dežja, ki nam je bil v noči osvežil zemljo in zrak. Navkljub pozabljenim sončnim očalam, iz kluba, je avtobus odpeljal točno ob napovedan času; rekel bi, za nas upokojence, ki smo se upočasnili, skoro prerano. Čez pičle pol ure smo že zapeljali mimo Toll Gate in iz grape občudovali otovorjene ladijske oblake, ki so vlekli dragoceno težo nad adelaidske griče in se brez solz neopazno dvigali v sinje višave. V Crafers, vrh rebri, je šofer Harry pobral še zadnjega potnika, ki je, dasi malo zaspan, napolnil avtobus s smehom. Med opazovanjem narave, klepetom in vici nas je šofer mimogrede pripeljal v Lameroo in nas, potrebne okrepčila, povabil na zajtrk. Gremo, gremo! Avtobus je drvel z ne prehitro enakomerno hitrostjo. Kraj poti so se razprostirala nič kaj obetavna žitna polja. Žalost celo, ko smo v kraju Tooleybuc zijali v žejno Murray River in naprej, v opustošena polja. Prvo noč smo prenočili dokaj slovesno, v Comfort Inn Bishops Lodge Hay. Zjutraj, po obilnem zajtrku, ko ni nihče upošteval kalorij in ne kolestorola,

smo se spet natrpali na voz in mimo Narrandere in Wagge Wagge prišli na Hume Highway, kjer nam je gričevnata narava spet zeleno obarvala pogled. V Canberro smo prišli prerano za v motel, zato nas je naš Harry potegnil na hrib Ainslie, od koder je v ravni črti, čez Lake Burley Griffin, enkraten razgled na Anzac Parade ter na oba parlamenta. Prepihani od vetra, s poslavljajočim soncem in po trudapolnem dnevu smo končno pristali v Embassy Motelu, kjer so nam odkazali sobe za naslednje štiri noči. Tretji dan 28. septembra nas je pričakala Floriada, največja razstava cvetja v južni hemisferi. Približnih devetnajst hektarjev gred različnega cvetja, od vsakobarvnih tulipanov do eksotičnih azalij, hiacint, mačic, vijolic, vrtnic, gardinij, rododendrona in še in še in še. Razstavljeno cvetje si dnevno ogleda do trideset tisoč ljudi. Škoda! Grede in cvetje po dvajsetem oktobru preorjejo in zmeljejo, da ne ostane nič. Naslednje leto nabavijo čebulice in sadike iz Viktorije ter pravočasno spet vabijo na Floriado. Med rožami smo se izgubili kot kafra. Vsak je hotel videti najlepše. Postali smo del Floriade. No, zdaj vsaj vsi vemo, kje rože v Avstraliji najlepše cveto! Po Floriadi smo se podali še na eno turistično atrakcijo in sicer v Cockington Green, ki je reprodukcija angleške vasi, v miniaturi. Med drugim je tam prikazana tudi slovenska arhitektura in sicer tipične hiše: Kraška s škrilami krita, alpska s skodlami ter panonska butana. Zahvala tistim, ki so se trudili, da je tudi Slovenija lepo zastopana! V soboto 29.9. so določili za ogled starega in novega


5

parlamenta, kjer nas je vodič, v House of Representatives posedel v klopi, nekatere ošemil in nam objasnil potek ter funkcije ministrov. Korak vstran od parlamenta smo šli gledat Film and Sound Australian Archives, kjer so nam vrteli stare filme: Blue Hills, Skippy Bush Kangaroo - kdo se ga ne spomni! - in druge. Po večerji, po želji smo se odpeljali na vrh Black Mountain. Povzpeli smo se na Telstra Tower in dobro ohlajeni občudovali čudo luči celotne Canberre. Izlet se je hitro pomikal h kraju. V nedeljo, nekateri smo iskali cerkev, hodili po modernih prostorih, Australian Institute of Sport, kjer se urijo naši najboljši športniki in se čudili razkošju. Popoldne nas je čakal še Australian War Memorial, ki sem ga odprtih ust primerjal z onim, ki sem ga gledal pred petdesetimi leti. Dan smo končali nedaleč od motela z vstopom v Australian Mint, tam si je lahko vsak sam, za $2.50 skoval $1 in si ga odnesel za spomin. Vse prijetno se nekje neha. Po večerji naša poslastica je bil še obisk slovenskega kluba, kjer so nas, navkljub pozni uri, gospa predsednica Vida Grlj in nekateri odborniki, sprejeli odprtih rok, nam razkazali prostore in nam objasnili njihove težave, skrbi in upe. Za uslugo in prijaznost prisrčna jim hvala! Kakšna škoda, ker smo bili na turi teden prerano in se tako nismo mogli udeležiti vseslovenskega koncerta! V ponedeljek, jutro si je šele mencalo oči, ko smo bili pripravljeni za domov. Po zajtrku, s cinglajočim vencem ključev v roki, je šofer prijel za volan. Po sedmih dneh je bilo prvič, da so nekateri prišli na avtobus kislih obrazov. V našo sredo se je vtihotapil fardamani 'bug', ki nam potem ni dal več miru. Nazaj smo drseli ob ukradenih utrinkih lepote. V kraju Yass smo prišli na Hume Highway, nato Gundagai s spomenikom tamkajšnjim pijonirjem: 'Dog on a Tucker Box'. Naprej smo sledili reki Murray do mesta Echuca, kjer smo zadnji večer prespali v Philadelphia Motor Inn. V torek drugega oktobra, po prevoženih tisoč sto kilometrih, ravno ko je šofer zapeljal na klubsko dvorišče, je naš navihani Franc, ko je zagledal prijatelja, ki ga je čakal z avtom, da ga odpelje domov, zavzdihnil: "Gremo!" in še dodal, "škoda - ker po tako uspešni turi so nekateri med nami pomilovanja vredni. Velika sreča, da nam je šofer ostal zdrav, saj če nam bi še on zbolel potem bi bili res vsi vs...". Draga gospa, Olga Hrvatin, hvala za vaš prispevek! Vsem ostalim za prijetno družbo! Ostanimo v cvetju in lepo nasmejani!

Ivan Legiša


6

Danilo Türk je novi predsednik države Ju.A./Do.P./De.P./Ma.K./B.H./STA, Ned 11.11.2007 Ljubljana - Po neuradnih rezultatih Državne volilne komisije je novi predsednik države postal Danilo Türk, ki je prejel 68,26 odstotka glasov, Lojze Peterle pa 31,74 odstotka. Volilna udeležba je bila 57,78-odstotna. Türk je največ glasov prejel v volilni enoti Maribor (73,42 odstotka), najmanj pa v volilni enoti Kranj (63,96 odstotka).

Danilo Türk ( na sliki z ženo in hčerko) novoizvoljeni slovenski predsednik | foto: Matej Družnik/Delo

Türk: Želim delovati kot predsednik, ki združuje Danilo Türk je v svojem prvem nastopu v tiskovnem središču v Cankarjevem domu (CD) v Ljubljani dejal, da želi delovati v skladu s svojim predvolilnim geslom - "predsednik, ki združuje in name se lahko zanesete". Zmagovalec drugega kroga predsedniških volitev in novoizvoljeni tretji predsednik države je prišel v spremstvu soproge in hčerke. Protikandidat Lojze Peterle je v CD novemu predsedniku Slovenije za zmago že čestital. Türk se je najprej zahvalil vsem volivkam in volivcem, ki so s svojimi glasovi in izbiro izrazili voljo ljudi v Sloveniji. "Ljudje na Slovenskem so spregovorili. Povedali so, kaj hočejo in to nas vse zavezuje," je dejal Türk. Ob tem se je posebej zahvalil vsem tistim, ki so pomagali pri volilni kampanji.

Danilo Türk wins Slovenia’s presidential vote LJUBLJANA (AFP) — Centre-left opposition party candidate Danilo Türk (pronounced Tuerk) decisively won Slovenia's presidential election on Sunday 11 November 2007. His landslide victory dealt a blow to the ruling centre-right coalition of Prime Minister Janez Janša ahead of general elections next year.

Danilo Türk and wife The 55-year-old Türk won 68.26 percent of the vote, while Lojze Peterle, backed by the PM's centre-right coalition, took just 31.74 percent. Türk's majority is the largest won in a presidential election in 15 years, beating even reformed communist Milan Kučan, who in 1992 won 64 percent of the vote in Slovenia's first democratic elections after independence. Peterle conceded defeat almost immediately after first exit polls indicated Türk's victory, admitting: "I expected a better result." He added: "I sincerely congratulate Danilo Türk on his victory. I wish him good luck in leading the country in the challenging times ahead of us." Calling his win a victory for all voters, Türk said: "I believe the situation here is such that many citizens want something new, that wish is very strong and the campaign has been proving that wish all along." The victory represents a fresh blow for Prime Minister Janša's ruling coalition

ahead of the 2008 general elections, following its defeat in Slovenia's two largest cities, Ljubljana and Maribor, in municipal elections last year. "This result is definitely a strong warning to the government. People are unhappy because of the mistakes it made and particularly because of high inflation," Borut Hočevar, a political analyst at daily newspaper Žurnal 24, told Reuters. "This was a vote against the government, at least analysts say so," said Peterle, himself a former prime minister. In the first round of voting on October 21, Peterle won 28.73 percent of the vote ahead of Türk with 24.47 percent. "I do not see any polarisation in these results. I had almost 70-percent support, that is wide support for our sober (political) platform, a platform that is shared by all," Türk said, adding "I hope we will collaborate well with the government." Turnout on round two of the election was 57.78 percent, the electoral commission reported. Slovenia's president holds a largely ceremonial role but Türk's victory has added meaning as he will now head the former communist country of two million inhabitants when it takes over the revolving six-month presidency of the European Union in January. Slovenia joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro in January. Türk will be sworn in at the end of December. He follows two other centre-left presidents: Kučan, who served two terms from 1992 to 2002, and Liberal Democrat outgoing president Janez Drnovšek, who chose not to stand for re-election. AAP/ Reuters

Profile Danilo Türk Danilo Türk began his political career in the late 1970s, working as a junior secretary of a human rights commission at the Socialist Union of the Working People, the Communist Party’s popular front. However, he quickly made a move into academia by becoming an assistant at the Ljubljana Faculty of Law. His career progressed quickly; in 1983, he became the head of the faculty’s Institute for International Law and International Relations. A year later, he was elected to the UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.

After a decade at the UN as an expert, Türk was named Slovenia’s first UN


7

ambassador in 1992. He was widely praised for his performance during Slovenia’s stint as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in the late 1990s. After eight years as an ambassador, Türk was named Assistant UN Secretary General for Political Affairs.

Much speculation has centred on Türk’s departure from the UN. His disappointment that he was not promoted to a UN Undersecretary position almost certainly played an important part in his decision to return to Slovenia and the Faculty of Law as a professor of international law.

OBVESTILO Veleposlaništva

Republike Slovenije v Canberri

Spoštovani, na prošnjo kulturno umetniškega društva bratov Avsenik vam v priponki pošiljam obvestilo o drugem mednarodnem tekmovanju harmonikarjev, ki bo 25. in 26. januarja 2008 v Begunjah na Gorenjskem. Priponka vsebuje tudi razpis in prijavnico za udeležbo na tekmovanju. Pravilnik tekmovanja je dosegljiv na spletnem naslovu www.avsenik.com. Hvaležen vam bom, če lahko o tekmovanju harmonikarjev obvestite čim širši krog tukajšnjih Slovenk in Slovencev, predvsem pa tistih, ki bi utegnili biti zainteresirani za udeležbo. S prisrčnimi pozdravi, Gregor Kozovinc, Charge d'Affaires a.i. Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia 6/60 Marcus Clarke Street Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia Phone: + 61 2 6243 4830 Facsimile: + 61 2 6243 4827 Email: [email protected] (Look at the Slovenian Club’s notice board for further information regarding this competition.)

Bajuk: Compatriots Abroad Vital for Slovenia's Future Development Ljubljana, 5 October

Addressing participants of a conference of Slovenian scientists and business people from around the world, Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk said that they were of key importance to Slovenia's prosperity.

Bajuk, who stood in for Prime Minister Janez Janša, recalled his return to Slovenia from Argentina, saying that he had been filled with a sense of belonging. According to him, this phenomenon is also confirmed by the presence of the participants of the conference, which was organised by the Slovenian World Congress, a Slovenian emigrant association. The minister meanwhile pointed to the development of Slovenia in the past 15 years, which has been underlined by high economic growth. According to him, such growth is only possible because it is based on knowledge and innovation. Bajuk believes that there is still room for improvement, especially in the connections between business and science. Slovenia has provided the necessary legislative framework in this respect, it is now up to private capital to make the next step, Bajuk added. Participants of the conference were also addressed by several other ministers and researchers. The president of the Slovenian Academy of Arts and Sciences Boštjan Žeks said that compatriots from abroad can importantly contribute to a paradigm shift in Slovenia in terms of increasing the competitiveness of science and research. Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Mojca Kucler Dolinar called them the best promotors of Slovenia in the world, while Development Minister Žiga Turk pointed to the importance of human resources. The chair of the congress, Boris Pleskovič, also identified some problems, highlighting difficulties in the implementation of the existing legislation. He also feels there is a need for an effective external evaluation of higher education and research institutes.

Tragic sequel to drug-fuelled night of housework Kate Jones October 12, 2007 A MOTORIST who killed an SBS radio broadcaster still had drugs in her bloodstream from two days before, when she had stayed up all night to do housework. And Dona Michelle Hayes had already been banned from the road for speeding four months before she ran head-on into the car of popular broadcaster Aurelia Rizmal, 62. Hayes, 36, was driving at up to 100km/h in a 70km/h zone in the Easter Sunday smash last year, the County Court heard. Her counsel, Alan Marshall, said that two days earlier, she'd had an enormous amount of washing and ironing to do and so had taken speed and stayed up all night. The methamphetamine was still in her system at the time of the fatal crash on Monbulk Rd, Sherbrooke, the court heard. Mr Marshall yesterday pleaded with a judge not to jail her for too long, saying she was keen to get back to being a mother to her three children. But Judge Roland Williams expressed his doubts. The court heard that on April Fool's Day this year, while on bail, she and her former fiance, Benjamin Jorgensen, had robbed the Cuckoo restaurant in Olinda. Their venture into crime ended in a shambles when they netted a bag of bread rolls rather than of cash, and Jorgensen accidentally blasted her in the hip with a shotgun. "All this talk about wanting to look after the children, and then while she's on bail she commits an armed robbery . . . It doesn't sit well with that behaviour," Judge Williams said. He sentenced her to six years' jail with a minimum of four years for culpable driving, using drugs, and driving while her licence was suspended. Hayes, of Belgrave, had pleaded guilty; she and Jorgensen have also pleaded guilty to armed robbery. The court was told Hayes had had a tragic life and had suffered depression and problems with violent relationships, and relied on painkillers. Hayes was genuinely remorseful and suffered nightmares about the accident, the court heard.


8

During sentencing, a tearful Hayes turned to Ms Rizmal's family and said, "I'm sorry". Outside court, widower Vinko Rizmal and daughter Zalika said they did not expect a jail term to compensate for their loss. "For us, we just have to live with now," Mr Rizmal said. Zalika paid tribute to her mother, who she said was very well known in the Slovenian community. "She was the kind of person who was always trying to help the most vulnerable, the most sick," she said. "Revenge wasn't what she was about." http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22571704-2862,00.html

Ljubljana on Channel 9’s Getaway Program October 25, 2007 The Republic of Slovenia in southern Central Europe is bordered by Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Austria and the Adriatic Sea. History records it as being part of the Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, Austria-Hungary, the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (named the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929) between the world wars, and the SFR of Yugoslavia from 1945 until achieving independence in 1991. Since then, Slovenia has flourished and is a wonderful alternative to much of Europe's crowds and high prices. The country is rich in resources, has natural beauty and is very peaceful.

Many of Slovenia's cities and towns bear the imprint of the Habsburg Empire and the Venetian Republic. In the Julian Alps you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Bavaria. The unique Karst region, the Adriatic coast, the mountains, the hilly wine-growing regions, the spas, and many historic towns are all within a two-hour drive of Ljubljana, the capital city. Ljubljana is dynamic and its geographical location has governed an interesting past. It is on a natural passage leading from Central Europe to the Mediterranean and towards the east.

Trade routes and waves of migration have passed through it for centuries. Legend says Ljubljana was founded by the Greek mythological hero Jason and his Argonauts. After stealing the Golden Fleece from King Aetes they fled across the Black Sea and up the Danube, Sava and Ljubljanica Rivers. They stopped at a large lake, the dwelling place of a monster, now known as the Ljubljana Dragon which has prominence on the city's coat-of-arms.

From its beginnings, Ljubljana's culture and lifestyle have been influenced by trends in Europe, with Central European and Mediterranean spirit evident in its residents' temperament. First-time visitors are surprised and delighted by the tranquil but bubbling city. It has much greenery and its centre has parks and forests. Culture is an important part of life and many theatres, museums and galleries satisfy those needs. Ljubljana's Old Town is shadowed by a medieval castle, Renaissance and Baroque façades, ornamented portals and uneven roofs. Remnants of its communist decades are now rather out of place on the other side of the Ljubljanica River. Old and new are linked by bridges which are a feature of the little city. The Central Market is between the Triple and Dragon Bridges. Its rows of stalls sell crisp and colourful fruits and vegetables, flowers and herbs, arts and crafts and are tended by friendly vendors. There is a wide and varied array of food, including delicacies such as the Karst prosciutto and the potica cake. When it was decided to connect the market with the Triple Bridge, Jože Plečnik, the architect, built a flower shop resembling the temples of classical antiquity next to the bridge and added a roofed colonnade connecting the original market. The elongated and gently curving white pavilion has a collection of eating places and a fish market. It is adjacent to two squares, Pogarčarjev Trg and Vodnikov Trg, perfect for experiencing the city's daily life.

The thought of erecting a funicular in Ljubljana first popped up at the end of the 19th century. At last they have one, and it carries passengers to Ljubljana Castle, the city's most spectacular sight. There is evidence that its hill top site was inhabited in the 12th century BC. With the exception of the outer walls of the Chapel of St George which was consecrated in 1489, all buildings of the present castle were built or rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries. Until 1814 it served as a garrison and later a prison. The Outlook Tower was built in 1848 for cannons acting as warnings and announcing important visitors and events. Views from the castle are the best in town. The funky and brightly painted Hostel Celica was once a prison. Cells have been made into twenty comfortable dormitories and rooms with bathroom. The restaurant and terrace are pleasant places to eat and meet other travellers, and the bar is the place to socialise until midnight. The hostel's location is fantastic and much exploring can be done on foot.

Ljubljana Card is a privilege tourist card just for those who want to get to know the city. It offers free bus transport, free or discounted entry to galleries, museums and events, lower prices for accommodation, meals, sightseeing tours and souvenirs, discounts on taxi fares and car rentals and shopping discounts. It is valid for three days and can be purchased online before you leave home. For hikers and climbers, September is an excellent time to visit and most of the summer crowds have gone home. December to March is for skiers. July and August see hotel rates rise and loads of tourists, especially on the coast. View video on the internet at http://getaway.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=308787


9

Harvey Norman v Sloveniji Harvey Norman je potrdil odprtje treh novih trgovin v letu 2008. Gradbena dela se bodo pričela v novem letu. Nove trgovine bodo v Kranju, Celju in Novem mestu. Vsaka od njih bo velika približno 4500 kvadratnih metrov. Skupaj z obstoječimi trgovinami bo Harvey Norman imel v Sloveniji skoraj 30.000 kvadratnih metrov prodajnih površin. Harvey Norman ima zagotovljeno zemljišče še za eno veliko trgovino v Mariboru, katere gradnja naj bi se začela konec prihodnjega leta.

“Smo v zadnji fazi pogajanj za lokacije novih trgovin in pričakujemo, da bomo sklenili pogodbe v naslednjih nekaj tednih. Iz določenih razlogov nismo pripravljeni razkriti natančnih lokacij trgovin v Kranju in Novem mestu, čeprav sta že določeni. Zadovoljni smo z obema lokacijama, saj sta blizu drugih nakupovalnih središč. Trgovina v Celju bo v Kidričevi ulici, poleg Tuševe Cash and Carry trgovine.

“Menim, da je nadzorni odbor matičnega podjetja v Avstraliji želel videti rezultate prvih dvanajstih mesecev poslovanja trgovine v Kopru. Poslovanje je bilo izjemno uspešno, zato smo se zdaj pripravljeni širiti naprej. Nove trgovine niso sporne, nove trgovine bodo. V obdobju dvanajstih mesecev pred junijem 2007 je Harvey Norman odprl 15 novih trgovin po vsem svetu. Podjetje ima denar in znanje za zelo hitro rast in zdi se, da imajo sedaj avstralski lastniki zaupanje v slovensko tržišče," je dejal direktor Blaine Callard.

Harvey Norman je avstralsko podjetje, ki ga je leta 1982 ustanovil Gerry Harvey. Trenutno ima več kot 270 trgovin po vsem svetu in letni promet, večji od 3,27 milijarde evrov. Leta 2002 je Harvey Norman odprl prvo trgovino v Ljubljani, ki ima več kot 10.000 kvadratnih metrov prodajnih površin, leta 2006 pa še drugo trgovino v Kopru.

Dan Rudolfa Maistra 23. november je od leta 2005 slovenski državni praznik, dan Rudolfa Maistra, ki pa ni dela prost dan. Rudolf Maister,general in pesnik, je bil rojen leta 1874 v Kamniku. V duhu uporništva in domoljubja se je kot vojaški poveljnik ob koncu prve svetovne vojne povezal z narodnim svetom za Štajersko in 23. novembra 1918 razorožil zeleno gardo mariborskih Nemcev ter tako prevzel oblast v Mariboru, s tem pa odprl možnost za zavarovanje severne meje, pridobitev dela Koroške in združitev Prekmurja z matično domovino. Rudolf Maister je umrl leta 1934 na Uncu pri Rakeku, pokopan pa je v Mariboru.

AUSTRALIAN SLOVENIAN IN NEW RUDD FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Tanya Plibersek, Member for Sydney, has been made Minister of Housing, and Status of Women in the newly elected Kevin Rudd Labor government. Tanya grew up in the southern suburbs of Sydney, the youngest of three children. Her parents emigrated from Slovenia in the 1950s. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications (Hons) from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Master of Politics and Public Policy at Macquarie University. Tanya worked for the NSW Ministry for the Status and Advancement of Women on domestic violence policy and research before joining the staff of Senator Bruce Childs and later Senator George Campbell. She was elected to Federal Parliament as the Member for Sydney in 1998. Tanya is married to Michael Coutts-Trotter, Director-General of the NSW Education Department. They have a daughter, Anna and a son, Joe.

You can find out further information about Tanya on her website: http://www.tanyaplibersek.com

Slovenia - Presidency of the Council of the European Union Jan – Jun 2008 The Presidency, i.e. the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, is held by each Member State in turn for a period of six months. During this time, the Presidency is the "face and voice" of the European Union, speaking on behalf of all Member States. The order of rotation for the Presidency has been established for the period 2005 to 2020.

Tasks of the Presidency:

• Organizing and chairing all meetings of the European Council, the Council of the European Union and its preparatory committees and working groups.

• Representing the Council in its dealings with other EU institutions and bodies, such as the European Commission and the European Parliament.

• Representing the European Union in international organizations and relations with countries outside the European Union.

Rupel Lays Out Slovenia's EU Presidency Plans 30.11.2007 By STA EU presidency is a big responsibility and challenge, as well as a unique chance for Slovenia's international affirmation and its economy, said Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel during a working visit to Berlin. Rupel outlined Slovenia's EU presidency plans and expressed hope that the spell would be a success, relying on the help of Germany and European solidarity. In his speech at the European Commission Representation in Berlin, the minister gave special attention to the challenges in the EU's foreign policy Slovenia will face during its stint as EU president, including the Middle East peace process, Iran and the Caucasus.


10

Rupel also pledged that special emphasis would be put on the Western Balkans and the future status of Kosovo. He voiced a desire for progress in the integration of the entire Western Balkans during Slovenia's presidency. According to him, this is the only way to normalise the situation in the region. The countries need to meet all the requirements for joining the EU, but the union must not force them to comply with additional criteria, which would be discriminatory compared to the 2004 and 2007 rounds of EU enlargement, Rupel said. He pointed to the example of Serbia, which still has some space for manoeuvering left, considering that Croatia had started on the path to the EU without fully cooperating with the Hague War Crimes Tribunal. Rupel was referring to the arrest of fugitive Serbian general Ratko Mladić, which is a condition for Belgrade to sign a stabilisation and association agreement with the EU. Touching on the Kosovo issue, Rupel expressed full support for the negotiating troika and said that Slovenia would strive for maximum unity before and after 10 December, when the troika is to present a report to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Rupel also said that the EU should place a mission in Kosovo, as this is the "courtyard" of Europe and should therefore be helped. He also expressed hopes that Serbia and Kosovo would reach an agreement on cooperation in the near future.

Hrana proti utrujenosti Jeseni se tako poletna energija in kot tudi naša zagnanost skrijeta nekam daleč in naenkrat se počutimo utrujeni in brezvoljni. Nekateri si pomagajo z dolgimi klepeti, drugi z rekreacijo, tretji z razvajanjem v wellness centrih. Le redko pa pomislimo na to, da ima veliko vlogo pri našem počutju tudi pravilna prehrana. Če tudi vam nenehno zmanjkuje energije in ste že zjutraj utrujeni, čeprav ste dovolj spali, potem je čas, da pogledate v svoj hladilnik. Hrana, ki nam hitro dvigne raven sladkorja v krvi, na primer sladke gazirane pijače ali prigrizki, ga tudi hitro zniža, zato smo kmalu utrujeni in brezvoljni in potrebujemo spet novo dozo energije. Tako se lahko hitro znajdemo v začaranem krogu

nenehnih izletov do hladilnika, iz katerega ponavadi vzamemo najbolj nezdrave stvari. Izberite polnozrnato Zato se trudite, da boste kupovali in izbirali kakovostnejšo hrano, ki se v organizmu sprošča počasi. Takšni so na primer polnovredni kosmiči ter polnozrnat kruh in testenine, ki vsebujejo dobre ogljikove hidrate, vitamine iz skupine B in magnezij. Energija, ki jo z njimi vnesemo v telo, se sprošča postopoma, zato se kasneje raven sladkorja niža počasneje in zaradi tega se tudi občutek utrujenosti ne pojavi naenkrat. Ves čas imejte ob sebi tudi sveže sadje in zelenjavo, ki vas bosta napolnila z novo energijo, vendar bodite previdni pri obrokih. V enem obroku pojejte samo peščico posameznega sadja, saj tudi sadje vsebuje naravni sladkor, zato ni dobro, da ga v telo naenkrat vnesemo preveč. Morda ste slabokrvni Utrujenost, razdražljivost, težave s koncentracijo in oslabljen imunski sistem so lahko tudi simptomi slabokrvnosti, ki se pogosteje pojavlja pri ženskah. Pri takih težavah si lahko pomagate z nemastnim rdečim mesom, ki vsebuje železo, vitamin B12 in folno kislino. Vitamin B12 je pomemben za nastanek rdečih krvničk ter vpliva na dobro delovanje živčnega sistema. Tudi ovseni kosmiči vsebujejo vitamine skupine B in železo, zato prav tako pomagajo pri nastajanju rdečih krvničk in oskrbi telesa s kisikom, vsebujejo pa tudi vitamin B12, ki ga sicer najdemo samo v hrani živalskega izvora, zato so odličen izbor tudi za vegetarijance. Železo iz mesa organizem dobro absorbira, za razliko od tistega, ki prihaja iz žitaric in zelenjave. Absorpcijo železa iz te vrste hrane pa lahko pospešimo z vitaminom C v prehrani. Najboljši je tisti iz sveže stisnjenih citrusov, zato si čim večkrat privoščite naravni sok. Tudi betakaroten izboljša absorpcijo železa, najdemo pa ga v korenju, rižu, koruzi in pšenici. Z zadostno količino betakarotena lahko telo bolje izkoristi energijo, ki jo ima na voljo.

Gibanje na svežem zraku in dovolj spanca Seveda morate poskrbeti tudi za zadostno količino gibanja na svežem zraku, ki bo tudi sicer pripomoglo k boljšemu počutju. Zagotovite si tudi najmanj pet obrokov na dan. Raje jih pojejte več, a naj bodo majhni po količini. Vsako noč si privoščite tudi dovolj spanja, vsaj osem ur oziroma toliko, kot jih potrebujete, da se zbudite naspani, saj bo tudi to odpravilo nepretrgano utrujenost in slabovoljnost. Če se težave kljub temu ne nehajo, pa pojdite k zdravniku, saj verjetno bolehate za katero od bolezni. Kronična utrujenost je na primer lahko znak za sinusitis, vnetje sinusov, ki ga tudi zdravniki redkokdaj opazijo. Lahko gre tudi za nepravilno delovanje ščitnice ali kaj drugega, kar pa lahko ugotovi samo zdravnik. M. M. SiOL.net

KNJIGE – BOOKS DOMAČI ZDRAVNIK


11

Zdravnik pri roki, preprost, jasen in učinkovit! - Kratek opis bolezni ali težave - Kaj lahko storite sami: zdravljenje doma, sintetična in naravna zdravila - Preprečevanje bolezni ali njene ponovitve - Opozorila: simptomi, ki zahtevajo takojšnjo zdravniško pomoč SLOVENSKA ZGODOVINA V BESEDI IN SLIKI

Odgovore na vsa zanimiva vprašanja najdete v tej pregledno pisani knjigi, obogateni z mnogovrstnimi utrinki, dokumenti in zemljevidi. Namenjena je članom Sveta knjige, širokemu krogu bralcev, pisana je razumljivo, pripovedno in sočno. Pripoveduje zgodbo o tem, kako so se Slovenci in predniki vedno znova soočali s tujimi oblastniki in vplivi, pa vendar skozi stoletja oblikovali razpoznavno identiteto, ki je bila konec 20. stoletja kronana z lastno državo. Knjigo je pripravila uredniška skupina Enciklopedije Slovenije na podlagi bogatih izkušenj. http://www.svetknjige.si

What’s Cooking? in Slovenia …

Scampi With Roasted Courgettes (Škampi s popečenimi bučkami)

Ingredients 20 shelled scampi 4 courgettes 30g grated Nanos cheese or parmesan 40ml olive oil 40g breadcrumbs 5g basil 5g mint 3g hot paprika 3g oregano Salt Method Mix the breadcrumbs with the basil, mint, oregano, paprika, and a third of the grated cheese. Toss scampi with oil. Thinly slice the courgettes lengthwise. Arrange them in a greased ovenproof dish, place the scampi on top, sprinkle with the prepared mixture of herbs and spices, and cover with another layer of courgettes. Drizzle with oil as necessary and add the rest of the cheese. If possible, prepare this separately for each guest, in separate dishes. Bake in the oven at 250°C for 10 minutes or until golden. Source: The Cuisine of Slovenia, 100

Selected Dishes

in Australia …

Confit of Australian Red Desert Dust Salmon

Ingredients 2×180g Australian Salmon Fillets 10g Australian Red Desert Dust 40ml Olive Oil 180g chat potatoes (substitute with sweet potatoes for lower GI index) 100g green beans 5ml balsamic vinegar 5g seeded dijon mustard 1 sprig parsley, chopped 50g mixed cress salad 1 clove garlic, crushed

Method Start by dusting each of the salmon fillets with Red Desert Dust (seasoning with a gutsy, aromatic mix of conventional and native Australian ingredients) and a little outback salt. In a large frying pan pour 30ml of olive oil and place in each of the salmon fillets service side down. Place the washed chat potatoes into a pot of water and bring to the boil. Place the frying pan of salmon on top of the potatoes like a bain marie and slowly cook the salmon. It should take around 25 minutes in total. Whilst the potatoes and salmon are cooking, make the simple dressing of olive oil, mustard, balsamic vinegar and chopped parsley. Whisk in the bowl till combined. Toss with mixed cress salad. Once the potatoes are cooked remove from water and continue to cook the salmon on the bain marie. Cut the potatoes in half as well as the beans. With the remaining olive oil, place in a frying pan with the crushed garlic, then sauté the potatoes till golden. Add the beans and remaining parsley to finish. To serve place the potato & bean mix in a shallow bowl, then the confit salmon and top with mixed cress salad. Benjamin Christie

ZGOŠČENKE – CDs

Novi CD Vlado Kreslin – Cesta. New CD from Vlado Kreslin is called Cesta (Road) The phenomenal Kreslin continues his high level presence on the Slovenian music scene with this new release. Lyrics from the first single Z Goričkega v Piran. Z Goričkega v Piran Pride dan, navaden, tih in zaspan ko se zjutraj že povsem očitno zdi da bi bolje b'lo, če ga ne bi bilo.


12

Sama žalost, sami bivši ljudje le še marketing in deficit srca nobenih vicev več, še vreme je za vraga. Ko pa prideš ti, se nebo mi razjasni kakor da letim, sebi sam se imeniten zdim! Ko pa prideš ti, se nebo mi razjasni, čez gore, ravan, seže mi pogled z Goričkega v Piran! Tožne misli o vsem kar je že bilo nekaj o smislu in o minljivosti, pa o tem, da sem si sam največji problem. Ko pa prideš ti, se nebo mi razjasni kakor da letim, sebi sam se imeniten zdim! Ko pa prideš ti, se nebo mi razjasni, čez gore, ravan, seže mi pogled z Goričkega v Piran! Internet: www.kreslin.com

Zapeljivke – Tujina (Abroad) Zapeljivke with their folk recording Tujina (Abroad). They most recently toured Australia with Boris Kopitar. Internet: www.zapeljivke.si

Marjan Zgonc - Napolitanski in operni napevi

Kdor ga pozna, ve, da imajo njegove pesmi poudarek predvsem na lepih melodijah, ki jih Marjan izredno lepo in doživeto odpoje. Javnosti se je prvič predstavil prav z napolitanskimi napevi, kot so 'O sole mio', 'Santa Lucia' in drugimi, saj je prav belcanto (italijansko lepo petje) že od otroških let njegova največja strast. Internet: www.menart.si See video clips of your favourite Slovenian artists on YouTube.

Seen & Heard Bled Castle is to get a complete makeover before 2011 worth some EUR 6m, Matjaž Završnik, head of the Bled institute for tourism, which is now in charge of the castle, told the press.

Bled Castle The most significant improvement will be an elevator from the car park to the castle terrace, while a new exhibition would be set up in the castle covering the history of Bled and its surroundings, Završnik said. The renovation should be completed by 2011, when the castle celebrates 1,000 years since it was first mentioned in a historic document, said Završnik and added that the Festivalna dvorana congress centre is to be renovated as well in the coming years. The Bled Castle, the second most visited Slovenian landmark, attracts some 200,000 people a year on average and gets EUR 750,000 from entrance fees. This money will partly be used for the

restoration, while 60% of the costs will be covered by EU funds, said Završnik.

The Duke of York, Prince Andrew and Prime Minister Janez Janša.

The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, praised Slovenia's achievements since it gained independence in 1991 as he met top Slovenian officials in September, including Prime Minister Janez Janša and Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel. Convinced that this trend would continue, Prince Andrew said in talks with Janša that the United Kingdom was willing to share examples of best practice, for example in public-private partnership. Prince Andrew wished Slovenia a lot of success during its presidency of the EU in the first half of 2008 and pledged the UK's support for Slovenian efforts.

Novo mesto

The city of Novo mesto won the bronze award at this year's Entente Florale Europe, the European Competition for Towns and Villages in Bloom, which took place on 21 September in Harrogate, the UK, Novo mesto Mayor Alojzij Muhič told the press. The municipality sees the award as a confirmation of its policy of giving Novo mesto an image of a contemporary and well-maintained city.


13

Slovenians are among the most multi-lingual in Europe. According to a Eurobarometer poll taken last year, around 71% of Slovenians already speak a foreign language. The country is second only to the Netherlands in this regard, and far ahead of countries like Italy and Britain, where more than 60% of people don't speak any foreign language.

Slovenian power companies have begun a campaign to increase awareness about energy efficiency at home. As part of the campaign, the companies are to give one energy-saving light bulb to each household in the country. According to Damjan Koletnik, director of HSE, Slovenia's largest power producer, the campaign is the first step to increasing the efficiency of electricity use at home and reducing the negative effects of electricity use on the environment. Koletnik pointed out that an energy-saving bulb used five times less power and had a much greater lifespan. He called on Slovenians to install the light bulb in the room where they spend the most time.

Slovenia is getting ready to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of

Protestant priest Primož Trubar (1508-1586), who is considered the pioneer of the Slovenian language. The life and work of the author of the first printed books in Slovenian are to be celebrated throughout 2008 at a host of ceremonies, symposiums as well as through an extensive exhibition. Trubar was the founder and the first superintendent of the Protestant Church in Slovenia. He wanted to write books in a language which could easily be understood by all Slovenians and decided to base the written version of Slovenian on dialects spoken in the country's central regions. By publishing his "Abecedarium" spelling-book and "Catechism" in 1550, he gave Slovenians the first books in their language. Moreover, in "Catechism" the inhabitants of today's Slovenia were referred to as "Slovenci" (Slovenians) for the first time. Trubar was also among those who established the first libraries and schools in Kranjska. However, due to the strong anti-Reformation movement, Slovenian Protestants left and mainly went to Germany. As a result, the two-million Slovenia is now predominantly Roman Catholic (57.8%), its Protestant community numbering around 16,000, or 1% of the population. The majority of the Evangelic Lutheran community is concentrated in Prekmurje, a region in the northeast. Religions in Slovenia % Catholic 57.82 Evangelical 0.75 other Protestant 0.07 Orthodox 2.34 other Christian 0.10 Islam 2.42 Oriental 0.05 other religion and Agnostic

0.05

Believer but belongs to no religion

3.50

Unbeliever, atheist 10.15 Did not want to reply

15.68

Unknown 7.08 Total 100.00 Source: Slovenian Population Census 2002.

Biographies of 129 women who made important contributions to Slovenian arts, science or some other aspect of public life in the 19th and 20th centuries, but failed to make their mark just because

they were women are now available in a book. The collection "The Forgotten Half - Portraits of 19th and 20th-Century Women in Slovenia" is not intended to glorify those women, rather, it is of a documentary nature, one of the editors of the book said at the launch. While most of the readers will know the names such as poet-actor Mila Kačič (1912-2000), author and traveller Alma Karlin (1889-1950), authors Zofka Kveder (1878-1926) or Mira Mihelič (1912-1985), Russian-born Slovenian actor Marija Nablocka (1890-1969), poet Lili Novy (1885-1958), lawyer and author Ljuba Prenner (1906-1977) or feminist Angela Vode (1892-1985), the majority of women will have been unknown to them until now. The book in a way supports positive discrimination and is a symbolic apology to the women who had been forgotten for too long, according to academy member Jože Trontelj.

A memorial plaque was unveiled in November in the Egyptian city of Alexandria to honour the Alexandrians, Slovenian women who worked in Egypt, mostly Alexandria, from the end of the 19th until the middle of 20th centuries. Before World War II, some 8,000 Alexandrians, mainly women from the western region of Goriško, worked in Egypt as nurses, seamstresses, nannies, maids and governesses in the households of rich European families. They left their families, often their husbands and children, to work abroad for several years, then they returned home and went back to Egypt, which often proved rather traumatic. A few years ago, author Marjan Tomšič described the Alexandrians' bitter experience of being torn away from their families in a novel entitled "Grenko morje" (Bitter Sea), thus paying a tribute to their courage.

The latest Human Development Report 2007/2008 from the United Nations places Australia as the third best country to live. Australia came in behind top-ranking Iceland and Norway in second spot. Slovenia is ranked in 27th position from a total of 177 countries contained in the study. AIDS-afflicted sub-Saharan African states occupied the lowest rankings of the UN Human Development Index. The report identified climate change as a major issue.


14

Australia Slovenia Rank 3 27 Life expectancy at birth (years)

80.9 77.4

GDP per capita (PPP US$)

31,794 22,273

BUSINESS SLOVENIA

Slovenia has placed 55th in a Doing Business survey published by the World Bank. The country has managed to gain five spots from last year among the 178 countries where the survey measured the ease of doing business. Out of the 10 sectors that were measured, Slovenia advanced in dealing with licences, closing a business and registering property. It did worse than last year in the areas of starting a business, employing workers, getting credit and trading across borders. Among the countries in Slovenia's neighbourhood, Austria ranks 25th, Hungary is 45th, Italy is two places ahead of Slovenia (53rd) and Croatia ranks 97th. Singapore remained on top for the second year running, followed by New Zealand and the US. Australia ranked in 9th place. The Democratic Republic of Congo meanwhile placed at the bottom of the list.

*** Mercator, Slovenia’s biggest grocer, topped the list of the biggest Slovenian firms in terms of revenues in 2006, while the pharmaceutical company Krka topped the list in terms of returns, shows a survey of the 101 biggest Slovenian companies published by the business daily Finance. Mercator helped recapture the top spot in terms of revenues among Slovenian companies last year with the help of acquisitions on the markets of the former Yugoslavia. The group had total revenues in excess of EUR 2bn, up 18% on the year before. The grocer overtook the

energy group Petrol (EUR 1.94bn) for top spot, while home appliance group Gorenje was third with revenues of EUR 1.11bn. Hardware retailer Merkur (EUR 999m) and pharmaceutical producer Lek (EUR 957.7m) rounded up the top five.

Krka plant in Novo mesto. In terms of returns, Krka secured the top spot in a survey of the best return on revenues, return on equity and value added per employee. Slovenia’s biggest companies generated revenues of EUR 23.1bn among them in 2006, an 11.6% rise over 2005. They made a total net profit of EUR 1.3bn, which is nearly 20% more than in 2005.

***

The Irish firm Wedgwood, the world's top selling maker of crystal and fine china, axed 2,300 jobs in Ireland and Britain, shut an Irish crystal factory and an English ceramics plant and shifted production to a new china plant in Indonesia and subcontracted crystal lines to Slovenia and Brazil to lower labour costs. In Slovenia the company Steklarna Rogaška, a glass manufacturer, will be making Wedgwood products. Waterford and Steklarna Rogaška have been doing business together for more than 20 years. The company was interested in acquiring Steklarna Rogaška in 2001.

*** Harvey Norman plans to open three new stores in Slovenia during 2008. New locations are Kranj, Celje and Novo

mesto. This will bring the total number of stores in Slovenia to five with the existing stores in Ljubljana and Koper. In an interesting twist for a store that is at the forefront of selling the latest in technology, Gerry Harvey does not know how to use a computer.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Urednik Drage rojakinje, dragi rojaki v domovini in po svetu, Slovenke in Slovenci v Stuttgartu, v Zvezni Republiki Nemčiji, izgubljamo naš Slovenski dom, kjer smo desetletja imeli zatočišče in svoj dom. Prav v Stuttgartu in okolici se nahaja ena največjih slovenskih skupnosti, ki živi na tujem. Škofija Rottenburg-Stuttgart prodaja Slovenski dom in do novega leta mora slovenska skupnost zapustiti prostore. Sedaj je na potezi naša Vlada in Urad za Slovence v zamejstvu in po svetu, ki lahko ta Dom odkupi. Pozivamo vas, drage rojakinje in rojaki, da podpišete podporno izjavo www.triglav-stuttgart.si za odkup Slovenskega doma in nagovorite našo slovensko vlado in vse politične veljake v naši domovini, da se predramijo in nam pomagajo. K temu jih izrazito obvezuje nov zakon o Slovencih v zamejstvu in po svetu. Prosimo vas, da to sporočilo po internetu, kar se da hitro posredujete vsem ljudem, ki so pripravljeni s podpisom podporne izjave podpret ta projekt. Administratorji spletnih strani, prosimo vas, da objavite direktno povezavo s podporno izjavo www.triglav-stuttgart.si na vaših straneh. Hvala za vašo podporo in solidarnost. Dr. Zvone Štrubelj, vodja celotnega projekta Andrej Vudler, vodja internetnega oglasa za podporo projekta Dear Slovenes in Slovenia and abroad! We regretfully bring you the sad and urgent news that our compatriots in Stuttgart, Germany, are in danger of losing their Slovenian House. The House has for many years served as the community home and meeting point of one of the largest expatriate communities of Slovenes living


15

abroad. The owners of the property, the Rottenburg-Stuttgart diocese, have decided to sell the House, and have given us notice to vacate the property by the New Year. We believe it is in the best interests of our community that we remain in the House, by purchasing the property from the diocese. In this regard, we appeal for help from our government and particularly the Office for Slovenes Abroad. We wish to note that according to a new law about Slovenes abroad, the government does have a responsibility to help us. We appeal to you, our fellow Slovenes, to sign the petition of support for the purchase of the Slovenian House in Stuttgart and to lobby our government and all political forces in Slovenia on our behalf. We urge you to distribute this message as soon as you can to all who may be willing to support this project by signing our petition. We also urge webmasters to publish on their own websites the internet link to the House, www.triglav-stuttgart.si, where the petition can be signed. Only with your help and support will we be able to preserve the House for future generations of Slovenes living in Germany. With this aim in mind, we are deeply grateful for all your assistance. Dr. Zvone Štrubelj, campaign leader Andrej Vudler, petition webmaster

ŠPORT - SPORT Rowing: Čop and Špik Crowned World Champions Munich, 1 September Slovenia's top rowing duo of Iztok Čop and Luka Špik were crowned world champions in Munich, beating the French and Estonian boats in a hair-raising finish. The gold medalists from the Athens Olympics did not have a stellar season and many did not expect gold considering the fierce competition For the 35-year-old Čop, one of the most successful Slovenian athletes of all time, this is the 15th medal from Olympic Games and world championships; he won his first world championship medal in 1991. The gold is the 7th medal from major

championships for Špik, who is seven years younger than Čop.

*** Bled to Host 2011 World Rowing Championships Munich, 3 September The Slovenian lakeside resort of Bled is to host the World Rowing Championships in 2011. This follows a decision passed at the congress of the International Rowing Federation (FISA) in Munich.

*** Slovenia will encounter San Marino, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Poland and the Czech Republic in Group 3 in qualifying for the 2010 football World Cup, according to the FIFA qualifying draw.

WELCOME

Welcome to Katarina Langus and Aleš Šeligo from Slovenia. Katarina commenced studying for a two year Masters Degree in Tourism at the University of South Australia in June, while husband Aleš will be making frequent visits to Adelaide from Europe where he works as an architect.

CONGRATULATIONS ČESTITKE All the best - vse najboljše! Births - Rojstvo Alan and Siobhan Gobec (nee Parker) a daughter Lara Cherie, born December 5, 2007. Birthday – Rojstni dan October – Ivanka Ivančič (70th), Polda Vatovec, Sonja Kovačevič. November - Ralph Churches B.E.M. (90th) December – Anica Strgar, Tončka Kostaš

Wedding - Poroka

Anita Milanovič and Steve Packham, married September 30, 2007, in Bali. Anita is the daughter of George and Valeria Milanovič.

*** Mathew Pistor and Giana Signorielo, married December 1, 2007, in Adelaide. Mathew is the son of Ricky and Suzy Pistor. Please let the editorial committee

know of milestones and achievements for

inclusion in the newsletter.

Obituary – Osmrtnica The Slovenian Club, on behalf of the Slovenian community of South Australia, wishes to express its sincere condolences to the family and friends of : Karolina Antauer

SBS radio presenter on Slovenian program. Urednica Slovenskih oddaj na SBS radio. Born in Slovenia, 30/04/1962. Passed away Melbourne, 22/09/2007. 45 years old. Condolences to her family. Karolina migrated with her family (husband Gregor and daughter Patricia) from Slovenia to New Zealand in 1995 and then to Melbourne in 1999. Her radio work with SBS began in 2000.


16

Mimi Urbančič Born in Ribnica, Slovenia, 29/04/1929. Passed away in Port Lincoln, South Australia, 20/10/2007. 78 years old.

PERSONAL NOTICES Notices to be forwarded through the Club

President, in writing (Slovenian or

English). All letters will need to make

mail delivery by the weekend prior to the

scheduled Club Committee meetings to

ensure inclusion in the next issue of the

newsletter.

HALL HIRE HALL HIRE Main Hall (seats 250) members: $350.00 non-members: $700.00 Clubrooms (seats 120) members: $135.00 non-members: $250.00 Hall&Clubrooms (seats 350) members: $450.00 non-members: $850.00 Further information from the Club President or Secretary

USEFUL ADDRESSES Slovenian Club Adelaide Founded in 1957

11 Lasalle Street Dudley Park SA 5008 tel: 8269 6199 fax: 8269 2406 Slovenian Club opening hours: 7.00pm – 8.00pm Fridays for Yoga 2.00pm – 10.30pm Sundays 10.00am – 3.00pm -Every third Wednesday for Dan Sončnic (Sunflower Day). Slovenian Catholic Church 51 Young Avenue West Hindmarsh SA 5007 tel: 8121 3869 fax: 8346 2903 email: [email protected] Sunday Mass at 10.00am 5EBI FM Radio (stereo FM 103.1mhz) 10 Byron Place Adelaide SA 5000 office tel: 8211 7635 studio tel: 8211 7066 Slovenian program times: Wednesdays 7.00 – 7.30pm Sundays 2.00 – 2.30pm Veleposlaništvo Republike Slovenije (Slovenian Embassy) Advance Bank Centre Level 6, 60 Marcus Clarke Street Canberra ACT 2601 PO Box 284, Civic Square Canberra ACT 2608 tel: (02) 6 243 4830 fax: (02) 6 243 4827

email: [email protected] internet: www.dkp.gov.si/veleposlanistva/eng/canberra/ Urad Republike Slovenije za Slovence v zamejstvu in po svetu (Office of The Republic of Slovenia, for Slovenians Abroad) Železna Cesta 14 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia tel: +386 1 430 2810 fax: +386 1 478 2296 internet: www.uszs.gov.si SBS Radio (stereo FM 106.3 mhz) Federation Square Melbourne VIC 3000 tel: (Melbourne): (03) 9685 2519 tel: (Sydney): (02) 9430 2828 Slovenian program national broadcast: Tuesdays 9.00 – 10.00am Listen to Slovenian program at any time on Internet radio: http://www9.sbs.com.au/radio/language.php?language=Slovenian Ministrstvo za Kulturo (Slovenian Ministry for Culture) Maistrova 10 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia tel: +386 1 369 5900 fax: +386 1 369 5901 internet: http://www.mk.gov.si/ Slovenska Izseljenska Matica (Slovenian Emigrant Association) Cankarjeva 1/11 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia tel: +386 1 241 0280 fax: +386 1 425 1673 internet: http://www.zdruzenje-sim.si/ publisher of slovenija.svet

Slovenian Media House PO Box 191 Sylvania NSW 2224 Internet: www.glasslovenije.com.au Internet publisher Slovenian Australian Institute PO Box 15 Camperdown NSW 2050 Internet: www.sloaus-inst.com Internet publisher Radio Slovenija 1 Program of Slovenians abroad. Friday night (Slovenian time) 8.30pm – 11.00pm Middle wave 326.8 m or 918 kHz. Internet radio: www.rtvslo.si RTV Slovenija II Slovenian Magazine Every second Saturday at 9.30pm (Slovenian time) Satelite: Eutelsat, Hot Bird 3, 13 degrees East, transponder 80, 12302, 880 MHz, polarisation Y, coding system Viaccess. Internet (view anytime): http://www.rtvslo.si/slovenianmagazine/

The Slovenia Times Fortnightly newspaper in English, published in Ljubljana. Internet: www.sloveniatimes.com Slovenia South Australia NEWSLETTER ADVERTISEMENTS Advertise your business Contact Club President or Secretary. Sample advertisements may be submitted as hardcopy or on floppy disk or CD, or have it made up by the editorial committee. Rates: Business card size $10 ¼page (210mmwide x 75mm high) $15 (105mm wide x 150mm high) $15 ½ (210mm wide x 150mm high) $30 (105mm wide x 297mm high) $30 ¾ (210mm wide x 225mm high) $45 full page (210mm wide x 297mm high) $60

Slovenian Club Adelaide

Yoga classes professional instructor

classes for young and old

you can join any time and just go at your own pace

Every Friday Night 7- 8pm

$3

The ancient Indian art of Yoga improves all

aspects of your life. mind, body & soul

all equipment provided by the

Slovenian Club (wear something comfortable)


17

FILATELIJA - Stamps Škrati Škrati, mala starikava bajna bitja, so na Slovenskem znani z različnimi imeni in lastnostmi; od primorskega Kapiča, ki kot večina škratov v jami pretaka zlato, Lesnika in Gugljaja, ki prebivata v začaranih drevesih, do sivega Dimka, ki pomaga oglarjem, pohorskega svetlega Labra, ki pokaže zlato rudo, hišnega duha Šeteka ali Škratca, ki v zameno za obljubljeno domačiji prinaša bogastvo in se žareči metli podoben spusti skozi dimnik v hišo. Po rudarskem verovanju naj bi jamski škrat Perkmandeljc (tudi Pergmandelc, Birkmandeljc, Perkmandelj) v jami povzročal nesreče. Ker ne trpi vpitja in žvižganja, rudarji ne delajo hrupa. Že tristo let vodi Berkmandeljc rudarja po podzemnih bogatih žilah na Koroškem. V Idriji vsak dan darujejo tem dobrim duhovom kozico jedi, enkrat letno rdeč suknjič. Nagajivega škrata Tausa, čuvaja gorskih zakladov v Hudi peči, potopljenega zaklada v Krki in vremenarja, prebivalci Gorjancev videvajo v zelenem jopiču in rdečih hlačkah, na glavi nosi koničasto rdečo kapico s cofkom, na nogah ima luske, med petami pa kozji šopek dlak, ficeln. Imenovan tudi Škratelj ali Hudobec z vabljivo mošnjo zlata v roki zvrne nesrečo na vsakega, ki ga spozna. Čatež, pol človek pol kozel, iz zahodne in vzhodne Slovenije, spreminja svojo velikost, drvarjem ter pastirjem prinaša hrano, lahko pa ljudi plaši, spelje s poti in jih ščegeta do smrti. V odgovor na posmeh zvali kamenje s pečin na njihove hrame. Z gora se spušča v doline, kjer krade grozdje in se opija, kar spominja na antičnega Pana. Raznovrstna izročila o škratih, katerih splošno ime izhaja iz nemščine, so morda povezana s kulti prednikov, dreves in hišnih malikov. Elves Elves, the little, old, fairytale beings, are known in Slovenia by different names and characteristics – from the coastal Kapič (Dripper) pouring gold in caves, Lesnik (Woody) and Gugljaj (Rocky) living in enchanted trees, to gray Dimko (Smoky) helping charcoal burners, the Pohorje Laber showing the gold ore to a house spirit Šetek or Škratec (Dwarfy), who for a favour brings wealth to a home and who comes down the chimney like a shiny broom. The cave dwarf Perkmandeljc (also Pergmandelc,

Birkmandeljc, Perkmandelj) is believed by the miners to cause accidents in caves. Because he does not like yelling and whistling, the miners avoid making any noise. Berkmandeljc has been guiding miners through rich underground lodes in Carinthia for 300 years. In Idrija, these good spirits are daily offered a pan of food and a red jacket once a year. The residents of the Gorjanci hills see the teasing elf Taus – the keeper of the mountain treasures in Huda peč, of the sunken treasure in the Krka river and a weatherman – in a green jacket, red shorts, pointed red cap with a tuft, with scales on his feet and a goat tuft of hair between his heels. Čatež, half man half goat, from Western and Eastern Slovenia changes his size, brings food to woodmen and shepherds, but can also scare people and tickle them to death. He descends from the mountains to the valleys, where he steals grapes and gets drunk, thus resembling the antique Pan. Katja Hrobat Pošta Slovenije

Do you require a Justice of the Peace?

Free service

Contact Danilo Kreševič

Telephone 8340 7010

TRIP TO

SLOVENIA April – May 2008

5 weeks $3,500 - $4,500

All interested please contact Lyn Perkovič at Slovenian Club Adelaide as soon as possible so that travel arrangements can begin.


18

SILVESTROVANJE

NEW YEARS EVE

Monday December 31

Slovenian Club Adelaide

Members $20 Non-members $25

Please book and pay by 16. 12. 2007

issn 1448-8175 pp 534387/00013milena, hans kettler $10 jadran vatovec $10 slava gorkič $20 ivan...

Documents