During the presentation, marking 20 years of dedicated service by the Chamber, Milanović remarked that, although Australia is a distant country on the other side of the world, "many Croats have found and continue to find their home here, raise their families, and conduct business."
He added, "They live a life worthy of a human being, just as it is possible to live in Croatia today, and they are working to connect the economies of Croatia and Australia."
"Australia is a large country with a vast economy, and it takes considerable effort, as well as the planting of many seeds, for something to eventually grow. This is hard work, a long journey, and I thank you deeply for these efforts. Continue doing the quality and dedicated work you’ve started. Your example should inspire others, because Croatians are not only in Western Australia but also in other far-off parts of the world. They, too, should try something similar, put in the effort, and know that our doors will always be open to them, and they will feel our gratitude,” Milanović said.
The Charter was received by Luka Jurčević, president of the Chamber.
For 20 years, the Chamber has played a pivotal role in fostering trade and investment relations, as well as economic cooperation between Western Australia and Croatia. It has brought entrepreneurs and Australian companies to Croatia and promoted the country as a safe investment destination. The Chamber also organises annual celebrations for Croatia's Statehood Day in Perth, the Croatian Wine Festival, and highlights the role of Croatian women in Western Australia’s economy. Through financial donations, the Chamber has supported numerous initiatives to promote Croatia in Western Australia.
The ceremony, held at the Office of the President, was also attended by Richard Rodgers, Australian Ambassador to Croatia, David Anthony Tudorović, Croatian Honorary Consul in Adelaide, Zoran Šangut, Croatian Consul in Perth, and Logan Howlett, Mayor of the City of Cockburn.