Thursday, 7 April 2022

Srechko ‘Stretch’ Kontelj

Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (11:05): I rise to congratulate Dr Srechko ‘Stretch’ Kontelj OAM on his appointment as honorary consul for the Republic of Slovenia in Victoria. I was honoured to speak at the ceremony at which Slovenian ambassador, His Excellency Mr Jurij Rifelj, visited Geelong to confirm the appointment and formally open the consul office. The role is a great honour and responsibility, and Stretch will perform it with aplomb.

Slovenia is a nation of more than 2 million people, with its own distinct language, culture and heritage. It has been a full member of both the EU and NATO since 2004. As a former mayor of Geelong and a businessman of international experience, Stretch is well equipped to foster stronger economic relations between Australian and Slovenian businesses, particularly as the world comes out of COVID lockdowns. I know Stretch is doubly proud, first to have been accorded this honour by the Republic of Slovenia, the country of his parents’ birth, and secondly because of his pride in the city of Geelong. This appointment brings future opportunities in bilateral trade but also reflects past success and the city’s growing reputation. The new consul’s office brings recognition to Geelong and underlines its recovery in recent years. I congratulate Stretch on his richly deserved appointment to this important role.