Croatian returnees from Australia: safety is paramount

Vesna and Adrian Deša left Australia and moved with their family to Zadar so their children could learn the Croatian language and become more closely connected to their roots. 

Four years after their relocation, they say the decision was the right one.

Life in Dalmatia, they explain, has brought a more relaxed pace and greater spontaneity in everyday life. Vesna notes that social life in Croatia differs significantly from that in Australia, where meetings are often scheduled a month in advance and do not always take place. In Zadar, she says, there is more flexibility and time for socialising.

Both Vesna and Adrian were born in Australia. Vesna previously worked as a manager, while Adrian worked as a civil engineer. After moving to Zadar, they started their own business.

Vesna says she is satisfied with both the social and cultural life in the city, adding that there is activity throughout the year and that she particularly enjoys visiting the theatre.

She also notes that, although income levels in Australia are higher, so are living costs, and that material factors are not central to her sense of fulfilment. For her, the greatest value is the freedom her children enjoy, able to move around the city independently and grow up in a safe environment.

It is precisely these everyday elements—such as children’s safety and spontaneous social interactions—that she says were key in their decision to build their life in Croatia.