Olga Hrvatin’s life in print: From Slovenia to SA

Written in her native tongue of Slovenian and translated into English, Resthaven Westbourne Park resident Mrs Olga Hrvatin has published a book, Slovenia is my birthplace, Australia is my home.

The book details Olga’s life, from her upbringing in Slovenia to her arrival in Australia in 1959, meeting her husband, Lojze, and then the birth of her two children. It also documents her five years working at Lentara, the Methodist Children’s Homes at Magill, and her 15 years of working at Resthaven Leabrook.

‘I decided to write the book because I wanted my family and friends to understand a bit more about my life,’ Olga says. ‘I’ve done many things and had many experiences. It is good to get it all on the page.’

Olga spent three years writing the book. Known as the ‘tech whiz’ of Resthaven Westbourne Park, she’d often be found typing her story on her computer whenever she felt the urge. During this time, she also suffered from illness, so there were periods when she was unable to do more work.

‘The hardest part of putting it together was getting the dates and names correct,’ Olga says. ‘This is my first book, and my last book,’ she laughs.

Olga was a keen photographer in her younger days, and many of her photos appear in the book.

‘I often had a camera in my hand,’ Olga says.

Once Olga had finished writing the 83-page book, it was then translated into English by Mrs Cilka Zagar, with further proofreading by Helen and Malcolm Merrit, and Father David Srumpf. Olga has self-published the book in both English and Slovenian.

Olga launched Slovenia is my birthplace, Australia is my home at a special event held at Resthaven Westbourne Park in August. Friends and family attended, and Olga shared her story and detailed information about her birth county of Slovenia with fellow residents.

Olga has since sent copies of the book to friends and family in Australia and Slovenia, and has copies available to sell.

Congratulations on your book, Olga! What an achievement!