Bosnian Professionals Australia Networking Night: A Celebration of Excellence and Community
Melbourne, 19 September 2025 – What an incredible and inspiring night! Bosnian Professionals Australia (BPA), the sister organisation of the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation (BHFF), brought together more than 70 Bosnian and Herzegovinian professionals from across Australia for an evening filled with networking, learning, and recognition.
BPA was established to unite professionals of Bosnian and Herzegovinian heritage in Australia, creating a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community advancement. This event went beyond our classic networking format, featuring insightful guest speakers and the presentation of the prestigious Amir Bukic Community Awards to eight outstanding individuals.
Inspiring Talks
🔹 Rijad Sarić provided an update on BHFF’s past achievements and ambitious future plans, supported by a slide presentation that captured the imagination of the audience.
🔹 Professor Hariz Halilović shared his experiences mentoring Balkan PhD students, highlighting a unique university program that begins in The Hague, travels through towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and culminates at the Srebrenica Memorial. His reflections underscored the transformative power of education and memory.
🔹 Dr. Damir Mitrić delivered a lively five-minute speech on preserving the love for Bosnia. Using a soccer analogy, he illustrated how connecting with diverse groups strengthens both our identity and our community.
Honouring Amir Bukic
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Amir Bukic Community Award. Named after the late Amir Bukic, a visionary leader and tireless advocate for the Bosnian community, the award recognises individuals who embody his values of dedication, service, and inspiration. Amir’s legacy lives on through the achievements of those who continue to strengthen and uplift our community.
Award Recipients
This year’s recipients represent excellence across professions and contributions to the Bosnian community in Australia and beyond:
Her Honour Judge Dženita Balić – A respected figure in the judiciary, she embodies justice and integrity.
Dr. Jasmina Kevrić – A medical professional whose dedication to health and science uplifts countless lives.
Maida Kulić-Vugdalić – An accomplished leader balancing professional success with active community engagement.
The Honorary Consul Amir Šahinović – A bridge-builder in diplomacy, tirelessly advocating for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Omar Jasika – A celebrated athlete, carrying the Bosnian spirit onto the international tennis stage.
Maya Avdibegović OAM – An award-winning advocate recognised for her outstanding service to the community.
Dr. Damir Mitrić – A historian and storyteller, preserving and sharing the cultural richness of Bosnia.
Professor Hariz Halilović – A globally recognised academic whose research and mentorship inspire new generations.
A Night to Remember
The event was hosted at the stylish Seamstress Restaurant and Bar, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of connection and celebration. Attendees described the energy in the room as electric, filled with warmth, pride, and ambition.
A huge congratulations to all eight awardees – your professional achievements and community contributions are an inspiration to us all! 🏆
Special thanks to our speakers, to Seamstress Restaurant and Bar for their hospitality, and to everyone who joined us. The night truly demonstrated the strength of our network and the importance of coming together as a community.
👉 About BPA:
Bosnian Professionals Australia (BPA) is a sister organisation of the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation (BHFF). Its mission is to bring together Bosnian and Herzegovinian professionals in Australia, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and strengthening ties with our homeland.
