Pavao Bonomo

Bonomo, Pavao

Artist, Painter Decorator. (Komiža, Vis, Croatia, 11 March 1927 – Adelaide, 25 October 2011).

Educated at the Art Academies of Split and Zagreb, he migrated by ship arriving in Australia in 1961, seeking better opportunities away from Communist Yugoslavia. Sacrificing ambitions in fine art, he founded a painting business, built a life in Adelaide, and became integral to the life of The Croatian Club Adelaide—first at Hindmarsh, then Brompton. Served as President of The Croatian Club in 1976. 

He championed cultural and social initiatives. He was a tireless supporter of Croatian folkloric group HFS Lenek, the Croatian Ethnic School, the Croatian Radio Hour, and the Croatian Women’s Auxiliary Hrvatska Žena Katarina Zrinski, Croatian Seniors’ activities, and Adelaide Croatia soccer club. Became a life member of the Croatian Club in 1996. An artist at heart, he exhibited locally and funded community art projects. He also donated a large painting of the city of Dubrovnik to the Croatian Club in Chief Street which then moved to Second Street Brompton and now hangs at the Croatian Sports Centre in Gepps Cross.

Known for his warm humour, he nurtured community spirit and unity among Croatian migrants. He is survived by his family, including a daughter who danced with HFS Lenek.