When he first went there, Wanneroo was bush and farms…
By Bridget Spinks
CROATIAN born Fr John Chokolich was one of nine locals to receive recognition for being a Pioneer of the City of Wanneroo at an annual Pioneers luncheon at Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre on 5 August.
Fr Chokolich grew up in Wanneroo, attended Wanneroo State School and when he was ordained in 1941, he became the first Wanneroo-raised boy to become a Catholic Priest.
Wanneroo Mayor Jon Kelly said there were now 178 people with the title of City of Wanneroo Pioneer.
“The Pioneers Luncheon acknowledges the contributions made by pioneering families and celebrates our rich heritage here in Wanneroo,” Mayor Kelly said.
The title “Pioneer” is awarded to those who have contributed to Wanneroo for 50 years, but since Fr Chokolich has only been in Wanneroo 46 years, he was awarded an “Honorary Pioneer” accolade.
While Fr John has not always resided in Wanneroo since becoming a Priest, Wanneroo has always been “Home” to him and he was recognised for his contribution in the life of the Catholic parishioners in Wanneroo over the years.
In 1924, Fr John Chokolich was seven years old when he came to Wanneroo from Croatia with his Uncle Joe to join his Uncle Steve in Wanneroo, who had arrived in WA 15 years earlier in 1909.
Fr Chokolich was inspired to become a priest when the Sisters of Mercy from St Brigid’s prepared Wanneroo children for their First Communion and Confirmation.
The Sisters held three classes to prepare the children; one at the 10 Mile peg along Wanneroo Rd, one at the Chokolich home, and one in Wanneroo.
In 1936, he was sent to Rome to study for the Priesthood but was trapped when World War II broke out.
Ordained in 1941, he was commissioned as an RAF Squadron Leader, and served in Algiers for 18 months as a Chaplain and Interpreter.
He returned to Western Australia in 1946 and was appointed Parish Priest to Osborne Park and Wanneroo parishes.
He later served at Midland, Cunderdin, Spearwood, Toodyay, North Beach, Highgate and Kalamunda.
Although he has retired from Parish work due to angina, former parishioners and old friends still often call on him.
“You never retire from being a priest,” he said.
He said the last Mass in the old St Anthony’s Church in Wanneroo on the Friday prior to the opening of the new Church on the Sunday
Pioneers will be recognised for their contributions by being named on the Walls of Honour, along with Wanneroo’s early settlers and prominent local Aboriginals.
The City of Wanneroo also recognised Rosina Ioppolo (Sinagra), Nancy Bannister (Wanneroo), Dulcie Duffy (Wanneroo), Nina Bruno (Ashby), Vesa Trandos (Mariginiup), Andja Bosnjak (Butler) and Giuseppina Crisafulli (Wanneroo – deceased) as Pioneers and Phil Renkin OAM (Two Rocks) as an Honorary Pioneer.