History

In 2013 two friends working at ANZ in Melbourne had an idea: to connect with the other Serbian professionals working at the same bank. They saw an opportunity for Serbian Australians to benefit personally and professionally from networking with individuals who shared similar backgrounds and faced similar challenges in the workforce. 

The first lunch they organised attracted seven people. By December 2013 professionals from other companies had joined the group, and by 2015 the organisation was officially incorporated. 

Since the incorporation, ASOP has continued to grow in member numbers and now includes a growing member base interstate. Social and formal events are organised regularly and have featured high profile speakers, including the CEO of Air Serbia, Dane Kondic, Serbia's ambassador to Australia, HE Miroljub Petrovic and the Managing Director of Global IT Factory, Boris Rozenblat.

ASOP remains committed to contributing positively to the Serbian and Australian communities while helping Serbian individuals thrive in Australia. 

Our values

NETWORK - Reach out to others and connect

ASOP holds a number of networking events during the year in order to:

• encourage members to connect with others in the ASOP community

• enable the exchange of new ideas and perspectives

• provide advice and support

• develop social and professional contacts

• alert members to new job opportunities

CONTRIBUTE - Give as much as you receive

ASOP strives to leverage the skills and capabilities of its membership base in order to enhance the ASOP community offerings. Opportunities to contribute include:

• volunteering for current and future projects

• authoring and proof reading materials

• presenting on an area of expertise

• general assistance with event set up

• sponsorship

• mentoring

GROW – Pursue growth and leverage the ‘collective genius’

At the core of ASOP is a dedication to the growth and education of its members. We organise quarterly events with speakers who provide relevant and tailored information from their area of expertise. Our network offers access to established professionals who are able to share their knowledge and experience.

Our services

ASOP strives to offer a comprehensive suite of services to its member base. Current services include:

• Upskilling through presentations on various topics applicable and relevant to most of our members and their professional careers.

• Bringing members together through a network of introductions and relationships with aim to advance their professional and personal development.

• Providing a platform for appropriate businesses to introduce and market their goods and services to the ASOP community.

• Mentoring of members by more experienced professionals.

• Introduction to the Australian workforce and culture for newly arrived members from abroad.

Contact us if you have questions about our services. 

Code of conduct

Each ASOP member:

1)    Must at all times comply with the principles of this Code.

2)    Must act professionally, in good faith and in the best interests of ASOP as a whole.

3)    Must not make improper use of information acquired as an ASOP member and must have due regard for confidential information received in their capacity as an ASOP member. All ASOP sessions remain subject to Chatham House Rules. 

4)    Must not engage in conduct likely to discredit ASOP.

5)    Must not allow personal interests to conflict with the interests of ASOP.

6)    Should encourage the reporting of breaches of this Code to ASOP Secretary, promote ethnical behaviour and protect other members who report violations and other misconduct in good faith.

Penalties for breach of this Code

Where a member is suspected of having breached this Code, ASOP will investigate the matter. If the suspected breach is proven, ASOP reserves the right to apply appropriate penalties, including, in the first instance, issuing a formal warning followed by revocation of membership for repeat violations.

President

Nik Mijatovic

As one of ASOP's founders and its current president, Nik has been a driving force in the establishment and ongoing success of the organisation. In his other life, he is a seasoned cyber security professional with over 20 years of industry experience in various roles. Currently he is focusing on security architecture and consulting for Australia's leading financial institutions and is also active in other business and community areas.

Vice president

Tamara Djokic

Tamara is passionate about the networking and learning opportunities facilitated by ASOP. She has over nine years' experience in audit and advisory services across different industries, with a particular focus on consulting in the Australian mid-market.

Treasurer

Marko Jovanovic

Marko is the Group Privacy Compliance Manager for the Australia Post Group. He has been involved with ASOP since 2016 and brings extensive skills and knowledge to his role as ASOP's Treasurer. A qualified lawyer, he has a long work history of working in the consumer services industry. Outside of work and ASOP, he's enjoying the trials and rewards of first-time fatherhood. 

Public relations

Simo Buzanin

Simo has been involved with ASOP for more than three years. He's also an Account Manager at GRC Solutions and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course with extensive experience in stakeholder relationship management and consultative sales. Outside of work, he's a passionate cyclist and dog lover. 

General Committee Member

Valentina Samac

Valentina is an IT Project Manager with international experience across the commercial and public sectors including: insurance, banking, health and safety, manufacturing and telecommunications. She has previously volunteered with professional associations and NGOs and is excited about contributing to the ASOP community.