The Workshop
On Saturday the 11th of November 2023, people from all over Australia gathered at Sydney Estonian House to take part in the Australian Estonian Media Communications Workshop. The workshop was inspired by last year’s MEEDIARUUM 2022 in Tallinn, and was made possible by a grant from KÜSK and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A critical component of maintaining and building any culture is a unified form of communication. Whether it’s communicating news, events, historical information or commentary, media channels are foundational to cultural connection. The workshop was the first step to formulate the new direction of Estonian-Australian media, under what’s now called the Media Project.
Participants came from all over Australia, including Perth and Darwin, over 3000 km from Sydney. To put this into perspective, this is about the same distance from Tallinn to Seville in Spain or Tallinn to Jordan!
“I was happy to lend my skills and knowledge as a digital journalist to this meeting of great minds.” – Silvi Vann-Wall
“This workshop signified an important milestone for Esto’s down under, emphasising our shared responsibility to preserve community today and build the bridges that connect us tomorrow.” – Johanna Rivers

Left to Right: Esmee Okamoto – Sydney, Matthew Bendt – Central Coast, Silvi Vann-Wall – Melbourne, Maarja-Liis Schmidt – Adelaide, Kristi Barrow – Sydney, Marin Hicks – Perth, Lachlan Bell – Sydney, Janeli Adermann – Canberra, Siiri Iismaa – Sydney, Elina Peedoson – Gold Coast, Grete Kasemets – Perth, Mark Narustrang – Perth, Johanna Rivers – Geelong, Michael Payne – Melbourne, Manfred Mletsin – Darwin, Imbi Semmelweis – Sydney, Vanessa Yasmine Birgitta Roosmets – Melbourne and Ave Nukki – Sydney
The Outcomes
The outcomes of the workshop crystallised the purpose of the Media Project: “To provide community information relevant to individuals or organisations in Australia that are interested in, or connected to, Estonia”. This purpose will serve as our guide, steering every action and decision the Media Project makes moving forward.
Now, with a clear purpose in mind, the pivotal question was raised: How do we transform this purpose into reality?
One significant solution that emerged from the workshop was the need for a new platform. So, an objective was born: to redevelop our eesti.org.au. During the workshop, participants engaged in brainstorming sessions to outline the necessary steps to achieve this objective. The strategic focuses for 2024 have been identified as:
- Consolidation: A one-stop-shop will assist existing beneficiaries as well as heighten awareness
- Content: Ensuring accurate and timely content which is fit for purpose. Primarily this is driven by protocol and resources.
- Governance: Instituting an appropriate governance structure to ensure the platform sustainably achieves Purpose.
- Buy-in: A critical mass of key users is required to create community benefit across all of Australia.
- Funding: An upfront investment in development and marketing will assist with making subsequent activities less costly.
As we set sail into 2024, the Media Project is gearing up to make this happen. Join our newly launched Facebook page for the latest updates on our progress. Get in touch if you’re eager to get involved – we’re recruiting now!
Special thanks goes to Esmee Okamoto and Imbi Semmelweis for their help in organising and Mark Narustrang for facilitating the workshop.
“The Australian Estonian Media Communications Workshop today was a great start to get the various States motivated in improving communication. We can’t wait to get the ball rolling, lots of great ideas and talented people… let’s hope we can harness this energy” Esmee Okamoto.
Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Matt Bendt and Esmee Okamoto.
Next Steps
We are looking for volunteers who want to actively contribute to bettering media and communications among Australian Estonians. In particular, we are currently seeking to form our Steering Committee and sub-committees.
By joining our team, ideally you will:
- Volunteer your passion, knowledge, and skill sets
- Contribute actively and consistently
- Attend meetings when required
- Enjoy the process 🙂
Follow our progress on Facebook: Australian Estonian Media Project
Write to us on: media@eesti.org.au