📣 We’re experimenting with a new news format for everything Estonian in Australia! You’ll find a summary of national and local community stories from this past month, as well as events coming up next month. What do you think? We’d love your feedback: contact us.
Have news or thoughts to share? Write to us: news [at] eesti.org.au
Key insights
- AESL are collecting donations on behalf of Estonians in Australia, towards an Estonian Diaspora project to create a place of remembrance. Donate before July 31 to become an important part of this commemoration of our refugee forefathers.
- Two tickets to Estonia can be won by attending a Virtual Forum in May.
- The Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane Estonian Societies have planned Mothers Day events coming up in May.
- Milvi Vaikma and Melbourne Estonian Ladies Choir recognised for long-standing commitment
- The January Summer Camp, Sõrve, is seeking camp leaders and volunteers to help with the production of the Sõrve Sosin newsletter, social media, and organising the Big Game/Suur Mäng.
- From Estonia, applications are open for Estonian educational projects and reminders to vote are shared for European Parliament Elections this June.
National News
April in WA
EstWest ran a logo competition for their burgeoning cultural hub. Ten submissions were up for selection; the creators of the top three logos will receive an Estonian themed gift basket. Results will be shared on the 2nd of May 2024.
April in VIC
This month, Milvi Vaikma received a lifetime achievement award from the Melbourne Estonian Society. The Melbourne Estonian Ladies Choir together with conductor Hilja Toom were also recognised for their ongoing commitment.
Award-winning clown from Estonia, Julia Masli, performed in Melbourne Comedy Festival. She was interviewed by Melbourne-Estonian Anthony Noack, for a behind-the-scenes look at Masli’s life and show “Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.”
April in NSW
Sydney Estonian Lachlan Bell curated the exhibition, One Hand Cannot Clap Alone.
The Sydney choir Kooskõlas will be making a guest appearance at the ticketed event Spirituals and Songs of Freedom in May.
April in QLD
There will be a Consular Mission to Brisbane in May. Book an appointment to apply for or renew your Estonian documents.
The Brisbane Estonian Society have been busy, planning the epic traditional Jaanipäev/ Midsummer event coming up in June.
AEMP in April
The Australian Estonian Media Project (AEMP) have formed the Steering Committee and held their first meeting this April 2024.
The Steering Committee will oversee the activities to improve media and communications, including re-designing the Estonians in Australia website and developing relationships with the various Estonian Australian societies and groups to improve circulation of news, events, and resources. The first meeting discussed the media project’s overall goals (read more here), current status and priorities of each stream (governance, tech, content, marketing, funding), and immediate next steps. Brief project updates can be found on the AEMP Facebook page.
AEMP Steering Committee (as at 24 April 2024):
- Johanna Rivers – Chair and Content Lead
- Mark Narustrang – Deputy Chair
- Kristi Barrow – Tech Lead and Funding Lead
- Kristel Alla – Content Deputy
- Nansy Mass – Marketing
- Manfred Mletsin – Governance

If you want to get involved in the project, write to: media@eesti.org.au
Upcoming Events
See our Events Calendar for everything →
Mothers Day Events
Recurring Events
Folk Dancing
Do you have news or thoughts to share?
Please get in touch by emailing news [at] eesti.org.au
We are striving to improve communications among Estonian communities in Australia so that everybody can have the opportunity to share and hear about news and events.
Ultimately, the community gets what the community gives – we are humbly asking for your support. If there are events or news you know about, or have some thoughts or experiences you’d like to share, please reach out to us. Check out Submission Guidelines here or write to us at media [at] eesti.org.au with your questions or comments.
Follow us here or join our Facebook page for the latest updates on our Media Project.