We’re excited to introduce a new regular column by the Ambassador of Estonia to Australia, Jaan Reinhold, created to connect with Estonians across Australia. In these quarterly updates, the Ambassador will share highlights of the Embassy’s initiatives, celebrate shared achievements, and strengthen Estonia’s ties with the Australian community. Read the Ambassador’s first article here.
Dear Fellow Estonians in Australia,
As your Ambassador to Australia, I am deeply honoured to represent our beloved Estonia in this vast and dynamic country. In my short time here, I have been inspired by the warmth, determination, and resilience of the Estonian community spread across Australia. While you may be far from our homeland, the spirit of Estonia lives on in your hearts and actions.
Estonians have a long history of adapting to new challenges, building vibrant lives in new lands, and yet staying firmly connected to our roots. Here in Australia, I see the embodiment of those qualities. Whether through cultural events, language schools, or community gatherings, you have carried forward our traditions, shared our rich heritage, and introduced Estonia to your neighbours in this multicultural nation.
I am particularly proud of the vibrant ways our diaspora continues to uphold and celebrate our culture. This year’s 29th Eesti Päevad in Adelaide stands as a testament to your dedication to keeping Estonian traditions alive. Additionally, it brings me great joy to see that the younger generation is being brought into the fold, with Sunday schools for children organised to teach our language, history, and culture. These efforts ensure that our heritage is not only preserved but passed on to future generations.
The recent visit of Estonia’s Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora, Marin Mõttus, to Australia and her meetings in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth reflect the Estonian government’s strong interest in and support for our diaspora. Her visit highlights our commitment to paying attention to compatriots abroad, acknowledging your vital role in representing Estonia’s traditions, language, and culture. You serve as essential mediums to pass on our heritage while fostering new connections and raising Estonia’s visibility in the wider world.
Additionally, I want to emphasize the importance of strengthening economic ties between Estonia and Australia. I am actively seeking opportunities to establish more business connections between the two countries through platforms like the Estonian Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EACCI). By fostering partnerships at both the B2B (business-to-business) and B2G (business-to-government) levels, we can enhance trade, investment, and collaboration that benefits both our nations. I encourage all of you to explore ways to contribute to this effort and work with us to unlock the immense potential of economic cooperation.
I also want to highlight the remarkable milestone of the folk dance group Virmalised, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. Such long-standing commitments to Estonian folk traditions are truly inspiring and serve as a unifying force within our community. These initiatives—festivals, schools, and cultural groups—create a vibrant tapestry that connects Estonians across Australia and strengthens our collective identity.
As an Embassy, we are committed to being your bridge to Estonia. Whether it is assisting you with consular services, celebrating our national holidays together, or strengthening educational, cultural, and economic opportunities, we are here to support you.
I also want to let you know that I plan to write to you quarterly to share the highlights of what the Embassy hand I have been working on here in Australia. These updates will serve to keep you informed about the progress we are making in strengthening Estonia’s presence and relationships in Australia and to celebrate the successes we achieve together.
I encourage all of you to stay connected not just with the Embassy but also with each other. Share your stories, mentor the younger generation, and continue to celebrate what makes us unique as Estonians. Your experiences and insights are invaluable, and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during my tenure.
Let us work together to ensure that no matter how far we travel, Estonia remains a shared home in our hearts. As we approach the end of the year, I wish you and your families joy, health, and success. Let us carry the torch of Estonia proudly, wherever we may be.
With warm regards,
Jaan Reinhold
Ambassador of Estonia to Australia