There will be a Zoom information session on Thursday, 18 December 2025 at 7pm, for community members interested in joining the Board of Directors of the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia (Austraalia Eesti Seltside Liit, AESL).
What AESL is
AESL is Australia’s umbrella organisation for Estonian organisations and groups, and acts as a link to global Estonian networks. Over the past several years, I have served on the AESL Board of Directors as the representative for New South Wales. I was nominated through organisations I was involved with at the time, including Sõrve Camp and the Eesti Seltsi Kunsti-, Käsitöö- ja Etnograafia Ring (SESKKE). When I first heard there was an opening for NSW, I was really excited to be part of this board — something a little more global — and felt that the skill set I had could contribute to the organisation and help folks in Estonian organisations around Australia.
Opportunities to contribute
I’m sharing this as several AESL Board positions are coming up for renewal, including a NSW representative, a Queensland representative and one independent member. These roles will replace current board members whose positions are up for renewal.
AESL is looking for new members from the respective states, as well as an independent member, to join them in the coming years, bring fresh ideas, and collaborate on the new path AESL is taking — redefining its purpose and realigning with what matters in the community. They are looking for people to be part of this exciting new time.
A range of possibilities
During my time with AESL, I collaborated with others to establish monthly Zoom sessions that brought together folks from around Australia and sometimes international guest speakers, to share ideas and updates from various Estonian communities. These conversations were a fantastic way to hear what was happening around the country and world, they helped connect people who had a need with those who had relevant resources. For example, one month it was shared that the Sõrve Camp needed some particular music for their cultural performances and others participating in the conversation had access to the music required. It was a great way to connect our community members.
These sessions ran for about a year and ended in late 2024, as competing commitments made it difficult to sustain regular participation. While it was disappointing to see these conversations pause, they had a clear purpose. I hope future board members may choose to pick this idea up again – or introduce their own initiatives and see them come to life.
Another area I previously managed was AESL’s social media. With the introduction of HEIA (Hello Estonians in Australia), thankfully, there is now less need for this information to be shared through AESL channels, as HEIA has become a central source of community information – what an amazing achievement!
Hear more and ask questions
On Thursday, 18 December at 7pm (Sydney time), I will host a Zoom session to talk through the AESL Board roles that are up for nomination. This conversation will run for 30 minutes, respecting everyone’s time, and will provide an opportunity to ask questions for anyone curious about or considering nominating for a role.
This is in advance of the AESL Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 18 January 2026 at 10am at Sydney Estonian House. A Zoom option will also be available for folks unable to attend the AGM in person. More information will follow.
Please use this Zoom link to join the conversation on Thursday, 18 December at 7pm, 30 min only:
https://utsmeet.zoom.us/j/84544789553
Read more about AESL:
https://aesl.eesti.org.au/
