Each year, the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia (AESL) honours the volunteers, educators and community leaders whose dedication helps Estonian language, culture and community life thrive across Australia.
This year, AESL recognised nine outstanding community contributors. Through their work in language education, folk culture, community events, youth programs and organisational leadership, these recipients have made lasting contributions to preserving Estonian identity for future generations. Read more about each recipient and their award below.
AESL Aukiri (Certificate of Honour) Recipients
Rhys Maidla
Rhys Maidla has been a dedicated contributor to the Sydney Estonian community for more than a decade through Virmalised folk dancers and Sõrve Summer Camp. He has served in multiple leadership roles within Virmalised, including President, Vice President, committee member and dance instructor. Rhys represented the Australian-Estonian community at national festivals and internationally at Tantsupidu in 2014 and 2025, helping lead Virmalised’ participation in the 2025 celebration. He has also contributed extensively to Sõrve Summer Camp as a leader, organiser and committee member. His commitment has helped strengthen Estonian cultural identity among younger generations in Australia.
Kati Virtaal
For over 15 years, Kati Virtaal has been one of the key figures of the Brisbane Estonian Society. As President and Treasurer, she has helped unite different generations of Estonians while supporting new ideas and initiatives within the community. Kati has contributed to countless events and regularly wrote articles for Meie Kodu, keeping Estonian communities across Australia connected. She has also represented the Estonian community within broader multicultural networks in Queensland. Her warmth, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting impact on Brisbane’s Estonian community.
Kätriin Vinkmann
Since arriving in Australia in 2015, Kätriin Vinkmann has played an important role in Estonian language education in Queensland. She has taught children in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast since 2016 and contributed to numerous community events and camps. Kätriin also led the Folkroos folk dance group from 2018 to 2023, guiding them to the 2019 Estonian Laulu- ja Tantsupidu. In 2025, she received recognition from Estonia’s Minister of Education and Research for her dedicated work abroad. Her contribution has helped preserve Estonian language and culture among young families in Queensland.
Kristina Toom-Berger
Kristina Toom-Berger has been a driving force within the Brisbane Estonian community for approximately 15 years. In 2013, she founded the Brisbane Estonian Playgroup, helping to create a strong foundation for Estonian-language education and family activities in the city. Together with Ingrid Hämer, she also founded the Folkroos folk dance group in 2018. Kristina has played a major role in organising community events and bringing families together through cultural activities. Her vision and initiative have had a lasting impact on Estonian life in Brisbane.
Gabrielle Mikkor
Gabrielle “Gabby” Mikkor has been an active and valued member of the Melbourne Estonian community for many years. Since joining the Melbourne Estonian Society committee in 2016, she has served in numerous leadership roles including Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary and Deputy Treasurer. Gabby has also contributed to Eesti Päevad, the Melbourne Estonian House Co-op, craft groups, folk dancing, and the Estonian House relocation project. She is known for supporting people across generations and helping maintain an inclusive and welcoming community. Her dedication and quiet leadership have made her an invaluable part of Melbourne’s Estonian life.
AESL Tänukiri (Certificate of Appreciation) Recipients
Carmelina Kannelmäe
Carmelina Kannelmäe has dedicated many years to teaching Estonian children in Queensland through the Brisbane and Gold Coast playgroups. A qualified early childhood educator trained in Estonia, she has helped close to 100 children learn Estonian through songs, games, dance, and everyday activities. Carmelina creates a warm and encouraging environment where children feel proud of their heritage. She has also helped prepare young children for community concerts and celebrations. Her commitment has played an important role in preserving Estonian language and culture among young families.
Iti Connor
Iti Connor has been one of the central organisers of the Brisbane Estonian community since leading the Brisbane Playgroup from 2019 onwards. She has helped organise major community celebrations including Jaanituli, Christmas, Independence Day, and family events. Iti has also represented Queensland within AESL and led Australia-wide workshops for Estonian playgroup teachers. She is a passionate advocate for maintaining strong and correct Estonian language use within the community. Her dedication has significantly strengthened Estonian-language education and community life in Queensland.
AESL Hästi Tehtud (Well Done) Recognition
Siim Sipelgas
Siim Sipelgas served as President of the Brisbane Estonian Society from 2023 to 2025. During his leadership, he supported major community traditions, cultural events, the Folkroos dance group, and the Brisbane Playgroup. He played an important role in organising successful Jaanipäev celebrations and welcoming Estonian performers and visitors to Queensland. Siim encouraged new initiatives and actively supported Estonian cultural life across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. His steady leadership and community spirit earned him this recognition.
Piret Vaughan
Piret Vaughan served as the teacher of the Folkroos folk dance group from 2023 to 2026. Under her leadership, the group successfully participated in the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration for a second time. She has motivated and guided dancers through regular rehearsals while preparing the group for future cultural goals. Piret’s dedication has strengthened both the dance group and the wider Estonian community in Queensland. Her commitment to folk dance continues to inspire the next generation of dancers.
Celebrating community
The 2026 AESL award recipients represent the strength, dedication and future of the Estonian-Australian community. Across Australia, these individuals have devoted countless hours to preserving Estonian language, culture, traditions and connection between generations. Their work ensures that Estonian identity continues to thrive far from Estonia, while remaining deeply rooted in community spirit and shared heritage.
About AESL
The Council of Estonian Societies (Austraalia Eesti Seltside Liit) in Australia is the national umbrella organisation connecting Estonian community groups across Australia. It brings together 11 member organisations and provides a national structure for coordination and communication.
Read more about what AESL does here and previous award recipients here.
