📣 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 to share? Write to us: news [at] eesti.org.au
This month in Australia
Key National Insights:
- This month we celebrated the Republic of Estonia’s 106th birthday.
- AESL recognised five individuals, presenting 2024’s Thank You’s to Andres Truus (QLD), Martin Kurvits (SA), and Leo Adamson (VIC), as well as Lifetime Achievement Awards to Tiiu Salasoo (NSW) and Maie Barrow (NSW).
- Eesti Laul revealed the finalists who will represent Estonia in Eurovision.
- The 29th edition of Eesti Päevad announced its return this year in Adelaide.
- Eesti.org.au initiated the Australian Estonian Media Project, seeking volunteers to join. The Media Project also published their national survey and workshop results.
- Terry Kass was appointed Honorary Archivist, as Maie Barrow stepped down after 29 years.
- The search for basketball and volleyball players to represent Estonia in the 2024 Australian Baltic Games begun.
- The tragic story of the “MS Estonia” is now streaming on SBS Demand.
- Rein Rannap concluded his Australian tour with great success.
News around Australia
Message from AESL
The AESL AGM was held in January 2024, attended by 21 people, annual reports were presented and discussed, many matters were brought up.
Attendees were most interested in upcoming Eesti Päevad and media developments, but also generally where the Estonianism in Australia is headed, and how, in what way. Cities and their organisations have different ways to attract new people, ideas were exchanged at the meeting, now more and improved visibility is needed both from city organisations and AESL so the ways and thoughts reach wider audience.
AESL is a closed environment no more, times are changing. It is not only old generation leaving the stage but also the ’middle’ generation’s readiness to hand over to youngers. It is a new place where we are headed and this takes everyone’s thoughts. Next such opportunity will be at Adelaide Eesti Päevad that is held 70 years from the first Eesti Päevad in Australia. AESL will invite Eesti Päevad attendees to ’unconference’ – where rather than speeches, speaking of minds is encouraged.
– Sirje Rivers
Feb in WA
Western Australia is the home of a new cultural hub, EstWest. On the 25th, EstWest hosted its first “Sunday Sesh”, featuring Estonian comedian Sander Õigus. Sander also performed his new act “Vertikaalne Lõpmatus” on Independence Day.
The Honorary consul, Anu van Hattem, held the third annual “Family Insights Series” to commemorate Estonia’s independence; read “Gert by Sea” for this year’s edition.
Feb in VIC
Following his shows in Perth, comedian Sander Õigus performed “Vertikaalne Lõpmatus” at Melbourne Estonian House on the 26th. Interview with Sander coming soon.
Feb in NSW
Sydney Estonian Society celebrated Independence Day with speeches, performances, and refreshments. To celebrate our heritage, culture and community, Sydney Virmalised released six recordings of their favourite dances.
The Archives offers new trading hours on Thursdays, with Terry Kass at the helm as Honorary Archivist.
Feb in SA
In South Australia, Vikerkaar and Hapukoor performed for Independence Day; light afternoon tea of sandwiches, cake, and coffee was served. Estonian singer Mari Kalkun will be giving workshops at WOMADelaide in March 2024.
Feb in TAS
The Tasmanian Estonian Association held its combined AGM and barbecue on Independence day near Hobart.
Upcoming Events
See our Events Calendar for everything →
Events in March 2024
Folk Dancing
Do you have news 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, please reach out to us.
Follow us here or join our brand-new Facebook page for the latest updates on our Media Project.
