There are over 300 Estonians living in Australian Capital Territory, according to official statistics, and the community grew by a solid 17% between 2016 and 2021. But the real number is probably higher since the data mainly covers permanent residents and depends on self-reporting. Most Estonians in ACT are in Canberra, although there is no Estonian House or Estonian Society registered there.

No Estonian House? No official society? No worries – this is Canberra, where things are low-key but quietly impressive. After all, it is home to the Estonian Embassy, so Estonian diplomacy happens right here.

A small group are currently working to revitalise the local Estonian community in the ACT. The group has met several times since late last year and members of the group have, as part of their information gathering and planning, also recently met with Ambassador Reinhold as well as representatives of the local Latvian and Lithuanian communities. From this they are putting together something of a communication strategy in addition to developing a program of potential one-off and ongoing community activities. Information about the group’s activities will be shared on the Estonians in Canberra Facebook group as well as on this website.