News
Happy birthday, HEIA!
One year, 226 articles, 36 authors, thousands of readers and countless community stories later, we're celebrating the people, connections and conversations that make our Australian Estonian community special. Thank you for being part of the journey.
Estonian News
Speech: The President’s Standard returns home — the Australian chapter
The return of the President's Standard was more than the homecoming of a historic flag. It was also a story of community and the Estonians who safeguarded it across generations.
Estonian News
The President’s Standard returns to Estonia after 82 years
Rescued during the turbulent days of September 1944, the President's Standard has finally returned to Estonia. Here's the story of the flag and what it symbolised during one of the nation's most critical moments.
History
Donation appeal – support the digitisation of rare migrant ship newsletters
Rare migrant ship newsletters documenting the journeys of Estonian Displaced Persons to Australia are set to be digitised — but the fragile collection needs community support first.
National News
AESL recognises outstanding community contributors in 2026
Meet the volunteers, educators and community leaders recognised by AESL in 2026 for helping Estonian culture thrive across Australia.
News
Tonight: Lõunapoolkera Lugemisklubi welcomes Carolina Pihelgas
Estonian author Carolina Pihelgas joins the Southern Hemisphere Book Club tonight for an evening of literature, conversation and curiosity — in Estonian. Everyone is welcome.
Ancestry & Genealogy
Estonian roots for Aaron Pedersen on SBS?
Australian actor Aaron Pedersen is set to uncover Estonian ancestry in the next episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?" on SBS — or so multiple sharp-eyed HEIA tipsters tell us. Frankly, this is exactly the sort of unexpected Estonia plot twist we live for.
National News
From Gunnar Neeme’s shelves to yours
These pages have already been turned — by Estonian Australian artist Gunnar Neeme himself. Now, his Estonian-language book collection is ready for its next readers across Australia.
History
Melbourne Estonian archive opens its doors for the Last Hurrah
For decades, these memories lived quietly in homes across Melbourne — passed down, kept safe, and remembered. Now gathered in one place, the Melbourne Estonian archive opens for a rare Last Hurrah display. Here’s the story behind it.
Estonian News
Thought you missed it? “My Estonia” competition deadline extended
Plot twist: you’re not late. The “My Estonia” writing competition deadline is now 17 May 2026 — still time to stop thinking about it and start writing.
Interesting Stuff
Video: Piip ja Tuut in conversation with filmmaker Anthony Noack
Behind the laughter, there’s a story. Piip ja Tuut, Haide Männamäe and Toomas Tross, reflect on life, family and performing together in this warm conversation with filmmaker Anthony Noack.
