National News
October to December 2026: What’s happening across Australia? (Updated)
Did you know HEIA has an events calendar? We collect events of interest to Estonian communities across Australia. Curious what's happening near you? Come have a look!
Interesting Stuff
Wanted: Your family’s potato salad recipe!
Apples? Peas? Pickles? Every Estonian family has opinions about potato salad. Now your recipe could become part of a global cookbook! Read in Estonian and English.
Interesting Stuff
A new Estonian’s guide to Aussie Rules Football (AFL)
Holding the ball? A screamer? A banana? With AFL Grand Final fever upon us, Mark Narustrang gives newly arrived Estonians a survival guide to Australia’s beloved and occasionally bewildering footy.
News
The White Ship sails into Pärnu Film Festival
Australian-Estonian filmmaker Anthony Noack’s The White Ship is heading to Estonia’s 40th Pärnu Film Festival, bringing its story of art, migration and belonging to an Estonian audience.
History
The long way from Estonia — and back again. Silvia’s story
Born in wartime Germany after her parents fled Estonia, Silvia Sillaots shares the remarkable story of survival, migration, family separation and building a new life in Australia.
In Memoriam
In memoriam — Tiiu-Ann Salasoo
The Australian Chapter of the Estonian Women Students’ Society (Eesti Naisüliõpilaste Selts) mourns the passing of its dear member: auvil! Tiiu-Ann Salasoo on 10 August 2026.
Estonian News
All aboard the Mushroom Express! Toot toot!
Estonia has found another use for public transport: mushroom hunting. Catch the Mushroom Express this September and swap the railway platform for a forest path.
History
History: Australian Estonians and the fight for Estonia’s freedom
How did a small Estonian community help shape Australia's stance on Baltic independence? Read the story in English and Estonian, with a link to the full research paper in the article.
Interesting Stuff
What does freedom look like?
Freedom was once a long-awaited VIP guest who was running very late. Thirty-five years later, she’s still in the room — does she look quite how you imagined?
History
The keys have changed hands: farewell to Melbourne’s Estonian House
The keys to Melbourne’s Estonian House have been handed over. Matti Kiviväli looks back at almost 55 years of community life — and the people who made it possible.
Estonian News
Small country, big mix: 224 nationalities call Estonia home
Estonia has 1.36 million residents — but 224 nationalities and 262 mother tongues. The latest population figures reveal just how international this small country has become.
