Your time for the Last Hurrah is here

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23 May, 2026

Last Hurrah, Estonian House in Melbourne, 22 May 2026. Photo: Kristel Alla.

The Last Hurrah has officially begun at Melbourne Estonian House — 22–24 May 2026 — and yes, FOMO is real. Saturday and Sunday still await. Pace yourselves emotionally.

People have arrived from Adelaide, Sydney and across Australia. Some have taken time off work. Some have walked in and immediately found someone they haven’t seen for years. Some have looked at old photos and experienced the very specific archive-table emotion of: “Wait. Is that me? How did I get so old?”

Welcome to day one of the Last Hurrah weekend — the final full-community send-off for Melbourne Estonian House, a place that has held more than 50 years of memories, music, meetings, theatre, folk dancing, kitchen conversations, children running through halls and at least several thousand “just one more quick chat” moments.

And if Friday was meant to be the quiet beginning, someone may need to explain to Friday what “quiet” means.

Left: The guestbook for visitors. Right: People browsing the history of the Estonian Society in Melbourne. Last Hurrah, Estonian House in Melbourne, 22 May 2026. Photo: Kristel Alla.

The archive table knows everything

From 10 am, the archive displays opened — and within minutes, the rooms began doing what they were always going to do: turning people into detectives, historians, storytellers and occasional victims of their own youthful hairstyles.

There were folders, albums, photographs, old programs, newspaper clippings, guest books, handicrafts, films and table after table of community history. The displays included material on the history of the Estonian Society in Melbourne, folk dancing, theatre, Eesti Päevad, the Men’s Choir, the Women’s Choir, photo albums and much more.

Last Hurrah, 22 May 2026, Estonian House in Melbourne. Photo: Kristel Alla.

Some people came for a look. Most stayed for hours.

There were discoveries everywhere. Someone found a familiar face but not the name — until suddenly the name came back. Someone else pointed at a photo and said, “That little boy there is my dad”. Another remembered basketball competitions, picnics in the park, dinner dances with Hungarians and Finns, and events where the entry fee was $2 — with concessions for $1, naturally, because history also enjoys humiliating the modern economy.

There were comments like, “Wonderful what has been done here,” and, “This house is one of my favourite places in the world.” One visitor said they had lost count of how many times they had been inside the building — and had attended more than ten weddings there.

That is not a building. That is a social calendar with walls.

Aime Metsar, longtime archivist at the Melbourne Estonian House, signing the guestbook, with Melbourne and Sydney Estonian Society members conversing in the background. Last Hurrah, Estonian House in Melbourne, 22 May 2026. Photo: Kristel Alla.

Memory lane had traffic

There were people arriving with their own personal collections of photos. There were conversations about drawers full of old images, albums that were carefully organised — and albums that very much were not. There were also gentle regrets about parents who had passed away before names could be added to photographs.

The archive tables quickly became meeting places in their own right. People sat, flipped pages, compared memories, asked questions, corrected each other, debated details and occasionally discovered that the person in the photograph was, in fact, exactly who they thought it was.

There were “Tere, tere — mis sa siin teed?” (“Hello, hello — what are you doing here?“) greetings. Sydney people found other Sydney people in Melbourne. Someone admired blue, black and white nails, because of course national colours belong everywhere, including fingertips. There were discussions about old nicknames — including one society nickname that appears to be “Softy”, and frankly, this may need its own investigation.

Gabry Mikkor weaving and showing her beautiful handicrafts. Last Hurrah, Estonian House in Melbourne, 22 May 2026. Photo: Kristel Alla.

All around the building, conversations unfolded in corners, hallways and beside displays.

There were stories of parents’ parties, Estonian music, dancing, “umpa-pa” sounds drifting through childhood memories, and houses bought big enough to host Estonian gatherings. There were memories of theatre productions, including adult theatre that was apparently “fabulous” and involved at least one person being roped in against their better judgement — which, let’s be honest, is how many excellent community things begin.

There were parents showing children photos of themselves as youngsters. Kids flipped through pages. People practised Estonian, debated words, asked questions and discovered stories they had never heard before.

Upstairs, old video recordings brought events back to life. In the handicrafts corner, our wonderful weaving teacher Gabry Mikkor was weaving in the background. Estonian music played through the day — a cheerful mix of newer songs and old favourites, including music familiar from childhood. At various points, dancing seemed not only possible but spiritually necessary. (I confess to taking a few twirls around the dance floor, out of pure joy — because I could).

And throughout it all, Matti Kiviväli answered questions about the history of the house and the society — offering the kind of extra guidance you cannot get from a display label alone. He also received well-earned praise for the archive work collected over many years. (Truly, we’re really impressed with your knowledge, Matti!)

Friday was only the beginning. Let us stress this gently but firmly: Friday was the least packed day. Yes. The least packed.

The building already felt alive with stories, laughter, questions and reunions. The bar opened in the late afternoon. People settled in. The “I’ll just pop in quickly” crowd began learning the ancient truth of Estonian community events: there is no such thing as popping in quickly. And the weekend is only getting bigger.

Left: Matti Kiviväli and Estonian Society in Sydney President Ave Nukki talking about community history. Right: Aime Metsar, founder of the Melbourne Estonian archives. Last Hurrah, Estonian House in Melbourne, 22 May 2026. Photos: Kristel Alla.

Here’s a reminder of what is happening.

Saturday: beer hall by day, NOËP by night

🕢 10 am — Archives open, free event, no RSVP needed
🕢 12 pm–5 pm — Beer hall, food and drinks for purchase, free event, for catering purposes RSVP here
🕢 7.30–8.45 pm — NOËP takes the stage, doors open 7 pm, tickets here

Saturday, 23 May begins with the archives open again from 10.00 am. If you missed Friday, this is your chance to wander through the displays, follow the photo trails and possibly discover that someone in your family was much cooler than previously advertised.

From 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm, the Beer Hall opens in the main hall. Estonian beer and other drinks will be available, and the kitchen will serve food from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Expect good food, good company and the kind of atmosphere where “just one plate” becomes a full afternoon strategy.

Then, in the evening, the hall transforms again. Doors reopen at 7.00 pm for paid concert-goers, with NOËP taking the stage from 7.30 pm to 8.45 pm. Estonia’s electro-pop magician is coming to the same hall that has held decades of dances, speeches, meetings and celebrations. If the walls have been emotional already, Saturday night may finish them off completely.

Beer Hall RSVP here

NOËP tickets here

Last Hurrah, Estonian House in Melbourne, 23 May 2026. Photo: Kristel Alla.

Sunday: Family Day, national costumes warmly encouraged

🕢 10 am — Archives open, free event, no RSVP needed
🕢 12 pm — Family Day, kitchen and bar open, food for purchase, free event, for catering purposes RSVP here
🕢 2 pm — Performances and speeches, free event, RSVP to Family Day above

Sunday, 24 May is Family Day — and this is where the whole weekend comes together. The archives open again at 10.00 am. The kitchen and bar open from 12.00 pm, with food available until 2.00 pm. Please plan ahead: no food will be served during the performances and speeches, because even potato salad must respect the program.

At 2.00 pm, performances and speeches begin. Kodu Kaja will sing. Eiderattad will dance. Children will perform. There will be speeches, memories, gratitude and a chance to honour not only the building, but the generations of community life it has held.

Speakers will include Estonia’s Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Jaan Reinhold, Matti Kiviväli, Vanessa Roosmets and others — voices that carry both history and gratitude.

And yes — there will be dancing you can join, including one final Tuljak together, anyone can join. Consider this your warning and invitation.

If you have a national costume, Sunday is a beautiful day to wear it. There is no obligation, but it would be a fitting tribute to a house that has seen generations of beautifully dressed Estonians pass through its doors.

At minimum, come as you are. At maximum, come looking like a walking love letter to Estonia. Come while the house is still full.

Family Day RSVP here

Visitors to the Last Hurrah, Estonian House in Melbourne, 22 May 2026. Photos: Kristel Alla.

Let’s sum up: The Last Hurrah a living archive in real time

It is someone pointing to a photo and remembering a name. It is someone else saying, “My mum and dad met here.” It is children learning what came before them. It is people from different cities finding each other in a Melbourne hallway. It is laughter, old music, folders full of history, and the strange tenderness of seeing your community reflected back at you from tables, walls and faces.

Melbourne Estonian House has been many things: a rehearsal space, a theatre, a kitchen, a meeting room, a bar, an archive, a dance floor, a party hall, a place to belong. This weekend, it is all of those things one more time.

So come today. Come Sunday. Stay longer than planned. Ask questions. Look through the albums. Find the faces. Share the stories. Wear the national costume because you can. Bring your family. Bring your memories. Bring your curiosity.

Your time for the Last Hurrah is here. And honestly? You do not want to be the person hearing about it afterwards.

Too epic for the finals? Estonia’s Eurovision heartbreak (but Australia is still in the game)

By

Kristel Alla

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15 May, 2026

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Vanilla Ninja. First Eurovision semi-final in Vienna, 12 May 2026. Photo: Alma Bengtsson/EBU.

Vienna witnessed many things on Tuesday night — enough stage fog to confuse air traffic control, notes audible mainly to dolphins and hairstyles that probably required structural engineering approval. Sadly, one thing it did not witness was Estonia qualifying for the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final.

Yes. We know. Take a moment.

This was not how the Eurovision script was supposed to go. Vanilla Ninja — Estonia’s beloved pop-rock queens armed with the gloriously titled Too Epic To Be True — stormed the Eurovision stage in Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, gave it everything they had… and somehow still didn’t make it through to Saturday’s Grand Final.

Quite frankly, Eurovision has some explaining to do.

The first semi-final saw Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Israel, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania and Poland advance, while Estonia, Portugal, Georgia, Montenegro and San Marino were left staring into the existential void that only Eurovision voting can create.

First Eurovision semi-final in Vienna, Austria on May 12, 2026. Photo: Alma Bengtsson/EBU.

To their credit, Vanilla Ninja handled the disappointment with the sort of calm dignity most of us only achieve after approximately three business days and a liter or two of (Vanilla Ninja) ice cream. The band said they gave their maximum on stage and joked that perhaps they’ll return to Eurovision again in 20 years — hopefully then making the final.

Honestly? That already sounds like a Eurovision comeback documentary waiting to happen. But before everyone dramatically throws themselves onto the couch declaring Eurovision “dead to us forever”, there is still a very strong reason for Estonians in Australia to keep watching.

Australia made it through. That’s right — while Estonia’s Eurovision journey has sadly ended for this year, Australia’s own Delta Goodrem remains one of the competition favourites with her song Eclipse.

Which means Australians now have a very important national duty: to passionately support Australia in the finals while simultaneously continuing to insist Estonia was robbed. This is the Eurovision way.

The Eurovision 2026 Grand Final takes place on Saturday, 16 May 2026 in Vienna, Austria. For Australians, that means: Sunday morning, 17 May 2026. Usually broadcast live from around 5.00 am AEST (depending on your state and broadcaster).

Australians can watch Eurovision through SBS and SBS On Demand, with broadcasts also streamed online via Eurovision platforms and YouTube.

Which means yes — you absolutely can sit in your pyjamas at 5.00 am yelling “THIS IS POLITICAL” at the television while clutching coffee strong enough to restart your nervous system (don’t spill it!). A beautiful European tradition, really.

This year marks the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, hosted in Vienna under the theme “United by Music”. 35 countries are competing across two semi-finals and the Grand Final.

There are dramatic ballads. There are chaotic dance numbers. There are genuine moments of concern while double-checking whether some performers accidentally rushed out the door forgetting their clothes. Somewhere, someone is absolutely playing an electric violin while suspended in the air. In other words: Eurovision remains exactly as it should be.

And while Estonia may not be in the Grand Final this year — nobody does Eurovision disappointment with more style than Estonians. We’ll recover. We’ll analyse the voting patterns like political scientists. We’ll loudly declare Vanilla Ninja deserved better. And then, inevitably, we’ll all tune in again next year anyway.

Life and Eurovision parties will go on. Enjoy!

Watch Estonia perform in the Eurovision semi-finals

Watch Australia perform in the Eurovision semi-finals

Building bridges (and pouring cider): EACCI networking event lands in Sydney

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Kristel Alla

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13 May, 2026

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Trade policy. International diplomacy. Baltic cider. One sentence rarely gets to contain all three, yet here we are. We’re intrigued.

The Estonian Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EACCI) will host its annual networking evening on Thursday, 14 May 2026, at the UTS Startups Events Space in Sydney — bringing together diplomats, trade experts, business leaders and the kind of people whose eyes light up when saying things like “cross-border collaboration opportunities”.

This year’s discussion arrives at an especially interesting moment, following the conclusion of negotiations for the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement. In other words: Europe and Australia are having a serious conversation about trade, investment and future cooperation — and Sydney gets front-row seats.

Event information

📅 Thursday, 14 May 2026
🕠 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm
📍 UTS Startups, 3 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007
🎟️ Free for EACCI members | $15 non-members
🔗 Tickets: Eventbrite registration page

Get tickets

One of the evening’s headline speakers will be Estonia’s Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Jaan Reinhold, whose diplomatic career has taken him across Europe, Asia and the Middle East before arriving in Australia in 2024.

Ambassador Jaan has become a familiar and warmly regarded presence within both the Estonian community and broader diplomatic circles — calm, thoughtful, internationally experienced and, importantly, genuinely willing to show up, meet people and support initiatives beyond the formal handshakes and podium moments.

Joining him will be Caragh Johnson from the European Australian Business Council and Joanna Pocztowska from the Delegation of the European Union to Australia, bringing perspectives from the front lines of EU trade negotiations and economic cooperation.

But while the presentations may focus on international agreements and economic strategy, there is another part of the evening quietly attracting attention.

Cider.

Not just any cider, either. The networking reception will feature tastings from the visiting Baltic Cider delegation — producers from Estonia, Latvia and Finland bringing natural ciders made from freshly pressed local apples to Australian audiences.

And if you grew up in or around Estonia, there is a fair chance these are the same kinds of apples you once climbed slightly questionable heights to pick from a relative’s apple tree, convinced the best ones always lived dangerously close to the top branches.

This is the sort of cider that makes you realise some drinks were clearly designed for sitting in a sunlit orchard while contemplating life choices and mild Northern European melancholy. Forget fluorescent cans labelled “mango flavour explosion” — the Baltics have entered the chat. You’ll want to know more. And probably sample more of whatever they’re pouring.

The cider team will also include some familiar faces. Among them is Raul Seepter, Managing Director of Nordic Beverages, long-time EACCI member and a well-known figure in bringing Estonian and Nordic beverages to Australia long before Baltic cider became the cool kid at the international drinks table.

The event is designed for professionals working across trade, startups, investment, innovation and international business, though realistically it may also appeal to anyone who enjoys European politics, intelligent conversation and free-flowing networking energy that slowly becomes more enthusiastic after cider sampling begins.

And honestly, in a world currently held together largely by coffee, calendar invites and fragile optimism, an evening dedicated to building international connections over Baltic apples feels strangely reassuring. Enjoy!

From zero to “wait, I made this?” — Melbourne’s weaving workshops

By

Kristel Alla

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13 May, 2026

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Two Saturdays, a room full of looms, colourful threads, coffee-fuelled conversations and the gradual emotional journey from “I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing” to “excuse me while I casually admire my own woven belt”. Melbourne’s Estonian weaving workshops turned out to be about far more than learning patterns.

Because somewhere between the tangled wool, concentrated silence and occasional dramatic “wait — I’ve threaded this backwards again” moments, something rather lovely happened.

People connected. Not just with weaving, but with culture, creativity, each other — and perhaps slightly with their inner village grandmother too.

Held at Melbourne Estonian House on 18 April and 2 May 2026, the workshops introduced participants to traditional Estonian weaving techniques using inkle looms.

Now, before this course, some participants had never touched a loom in their lives. Some had recently fallen into the wonderfully slippery rabbit hole of handicrafts — trying ceramics, painting, sewing and various other activities that begin innocently enough before you suddenly find yourself pricing storage shelves for yarn. Others arrived with handmade bags and intricate craftwork already casually draped over chairs like it was completely normal to possess this level of talent.

Frankly, some people in our community are suspiciously good at making beautiful things. Really, really good.

Workshop participants weaving and learning together at Melbourne Estonian House, 2 May 2026. Photo: Kristel Alla.

One of the biggest takeaways from participants was a newfound respect for the generations of women who mastered these techniques long before YouTube tutorials and emergency Google searches existed. Because weaving looks deceptively simple right up until you attempt it yourself. Then suddenly you discover patterns require concentration, patience, coordination and the ability to confidently recover from mistakes while pretending you absolutely meant to do that.

And yet — once the rhythm settles in — something deeply calming happens. Hands work. Minds quiet down. Conversations drift naturally around the table. Stories get shared during coffee breaks. Someone compliments someone else’s colour choices with the respect and admiration usually reserved for art galleries.

It becomes easy to imagine generations of Estonian women doing exactly this around kitchen tables and firesides — weaving practical, beautiful things for families and communities while quietly carrying culture forward through their hands.

There’s something unexpectedly emotional about realising that not all that long ago, people genuinely made the things they wore themselves. And honestly? That’s impressive. Most of us struggle to successfully assemble flat-pack furniture without emotional damage.

Participants repeatedly praised workshop facilitator Gabrielle Mikkor (Gabry) for creating a learning environment that felt encouraging, warm and refreshingly free of perfectionism.

There were beautifully prepared guides, traditional patterns to explore, examples of different techniques and plenty of hands-on support — but also constant reassurance that experimentation was part of the process.

Or, as Gabry reminded participants throughout the workshop: there’s no single “right” or “wrong” way to weave. Which was fortunate. Because while some participants followed patterns carefully and methodically, others approached weaving with a more “creative interpretation of instructions” energy (yes, me!).

Occasionally this led to innovation. Occasionally this led to confusion. Both were embraced equally.

An inkle loom ready for weaving. Photo: Kristel Alla.

And perhaps that’s part of what made the workshops feel so special. Nobody was there to perform expertise. People were simply there to learn, create and enjoy the process together.

Also, yes, there may have been some light competitive energy around whose belt was progressing fastest. Entirely healthy community behaviour, obviously.

By the second workshop, colourful belts and bookmarks had begun appearing across the tables in wildly different patterns and colour combinations. And walking around the room, seeing everyone’s choices side by side, became its own little reflection on personality.

Some people chose soft traditional colours. Others went boldly towards bright rainbow combinations that could probably be spotted from space. Some worked with absolute precision. Others embraced a more “the vibe will guide me” approach. All of it worked.

Because ultimately the workshops weren’t really about creating flawless weaving. They were about creating something with your own hands. Something made slowly, thoughtfully and imperfectly by human hands in a world increasingly obsessed with speed, convenience and buying things online at 11.57 pm while half-asleep.

Gabry guiding participants through traditional weaving techniques at Melbourne Estonian House, 2 May 2026. Photo: Kristel Alla.

Another favourite part of the course? Participants were able to borrow looms and weaving books to continue practising at home between sessions and after the workshops finished.

And importantly, this doesn’t feel like something that simply ended when the final threads were packed away.

The hope now is for these workshops to grow into an ongoing circle of weaving and handicraft enthusiasts — people gathering not just to learn techniques, but to create together, share stories and keep these traditions alive in a modern way.

Because in the end, weaving turned out to be about much more than weaving.

It became about belonging. About creativity. About culture. About discovering that perhaps we are all capable of making beautiful things if someone simply hands us colourful thread, a loom and enough encouragement.

And maybe also about discovering that Estonian women have been quietly overachieving for generations.

One participant described the workshops as “a fun and welcoming social environment” and said it was especially rewarding to create a woven belt and bookmark using traditional Estonian patterns. They added that they hoped more workshops like this would be offered in the future.

Another participant praised the care and preparation that went into the classes, saying the workshops created “such an encouraging and enjoyable learning environment” and left them inspired to continue practising at home.

And judging by the smiles around the table, the growing confidence by session two and the number of people suddenly evaluating whether weaving supplies will fit somewhere in their homes — this may only be the beginning.

A woven belt by Gabry alongside pages from the workshop instructions. Photo: Kristel Alla.

Thank you

Thank you, Gabrielle Mikkor, for your wonderful teaching, guidance and encouragement throughout the workshops. Thank you to Karen Nield for your ideas, inspiration and input. Thank you also to the Estonian Society in Melbourne and the Estonian Cultural Foundation Australia for supporting these workshops and helping bring traditional weaving skills to the community.

Meet and taste Baltic Cider on tour in Sydney, Batlow and Melbourne this May

By

Baltic Cider

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12 May, 2026

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The Baltic Cider collective is bringing its distinctive cool-climate ciders to Australia this May, with appearances across Sydney, Batlow and Melbourne.

Meet Baltic Cider

“Up Over” meets “Down Under” as Baltic cider makers arrive from Northern Europe to celebrate cider together with Australian audiences. The Baltic Cider brand brings together craft ciders from 24 producers across Latvia, Estonia and Finland. Made from whole apple juice and shaped by the cool northern climate, these ciders are known for their crisp, fresh character and bright apple flavour. Cool by nature and distinctly different, Baltic ciders offer a tasting experience well worth discovering.

The Baltic Cider team, together with three cider makers — Abavas and Murbudu from Latvia, and Pirula from Finland — will be sharing their ciders and stories through a series of events in Sydney, Batlow and Melbourne. This promotional tour aims to connect with both the beverage trade and the wider public.

Ciders on tour

The tasting lineup will showcase a range of styles, including non-alcoholic options. A distinctive feature of Baltic cider is the use of natural fruits, juices and herbs to create additional flavour and aromatic complexity. Highlights include hopped cider, quince cider and Australian Cider Awards 2025 Silver and Gold medal winners. More than 20 different ciders will be presented for tasting across the tour events.

Promotional events in Sydney – 14–19 May 2026

Estonian Australian Chamber Networking Event at UTS Startups – 14 May at 5.30 pm. Register here.
Get-together and cider tasting at Sydney Latvian House – 17 May at 2 pm.
Cider tasting and presentation at Barrelhouse Cellars (retail bottle shop) – 18 May at 4 pm.
Tap takeover evening with Baltic Cider at the Duke of Clarence Bar – 19 May at 4 pm.

Promotional events in Batlow – 15–16 May 2026

Batlow Cider Fest. Baltic ciders available for tasting and purchase, both bottled and on tap – 15–16 May. See here.
Baltic Cider promotional evening for trade and media at The Apple Thief Bar – 15 May at 6 pm.

Promotional events in Melbourne – 21–24 May 2026

Pint of Origin Festival. Baltic ciders available on tap at Beermash Bar – 21–24 May.
Private industry showcase – Baltic Cider presentation at Drinks Education Centre – 21 May at 5 pm.
Presentation with Baltic cider producers for the industry at Beermash Bar – 22 May at 3 pm.
Public cider tasting and meet-up with the Baltic Cider team and cider makers at Beermash Bar – 22 May from 5 pm.
Get-together at the Estonian House Beer Hall event – 23 May from 12 pm. Register here.
Get-together and cider tasting at Melbourne Latvian House – 23 May at 12 pm.

Baltic ciders now stocked in Australia

A selection of 24 Baltic ciders is available in Australia with short delivery times. The range includes a variety of styles, from sweet through to dry, as well as ciders with natural fruit and botanical additions, offering plenty to explore.

For stockists and online orders, visit: Baltic Cider House of Drinks.

See the Baltic Cider portfolio available through House of Drinks from May: here.

For more information, visit balticcider.com or follow Baltic Cider on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Contacts

Baltic Cider Team Estonia
raul@maaturism.ee
liisa.pobul@maaturism.ee

balticcider.com

The promotional tour and programme is supported by the Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027 project CB0700297 – BALT-FIN-CIDER (Exports of the Baltic and Finnish Craft Ciders to Australia).

Perth, nature calls — EstWest Adventure Day is here

By

Kristel Alla

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10 May, 2026

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Fresh air, campfires, adventure challenges and the increasingly rare joy of properly switching off for a day. EstWest Adventure Day arrives in Perth on Saturday, 16 May 2026.

At HEIA, we are fully in support of all things nature play. Children need it. Adults need it. Brains need it. Bodies need it. Somewhere between the trees, fresh air and mild physical exertion, humans tend to remember they are not actually indoor plants surviving entirely on coffee and Wi-Fi. Which is partly why this upcoming EstWest Adventure Day sounds like such a fabulous idea.

Why we’re excited about this one

The day camp is designed for adventure-loving people who want to stay active, try new experiences and spend time with other humans in real life — outdoors, in daylight, without needing to mute themselves first. You can look forward to instructor-led activities, team and individual challenges, movement, laughter and the kind of wholesome exhaustion that usually leads to the best sleep of your life afterwards.

Gathering begins mid-morning, with each participant taking part in two to three adventure activities throughout the day. Afterwards comes one of humanity’s oldest and most reliable bonding rituals: eating together. Shared lunch and dinner are included in selected ticket packages, before the evening wraps up around a campfire surrounded by nature.

Then everyone gets to return home, pleasantly tired, slightly smoky and deeply convinced they should “do this kind of thing more often”.

There is also something very reassuring about an event that openly encourages people to bring picnic rugs, folding chairs, snacks, outdoor games and comfortable clothes. This is not a black-tie gala. No one expects polished shoes or complicated small talk. The dress code is essentially: “prepared for adventure, weather and possibly sitting on the ground”.

What to know before you unleash your inner adventurer

Due to safety requirements, the adventure activities are open to school-aged children and adults, with some activities having height and weight requirements. Younger children are still warmly welcome, though parents and guardians will need to supervise and entertain them during the day. Which, to be fair, usually becomes much easier once sticks, open space and other children appear.

The organisers have also included a wonderfully practical packing list featuring water bottles, hats, sunscreen, warm layers, sturdy shoes and snacks — plus the deeply optimistic suggestion to bring a “good mood and adventurous spirit”. Optional extras include marshmallows for the campfire, which feels less like an optional extra and more like a moral responsibility.

And tucked quietly underneath all this fresh-air goodness is something genuinely lovely: the event is being delivered with support from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, allowing EstWest to subsidise a large portion of participation costs and make the day more accessible for families and community members.

We’re excited about this one. Have fun!

Event information

📅 Saturday, 16 May 2026
🕙 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
📍 Swan Valley Adventure Centre, 58 Yule Ave, WA 6056
🎟 Tickets include various options for activities and catering, including family-friendly choices and meal-only packages.
⚠️ Places are limited.

Ticket options

Adult — Activities + Lunch + Dinner: $66
School-aged child — Activities + Lunch + Dinner: $38.50
Children below school age: Free (no catering or activities included)
Lunch only (no activities): $25
Dinner + Entry only (no activities): $33

Tickets here

Acknowledgement

This article is based on an event announcement by EstWest

Support Sõrve: Eurovision pub night and kids disco in Sydney

By

Kristel Alla

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10 May, 2026

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Sydney Estonian House is bringing together disco lights, Eurovision drama and Estonian comfort food on Saturday, 16 May 2026 — all helping raise funds for the next Sõrve Summer Camp in January 2027.

A kids disco starts the evening before the Eurovision madness takes over. By nightfall, Sydney Estonian House will transform from glow-stick central into a fully fledged Eurovision headquarters — complete with music, games, themed drinks and the kind of emotional investment only this competition can produce.

One minute the children are on the dance floor, the next a room full of adults is passionately debating jury votes while nibbling on black bread and potato salad. Culture.

And this year? Estonia arrives with extra drama points already secured.

Fresh from the Eesti Laul finals in Tallinn, Vanilla Ninja has officially been crowned Estonia’s Eurovision 2026 representative with their anthem “Too Epic to Be True” — a title that sounds exactly like something invented at 2.00 am after three energy drinks and a fog machine malfunction. Which means Australian Estonians now have a very legitimate reason to yell at televisions together in public. Permission granted.

The evening begins with dancing for the younger crowd before the semi-final viewing party takes over from 6.30 pm. Expect bingo cards, raffles, a vodka coin toss and enough Europop to temporarily convince everyone they are capable of choreography.

And because no proper Estonian gathering allows for passionate debates on empty stomachs, dinner is also involved.

Sõrve will be serving an Estonian-style meal featuring potato or pasta, hearty savoury fillings seasoned the Estonian way, quick pickles, black bread and butter. Vegetarian and dietary-friendly options are also available.

Dinner must be pre-ordered by 12 May. This is not the kind of evening where you want to arrive hungry and optimistic. Eurovision emotions are difficult enough without adding hunger into the mix.

Behind the impressive dance moves and Eurovision scorecards sits something much bigger. The event is Sõrve’s first fundraiser for 2026, helping support the much-loved annual Estonian children’s summer camp held every January at Point Wolstoncroft, New South Wales. Every dollar raised goes back into supporting Sõrve programs, experiences and future opportunities for the community.

Which means yes, technically you are attending a fundraiser. But emotionally? You are attending a very important European diplomatic summit involving disco lights and bingo cards.

The reputation of Estonia is, naturally, at stake. Surely there’s another song contest win somewhere in our future? (Have faith. One day.)

Volunteers wanted

Sõrve is also calling for volunteers to help decorate, prepare food, run games, sell raffle tickets and assist throughout the evening. Volunteers receive free entry, a certificate of appreciation and the eternal respect of people trying to carry trays while ABBA plays in the background.

So polish your crowns, stretch your voting fingers and prepare accordingly. Sydney Eesti Maja is about to become the Southern Hemisphere’s loudest little Eurovision embassy.

Event information

📅 Saturday, 16 May 2026
🕔 Kids Disco: 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm
🕡 Eurovision viewing begins: 6.30 pm
📍 Sydney Estonian House, 141–143 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

💵 Adult tickets: $10 pre-sale | $15 at the door (18+)
💵 Child tickets: $5 pre-sale | $10 at the door
🍲 Dinner pre-order only — $20 per meal
⏰ Pre-sales and dinner orders close 12 May 2026

Tickets here

🔗 Tickets available via the event booking link
🔗 Volunteer sign-up available via the Sõrve volunteer form

Volunteers apply here

For volunteer enquiries contact Marissa at fundraising[at]sorve.org.au

Thank you

Thank you to Marissa Pikkat and Sõrve Summer Camp for this information.

Arvo Pärt & Baltic Sounds — concert by Giovanni Consort

By

Anu Läänesaar

-

9 May, 2026

0

The Baltic Sounds concert by Giovanni Consort — 17 April 2026, St Patrick’s Basilica, Perth, Western Australia. Photo: Anu Läänesaar.

I attended the Baltic Sounds concert by Giovanni Consort on Friday, 17 April, at St Patrick’s Basilica, Perth. I arrived with no expectations other than to be mesmerised by beautiful choral sounds, polished harmonies, and vocal skill — and I was certainly not disappointed.

The atmosphere inside the basilica was both beautiful and deeply respectful. The audience, many adorned with silver hair and the gentle marks of age, added to the sense of warmth and quiet appreciation that filled the space.

One of the highlights of the evening was De Profundis by Arvo Pärt. The performance was both tranquil — even dreamy — and powerful at the same time. There was an underlying sense of sadness throughout the piece, yet I felt the emotional tone gradually shift and evolve, ultimately ending with a feeling of determination and quiet strength, marked by a profound silence at the end.

Later, as I read more about the history and context of the composition, I learned that Arvo Pärt wrote De Profundis about a year after leaving Estonia, in 1977. Knowing this added another emotional layer to the experience — perhaps a sense of homesickness, longing, or even grief was present within the music all along.

During the performance, I noticed a man seated next to me listening with his eyes closed and his hands resting in a mudra position — almost as if meditating. I later mentioned this to a few friends, who explained that Arvo Pärt’s music is also very popular in yoga and meditation circles. I had no idea — but I think that is wonderful to learn.

I thoroughly enjoyed every piece performed. I was especially captivated by the pronunciation of the rolling “R” in several songs — so distinctly European and wonderfully familiar to me. It carried a comforting sense of home.

It was also interesting to later read several professional reviews of the concert, each highlighting different aspects of the performance and the repertoire.

For anyone who enjoys the music of Arvo Pärt, there are several more opportunities to experience his compositions live in Australia.

Saturday, 9 May 2026
Kanon Pokajanen
Composer’s recital: Arvo Pärt – Kanon Pokajanen
St. John’s Anglican Church, Camberwell, Victoria
Performers: Ensemble Gombert and John O’Donnell
https://events.humanitix.com/arvo-part-kanon-pokajanen

Saturday, 30 May 2026
Bogoróditse Djévo
Concert: In Paradisum
St James’ King Street, Sydney, New South Wales
Performers: Sydney Chamber Choir and Sam Allchurch
https://events.humanitix.com/scc-in-paradisum

Saturday, 25 July 2026
Spiegel im Spiegel
Concert: Twilight’s Embrace
Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), Cairns, Queensland
Performers: Julian Smiles and Alexander Krichel
https://www.ticketlink.com.au/ticketlinkEvents/afcm/ray-golding-sunset-series-1-twilights-embrace

This 4–16 November, the Latvian Radio Choir together with Genevieve Lacey will perform works including Magnificat and Nunc dimittis across multiple Australian cities, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Sydney.

More information about the concert tour can be found here:
Musica Viva Australia — Latvian Radio Choir & Genevieve Lacey Tour

As Arvo Pärt is one of the world’s most widely performed contemporary composers, don’t miss the opportunity to experience living musical history and treat yourself to an evening of world-class music.

From Gunnar Neeme’s shelves to yours

By

Kristel Alla

-

1 May, 2026

0

Photo: Private collection of Imbi Neeme.

It starts simply — a set of books — but the story behind them runs much deeper. Books from Estonian Australian artist Gunnar Neeme’s private library are now finding new homes across the community, free to a good home (just cover postage).

Some books you buy. Others… find you.

The family of Estonian Australian artist and writer Gunnar Neeme is offering books from his personal Estonian-language collection to the community — a collection shaped over decades of reading, thinking, and staying connected to Estonia from afar.

These aren’t books written by Neeme himself, but they reflect the world he lived in — the ideas he gravitated towards, the culture he held close, the language that stayed with him. Now, they’re ready to move on, shelf by shelf, into new homes.

The Estonian Archives in Australia have already selected a number of titles, and the rest are being shared more widely. It’s less of a clear-out and more of a quiet handover — from one Australian Estonian home to another.

How to browse and request

Everything you need sits neatly in one shared folder. This includes a spreadsheet of available books, along with photos grouped into clearly labelled lots and a request form. You can browse what’s available, check the latest updates, and submit a request form — all in one place.

The books themselves are free. The only cost is postage within Australia — or, for those in Melbourne, a chance to arrange collection from Footscray or the University of Melbourne.

Books are offered on a first come, first served basis. Requests are held for up to seven days while postage is arranged, and the spreadsheet is updated as things move along — so if something catches your eye, it’s worth not waiting too long.

Books will be available until Friday, 12 June 2026, or until allocated.

📎 Browse the collection and request books: here

Browse and request here

Who was Gunnar Neeme?

Gunnar Neeme (1918–2005) was one of those quietly extraordinary figures — the kind of person whose work you’ve likely seen even if you didn’t realise it at the time.

Born in Tartu and trained at the Pallas Art School, his early life was shaped by war and displacement before he eventually made his way to Australia. From the 1950s onwards, Melbourne became home — and also the base for a creative life that stretched across decades and disciplines.

He worked as an artist, graphic designer, teacher and illustrator, but his contribution went far beyond his job titles. Neeme was deeply embedded in the Estonian Australian cultural scene — organising exhibitions, contributing to literary life, and helping keep creative expression alive in a community

A creative force across disciplines

Gunnar Neeme didn’t stick to one lane — and thankfully so. His work ranged from painting and graphic art to poetry, essays and plays, often exploring the relationship between art and inner life.

Many will recognise his legacy in a very tangible way — through the murals and wall panels in Estonian Houses across Australia. These are not small works tucked away in corners; they’re part of the spaces where gatherings, celebrations and everyday moments have unfolded for generations.

He also illustrated Kalevipoeg, the Estonian national epic, in a powerful visual interpretation that later helped inspire an English translation. It’s one of those rare moments where art quietly shifts something bigger — opening a cultural doorway for others.

Why this matters now?

At first glance, this might feel like a simple book giveaway. But it’s a little more layered than that.

These books have lived a life — sitting on shelves, being picked up, put down, returned to. They’ve been part of someone’s thinking, someone’s routine, someone’s connection to language and identity over time.

Somewhere in there, you can almost picture it — Gunnar Neeme, reading by a dim light, turning these same pages, letting ideas settle and resurface… the kind that don’t stay on the page, but quietly become something more.

And perhaps that’s the real value here — not just owning a book, but becoming part of its next chapter.

Give me all the links

Request form here
List of books here
Photos of books here

Link to all files

Thank you

Thank you to Imbi Neeme and Matti Kiviväli for this information and photos.

More information

Gunnar Neeme | Estonian Writers’ Online Dictionary

If you have questions, please contact Imbi Neeme via email: imbi.neeme(at)gmail.com

Discover volber — an Estonian tradition comes to life in Sydney

By

Kristel Alla

-

30 April, 2026

0

Washing the head of Karl Ernst von Baer's statue with champagne, volber 2017, Tartu, Estonia. By Märt Kose - Estonian Student Union, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76186865, via Wikimedia Commons.

A little bit wild, a little bit magical — and just the right amount of “I’ll only stay for one drink” (you won’t). Sydney’s Estonian House is bringing volber (in Estonian, vappu in Finnish) to life on 1 May 2026, with live music, warm food and a party that leans delightfully into tradition.

Event information

📅 Date: Friday, 1 May 2026
🕕 Time: 6 pm – 11 pm
📍 Location: Estonian House in Sydney, 141–143 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
🎟 Tickets: $25 pre-sale | $35 at the door
🔗 Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DJKZL

Book here

One night, one house, questionable next-day plans

If your Friday night has been looking suspiciously calm — consider this your official upgrade. Sydney’s Estonian House will be doing what it does best: turning into a warm, joy-filled gathering where conversations stretch, music pulls you in, and Estonian food quietly steals the spotlight.

Add famously colourful decorations, a bar that understands the assignment, and a room full of people who didn’t come to leave too early… and you’ve got yourself a night.

Meet Jericho (your soundtrack for “just one more song”)

Handling the musical side of things is Jericho — a Sydney indie rock band that specialises in the kind of sound that starts as background and very quickly becomes the main event.

Their music blends guitar-driven energy with melodic hooks and just enough emotional edge to keep things interesting. It’s atmospheric without being sleepy, energetic without being overwhelming — basically, perfect for a night where people are equal parts dancing, talking, and occasionally making bold declarations about life at 9.47 pm.

They’ve been trusted with vappu/volber crowds before (a strong sign), and this time they’re arriving with extra spark — launching their third single “Juno” the very next night. In short: they know what they’re doing, and you’ll be glad they do.

But wait — what is volber?

Now, here’s where things get interesting — because Sydney isn’t just hosting a party. It’s quietly carrying a tradition that hasn’t travelled nearly as far as it deserves.

Volber (volbripäev or Walpurgis Night) lands on 1 May and has, over time, evolved into one of those beautifully layered traditions that refuses to stay in a single category. It’s part folklore, past student ritual, part full-blown social event.

In modern Estonia, it’s often known as the night of witches. Not the broomstick-and-doom kind — more the playful, dress-up, slightly theatrical kind. People gather, dress in costumes ranging from whimsical to mildly unhinged, light bonfires, dance, sing, and lean into a shared understanding that tonight, reality can loosen its grip just a little. And honestly? It does.

The student version

Then come the students — and this is where volber levels up. For over a century, fraternities and sororities have turned the night into something between a ceremony and a social marathon. It often begins with a procession: colourful caps (teklid), flags, songs echoing through the streets, and a sense that something important (and slightly mischievous) is unfolding.

Statues get their heads ceremonially washed with champagne — because of course they do. Speeches are made, fires are lit, traditions are honoured… and then the doors to Estonian sororities and fraternities open — a rare, once-a-year chance for the general public to step inside.

And once those doors open, the night transforms. Houses welcome guests. Music spills into corridors. People move from one place to another, discovering spaces, customs and moments they didn’t plan for. It’s equal parts organised and completely uncontainable — and so much fun.

Student organisations walking towards Toomemägi in Tartu, volber 2017. Photo: Märt Kose, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The version you remember later (and slightly romanticise)

But the real volber? As someone with first-hand insight into Estonian sororities and fraternities, I can tell you — it lives somewhere else entirely. It’s the night you wait for without fully admitting it. The one where you say you’ll “just pop in”… and somehow stay until the sky changes colour.

It’s stepping into places you’ve never been and instantly feeling like you’ve been invited. It’s choosing one party out of many — not logically, but because something about it calls to you. It’s dancing until your shoes become optional, then carrying them home like a quiet badge of honour. And it’s that walk back — early morning, slightly tired, entirely happy — where nothing particularly dramatic happened, and yet somehow everything did.

From witches to Sydney

Historically, volber has always been a bit of a shapeshifter. In older traditions, it was tied to beliefs about witches travelling through the night, gathering in faraway places — stories that flickered somewhere between myth and imagination. Over time, it blended with seasonal rituals, spring celebrations, community gatherings, and May Day traditions across Europe.

In Estonia today, all of those layers still exist — bonfires, costumes, student traditions, quiet catch-ups, loud parties — each group shaping the night in their own way. And now, in Sydney, it’s happening again. Not as a perfect replica of Tartu (impossible, and also unnecessary), but as something living. Adapted. Local. A little different, but still carrying that same spirit of openness, curiosity and shared experience.

So… will you go?

If you like your cultural experiences neat, predictable and over by 9pm — this may not be your night. But if you’re even slightly curious, even mildly open to something different, or simply in the mood for a Friday that turns into a story… then yes. This is your night. And if you already know volber? Then you’re probably already halfway out the door.

Sydney might be the only place in Australia celebrating volber like this — which makes it rare, a little special, and absolutely worth showing up for. Just don’t make firm plans for the next morning. Or do. And see what happens.

Poster by Taimi Maidla. Source: Estonian Society in Sydney.

Thank you

Thank you to Ave Nukki and Estonian Society in Sydney for information.

Clock’s ticking: Global Estonian Youth Ambassadors — apply by 5 May

By

Kristel Alla

-

30 April, 2026

0

Final call: applications for the Global Estonian Youth Ambassadors Summer School close 5 May 2026. If Estonia has ever felt like a question mark (or a quiet pull), this one-week experience might just turn it into a revelation.

The Global Estoniani Noorsaadikute Suvekool Eestis (noorsaadikud — “envoys” in Estonian) isn’t your average summer school. This one is a summer school with bigger questions behind it. For deep thinkers. For changemakers. For young philosophers with questions of identity on their minds. For those curious about the way a country runs, breathes and occasionally surprises you.

It’s an invitation to step closer — to understand Estonia not as something inherited at a distance, but something you actively shape, represent and carry forward.

When and where?

One week in Tallinn and Southern Estonia, 26 July to 2 August 2026.

Who is this for?

If you’re aged 18–30, have Estonian heritage, and have lived outside Estonia for at least five years — this is for you.

The program is primarily in Estonian (eesti keeles), but support in English will be available where possible (because identity journeys shouldn’t get stuck on vocabulary).

So… what happens during this week?

Quite a lot, actually. You’ll step inside the places where Estonia happens — meeting the people shaping the country’s decisions, from foreign policy to security. You’ll get a glimpse into how Estonia is defended, how its economy evolves, and whether the famous “e-Estonia” still has a few surprises up its sleeve.

There’s also the slightly more human side of things. Universities. Career pathways. Start-ups and unicorns. The practical “what if I came here?” questions — answered by people who actually know.

Estonia beyond the brochure

And then there’s the Estonia you don’t Google. The music of Arvo Pärt. The quiet intensity of a smoke sauna. A walk through places you may have heard or dreamt of.

And, perhaps most importantly, the moments in between. The conversations by a campfire. A bog hike that turns into something unexpectedly reflective. The kind of chats where Estonia stops being an idea and becomes something personal.

What’s covered?

This program is organised by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom. The program covers:

your accommodation (single rooms in Tallinn, shared elsewhere)
meals throughout the program
activities and transport within Estonia
and, if needed, return flights to Tallinn (within EU limits).

How to apply?

The application deadline is Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

This is what you need to do to apply:

(1) send your CV, (2) completed application form and (3) a one-page, free-form essay on “My Estonia” (in Estonian or English) to suvekool[at]mfa.ee

Application form

We encourage you to apply. And who knows — your version of “My Estonia” might just begin here and lead you somewhere amazing.

Thank you

Thank you to Global Estonian and Jaan Reinhold for this information.

April 2026: Nipet-näpet Eestist (odds and sods from Estonia)

By

Mark Narustrang

-

29 April, 2026

0

A monthly summary of news about Estonia that we found interesting!

Click the links to read the full articles.

April highlights

➢ A fort with a view

➢ Forget Airbnb — try Eesti RaC (Rent-a-Cell) (jump to 6:00 for the good bit)

➢ Powering forward — Estonia’s energy strategy

➢ A spy or two

➢ Two countries — one town

Last month

March 2026: Nipet-näpet Eestist (odds and sods from Estonia) | HEIA

NewsPaperHello, Estonians in Australia

HEIAHello, Estonians in Australia

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The Last Hurrah has officially begun at Melbourne Estonian House — 22–24 May 2026 — and yes, FOMO is real. Saturday and Sunday still await. Pace yourselves emotionally.

The archive table knows everything

Some people came for a look. Most stayed for hours.

That is not a building. That is a social calendar with walls.

Memory lane had traffic

All around the building, conversations unfolded in corners, hallways and beside displays.

Friday was only the beginning. Let us stress this gently but firmly: Friday was the least packed day. Yes. The least packed.

Saturday: beer hall by day, NOËP by night

Sunday: Family Day, national costumes warmly encouraged

Let’s sum up: The Last Hurrah a living archive in real time

So come today. Come Sunday. Stay longer than planned. Ask questions. Look through the albums. Find the faces. Share the stories. Wear the national costume because you can. Bring your family. Bring your memories. Bring your curiosity.

Read more

Vienna witnessed many things on Tuesday night — enough stage fog to confuse air traffic control, notes audible mainly to dolphins and hairstyles that probably required structural engineering approval. Sadly, one thing it did not witness was Estonia qualifying for the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final.

Australia made it through. That’s right — while Estonia’s Eurovision journey has sadly ended for this year, Australia’s own Delta Goodrem remains one of the competition favourites with her song Eclipse.

The Eurovision 2026 Grand Final takes place on Saturday, 16 May 2026 in Vienna, Austria. For Australians, that means: Sunday morning, 17 May 2026. Usually broadcast live from around 5.00 am AEST (depending on your state and broadcaster).

Read more

Watch Estonia perform in the Eurovision semi-finals

Watch Australia perform in the Eurovision semi-finals

Trade policy. International diplomacy. Baltic cider. One sentence rarely gets to contain all three, yet here we are. We’re intrigued.

Event information

One of the evening’s headline speakers will be Estonia’s Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Jaan Reinhold, whose diplomatic career has taken him across Europe, Asia and the Middle East before arriving in Australia in 2024.

Cider.

And if you grew up in or around Estonia, there is a fair chance these are the same kinds of apples you once climbed slightly questionable heights to pick from a relative’s apple tree, convinced the best ones always lived dangerously close to the top branches.

And honestly, in a world currently held together largely by coffee, calendar invites and fragile optimism, an evening dedicated to building international connections over Baltic apples feels strangely reassuring. Enjoy!

Read more

People connected. Not just with weaving, but with culture, creativity, each other — and perhaps slightly with their inner village grandmother too.

Frankly, some people in our community are suspiciously good at making beautiful things. Really, really good.

It becomes easy to imagine generations of Estonian women doing exactly this around kitchen tables and firesides — weaving practical, beautiful things for families and communities while quietly carrying culture forward through their hands.

There were beautifully prepared guides, traditional patterns to explore, examples of different techniques and plenty of hands-on support — but also constant reassurance that experimentation was part of the process.

And perhaps that’s part of what made the workshops feel so special. Nobody was there to perform expertise. People were simply there to learn, create and enjoy the process together.

By the second workshop, colourful belts and bookmarks had begun appearing across the tables in wildly different patterns and colour combinations. And walking around the room, seeing everyone’s choices side by side, became its own little reflection on personality.

And importantly, this doesn’t feel like something that simply ended when the final threads were packed away.

It became about belonging. About creativity. About culture. About discovering that perhaps we are all capable of making beautiful things if someone simply hands us colourful thread, a loom and enough encouragement.

And judging by the smiles around the table, the growing confidence by session two and the number of people suddenly evaluating whether weaving supplies will fit somewhere in their homes — this may only be the beginning.

Thank you

The Baltic Cider collective is bringing its distinctive cool-climate ciders to Australia this May, with appearances across Sydney, Batlow and Melbourne.

Meet Baltic Cider

Ciders on tour

Promotional events in Sydney – 14–19 May 2026

Promotional events in Batlow – 15–16 May 2026

Promotional events in Melbourne – 21–24 May 2026

Baltic ciders now stocked in Australia

Contacts

Fresh air, campfires, adventure challenges and the increasingly rare joy of properly switching off for a day. EstWest Adventure Day arrives in Perth on Saturday, 16 May 2026.

Why we’re excited about this one

Then everyone gets to return home, pleasantly tired, slightly smoky and deeply convinced they should “do this kind of thing more often”.

What to know before you unleash your inner adventurer

Event information

Ticket options

Read more

Acknowledgement

Sydney Estonian House is bringing together disco lights, Eurovision drama and Estonian comfort food on Saturday, 16 May 2026 — all helping raise funds for the next Sõrve Summer Camp in January 2027.

The evening begins with dancing for the younger crowd before the semi-final viewing party takes over from 6.30 pm. Expect bingo cards, raffles, a vodka coin toss and enough Europop to temporarily convince everyone they are capable of choreography.

Dinner must be pre-ordered by 12 May. This is not the kind of evening where you want to arrive hungry and optimistic. Eurovision emotions are difficult enough without adding hunger into the mix.

Which means yes, technically you are attending a fundraiser. But emotionally? You are attending a very important European diplomatic summit involving disco lights and bingo cards.

Volunteers wanted

Event information

Read more

Thank you

I attended the Baltic Sounds concert by Giovanni Consort on Friday, 17 April, at St Patrick’s Basilica, Perth. I arrived with no expectations other than to be mesmerised by beautiful choral sounds, polished harmonies, and vocal skill — and I was certainly not disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed every piece performed. I was especially captivated by the pronunciation of the rolling “R” in several songs — so distinctly European and wonderfully familiar to me. It carried a comforting sense of home.

For anyone who enjoys the music of Arvo Pärt, there are several more opportunities to experience his compositions live in Australia.

As Arvo Pärt is one of the world’s most widely performed contemporary composers, don’t miss the opportunity to experience living musical history and treat yourself to an evening of world-class music.

It starts simply — a set of books — but the story behind them runs much deeper. Books from Estonian Australian artist Gunnar Neeme’s private library are now finding new homes across the community, free to a good home (just cover postage).

Some books you buy. Others… find you.

How to browse and request

Who was Gunnar Neeme?

A creative force across disciplines

Why this matters now?

Give me all the links

Thank you

More information