While I innocently embraced many ’80s trends in my younger years, I would “discover” electronic music pioneers Depeche Mode almost three decades later and not by typical means: streaming, radio play, CDs – remember those? Instead, it was visiting an Estonian bar in a constant state of Groundhog Day, playing the band’s music non-stop for more than 20 years.
Read the article on the Sydney Morning Herald website:
Photo by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Join us in congratulating Kristi Barrow and Matti Kiviväli for their prestigious recognition by the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, on Citizen’s Day.
In an extraordinary acknowledgment of their dedication to preserving the Estonian heritage and promoting the reputation of Estonia abroad, Kristi Barrow and Matti Kiviväli have been recognised by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Citizens’ Day, 26 November 2024. This honour underscores their exceptional contributions to the Estonian Australian community.
Kristi Barrow was honoured for her exceptional leadership in founding and advancing the Estonian Australia Media Project (AEMP), as well as for her contributions to the Estonian Cultural Foundation and the Estonian Archives in Australia. Through her efforts, she has fostered stronger connections across Estonian communities, ensuring that their cultural and historical narratives are both shared and celebrated.
Matti Kiviväli was honoured for his decades of unwavering dedication to the Estonian community and the Estonian House in Melbourne. Through his exceptional management and leadership, Matti has helped preserve an important landmark of Estonian heritage in Australia. He has created a space where the local Estonian community can thrive and has enriched it in countless ways, including safeguarding archives, teaching folk dancing, and supporting community activities.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs annually recognises individuals and civic associations around the world for their exceptional voluntary contributions to preserving the Estonian language, culture, and identity, as well as for promoting Estonia’s global reputation. Among the 19 recipients honoured this year, Kristi and Matti were the only Estonian Australians, highlighting the distinctive impact of their work.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna highlighted the significance of Citizens’ Day as a celebration of individuals who enhance Estonia’s global reputation through active diplomacy and community engagement. He praised the recipients for their commitment, emphasising the importance of honouring their efforts in strengthening Estonia’s presence on the world stage:
Part of Estonia are our people who tirelessly stand up for our country abroad and make Estonia a greater country. They participate in the life of Estonia and contribute to Estonia’s future through active people’s diplomacy. Be it promoting the Estonian community life in Melbourne, telling the story of Estonians in South Korea or preserving our heritage in our homeland. The Estonian state is grateful to everyone who has made a personal contribution by volunteering or doing many times more than their position would require.
Citizens’ Day aims to promote civic pride and awareness while honouring individuals and associations who have significantly contributed to preserving Estonian culture or enhancing Estonia’s global reputation. Matti and Kristi’s tireless efforts exemplify this mission, making Australia’s Estonian community incredibly proud.
Honouring contributions across the world
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged these individuals and associations across the world on Citizen’s Day.
Matti Kiviväli for his significant contribution to leading the Melbourne Estonian House.
Kristi Barrow for initiating and advancing a media project for the Estonian community in Australia, as well as her voluntary work in the Estonian Cultural Foundation in Australia and the Estonian Archives.
Kairit Kolsar for her significant contributions to the Belgian Estonian School and the Estonian Society in Belgium.
Kristi Vuht Allpere for her long-standing efforts in promoting and preserving Estonian culture in the United States.
Andrus Ers and the Estonian Sports Association in the USA for their dedicated and consistent efforts in fostering and promoting the sports spirit among North American Estonians.
Rita Warfia for her long-standing work in introducing Estonia in Germany.
Anna-Maria Praks for her active efforts in introducing Estonia in Saarland, Germany.
Mariel Sandra Korbe for telling Estonia’s story in South Korea.
Tui Hirv for introducing Estonia in Iceland.
Kadri-Liis Wist for introducing Estonia in Norway.
Meribel Hagen for her significant dedication to promoting Estonian culture in Switzerland.
Toomas and Paula Tubalkain for their continuous and dedicated efforts in preserving and promoting Estonian culture in the United States.
Tarmo Saks for his diligent care of the virtual Estonian House – the Global Estonian portal.
Maarja Merivoo-Parro for her humanistic interpretation of Estonian history.
Riina Kindlam for her reflections on Estonian identity both abroad and in Estonia.
Epp Petrone for the “Minu” (My) book series, which brings the stories of Estonians around the world to readers in Estonia.
Astrid Edwards for her long-term and dedicated work in preserving Estonian culture and fostering communal activities in the United Kingdom.
Karin Blakeley for her long-term and dedicated work in preserving Estonian culture and successfully leading the Estonian Society Tulevik in England.
It’s that time of year! It’s Christmas and there are Estonian events being held all over Australia. Check out the list below to find the Estonian Christmas event closest to you.
Everyone is welcome to attend the annual Christmas Function at the Estonian House in Adelaide this Sunday, 1 December 2024. This will be a casual open house event where community members can catch up with friends and share a meal and a few drinks.
Program
Estonian food – pork, blood sausages and more
Coffee and cake
Kids Activity Corner
Free presents for all children 12 and under
Estonian Christmas carols by Hapukoor
Christmas hamper raffle
Tickets
Adults $20, children $5 (5–12 years), free for infants and toddlers (under 5 years).
Date: Sunday, 8 December 2024 Time: 2.00 PM Location: Latvian Hall, 24 Church Avenue, Wooloongabba QLD 4102 Tickets: Bank transfer, see below.
Santa’s elves are busy getting everything ready for our Brisbane Christmas celebration! Everyone is welcome! To make sure each child receives a gift, please send us the names of the children in your family attending by 5 December 2024 to maili.andre@gmail.com.
Program
Folk dance performance by Folkroos
Children’s concert
Estonian Christmas food
Free presents for children
Tickets
Adults $15, children free.
To register for the Christmas Party, please pay for tickets by transfer to the account: Brisbane Estonian Playgroup: BSB 633000, ACC 151875358.
Gold Coast
Gold Coast Playgroup Christmas Party
Date: Sunday, 22 December 2024 Time: 9.30 AM Location: Varsity Lakes Community Centre, 337 Christine Avenue, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 Tickets: https://www.eestilapsed.com.au/osalustasu
We invite you to our Christmas meal, Christmas carols, Santa and gifts on the Gold Coast! Everyone is welcome including grandparents!
Program
Santa will come for a visit and bring presents for children
Estonian Christmas food
Christmas carols
We’ll be decorating gingerbread cookies
Tickets
Family ticket $30.
Additional information
You are welcome to bring simple snacks or sweets for the common table.
Date: Sunday, 8 December 2024 Time: 2.00 PM Location: Melbourne Estonian House, 43 Melville Road, Brunswick West 3055 Tickets: Sold out
Bring your family and friends and come celebrate Christmas at the Estonian House in Melbourne! Let’s make it a Christmas to remember together! Anthony and Evelin Erm will once again delight us with delicious Estonian Christmas foods. Children and adults will join in folk dancing, kids and our talented ladies’ choir will fill the room with festive songs, and we’ll have plenty of other fun activities to keep everyone entertained. Drinks available at bar prices.
Program
FIRST – We’ll welcome you with hot mulled wine and delicious nibbles. SECOND – The Melbourne Estonian Ladies Choir will perform. THIRD – The children’s playgroupwill sing. FOURTH – The children’s folk dance group will perform. FIFTH – The adults’ folk dance group, Eiderattad, will dance. SIXTH – CHRISTMAS LUNCH WILL BE SERVED. SEVENTH – Santa will arrive to deliver presents to the children. EIGHTH – Join in for Christmas carols sung in Estonian and English. NINTH – Blessings by Pastor Helga. TENTH – Enjoy more fun, Christmas music, drinks, and great conversations with friends, old and new.
Tickets
Free for members and their children under 18 years (members for 2 years) $40 for non-members (full fee) $15 for children of non-members (3–12 years)
NB! Tickets have been sold out. If you didn’t get one this year, we hope to see you next year.
Instructions for how to pre-order Estonian pies/pirukad by clicking the link below.
Additional information
Please bring high chairs for your infants and toddlers if they need them.
Get ready to celebrate the festive season with EstWest in true Estonian-Aussie style on 7 December! Join us for an unforgettable day filled with holiday cheer, great company and plenty of Estonian food. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just getting to know EstWest, we’re excited to celebrate the season with everyone! Mark your calendar and bring the whole family – this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Program
3:30 pm – Delicious Estonian Christmas food served 4:30 pm – Children’s activities with a special magician performance 5:30 pm – Santa Claus arrives to spread some holiday joy 6:00 pm – Christmas carols to get us all singing along
Additionally, the event will feature various activities for children, allowing younger visitors to experience the true joy of Christmas. Throughout the event, we’ll have a DJ playing festive tunes from both Estonia and Australia, and you can browse and buy Christmas gifts, try your luck in our raffle, or relax with a drink from the bar.
Tickets
Adults $45, children free (under 18 years).
Tickets can be purchased until 1 December 2024.
The ticket price includes food and entertainment. Entry is free for children (under 18 years), but please still register your child(ren) through trybooking and email us at secretary@estwest.org.au with your child(ren)’s name(s) and age(s) so we can organise Santa’s gifts.
Concession tickets are available. Please contact the organisers for more information/for promotion code.
Additional information
Bring along your picnic blankets for a cosy seat on the grass!
Date: Sunday, 1 December 2024 Time: 10.00 AM Location: Sydney Estonian House, 141 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Tickets: free entry
Sydney Estonian Handicraft Society is inviting you to the annual Christmas market on Sunday 1 December from 10am to 2pm at the Sydney Estonian House. Arts, crafts and Christmas presents for sale.
The Estonian Society of Sydney invites you to our traditional Christmas lunch that will be held on Sunday, 8 December 2024.
Tickets
Admission with pre-registration until 6 December, no tickets at the door. $40 for adult members $45 for adult non-members $20 for children (10+ years) Free for children under 10 years old.
Those with an Estonian heritage living in Australia will occasionally come across a name that resonates as Estonian, and given Estonians make up less than 0.03% of the global population with Australia being about as far away as you can from where the vast majority of Estonians live, that’s quite rare!
Like many European countries, Estonian names are broad in origin, including Germanic and Scandinavian lineages and aside from the most popular names, its not always easy to discern, but there is a certain ‘something’ that provides a clue – even if you are not an Estonian language speaker. Maybe it’s an atypical double vowel or consonant or a profusion of ‘P’s, but there are giveaways.
You can stumble across this anywhere. It might be a new co-worker or maybe a customer service name tag, but perhaps the most attention is drawn when an Estonian name gets mentioned in the media.
An example is the just released Netflix Australian drama series, Territory, which stars Anna Torv. Anna has Estonian heritage through her father (not to be confused with her similarly prominent namesake aunt, Anna dePeyster – nee Torv – formerly Murdoch and Mann).
Which made us at eesti.org.au, wonder what other prominent Australians have Estonian heritage? (Our criterion for prominence is that they have a Wikipedia page!)
22 September 1944 was a momentous, life-changing experience for all Estonians – for those people departing never to return, those left behind who couldn’t leave for decades, and for Estonia, the country, which had its name changed once again.
I was fortunate to be born into and have lived in parts of the free world. My parents Oskar and Magda had known occupation by foreign powers and the freedom of an independent country – Oskar had been a volunteer in Kuperjanov’s School Boy Battalion in the War of Independence – and now the Estonia they loved was becoming occupied again. They were living in Pärnu. Freedom meant a risky boat trip across the Baltic Sea towards Sweden avoiding retreating German and advancing Soviet ships during unpredictable autumn weather.
Oskar made some notes in a small pocket diary:
17 Sept – gone to see friends, knew nothing yet about boat’s departure
18 Sept – the whole town is full of noise and confusion
19 Sept – Magda phoned. Will get my passport
20 Sept – We take a ferry boat at 8.45am, arrive Kihnu Island 13.00 hours
21 Sept – on the boat at 15.00 hours
22 Sept – depart on the sailing ship “Alide” at 10.00.
I try to capture their feelings with this poem:
Forced departure
Smile had been torn from their faces Their hearts straining not to break Solemnly they shut the door To take a final stroll … to the boat Handbag, briefcase, extra layers of clothing Who was there to whisper? Who would see? People now noticed things And they were leaving Pärnu, Estonia Surely not forever?
The sea and sky looked grim As they stepped on the cutter ‘Alide’ A nightlong sailing into the west sea Something had begun When will it be over?
They huddled on deck, Low ready islets flitted by Homeland disappearing quickly Will the captain dodge German and Soviet ships just as swiftly? Where will he steer? Will they reach Sweden safely?
They sailed through the dark autumn night. Luckily, the Swedish coastguard was on the lookout and escorted “Alide” to the port at Farö Island, off Gotland.
23 Sept – 16.30 arrive at Farösund, on shore at 20.00h
24 Sept – (it was Oskar’s birthday,) at Slite, overnight in tent
25 Sept – at Slite, overnight in tent
26 Sept – leave Slite at 15.00h by bus, arrive 21.00h at Visby Gotland, sauna.
There are more brief day-by-day entries of their transfers and life during the next few months which included activities such as choir practice, church services, relocations, trips to other refugee bases to give concerts, kitchen duties and rosters, Swedish language classes, all bringing some routine and normality to life. There was much discussion too, about decisions to be made about the future.
These brief diary entries enabled me in the 1990s to follow in their steps to explore and get a sense of the places they arrived at. Included in this journey is life in Uppsala where I was born and finally in Stockholm where I grew to be 3 years old. Standing outside the building we lived in and around which I would have played in Stockholm, I collected these thoughts in a poem called:
This patterned life
She knitted when the house was asleep Occasionally at the child in the cot she would peep Peace around her to concentrate Jacquard, chevron, cable, Samples set out on the table Haapsalu scarves to slip through a wedding ring Others to wear by those who sing At Stockholm’s Estonian Song Festival. Colourful gloves, bonnets, socks, Patterns counted off graph-paper blocks, Traditional snowflakes respecting the trust Of Estonia left behind, in war’s dust. In Sweden she did this in earnest For she was a refugee And her work was done for a fee. In Estonia it was a women’s art To knit, crotchet and dress smart But then in 1944 with her life she fled Knitting needles now clicked the feelings not said.
All the pieces tell a story Of migration, and someone else’s war glory My pink jacket and blue skirt with straps Photos show places on antipodean maps Other cultures fused The Christening shawl not used Since I grew and needed a skirt. All packed in a trunk Life was not to be a failure – Off again, this time to Australia.
I have written about our journey and donated the collection of our memorabilia to the Immigration Section of the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney. It forms part of our collective Estonian heritage and contributes to our Estonian and Australian histories. Some of the poetry has been translated and published in Estonia. I consider these writings and the museum donation as my legacies to the courage and resilience of my parents. We all have our stories. This has been mine. I remember 22 September 1944 with respect and reverence for it has, in part, shaped my life also.
To end on a positive note, the search for my Estonianess has enriched my life immensely.
This was the trunk that travelled together with Oskar and Magda from Estonia to Australia. Photo from the personal collection of Anu Mihkelson.Two bonnets knitted by Magda. Photo from the personal collection of Anu Mihkelson.
Credits: Written by Anu Mihkelson.
Anu Mihkelson read this story at the event titled “Exodus 80” at the Estonian House, Melbourne, 22 September 2024. Reproduced with permission from the author.
Short bio: Anu Mihkelson is a writer and a career academic. She graduated with a PhD in chemistry from the University of Sydney.
Publications relevant to this story
Books
Mihkelson, A. (1999). Three suitcases and a three year old. Available from Amazon.
Mihkelson, A. (2011). The view from here. Available from Amazon.
Mihkelson, A. (2019). Things I’ve seen places I’ve been. Available from Amazon.
Other publications relevant to Estonia
Hinrikus, R. (2000). Eesti Rahva Elulood II [Biographies of the Estonian people II]. See, for example, pp. 350–359. Tallinn: Estonian Literary Museum and Ühendus Eesti Elulood.
Kreutzwald, F. R. (2011). Kalevipoeg: Eesti rahvuseepos [Kalevipoeg: Estonian national epic] (T. Kartus, Trans.). Tartu-Tallinn: Estonian Literary Museum.
Vasilas, V. (Ed.) (2013). Across lands and oceans… to freedom. Stories and photographs from the Estonian journey to Australia and New Zealand. See, for example, pp. 92–97, Escape and limbo through verse and photographs. Riverwood, NSW: Ligare Book Printers.
Eesti Rahva Muuseumi Sõprade Selts (ERMSS). (2020). Eesti Rahva Muuseumi Sõprade Seltsi aastaraamat. LEE 26 [Yearbook of the Society of Friends of the Estonian National Museum. LEE 26]. See, for example, Peripatetic poems (in English and in translation), pp. 80–102. Tartu: ERMSS.
This story was collected as part of a campaign in support of the Mass Flight Memorial. If you have a story to share about your family’s mass flight experience, please write to us at news@eesti.org.au.
The Estonian House in Melbourne is being sold, and the Committee of the Melbourne Estonian Society is actively working to secure a new venue for future activities.
The sale
The Estonian House Co-operative Ltd., the property’s owner, has partnered with Burgess Rawson as its commercial real estate agent, running an expression of interest campaign to attract potential clients. The plan is to sell and vacate the building by the end of March 2025.
In early 2025, the committee plans to host a special weekend event themed “Farewell, Estonian House!” This will be an opportunity for the Melbourne Estonian community to gather, reminisce, and bid farewell to the building.
Located in the heart of Brunswick West, the Estonian House was originally built in 1928 as the Western Theatre. The Estonian community in Melbourne acquired the property, formerly known as the Marco Polo Cinema, in 1971. Funding came from the sale of a previous property, fundraising efforts, and the sale of additional co-operative shares. Volunteers transformed the cinema into a lively cultural hub with spaces for community events and facilities. Since its grand opening in 1972, the building has hosted numerous cultural and educational events, becoming a centre for preserving and celebrating Estonian heritage in Melbourne.
The property covers 1,238 square meters and includes a theatre, stage, green room, commercial kitchen, bar, under-stage clubhouse, viewing balcony, first-floor function room, third-floor boardroom/office space, two retail stores facing Melville Road, and a one-bedroom residence.
Finding a new home
A dedicated working group of the Melbourne Estonian Society is focused on locating a smaller space that will still accommodate future activities and events. They are considering both purchasing and renting options within a 10-kilometer radius of Melbourne’s CBD, prioritising a location that will be convenient for society members. A list of essential requirements has been created to ensure the new venue meets the needs of various activity groups, such as the Estonian folk dancers, choir and playgroup.
The Melbourne Estonian Society remains committed to organising activities for the local Estonian community, even if permanent premises aren’t secured by March 2025. Temporary rental options will be available if needed.
Why sell?
The idea of selling the Estonian House has been considered since 2018. That year, the Executive Committees of the Estonian House Co-operative and the Melbourne Estonian Society formed a working group to assess the needs of the local Estonian community. This process included extensive consultations with community groups, asking questions such as:
What are the current space/building requirements of the Estonian community in Melbourne?
Does the current Estonian House meet these requirements?
How often does the Estonian community use the Estonian House in Melbourne?
Looking to the future, what are the community’s space/building needs?
Is a dedicated venue needed to host Estonian activities in Melbourne?
If so, are the facilities and size appropriate?
If not, what type of venue and related arrangements are required?
The working group’s findings revealed that the local Estonian community is shrinking, the current venue is too large for its purposes, and operating costs are too high. They recommended selling the property.
The Estonian House in Melbourne is owned by the Estonian House Co-operative Ltd., which is a separate legal entity from the Melbourne Estonian Society. This means the co-operative legally owns and manages the building, including decisions about its maintenance, rental or sale.
The Melbourne Estonian Society is a community organisation that organises cultural, educational and social activities. It uses the Estonian House as a venue for these purposes but doesn’t directly own it.
The society and the co-operative work closely together, with the co-operative allowing the society to use the property to host events and meetings. Major decisions, such as selling the property, would involve consulting both the co-operative’s shareholders and the broader Estonian community. This structure allows the Estonian community in Melbourne to maintain a collective asset like the Estonian House while enabling the society to focus on cultural and community activities without the full financial or operational burden of property ownership.
Tere readers! A reminder that the Australian Estonian Media Project (AEMP) needs your help to name our new online communications platform that meets the needs of our diverse Estonian community here in Australia.
The new name will help determine the look and feel of the brand, and is intended to be perpetual, so please consider this and write down your associations (for example, typefaces/colours/icons/symbols) with the name.
Yesterday, an international art exhibition featuring Bernadette Pilli and fellow artists opened in Melbourne, showcasing artwork inspired by the Estonian national epic Kalevipoeg. The exhibition titled “Mingle 2024” is truly captivating, and we highly recommend a visit before it closes this Sunday, 3 November 2024.
Bernadette, a renowned artist and Co-Chair of the Melbourne Estonian Society, shared the inspiration behind her remarkable artworks. The idea arose from her reading Kalevipoeg, a story familiar to every Estonian. However, her pieces don’t center on the mighty folk hero himself. Instead, they highlight Linda, Kalevipoeg’s mother, and explore the roles and experiences of women waiting at home while the men are away fighting their battles.
We don’t want to reveal too much, as we’d rather let you enjoy your own experiences and interpretations. However, the author of this article found herself lost in thought, standing before Bernadette’s paintings for quite some time. They convey such powerful stories of women’s strength and vulnerability.
The exhibition also showcases outstanding works by Salvatore Trigila, Linda Robertson and Marija Patterson, along with a collection of drawings by the artists from the Malvern Artists Society life drawing class.
You can visit the exhibition 11am to 5pm daily. Malvern Artists Society gallery, 1297 High Street, Malvern VIC 3144.
Link to more information on this exhibition organised by the Malvern Artists Society is here.
Bernadette Pilli in front of her stunning works inspired by Kalevipoeg, photo by Kristel Alla.
If you’re unfamiliar, then Kalevipoeg is an Estonian national epic poem that tells the story of the heroic character Kalevipoeg, a giant with supernatural strength, who is considered the mythical ancestor of the Estonian people. The poem was written by Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald in the 19th century and is based on Estonian folklore, legends, and oral traditions.
The narrative follows Kalevipoeg on various adventures, where he battles against adversaries, faces personal challenges, and explores his destiny. The poem is rich in Estonian mythology, featuring gods, spirits, and magical elements, and serves as an expression of Estonian identity, resilience, and connection to nature. Kalevipoeg has become an essential part of Estonian cultural heritage and is still celebrated in Estonia today, reflecting themes of strength, struggle, and pride in the Estonian landscape and identity.
In February this year, a call went out to all Estonia Australians to volunteer with the Australian Estonian Media Project (AEMP). Following this expression of interest, the new Steering Committe was formed and held their first meeting this April 2024.
The Steering Committee will oversee the activities to improve media and communications, including re-designing the Estonians in Australia website and developing relationships with the various Estonian Australian societies and groups to improve circulation of news, events, and resources.
Who are the members of the Steering Committee and why are they so passioante about this project? Read about them below!
Johanna Rivers – VIC Chair | Content
Johanna was born in Australia to Estonian parents who escaped the USSR in the 1980s. Growing up, Estonian House in Melbourne could be called hery second home, where she folk danced, sang, performed, and ate verivorst. As a young adult, Johanna moved to Estonia for four years, working at a software startup. Returning to Australia at the beginning of Covid-19, she increasingly missed Estonia as time passed. This longingness led her to discover eesti.org.au, after which she contacted the founder Kristi to get involved. Since then, she has been working with the team to revitalise the platform and transform it into a tool for all Estonian communities in Australia.
Johanna’s educational background is in business (marketing/ international trade) and psychological science. Johanna’s work life has varied, including property management and housing, telecommunications, business development, and festival event administration. Currently, she is working with the Estonian Foreign Ministry and Integration Foundation to implement development and programs with the portal for Estonian diaspora: globalestonian.com
Mark Narustrang – WA Deputy Chair | Governance | Funding
Mark’s paternal family fled Estonia in 1944 before settling in Western Australia in 1950. Mark had regular contact with the Estonian diaspora over his upbringing, but didn’t truly embrace the culture when young due to the social challenges from being considered ‘ethnic’. When Mark had children, he sought ways to introduce them to their Estonian heritage and reconnected with the local Perth community over the last decade and a half. Mark subsequently joined the national EACCI as a member and this involvement led to a request to assist the Australian Estonian Media Project facilitating the initial project strategy workshop. Mark has continued to be involved, as a volunteer providing a governance and finance skillset, as well as serving as a link to the Western side of the vast country that is Australia.
Mark is the Principal Consultant and a Director of Pivotal Point Strategic Directions. He is an experienced strategist and senior leader that works with boards and executive to create long term value, primarily through strategic reviews, facilitations, analysis and development. Engagements have included the Health, Education, Mining, Manufacturing, and Digital industries, as well as extensive involvement across Food and Agribusiness. Prior to consulting, Mark was the Group Strategy Manager at Australia’s largest agribusiness – CBH Group – and worked in Banking and Financial Services in audit and risk management. Mark has served on numerous boards and governance committees, is a Graduate and Member of the AICD, a Fellow of CPA, a Fellow of FINSIA and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting).
Kristel Alla – VIC Content
Kristel is passionate about creating an inclusive Estonian Australian community. A community where everyone, old and young, born here or a newcomer to the country, anyone with connections to Estonia and those who feel they belong, are always welcome. Kristel was born in Estonia. She came to Australia as a backpacker 15+ years ago, fell in love with the country and decided this was her new home. She is now part of the Committee of the Estonian Society in Melbourne responsible for their publications. She is also part of the Melbourne Estonian folk dance group.
Kristel is a senior researcher and an impact expert with interest in mental health. Her work involves research and knowledge translation activities across a range of research projects that aim to improve child and family wellbeing. Kristel’s professional experience spans research, communication and policy relevant roles across academic and government sectors. Kristel has a PhD in public health from the University of Queensland, Master’s degree in health promotion from the University of the Sunshine Coast and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Tartu. Outside of her professional research roles, she prefers a writing style that is spiced with good humour and topics that explore the various aspects of human experiences. Her mindset is one of a curious wanderer and a lifelong learner.
Manfred Mletsin – NT Marketing | Governance
Manfred Mletsin brings a deep-rooted passion for fostering connections within the Estonian diaspora through his involvement with the Australian Estonian Media Project. Originally from Estonia, Manfred has witnessed firsthand the importance of maintaining cultural ties and a shared identity, especially in a vast country like Australia where the Estonian community is widely dispersed. Driven by a commitment to preserving Estonian heritage and addressing the communication gaps left after the closure of the “Meie Kodu” newspaper in 2019, Manfred is dedicated to the project’s goal of creating a centralised, reliable platform for Estonian Australians. Understanding the diverse needs of both recent Estonian migrants and third-generation Estonians, Manfred supports the project’s vision to establish a unified space that provides accurate, timely information and resources.
Manfred Mletsin brings a wealth of professional expertise to the Australian Estonian Media Project, combining skills in business management, communications, and community advocacy. As an experienced business owner and manager, Manfred has developed strong capabilities in branding and strategic development, ensuring projects align with both their audience’s needs and organisational goals. His work with multicultural groups and organisations has given him a solid understanding of diverse communication styles and the nuances of uniting communities with varying backgrounds and interests.
In his role as a representative for international student wellbeing, Manfred has engaged closely with government bodies and key stakeholders, advocating for accessible and effective information-sharing platforms. His work in public relations with the Council of International Students Australia (CISA) involved collaboration with major educational and government institutions, where he championed transparent communication strategies—an essential skill in building trust and cohesion within the Estonian-Australian community.
Manfred’s experience in accounting and business operations ensures the project is efficiently managed, from budgeting to strategic planning. His ability to connect with different audiences and simplify complex information will be invaluable to the Australian Estonian Media Project’s goal of creating an inclusive, reliable communication hub that bridges generational and geographical gaps across the community.
Kristi Barrow – NSW Technology | Funding
Since 2002, Kristi has been digitally embracing her Estonian heritage (her mother was born in Estonia) after founding the eesti.org.au website for all things Estonian in Australia and volunteering at the Estonian Archive in Australia. She has always been involved in the Estonian community in Australia. Her first memories include learning to count to 10 in Estonian with her grandparents, learning to bake a Kringel (Estonian Sweet Bread) with her Godmother Reet and attending the Estonian summer camp Sõrve. As an adult, Kristi currently serves on the board of the Estonian Cultural Foundation of Australia (ECFA) and has previously sat on the board of the Sydney Estonian Society and been a director at the Estonian Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EACCI).
Kristi runs Kritikality, a digital analytics consultancy specialising in digital analytics and marketing technology solutions, which she founded in 2019. She helps clients maximise the value from their Martech stack. She specialises in the Financial Services, Travel, Retail & Media sector. Previously, she has worked in various digital and management roles at Optus, Expedia, Macquarie Group, Suncorp and the Australian Football League (AFL). Kristi holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Sydney. She is also a fanatical Sydney Swans and Sydney Sixers fan!
A new camp for children and families with ties to Estonia has opened its doors in Victoria, Australia, and it’s here to stay.
Last month, the Melbourne Estonian Society hosted its first Estonian Language Camp, which was so successful that they are planning to make it an annual event. The camp offered families a wonderful opportunity to connect with their Estonian heritage through language lessons, sports, cultural and community building activities.
Who was there?
Nearly 50 members of the Melbourne Estonian Society gathered at the Anglesea YMCA Discovery Camp, located near the Great Ocean Road. Among them were 24 adults and 23 children. Most of the children (11 in total) were between the ages of 2–5 years old, while 8 children were 6–9 years old. A few infants and older children joined in on the fun.
What happened at the camp?
There were three days of activities, from 13–15 September 2024. The key highlights included:
the Olympic Games, sports activities and morning gymnastics
arts and crafts
Estonian language lessons
beach adventures, and
bonfires with marshmallows.
The Olympic Games
The Olympic Games kicked off with a parade, as all the camp participants proudly followed the Estonian national flag to the competition site, cheering and singing along to familiar Estonian music. This lively start was followed by a range of sports activities, including an obstacle course, a ball-throwing competition, and a football match, among others. The event featured both mixed team challenges and individual competitions for the children.
The games were led by Ingrid Melotte, an international athlete and professional coach who specialises in organising and coaching sports activities. With her expertise, the participants were certainly in capable hands. Ingrid is also the Chair of the Melbourne Estonian Society.
Since the weather wasn’t always sunny side up, the organisers relocated some sports activities to the gym. The teams tackling the obstacle course included both adults and children, and the competition was fierce. It could be said the world has never seen a group more eager to outshine their opponents. The runs were fast, the jumps were high, cheers echoed loudly, and smiles stretched wide.
While playing football, the adults formed a team to compete against the children, fully immersed in the game. Their enthusiasm brought a lively energy to the match, as the football soared from big feet to small arms and back to small feet, leaping high into the air. The spirited play of the adults made for an exhilarating experience for everyone involved, with the referee even issuing a red card once or twice.
At times, the teams raced from one end of the court to the other so quickly that it became a joyful blur for the spectators. To add to the fun, the onlookers spontaneously formed a cheerleading squad, dancing the Macarena and entertaining everyone during the intermissions.
The Olympic Games concluded with the referees declaring the children as the winners. Each child received a printed medal (created by Liis Hallikas) featuring their name, along with a camp T-shirt (designed by Damien Melotte) as a token of their achievement.
Arts and crafts using national colours
Other crowd favourites included the arts and crafts stations. Set up in a spacious hall, these workstations encouraged participants to dive into activities like toy-making, woodwork, drawing, and crafting decorations. Both children and adults enjoyed creating eye-catching toys from wood and colourful yarn decorations, all inspired by the Estonian national colours.
Estonian is not a secret language
Children also had the chance to learn some Estonian. The language lessons introduced them to Estonian words and phrases through drawing and conversation. Hearing other children and adults speak Estonian showed them it’s not just a ‘secret language’ spoken by mums and dads at home, but a rich language shared by many.
Beach adventures
Camp activities included leisurely walks to the nearby beach, where children played, gathered seashells, and jumped over the ocean waves. With spectacular views all around, it was the perfect way to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
How was it – was it fun?
“Yes, so much fun!” was the sentiment echoed by children and parents alike. The participants thought the camp successfully brought together the local Estonian community, young and old, in an inviting outdoor space. New friendships blossomed, and many engaging conversations sparked fresh ideas for future events and activities.
Who made this happen?
The organisers would like to thank the Estonian Cultural Foundation in Australia (ECFA) and the Estonian Language Institute in Estonia (Eesti Keele Instituut) for their support to the Estonian Language Camp 2024.
The Melbourne Estonian Society Committee members organised the camp and the society supported this financially. The society thanks everyone who participated.
What are the plans for next year?
The Melbourne Estonian Society plans to host the camp again next year. The organisers will seek feedback from participants and community members about the activities to include and the best timing for the camp in 2025.
If you have any questions about the Estonian Language Camp, please email the Melbourne Estonian Society, info@melbourneestoniansociety.com.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Vanessa Roosmets and Kristel Alla for contributing all the images featured in this article.
The Australian Estonian Media Project (AEMP) needs your help! As part of our goal to create a new communications platform that meets the needs of our diverse Estonian community here in Australia, we need a new name that represents our community, made for us by us. The winning name will be selected by the AEMP steering committee. This name will help determine the look and feel of the brand, so please consider this and write down your associations (for example, typefaces / colours / icons / symbols) with the name.
Me otsime nime, mis on / We are looking for a name that is:
Eelistatult eestikeelne ja tõlgitav / Preferably Estonian and translatable to English
Kergesti hääldatav / Easily pronounceable
Ei põhine lühenditel / Not reliant on an acronym
Seotud AEMP digitaalse platvormi eesmärkidega / Related to the AEMP’s digital communication goals
Peegeldab Eesti kogukonda ja pärandit Austraalias / Reflects our Estonian community and heritage in Australia
Submissions will close at MidnignT (AEST) on WeDNEsday, 6th NovemBER
NB: You can submit multiple times, however we encourage quality over quantity
Aga oota – mis on Austraalia Eesti Meedia Projekt? /
But wait – what is the Australian Estonian Media Project? Late last year, the founder of eesti.org.au – Kristi Barrow – initiated this project to understand the needs and wants of our community. After conducting a national survey and workshop, the conclusion was that Estonian Australians want a one-stop-shop where they can get accurate and timely relevant information.
Australia’s large size and dispersed population have historically made it difficult to maintain strong connections among Estonians, a challenge dating back to post-WWII migration. The print newspaper Meie Kodu helped unite the Estonian community living in Australia until its closure in 2019, which left a notable communication gap. While Facebook sites and community websites have kept some connections alive, the information available is somewhat fragmented and there are challenges in accessing reliable information. Additionally, the diverse information needs of newer Estonian migrants and third-generation Australians have further complicated communication. To address this, a consensus was reached to create a unified media platform to share news, events, and resources, to connect the Estonian communities in Australia.
Essentially, a digital campfire around which we can gather and share our stories.
As such, we aim to launch a new branded website to meet that demand. We look forward to hearing from you!
🇬🇧 The Consular Mission to Perth will take place on 24 and 25 November 2024. If you wish to apply for new documents, please follow the instructions on the following link to book an appointment https://canberra.mfa.ee/en/consular-mission/
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🇪🇪 Perth’i konsulaarmissioon toimub 24. ja 25. novembril 2024. Kui soovite uusi dokumente tellida, siis aja broneerimiseks jälgige juhendit järgneval lehel https://canberra.mfa.ee/konsulaarmissioon/
