The Consular Mission to Brisbane will take place on Sunday, 26 May 2024. If you wish to apply for new documents, please book an appointment on the following link https://canberra.mfa.ee/en/consular-mission/
Spirituals and Songs of Freedom featuring Kooskõlas – Sydney, May 11, 2024
Join the Joubert Singers for this unique performance as we celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom! ✨🎵✨ Enriched with improvised obligatos and interludes from piano and saxophone.
With guest appearance by Kooskõlas Australian-Estonian Choir ✨🇪🇪✨
Conducted by Erzsi Marosszeky
Piano: Diego Idarraga
Saxophone: Loretta Palmeiro
Mosman Art Gallery, Sydney
Saturday 11 May 2024
3pm
Tickets: $40 / $35 Children under 12 years free entry
Join us after the concert for afternoon tea, provided by Joubert Singers and the Kooskõlas Choir! ✨🥳✨
Milvi Vaikma and Melbourne Estonian Ladies Choir recognised for long-standing commitment
On Sunday the 21st of April, the Melbourne Estonian Society held a small gathering at the Estonian House. There were two good reasons to celebrate. The society’s much loved treasurer of 30 years, Milvi Vaikma, received a lifetime contribution award. The members of the Melbourne Estonian Ladies Choir together with conductor Hilja Toom were also recognised for their ongoing commitment to sharing their love of Estonian music with audiences across Australia. Both the choir and the ladies’ folk dance group “Sügislilled” contributed with great performances. There were champagne, tasty food, and interesting chats around the tables.
– Kristel Alla, Melbourne Estonian Society
Event Speech
“Milvi, Thank you for your 30 years of service as Treasurer to the Melbourne Estonian Society. And no doubt there were many years preceding that when you became involved in the community with Taevo.
You met Taevo in Adelaide and moved here after marrying him, where you became an energetic duo – vibrant, creative and builders of a repertoire of Estonian performing arts. The pair of you, with your friends, set the cultural marker, when it came to performance through drama, comedy, cabaret, singing and dancing. Taevo was not only a performer with you, but a creator of songs and choreography, who also designed and built the sets, along with the design and production of advertising posters for the shows.
You were both members of the choir and the folk dancing group, a member of Käsitöö and then you became the folk dancing teacher for the women’s group. As a group we have enjoyed ourselves immensely, not only through dancing, but sharing stories, differences of opinion and lots of laughter. But today we give recognition to your greatest contribution as Treasurer of Ühing.
You have kept the books for the Society in pristine order. You have always been able to give pertinent, important financial information when asked, often on the spot without prior notice. You have always reported objectively on the effects of any decision on the financial progress of the society. You have always been able to satisfy members, through the annual auditor’s report, that their funds have been managed honestly and effectively.
In recent years you have needed to learn the ins and outs of internet banking. A stressful, but necessary experience at times (given Covid) but you achieved it with success, and I think confidence. Milvi hands over the books, in the black, to the new 2024 Treasurer Ingrid Provan and Gaby Mikkor.
Thanks, Milvi for your dedication and all your work.”
–– Bernadette Pilli, Melbourne Estonian Society
Gallery of the Day
Videos
Sõrve Summer Camp – Expressions of Interest for Leaders
Sõrve Summer Camp is a Summer Camp held every January on the central coast of NSW and we’ve just opened our Expressions of Interest for those wanting to become a juht/leader.
If you’re interested in spreading Estonian culture, improving your leadership skills and making lifelong friendships, consider joining us in the leadership team by filling out the form at www.sorve.org.au before midnight on Tuesday April 30th.
This is for people over the age of 18, so if that’s not you don’t worry just keep your eyes out for later in the year when registrations open to come as a camper or with your family.
We also have positions for those interested in managing the production of our newsletter, the Sõrve Sosin, helping out with social media and organising the Big Game/Suur Mäng. If you want to know more, email admin@sorve.org.au or contact us on Facebook or Instagram
💙🖤🤍
European Parliament Elections this June – How to Vote
Between 6–9 June 2024, millions of Europeans will participate in shaping the future of European democracy on the occasion of the European elections. It can be easy to forget how many people are impacted by the outcome of the European elections. The European Parliament adopts laws that affect everyone: large countries and small communities, powerful companies and young start-ups, the global and the local. EU laws tackle most people’s priorities: the environment, security, migration, social policies, consumer rights, economy, rule of law and many more. Today, every important national topic also has a European angle.
Both Estonian citizens permanently living abroad and voters temporarily staying abroad who are entered in the list of voters have the right to vote.
Your vote will decide which Members of the European Parliament will represent you in preparing new laws and will influence the election of the European Commission. These decisions will shape your daily life and that of many others.
Three ways to vote:
Electronically using the voter application on the website www.valimised.ee.
At the foreign mission in person. You can cast your vote at the foreign mission for at least two days between May 25 and May 30. Information about voting times at each Estonian foreign mission can be found via the Foreign Ministry website.
By mail. Please note that to vote by mail, you must submit an application to the foreign mission, which must arrive no later than May 10, 2024.
Elektrooniliselt veebilehel www.valimised.ee asuvat valijarakendust kasutades.
Välisesinduses kohapeal. Välisesinduses saab oma hääle anda vähemalt kahel päeval ajavahemikus 25.–30. mai. Info hääletamise aegadega igas Eesti välisesinduses on leitav välisministeeriumi veebilehel.
Kirja teel. Pane tähele, et kirja teel hääletamiseks tuleb esitada välisesindusele avaldus, mis peab kohale jõudma hiljemalt 10. mail 2024.
Keep in mind:
- Please check in advance that your identity document is valid on the day of voting.
- If you wish to vote electronically, check that you have valid PINs.
- In order to vote, the person must be at least 18 years old and be included in the list of voters, which means that they must have a residential address entered in the population register. A person may vote in European Parliament elections in only one Member State.
Read more on the Estonian Foreign Ministry website and on the European Elections website.
Applications open for Estonian educational projects
From 2024, the eesti keele instituut (EKI) will coordinate the activities of the network of Estonian schools abroad.
EKI will implement the activities of the Language Program 2024-2027 in order to support the learning of the Estonian language in Estonian communities abroad: finance educational projects, mediate educational materials, offer training and distribute information necessary for the activities of the network.
EKI provides support for educational projects with the aim of promoting studies aimed at preserving the Estonian language and culture outside of Estonia and supporting activities.
Support is given to projects submitted by legal entities, the purpose of which is the development of the Estonian language and culture in the Estonian community abroad, the organization of Estonian language and culture lessons, and the organization of cultural programs directly related to teaching.
The application round opens on April 15 and closes on May 7. The results will be notified no later than one month after the closing of the application round.
Areas of support
EKI will support the following projects:
- Conducting regular educational activities
- Additional training and methodical assistance
- Organisation of Estonian language and cultural camps for children and young people in host countries
- Organisation of Estonian language and cultural camps for children and youth in Estonia for children of foreign Estonian origin
You can read more about the application round in “Conditions and procedures for granting grants to educational projects abroad” (in Estonian).
How to apply
To apply, you must complete a project application and sign it digitally or on paper. Please send the application electronically to the e-mail address haridusprojekt@eki.ee.
If a digital signature is not possible, it can be sent signed on paper to the address of the Estonian Language Institute Roosikrantsi 6, 10119 Tallinn with the keyword Haridusprojekt.
Have questions?
Join the information session via Zoom on April 22, 2024, at 4pm (Estonian Time).
Pre-registration is not necessary for the information session. See you on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84973134855
Contact:
Merike Barborak
coordinator of the network of Estonian schools abroad
merike.barborak@eki.ee
(1) 646 750 6872
Website: https://portaal.eki.ee/
Read the original article in Estonian here.
Vote for the Logo of EstWest, the new Estonian Association of Western Australia
EstWest is running a competition where you can vote for our new logo!
The goal of the logo competition is to create a unified visual identity based on the goal and activities of the association.
The purpose of the competition is to select an eye-catching and easily recognizable logo. The logo must be used in color and monochrome (black and white) and must be used in large and small prints, web environment, advertising platforms, memorabilia, etc.
The Logo is very important to us, because it helps create EstWest’s identity and conveys a specific message and emotion to the target group. We believe that the designed logo can create emotional connections with the target group, while being a visual symbol of EstWest values.
We have received 10 logo competition jobs, and it’s time to choose the best one.
💡 Your voice matters!
🔥 To cast your vote:
1️⃣ Click on the link and go through all the logo variants
2️⃣ Choose your favourite and vote for it
3️⃣ Don’t forget to share this post with your friends, so they can express their opinion as well!
Voting is open to everyone in Australia, however please only vote once!
Voting lasts up until 25.04.24 and the results of the contest will be announced on 02.05.2024.
Thank you for contributing and participating! 👏
***
EstWest korraldab oma lemmiku logo poolt hääletamise – logo konkursi eesmärk on luua ühtse visuaalse identiteedi lähtudes ühingu eesmärgist ja tegevustest.
Konkursi eesmärk on välja valida pilkupüüdev ja kergelt äratuntav logo. Logo peab olema kasutatav värviliselt ja monokroomselt (mustvalge) ja peab olema suurelt ja väikeselt kasutatav trükistel, veebikeskkonnas, reklaampindadel, meenetel jne.
Logo on meile väga oluline, kuna see aitab luua EstWesti identiteedi ja edastada spetsiifilist sõnumit ja emotsiooni sihtrühmale. Usume, et kujundatud logo suudab tekitada emotsionaalseid sidemeid sihtrühmaga, samal ajal olles visuaalne sümbol EstWesti väärtustele.
Meile on laekunud 10 logokonkursi tööd, ja on aeg valida nende hulgast parim.
💡 Sinu hääl loeb!
🔥 Oma hääle andmiseks:
1️⃣ Klõpsa lingil ja vaata läbi kõik esitatud logo variandid
2️⃣ Vali oma lemmik ja hääleta selle poolt
3️⃣ Ära unusta jagada seda postitust sõpradega, et ka nemad saaksid oma arvamust avaldada!
Hääletamine kestab kuni 25.04.24 ja konkursi tulemused selguvad 02.05.2024
Täname panustamise ja osalemise eest! 👏
Win 2x Tickets to Estonia – Attend the Virtual Forum
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is hosting its seventh Virtual Forum for Estonians around the world.
Join Estonians from around the world in a virtual forum this May. Watching the broadcast will also automatically enter you into the draw to win 2x round-trip tickets to Estonia – what are you waiting for!
The forum will be conducted in Estonian, with real-time translation into English and Russian. Moderated by Canadian Estonian Ellen Valter, it will explore the opportunities that Estonia offers to young Estonians living abroad, share inspiring stories, and take a look at the present and peek into the future.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm (Estonian Time)
- Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): 11:00 pm to 01:00 am
- Australian Central Standard Time (ACST): 10:30 pm to 12:30 am
- Australian Western Standard Time (AWST): 09:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Add it it to your calendar via the event page →
Event Organizer: Välisministeerium / Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Contact Person: Kadri Linnas (kadri.linnas@mfa.ee)
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1451923035426122/?active_tab=about
Read more about the forum via Global Estonian:
We invite you all to watch the virtual forum on May 2nd at 16:00 Estonian time and to spread the word!
The forum is already in its seventh edition. This time, we will explore the opportunities that Estonia, a country located by the Baltic Sea amidst forests and swamps, offers to young Estonians living abroad. We’ll take a look at the present and peek into the future. We’ll hear inspiring stories from both young people and those young at heart. We’ll start with a new format – a video postcard from the community. The moderator is Ellen Valter, the heart and soul of the Toronto Estonian House, and the music will be provided by musician and poet Eik, who recently won the Estonian Language Achievement Award in a public vote.
It should be noted that we will also be raffling a prize among the viewers of this virtual forum, which is a round-trip flight ticket (for two people) to Estonia with a two-night stay in a hotel in Tallinn. The drawing will take place on May 10th at 12:00 Estonian time. You can also enter the draw by watching the broadcast until May 9th at 23:00 Estonian time.
More information will be available on the GlobalEstonian.com website, including the virtual forum schedule, participation link, and raffle details. The forum will be conducted in Estonian, with real-time translation into English and Russian.
Kutsume teid kõiki vaatama virtuaalfoorumit 2. mail kell 16.00 eesti aja järgi ning sellele reklaami tegema!
Foorum toimub juba seitsmendat korda. Seekord vaatame milliseid võimalusi pakub välismaal elavatele eesti noortele Eesti, maa mis asub Läänemere ääres keset metsi ja rabasid ja kasvatab hoogsalt ükssarvikuid. Vaatame olevikku ja piilume veidi tulevikku. Kuuleme inspireerivaid lugusid noortelt kui ka neilt kes hingelt noored. Alustame uue formaadiga – videopostkaart kogukonnast. Moderaator on Toronto KESKUSe hing ja eestvedaja Ellen Valter ning muusikat teeb muusik ja luuletaja Eik, kes äsja võitis rahvahääletusel eesti keeleteo preemia.
Olgu märgitud, et ka sellel virtuaalfoorumil loosime vaatajate vahel välja auhinna, milleks on lennupilet (kahele inimesele) Eestisse ja tagasi, ööbimisega 2 ööd Tallinnas hotellis. Loosimine toimub 10. mail kell 12 Eesti aja järgi. Loosirattasse saab end üles anda ka saadet järele vaadates kuni 9. maini kell 23.00 Eesti aja järgi.
Info GlobalEstonian.com veebilehel veel täieneb, sinna lisandub virtuaalfoorumi kava, osalemislink ja loosiratta info. Foorum on eesti keeles, reaalajas tõlgitud inglise ja vene keelde.
Interview with Julia Masli – award winning clown from Estonia
Anthony Noack sat down with award-winning clown from Estonia, Julia Masli, ahead of her final week performing in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Masli’s journey and her show, “Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.”
Book your tickets to see Julia Masli in Melbourne. Her final performance is this Sunday the 21st – don’t miss out!
Where: Chinese Museum – Silk Room, 22 Cohen Pl, Melbourne
When:
- Tue 16 Apr – Thu 18 Apr: 9.10pm;
- Fri 19 Apr: 9.10pm,11.10pm;
- Sat 20 Apr: 9.10pm;
- Sun 21 Apr: 8.10pm
Tickets: $28 – $34 https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/julia-masli
Celebrating Estonian Culture in Canberra – Virmalised and Kooskõlas Wowed Crowds at the National Folk Festival
By Taimi Maidla (edited by Ella Scott)
Photo credits to Mati Ellervee, Mai Bell, & Liisa Pobul
Over the long weekend, Virmalised (the Sydney-Estonian Folk Dancers) and Kooskõlas (the Australian-Estonian Choir) made their way to Canberra to spend Easter together at the National Folk Festival (NFF).
Virmalised have previously performed at the NFF but this year we were excited to be joined by Kooskõlas and to do three pop-up street performances in addition to a concert-style performance at the Piazza. The seemingly spontaneous pop-up performances seemed to be very much in tune with the atmosphere of the festival, with us making do with improvised “stages”, which were anywhere we could find shade on the 30 degree days.
To welcome visitors to the festival with a pop-up performance on Saturday morning, Kooskõlas sang classics such as “Kungla rahvas” and “Ilus oled, Isamaa!” beautifully. Virmalised danced “Tantsukingad” and “Kikkapuu” by before being joined by Kooskõlas for “Tule, aga Tule” and “Sirjelind/Kiigadi-kaagadi”.
Later in the day, we entertained an audience with a similar set at our concert in the Piazza and performed for passers by in another pop-up performance in the afternoon.
On Sunday, Kooskõlas were on at lunchtime in the Village Green, which was a beautiful spot among the trees. They sang 9 songs, including lovely renditions of “Koit”, “Mu isamaa on minu arm” and got the crowd going with “Puud ma laulan haljusesse”.
Just before sunset on Sunday, we joined forces one last time for a very interactive pop-up performance where we encouraged the audience to dance three dances with us: “Ristpulkade tants”, “Lapaduu” and “Ti ti tyy jenkka”. We were delighted to have many people join us, kids and adults alike.
It was a fantastically wholesome way to end the weekend, with lots of new connections made and many tales of Estonian links shared with everyone throughout the weekend. After a very full 2024 so far, both Virmalised and Kooskõlas are looking forward to a bit of a rest between performances and this was the perfect event to finish our busy summer season.
Ilusaid munadepühi kõigile! Happy Easter to everyone!
Want to join the folk dancers or choir?
Reach Kooskõlas (the Australian-Estonian Choir) on Facebook.
Virmalised practice every Monday night at Sydney Eesti Maja from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. You’re warmly invited to contact us and attend:
Gmail: sydney.virmalised@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sydneyvirmalised
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneyvirmalised/
Join Estonians worldwide in creating a place of Remembrance
Why are we here?
Before the first world war (1914-1918) there were few Estonians in Australia.
The first wave of Estonian immigration began in 1924.
The second wave, when most Estonians came to Australia, was during or after the second world war. Most of these people – our parents, grandparents, or other relatives – had fled from the communists and the Soviet Russians who were invading Estonia in 1944.
These people did not want to leave their homes, but they just could not stay. Siberia, imprisonment or death would have awaited them. This is now known as the Mass Flight of 1944 [Suurpõgenemine 1944].
This theme has now been taken up as . . .
“MINNA EI TAHA, KUID JÄÄDA EI SAA”
“DO NOT WANT TO GO, BUT CANNOT STAY”
Many of those who fled took up the fight wherever they were against communism, against the soviet regime, and to help Estonia regain its independence.
The fate and history of 80,000 displaced Estonians was suppressed for 50 years with slanderous accusations by the Soviet authorities. In Estonia it was forbidden to even speak of it or acknowledge that a relative had fled west.
In order to remind the new generations, both in the diaspora and Estonia, 2024 is being commemorated as the 80th anniversary of the Mass Flight of 1944 (Suurpõgenemine ’44).
Turning to all Estonians in Australia – this is a great opportunity to pay respect to our parents, grandparents – most of us who call ourselves Estonians in Australia, we have found our place here, thanks to who made it and started their new lives in Australia, going through various dangers and difficulties.
The first memorial remembering the Mass Flight of 1944
To create a permanent reminder of the heartbreaking moment of separation and departure, the Estonian World Council (ÜEKN) has commissioned a Memorial Statue to be designed, erected and unveiled on September 21, 2024 in the city of Pärnu, next to the Pärnu River from where thousands fled in those little boats and ships.
It will be deeply symbolic and the first such Memorial in Estonia erected by all of us in the worldwide Estonian diaspora.
The city of Pärnu has donated a special plot of land for the memorial. Elo Liiv was selected as the artist and sculptor to design, create, and install the unique, symbolic work of art. It will speak to all who see it and continue to tell our Suurpõgenemise story for years to come.
Shown in the picture above is the Concept design of the Memorial which we will call “Puudutus” – or “Touch” – deep in emotion and symbolism.
“It is a depiction of the last moment when the departing person’s fingertips touch the remaining person’s hand – both filled with yearning in the fingers and their hearts. It is the last moment of physical connection.”
quote from the artist, Elo Liiv, sculptor
AUD $10,000 by July 31, 2024.
Your support to make this monument a reality
Please become an important part of this Commemoration of our Refugee forefathers by making a generous donation to this project. Their courage in the face of unimaginable challenges has paved the way for our existence today.
Every donation – be it $10, $100, or over $1000 – will be deeply appreciated and duly recognised.
By contributing to the creation of the ‘Puudutus’ Memorial, you are not just donating, but becoming a part of history — a testament to the enduring strength of the Estonian diaspora. Your generosity will echo through generations, preserving the legacy of those who dared to hope in the face of adversity.
You can donate via Direct Deposit or Cheque. Please fill out the Pledge form to your details and the amount you intend to donate. This will help us match up any donations we receive for the appeal.
You are also invited to join other Estonians from across the world in Pärnu on September 21, 2024 for the official unveiling as well as other planned events.
What is important is that each Estonian finds a meaningful place and time to reflect and remember the Mass Flight of 1944.
If you any any questions, please contact us by emailing: aesl@eesti.org.au
Please share this with others – friends, relatives, associates.
Thanking you for your consideration.
Dr Juho Looveer
Chairman, Council of Estonian Societies in Australia (AESL)
Member, Estonian World Council (ÜEKN)
Email: aesl@eesti.org.au
AESL Website: eesti.org.au/AESL
AESL Facebook Group and Page
Estonian World Council (ÜEKN) Website: uekn.ee/en/
‘One Hand Cannot Clap Alone’ (10-17 April) Sydney
You are warmly invited to the opening night of a group exhibition curated by Lachlan Bell opening on the 10th April 6-8:30pm. “One Hand Cannot Clap Alone”, exhibiting at Comber St Studios in Paddington, is a gathering, a sharing of burdens, a responsibility, a dedication and a veneration to a continuum of interconnected experiences and overlapping timelines inviting viewers to consider who and what connects our past to our future/s.
“One Hand Cannot Clap Alone” showcases the works of 18 artists and groups whose artistic practices are attentive to familial networks, ancestral memory and collective making. Exploring personal legacies, heirlooms, and familial mythologies, the artists in the exhibition through film, textiles, sound, sculpture and jewellery push through mixed feelings of joy, grief, love and hope. The show features the work of three Estonian artists: Olev Muska, Vella Pihlak and Aksel Haagensen and the opening night performances includes a singing performance by ‘Perekolmik’ (a family trio consisting of Siiri Iismaa, Kieran Scott and Ella Scott).
Dissolving boundaries between artist and muse to form a common labour of love, in this interdependent symphony we witness a convergence of past, present, and the dreams of a future yet to arrive. For an artist – like the clapping hand – requires a counterpart, be it a muse, a collaborator, or the collective whispers of generations past. Together they create a resonance far more profound than solitary applause.
Grounding this show is the exploration and provocation of ethics surrounding non-exploitative communal labour and a call towards opacity in the arts when approaching topics of grief and lamentation. Furthermore, a question is presented to the audience: how can we move beyond the footnote when acknowledging those who help us get here?
Curated by Lachlan Bell with assistance from Courtney Bowd, the show features both archival and contemporary work from emerging and established artists connected to Warrane/Sydney and to the University of New South Wales. Throughout the duration of the show, a series of activations and participatory workshops will afford new ways for audiences to expand on the themes of collaboration touched on by works in the show.
Venue: Comber St Studios, 5 Comber St, Paddington NSW 2021
Opening Night: Wednesday 10th April (6pm – 8:30pm)
Exhibition Duration: 11 – 17 April (Open daily, 10am – 5pm)
Participating artists & performers:
- Tamara Elkins
- Leila Frijat
- Aksel Haagensen
- Perekolmik ‘Family Trio’ (Siiri Iismaa, Kieran Scott, Ella Scott)
- String Club (Astrid Bell, David Suyasa, Kata Szász-Komlós)
Curators:
- Lachlan Bell
- Courtney Bowd
Access information: Large font and easy English catalogues, audio descriptions, close to a bus stop on Oxford St with limited parking options on nearby streets. The walk from Oxford St to Comber Street Studios has a downwards elevation of 10m and a small pedestrian footpath. The Loading Dock, open for the Opening Night is wheelchair accessible, however the Front Room, Middle Room and Bathroom are not wheelchair accessible due to steps. Some works featured in the show explore themes including death.
