Eestlased laias maailmas – Ülemaailmse Eesti Kesknõukogu liikmesmaade lugu

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2 November, 2020

“Estonians around the World – The story of Estonian World Council Member Countries” / “Eestlased laias maailmas – Ülemaailmse Eesti Kesknõukogu liikmesmaade lugu” was published by the Estonian World Council in 2019 and was presented to parliamentarians, libraries, and archives in Estonia as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Estonian independence.

The book is available from the Estonian Archives in Australia ($30 plus $10 postage) or from the Apollo and Rahva Raamat bookshops in Estonia.

The book, in Estonian and English, gives an overview in words and pictures of the activities of the member organisations and their work in preserving and sharing the Estonian cultural heritage abroad. The 12 member organisations are spread around the world in Australia, USA, Great Britain, Canada, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Russia.

The book is listed in the official gifts to the Republic of Estonia:

https://www.ev100.ee/et/raamat-eestlased-laias-maailmas-ulemaailmse-eesti-kesknoukogu-liikmesmaade-lugu-0

Foreign Ministry opens a survey for Estonians living abroad

By

Kristi Barrow

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2 November, 2020

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Visit Estonia - Song Festival Zoom Background

Estonian community abroad: a survey on engagement and satisfaction with consular services

Dear Estonian living abroad,

Estonian embassies abroad are the primary point of contact for Estonians living abroad. One of the goals of embassies is to maintain strong links between the expatriate community and Estonia. This way, we strive to contribute to preserving the Estonian identity, and provide the Estonian community abroad with a chance to contribute to the social life and development of Estonia. We would also like to offer flexible and convenient consular services to Estonian citizens living abroad.

In order to get a better understanding of the expectations and attitudes of the Estonian community abroad, as well as their satisfaction with consular services and the activities of embassies aimed at the expatriate community, we would like to ask you to fill out this questionnaire. The survey takes around 5-10 minutes. The feedback collected is confidential and we will present the results only as the average of larger generalised groups; no personalised information will be recorded in the course of filling the questionnaire. The information collected helps the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plan its work and development activities in a way that would best meet the expectations of Estonians living abroad.

If you have any questions about the survey, please email: diasporaauuring@mfa.ee

Take Survey

Välismaal elava eestlaskonna kaasatuse ja konsulaarteenuste kliendirahulolu uuring – 2020

Hea välismaal elav eestlane!

Eesti saatkonnad on võõrsil elavatele eestlastele esmaseks kontaktpunktiks Eesti riigiga. Saatkondade tegevuse üks eesmärk on säilitada tugevat sidet väliseesti kogukonna ja Eesti vahel. Nii püüame soodustada Eesti identiteedi hoidmist ning loome väliskogukonna liikmetele võimaluse anda oma panus Eesti ühiskonnaellu ja arengusse. Lisaks soovime välismaal elavatele Eesti kodanikele pakkuda paindlikke ja mugavaid konsulaarteenuseid.

Et mõista paremini väliseesti kogukonna ootusi ja hoiakuid ning rahulolu konsulaarteenustega ja saatkonna tegevusega kogukonna suunal, palume Sinu tagasisidet järgnevatele küsimustele. Ankeedi täitmiseks kulub 5–10 minutit. Kogutud tagasiside on konfidentsiaalne, tulemusi kajastame vaid üldistatud suuremate gruppide keskmistena ning isikustatud informatsiooni ankeedile vastamise käigus ei talletata. Kogutud tagasiside aitab välisministeeriumil oma tööd ja arendustegevusi plaanida nii, et see vastaks parimal moel võõrsil elavate eestlaste ootustele.

Uuringu link

On This Day – Oct 21, 2018 Estonian President visits Australia

By

Kristi Barrow

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21 October, 2020

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Estonian-President Kersti Kaljulaid visits Sydney, Australia

On this day two years ago, the President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid, visited the Estonian Archives in Australia at the Sydney Estonian House. Archivists Maie Barrow and Reet Simmul introduced the collection and showed off some of the treasures in the Archive

Read an abbreviated version of the article and the interview by Aale Kask-Ong’s from Meie Kodu nr 22 (3247) 7 November 2018 in English for the first time.

On this Day Oct 21, 2018 – President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid visits the Archive

Kino! Movie Night VÕTA VÕI JÄTA | TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT – Sydney Nov 1

By

Kristi Barrow

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19 October, 2020

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VÕTA VÕI JÄTA | TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT

Sunday, 1st November, 5pm @ Sydney Eesti Maja, Surry Hills

COVID-19 UPDATE & SAFETY PROTOCOL

For the safety of our community, our COVID-19 Safety Plan requires visitors to register their attendance prior to arrival via TryBooking. Under the current restrictions, we cannot accept walk-ins for this event and the number of attendees is limited to 20 persons.

Please register your attendance and pay via the TryBooking link.

If you have any cold or flu symptoms, please get tested immediately and isolate yourself until you receive a negative result.

What would you do if a newborn baby was placed in your hands and they say take it or leave it!

One sleepy Saturday morning, 30-year-old builder Erik receives shocking news: his ex-girlfriend Moonika, whom he hasn’t seen for half a year, has just given birth to a child. A girl. Moonika is not ready for motherhood, and if Erik does not want her, the girl will be sent for adoption. Take it or leave it!

“TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT” is the story of Erik’s long, complicated and sometimes comical journey of becoming a father. A story in the course of which an ordinary Estonian man becomes a hero of everyday life, Superman, who is ready to confront fatherhood tooth and nail and the film asks us what makes a father a father?

The film is in Estonian and will be shown with English subtitles

Book YOUR Ticket HERE / Brooneri Pilet SIIN

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Sunday, 1st November Film starts: 5:00 pm
Runtime:102 minutes
Location: Estonian House
Address: 141 Campbell St,
Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
Language: Estonian with English subtitles
Admission: $5 SES Member, $8 non-members

***
Mida teeksid sina, kui ühel päeval pandaks su kätele vastsündinud laps ja öeldaks: võta või jäta!

Ühel unisel laupäevahommikul saab 30-aastane ehitaja Erik jalustrabava uudise: endine tüdruksõber Moonika, keda mees pole pool aastat näinudki, on just lapse sünnitanud. Tüdruku. Naine ise pole emaduseks valmis ja kui mees last endale ei taha, läheb tüdrukuke lapsendamisele. Võta või jäta!

“VÕTA VÕI JÄTA” on lugu Eriku pikast, keerulisest ja kohati koomilisest isaks kasvamise teekonnast. Lugu, mille käigus tavalisest eesti mehest saab igapäevaelu kangelane, Superman, kes on oma isaduse eest valmis küünte ja hammastega võitlema. Filmis küsib meilt, mis teeb isast isa?

LISATEAVE

Kuupäev: pühapäev, 1. november
Film algab kell: 17:00
Kestus: 102 minutit
Asukoht: Eesti Maja
Aadress: 141 Campbell St,
Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
Keel: eesti keeles, inglisekeelsete subtiitritega
Sissepääs: $5 SES liikmele, $8 mitte-liikmetele

BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE / BROONERI PILET SIIN

In Memoriam – Kalju Palmoja

By

Kristi Barrow

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29 September, 2020

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It is with great sadness I share the news that my adored father left us on Wednesday.

He led an extraordinary life beginning with a magical childhood in Estonia, challenging war years followed by a long & happy life in Australia! He enjoyed his professional life as an architect leaving a legacy in the built environment of Perth. He was equally committed to the Estonian community in WA as the President of the WA Estonian Association. Always passionately Estonian he was honoured with the Order of the White Star by the Estonian President in 2003.

To our family Isa was an inspirational role model. He was strong and gentle, creative and practical, a devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather and always ‘ready for action’. We will cherish him always!

Anu Van Hattem

PALMOJA KALJU GORDON Dearly loved father of Anu, father-in-law of Peter, adored grandfather of Nicholas, Alex and Sophie, devoted husband to Ethel passed away on 23.9.20.

Born: Tartu 21.1.1923
Died: Perth on 23.9.2020

Why I work in the Archive – Reet Simmul

By

Kristi Barrow

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24 September, 2020

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Reet Simmul, Assistant Archivist at the Estonian Archives in Australia shares her story on how she came to volunteer in the Archive and why the work of the Archive is so important to her and the community.

“Since working in the EAA and documenting memoirs of so many refugees, I have learned to understand my own parents so much better and the history of Estonia during these turbulent times.”

— Reet Simmul

Read the full article here: https://archives.eesti.org.au/2020/09/22/why-i-work-at-the-archives-reet-simmul/

In Memoriam – August Sirkel

By

Sirje Jõgi Rivers

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23 September, 2020

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5 April, 1921 – 17 September, 2020

August Sirkel was an active member of the Estonian House and the Estonian Society in Melbourne. August, being a spirited singer, was a member of the Melbourne Estonian Men’s Choir. He was famous for baking traditional Estonian meat pies (pirukad) for the weekly choir rehearsals, and for many years he was in charge of cooking delicious meals for all Estonian events, for hundreds of people, at no charge. It was simply August’s way of contributing to the Estonian community, and bringing people together.

But August donated more than his time, work, artistic and cooking talents; he also regularly made donations. August spent his latter years at his home’s peaceful environment. His door always remained open, his invitation was always in the air, he loved people gather round and have a good time. This was the aspect of August’s character that was most unique in my eyes – the way August fit in with the young. His calm, happy, joyful ways made his home a place to call home for many Estonians whilst in Australia.

August has written his memoirs, and he has written about his life philosophy – had a strong belief in good will, positive thinking, healthy living, clean environment and making people happy. August was the best advocate for this motto. Happy to have known you, August, RIP.

The Funeral will be held on Thursday 24 September, Thursday 24 September, 2020 at 10.30am as PRIVATE family service and will be LIVE STREAMED. Details can be found here: https://botanical.etributes.com.au/etributes/august-sirkel

Sirje Jogi
President of Council of Estonian Societies in Australia)

AESL Donation Drive – Join the $100 club

By

Sirje Jõgi Rivers

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15 September, 2020

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Dear member of AESL,

This is our third DONATIONS DRIVE for the year 2020.

We always keep the best for last – the “100 Dollar Club” is now open! Please take a chance to donate now, and to donate generously.

In case you wonder – are we talking to you? Am I a member of AESL?

Yes you are. If you belong to any Estonian organisation in Australia, you are AESL member.

What are you doing as AESL member?

AESL unites all Estonian organisations in Australia under one umbrella. Therefore we represent you in Estonia, and we represent you in Estonian World Organisation.

Most visibly in Australia, we cover the running costs of our Archive, where you might want to store your documents one day. We cover the cost of our biggest festival Eesti Paevad, if ticket sales do not allow profit – and they don’t. We supported Australian Estonians to sing at the most celebrated event in Estonia – Laulupidu/Songfestival, we support Estonian language classes and children’s groups, especially eesti childrens’ biggest get together at Sorve Camp.

In short, AESL supports activities that bring us together all over Australia. One day soon we will be able to bring the physical get togethers back again.

Most recently, we ran Australian Estonian organisations’ zoom meeting in August – the methods and aims are in transition and the constitution should reflect that. In 2021 we take a big step and 1952 AESL constitution will be changed and updated. Want to know more?

At least a couple of times a month we share various relevant information on AESL Facebook page.

If you want to be more connected with AESL, this is perhaps a good place to start.

Since the closure of our newspaper, we encourage people to sign up, and also to send information to e newsletter. (https://eesti.org.au/mailinglist; news@eesti.org.au)

Let’s be visible with our expressions, be it words or actions, as long as we stick together, we belong together, we unite.

2020 has not been an easy year by any means, but no matter if times are easy or hard, we still keep going. Dear AESL member, we are asking for your support.

Thank you for joining in for the journey, for the last round in 2020, thank you for your donation.

Bank details: Council of Estonian Societies in Australia; BSB: 062 233; Account: 10062870 Reference: Your Name, State

Cheques to: PO Bo 6606 Melbourne 3004 Ingrid Provan; Payable to – Council of Estonian Societies in Australia

On behalf of AESL, Sirje Jogi

In Memoriam – Johannes Olup

By

Kristi Barrow

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14 September, 2020

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19 May 1924, Paide, Estonia

3 September 2020, Thirlmere, Australia

Although Johannes experienced troubles throughout his life, particularly in having to leave the country of his birth at age 20, he was really one of the lucky ones. Many who tried to escape and many who stayed behind did not survive the war or its aftermath.

In Germany he met and married Linda, another Estonian refugee, and after working three years for the occupying forces as a driver, emigrated to Australia.

He was one of the many Estonians who spent time in the migrant camp at Bonegilla, where he made many life-long friends. He travelled to Sydney to work for the Water Board at Pott’s Hill and would live in nearby Birrong for most of the rest of his life. After working at the Ford Plant in Homebush, he learned the carpentry trade and became a house builder. He would go on to build homes for many in Sydney’s Estonian community (and later renovate them) and also renovate Sydney’s Estonian House and the Church House in North Strathfield.

A convivial man, he played his part in the Australian Estonian community by singing with Sydney’s Estonian Men’s Choir and attending many festivals. He continued with the choir until increasing deafness and the need to care for his wife through her last illness made participation too difficult. He loved the company of his friends and the many festive occasions where he could eat, drink and sing.

Up until just before his passing, Johannes was still cooking and cleaning for himself in his retirement village unit at Thirlmere and even driving to go shopping and to meet local medical appointments.

He is survived by his daughter Erika and will be greatly missed.

His funeral will be held in the West Chapel at Rookwood Crematorium at 11am on Friday 18 September 2020.

Nii aja ratas ringi käib
Me kaunid päevad mööda läind
Tasakesi lööb aegade kell
Järele jääb mälestus nii hea ja hell

The thinking behind the new ECFA Logo

By

Lachlan Bell

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2 September, 2020

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By Lachlan Bell – designer

When approaching the new ECFA logo, the brief was clear. Convey the identity and objectives of the Estonian Cultural Foundation of Australia. With this came its own challenges of embodying the values of the foundation within this new logo, primarily the promotion and preservation of Estonian history & culture and the facilitation of cultural exchange Australia-wide and abroad.

Taking a future-oriented approach, I considered what the ECFA looked to embody within the next decade and beyond and how this could be conveyed through the design, one of the most foundational parts of any organisation. Themes of inclusivity, protection, approachability and adaptation came to mind and became the cornerstones of my design.

With this in mind, I chose to incorporate these different ideas, starting with the main central graphical element. Familiar to many Estonians, the circular shape is based on an abstracted minimalist sõlg (brooch), one of the oldest and most common type of jewellery found in Estonia.

Historically the sõlg was used for fastening clothes; however it came to become an indicator of wealth (traditionally these were made of silver) and as a protective object. The introduction of button fasteners in the Middle Ages replaced sõled (brooches) as fasteners, however they remained important due to their protective and empowering abilities.

It was believed that if a woman has a sõlg on her chest, then the light of silver had the ability to repel evil and the silver’s reflection on a woman’s face was believed to make the face shine. Moreover, silver was scraped from the mother’s sõlg into the washing water of the newborn baby for protection.

Sõled are worn by both men, women and children alike and was often the limit for men’s jewellery options. Many styles emerged over time, the most common being the vitssõlg (hoop brooch). These small ring-shaped sõled were worn all over Estonia from the 13th century until the 19th & 20th centuries as folk costumes declined in popularity as forms of workwear and formal attire. I chose to use the vitssõlg as my reference for the logo thanks to its simplicity, recognisability and cultural relevance to the Estonian community.

Having shared use between men and women affords the sõlg embedded notions of equality and equal opportunity. Moreover, the spiritual notions of protection and safety are appealing metaphors for the activities of the ECFA in providing assistance and support for many cultural projects Australia-wide. Referencing back to the previous EAK logo and the former shield emblem, the new sõlg design felt reminiscent to a kilp (shield) in particular the Gokstad shields used by the Vikings. I found this imagery fitting as well as it alludes to protection and defense. Historically shields were often decorated with heraldic symbols and identifiers linking people to a group or clan and this is reflected in the logo too.

Development of the logo design

Within the sõlg concentric circles form the acronym ECFA. These lines also help reinforce the sõlg design whilst creating a hidden typographical element between the lines and abstracting the initial form. Another hidden element came in the form of the ornaments adorning the logo’s perimeter. The six on the outer ring and two along the inner ring represent the states and territories of Australia and communicate the Australia-wide approach and focus the ECFA holds. I wanted to make sure inclusivity and representation were built into the design.

The final logo design

I thank the ECFA for selecting my design as the winning entry and wish them the best, and thank them for their passion and ongoing commitment to the Australian-Estonian community.

New Logo for ECFA (Estonian Cultural Foundation in Australia Ltd)

By

Kristi Barrow

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2 September, 2020

0

The Estonian Cultural Foundation in Australia (ECFA) Ltd is proud to announce that it has a new logo.

This logo was designed by Lachlan Bell, a young Estonian from Sydney.

The new logo combines items from Estonian heritage, being a sõlg (brooch) and a kilp (shield), and incorporates 8 stars from the Southern Cross to represent the states and territories of Australia. Using the colours from the Estonian flag, the letters from the ECFA acronym are imprinted on the circles of this sõlg.

For designing the winning logo, Lachlan has received the prize of $500, as the ECFA continues to support Estonian culture and heritage across Australia, and our youth.

Read all about how Lachlan designed the new logo: The thinking behind the new ECFA Logo.

Estonian Zoom Virtual Backgrounds

By

Kristi Barrow

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29 August, 2020

0

Most of us have had to swap our usual face to face meetings for virtual meetings. Why not show off you Estonian connection with some quirky Estonian virtual backgrounds!

Thanks to Visit Estonia and some wonderful photographers, we have created these backgrounds for you to use.

Just click on the image and then save! If you are not sure how to use this, skip to the end of the article for Instructions.

Balti Jaama Turg

Marek Metslaid

Meet with your friends whilst browsing for antiques at the Balti Jaama Turg (Baltic Station Market in English) in Tallinn, Estonia.

Credit: Visit Estonian Balti Jaama Turg

Estonian Song Festival

Raigo Pajula

Estonians love to sing! Channel your inner voice and sing like no one is listening!

Credit: Visit Estonia Song Festival

Männikjärve Bog

Sven Zacek

Expecting a heated meeting? Calm your team mates down with this relaxing view.
How’s the serenity?

Credit: Visit Estonia Männikjärve Bog

Visit Estonia Estonian Black Bread Virtual Background

Estonia Black Bread

Mariann Liimal

Mmmmm, nothing like the smell of Estonian Black bread in the morning! Make your fellow attendees jealous with this delicious looking bread.

Credit: Visit Estonia Estonian Black Bread

Midsummer Day

@Canon_photos

Kick back and relax and take your meeting next to the bonfire on Saaremaa Beach.

Credit: Visit Estonia Midsummer Day

Visit Estonia Tallinn Virtual Background

Tallinn Vanalinn

Kaupo Kalda

We may not be able to leave Australia, but we can travel virtually to Estonia and marvel at the classic Tallinn old town skyline.

Credit: Visit Estonia Old Town of Tallinn

Instructions

Virtual backgrounds can be used for Zoom meetings and Microsoft Teams. You can also use them as a Wallpaper on your Computer or Tablet. Instructions below:

ZOOM VIRTUAL BACKGROUND

MICROSOFT TEAMS

DESKTOP WALLPAPER

NewsPaperHello, Estonians in Australia

HEIAHello, Estonians in Australia

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The book is listed in the official gifts to the Republic of Estonia:

Estonian community abroad: a survey on engagement and satisfaction with consular services

Välismaal elava eestlaskonna kaasatuse ja konsulaarteenuste kliendirahulolu uuring – 2020

VÕTA VÕI JÄTA | TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT

Sunday, 1st November, 5pm @ Sydney Eesti Maja, Surry Hills

EVENT DETAILS

LISATEAVE

By Lachlan Bell – designer

Balti Jaama Turg

Marek Metslaid

Estonian Song Festival

Raigo Pajula

Männikjärve Bog

Sven Zacek

Estonia Black Bread

Mariann Liimal

Midsummer Day

@Canon_photos

Tallinn Vanalinn

Kaupo Kalda

Instructions