Friday, 5 December 2025, brings the 10th edition of the Virtual Forum for Global Estonians — and this time, HEIA will also be featured through a pre-recorded video.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again invites Estonians around the world to gather online for an evening of shared stories, perspectives and community. The program runs from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm Estonian time and is open to everyone interested in global Estonian life.
Event information
📅 Date: Friday 5 December 2025 🕕 Time: 6.00–8.00 pm (Estonian time) (3 am Sydney/Melbourne, midnight in Perth) 🌐 In Estonian with English translation 🎥 Live stream: YouTube or Facebook (recording shared post event)
What’s on the agenda?
The forum opens with journalist Neeme Raud and a look at the activities and ambitions of young Estonians living abroad. The program then moves to New York, where Merike Barborak introduces the short documentary Class 2010, created by Estonian and American youth at the New York Estonian House.
This is followed by a discussion on Estonians abroad and elections, and a pre-recorded segment from HEIA – Hello, Estonians in Australia, offering insight into who we are and what we do here in Australia.
In the second half, the focus turns to communication — from newspapers to social media and podcasts — with a video link to Singapore featuring Siim Säinas. The evening concludes with a conversation on how Estonian diplomacy and global communities can cooperate in today’s rapidly changing security environment.
What about music?
Musical performances by Maria Peterson and Eva Eensaar-Tootsen (Theatrum).
Estonian and Australian flags. Image by Google Nano Banana.
Australia has a new face in Tallinn! On 30 November 2025, the Foreign Ministry announced that Mr Edmund Mortimer will be stepping into the role of Australia’s next Ambassador to Estonia.
Estonia and Australia already get along wonderfully — from defending democratic values and human rights, to championing gender equality, cyber security and the rules-based international order (all the things you want in a good global friend).
Both countries also work shoulder-to-shoulder in multilateral forums and support global security, including through Australia’s cooperation with NATO.
Edmund Mortimer is a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) career officer with previous overseas assignments in France and Poland — which means he’s well versed in diplomacy, Europe and presumably excellent cheese.
His arrival signals Australia’s continued commitment to Estonia, delivered with the flexibility of the pop-up model: the ambassador comes to Tallinn and the Embassy operates at intervals for key diplomatic moments, then continues engagement virtually.
Efficiency meets innovation — very Estonian, actually.
The announcement also thanked outgoing Ambassador Sridhar Ayyalaraju for his contributions in strengthening Australian–Estonian relations since 2023.
For Estonians in Australia, this appointment keeps our two countries nicely connected: more opportunities for cultural diplomacy, more engagement and hopefully more reasons for Australian officials to learn how to pronounce random Estonian words.
We’ll keep you posted as Ambassador Mortimer begins his work — especially if he makes any visits to Estonia or joins Estonian community events here in Australia. (Ambassador, if you’re reading this: our doors are open!)
Ready to squeeze in one more festive event this December? Perfect — the Lydia sisterhood is hosting a virtual Christmas party where yesterday’s jumpers or cosy pyjamas aren’t just welcome, they’re the (unofficial) dress code.
This glorious December Zoom-room will bring together Estonian women from every corner of the globe — the heritage-keen, the heritage-curious, and everyone in between.
Why join?
Because it’s the one Christmas party where:
your sisters will be there welcoming you with open arms
nobody cares if your kid wants to wave at the screen 17 times
pets are unofficial co-hosts (and nobody tells you they’re allergic)
time zones make glögi at 9am totally respectable
you might finally learn how other Estonians tackle the question “seapraad or verivorst?” (Pork roast or blood sausage? No brainer, the correct answer is both!)
Plus, this session builds beautifully on the July gathering of the sisters — only now with added holiday chaos, cheer and unforgettable storytelling.
What’s on the festive menu?
Estonian Christmas traditions — from the nostalgic to the slightly questionable
return-to-Estonia tales — featuring Lisa Trei’s big move from California (spoiler: very inspiring)
handy resources — language learning tips & Integration Foundation support
future ideas — because the sisterhood has great ideas and big plans.
And don’t worry — it’s all in English, with Estonian language goodies for anyone wanting to flex their õ, ä, ö, ü muscles.
This is your easy, cosy, safe-est-space-ever hour to laugh, listen, share stories and feel just a little more connected to the bigger Estonian sisterhood — whether you live in Tallinn, Brisbane, Toronto or somewhere with more kangaroos than people.
Can’t make it? A written recap will be sent out (no recording — they respect chaotic household aesthetics).
Please share this invite with any Estonian women who might enjoy a warm, welcoming, expertly chaotic virtual Christmas hug. The more, the merrier — literally. 🎄✨
HEIA has woven a net of curiosity and trawled the depths of the world’s newsfeeds to catch the tastiest morsels of Estonian delight and interest, and present them for your consumption in a bite-sized article of nutrition for the mind.
Source and on photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.
Join us in congratulating Hilja Toom, Martin Kurvits and the Wollondilly Heritage Centre and Museum for their prestigious recognition by the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, on Citizen’s Day.
On 26 November — Citizen’s Day — Estonia celebrates people across the world who help carry our culture forward. This year, three Australian names were called: Hilja Toom (Victoria), Martin Kurvits (South Australia) and the Wollondilly Heritage Centre and Museum (New South Wales). Their official nominations read as follows:
Wollondilly Heritage Centre and Museum — for preserving the historical heritage of the Estonian community in Thirlmere.
Martin Kurvits — for organising the 29th Estonian Festival (Eesti Päevad) in Adelaide.
Hilja Toom — for her leadership of Melbourne’s Estonian women’s choir, Kodu Kaja.
Hilja Toom (middle, in black) and the choir Kodu Kaja members at the Baltic Festival, October 2025. Photo by Kristel Alla.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented 34 Letters of Appreciation this year, recognising citizen diplomats and community organisations whose efforts strengthen Estonia’s presence globally. The list of recipients spans Europe, North America, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific, highlighting the many ways Estonians abroad nurture connection, identity and continuity.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said this about the importance of these recognitions and the contributions of these dedicated recipients.
“Celebrating Citizen’s Day and keeping it alive is very important for Estonia. Citizen Day reminds us that Estonia’s strength lies in our people — knowledgeable, caring and active citizens who carry our values forward both at home and abroad. Today we recognise those who, through their actions and dedication, have enriched our society and represented Estonia with dignity in the world. Their example inspires us all to preserve and develop a free and open Estonia.”
Citizen’s Day is marked on 26 November, the date when, in 1918, the Estonian Provincial Assembly issued its first regulation on citizenship. Over a century later, the day continues to highlight the value of civic pride and the meaning of showing up for one another — whether in Estonia or half a world away.
Photo of Martin Kurvits at Estonian House in Adelaide. Photo by Richard Semenov.
Marin Mõttus, the Ambassador at Large for Diaspora, added:
“Citizen diplomacy begins with small conversations and great dreams — every time we, Estonians, speak about our culture internationally and share our story, a new bridge is created between Estonia and the world. These bridges are not made of stone; they are made of trust, creativity and human warmth.”
Our three Australian recipients will receive their formal paper certificates at ceremonies in Melbourne and Sydney.
Wollondilly Heritage Centre and Museum representatives at Estonian exhibition, together with H.E. Estonian Ambassador to Australia, Jaan Reinhold. Source: Private collection of Jaan Reinhold.
Ever confidently declared “Of course I know (all about) Estonia!” right before realising you can’t remember the name of its current Prime Minister — or that this entire quiz is in Estonian? This one’s for you. The annual Citizen’s Day Quiz is back!
And yes, we absolutely expect you to play.
From 26 November to 4 December 2025, the Integration Foundation (Integratsiooni SA) invites everyone — no matter the story your genes tell us about your Estonianness — to take part in the official Citizen’s Day Quiz (Kodanikupäevaviktoriin).
Click a button, answer 30 questions, panic slightly, wish you had remained anonymous, decide to own it regardless, win a prize, learn things (about Estonia, about yourself)… It’s the full Estonian educational experience.
One important detail: the quiz is entirely in Estonian — perfect for brushing up your language skills or testing how far you’ve come in your language studies.
You’ll get questions across sports, education, culture, science and the principles of how the Estonian state works — yes, including the bits you thought you’d never need again after high school.
Alright, you kept reading, so that means you want the rules. Smart move.
The mighty rulebook
Here’s what to expect while chasing quiz glory:
You can’t go back. Just like life, this quiz does not let you return to earlier questions. No “actually, I changed my mind”. No backsies. Ei! (No!)
You’ll get the correct answer after each question, along with a source link, which is perfect for learning… or quietly judging yourself.
Some questions have more than one correct answer, because why make things simple?
The top 10 high-scorers win prizes in December, courtesy of the Integration Foundation. BUT: If you already won a prize in 2023 or 2024, you’re benched from the 2025 prize draw (still allowed to play, though — we see you, quiet overachievers).
Winners have to provide their full name to claim a prize. Email addresses and results are never published, and the winners’ list only appears with written consent. So go ahead — fail spectacularly in total privacy.
So why do it?
Because we know you can do it. We believe in you. Don’t worry, 45 seconds to answer each question is plenty (might want to stretch and have your coffee first).
With 10 prizes up for grabs your chances are pretty good. Better odds than the national lottery.
Because it’s fun. Because it’s educational. Because the hope of winning is slightly addictive. Because you’ll finally learn which Estonian band sings about snow in July (hint: they’re currently touring Australia), and whether that castle tower really is crooked or if it’s just your screen (wait, is that tower in Estonia or Italy?).
But most importantly — because bragging rights in the diaspora are eternal.
Final encouragement
If you missed the big orange button or prefer words, click on the link below to start the quiz and to learn more. There’s an even bigger orange button on that page, so you can’t miss it (still, put your glasses on).
Photo of Kristina Kallas on tour to New Zealand and Australia, November 2025. Source: Estonia’s Ministry of Education.
This Thursday, 27 November 2025, the Estonian Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, will deliver a public lecture in Melbourne on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping learning.
Her lecture, Redefining Education: Harnessing AI for Cognitive Growth, introduces Estonia’s national AI-Leap program TI-Hüpe that helps schools adapt to the age of AI and foster meaningful learning.
The Melbourne lecture will explore:
how AI is accelerating change in classrooms
why cognitive readiness matters for future learning
how Estonia’s model supports teachers and students
opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange between Estonia and Australia.
Event details
Date: Thursday 27 November 2025 Time: 12 pm – 1.30 pm Location: Council Chamber, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Light refreshments will be provided.
This event is organised by the EU Centre of Excellence and Social Equity Research Centre, RMIT University.
How to register
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Please email bruce.wilson(at)rmit.edu.au to confirm your place.
A great opportunity
This lecture offers a rare chance to hear directly from the Minister and engage with Estonia’s cutting-edge educational developments. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The gold medal in the category “Speciality Styles – Cider or Perry with Botanicals” went to Mūrbūdu Cidery (Latvia) for their “Gin Botanical” cider. Source: Baltic Cider.
The Baltic Cider brand unites select cider makers from Estonia, Latvia and Finland. They recently put their craft to the test at the Australian Cider Awards – the country’s largest and most prestigious cider competition.
Representing the Baltic Cider were the following cider makers.
The competition brings together leading cider producers along with beverage trade representatives – wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and other potential distributors – providing participants with valuable market contacts and media visibility.
The results have now been announced – and they’re impressive.
Among 231 ciders entered across 44 categories, the Baltic ciders collectively won 27 medals: 1 gold, 10 silver and 16 bronze.
The gold medal in the category “Speciality Styles – Cider or Perry with Botanicals” went to Mūrbūdu Cidery (Latvia)for their “Gin Botanical” cider.
Estonian cideries took home 6 medals in total: 3 silver and 3 bronze.
Silver medals:
Semi Dry Cider – Tori Siidritalu (Category: New World Cider – Medium)
Säde – KODAS (Category: Cider or Perry with Botanicals)
Jää / Ice – Tori Siidritalu (Category: Ice Cider or Perry)
Award-winning Estonian ciders. Source: Baltic Cider.
Bronze medals:
Doux Méthode Traditionnelle – Jaanihanso Siidrivabrik (Category: New World Cider)
Sec Méthode Traditionnelle – Jaanihanso Siidrivabrik (Category: New World Cider)
Mimikri – KODAS (Category: Traditional Cider – Sweet)
Award-winning Estonian ciders. Source: Baltic Cider.
Each year, the competition also recognises the best packaging design for bottles and cans. This year’s award went to Abava Winery (Latvia) for its outstanding bottle and label design.
Information about all the medal winners is available on the Baltic Cider website under Baltic Cider News & Events.
These results highlight the growing international recognition of the quality, creativity and craftsmanship behind Baltic ciders.
A strong start for Baltic Cider in Australia
The participation in the Australian Cider Awards was part of the first Baltic Cider export mission to Australia (20 October – 1 November 2025).
Cider master classes and tastings were held for distributors and professionals, generating strong interest in the unique, naturally crisp Baltic ciders made from sharp and bitter apple varieties native to the cool Northern climate – flavours that cannot be replicated in Australia’s warmer regions.
The Baltic Cider team extends sincere thanks to the Interreg Central Baltic Programme, LIAA, the Embassy of Latvia in Australia, Cider Australia, the Estonian-Australian Chamber of Commerce, Aerotravel and the Estonian and Latvian communities in Australia, making this first Australian mission a success.
Following the success in Australia, the Baltic Cider team plans to continue market development through participation in major events such as ProWine Singapore and cider festivals across the region in 2026.
Learn more about Baltic Cider, upcoming events, and the award-winning producers at https://balticcider.com/en
Thank you
Thank you to Liisa Pobul from Baltic Cider for this information and photos.
Screenshot from Anthony Noack's interview with Isabel Hagen. Source: Anthony Noack.
Anthony Noack – Melbourne-based writer, videographer and producer –spoke to two American directors, Isabel Hagen and Jake Wachtel, who both travelled to Estonia to show their films at the Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF).
Isabel Hagen is a stand-up comedian and classically-trained violist. As a stand-up, she has been featured twice on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and as a violinist she has played in the orchestra pit for many Broadway shows, and worked with artists such as Bjork, Max Richter and Steve Reich. Her feature film On a String is part of PÖFF 2025.
Click below to watch the interview with Isabel Hagen (5 min).
American filmmaker Jake Wachtel is the director of Karmalink, Cambodia’s first sci-fi film, which opened Venice Critics’ Week to critical acclaim. Living between California and Cambodia, he is developing new projects that merge social consciousness with wildly entertaining genre explorations. His short film The Sentryis part of PÖFF Shorts 2025.
Click below to watch the interview with Jake Wachtel (3 min).
The Black Nights Film Festival
The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (Pimedate Ööde Filmifestival, PÖFF) first took place in 1996 and has become one of the biggest film festivals in Northern Europe. It aims to bring a comprehensive selection of world cinema to Estonia and the program consists of local and international features, short films, children’s films, documentaries and animation. PÖFF is a great place to see new films and find out what films to keep an eye out for.
PÖFF is running until 23 November 2025 in Tallinn with select screenings in Tartu.
At the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), two Baltic films reveal the unscripted moments — literal and emotional — that shape people’s lives. In the improvised Mo Papa, serendipity becomes part of the storytelling, while Hunger Strike Breakfast uses the absurdity of history to uncover unexpected truths. More below.
Mo Papa
Mo Papa (2025) follows 28 year old Eugen who has just been released from a decade in prison after accidentally killing his younger brother and he must now reconcile with the world he left behind. He finds solace in reconnecting with his watchmaker father and childhood friends, whilst trying to avoid the troublesome life that led to the terrible accident.
Estonian Director Eeva Mägi believes that films do not need big budgets or polished scripts, rather “only the unbreakable spirit of those who dare to create“. She convincingly conveys a complex backstory via newspaper headlines that Eugen re-reads as he torments himself with reliving the past.
Jarmo Reha, who plays Eugen, provides a compelling portrait of the troubled young man and brings an undeniably likeable energy to a killer who makes us forgive his crimes long before his character can. Ester Kuntu, who plays his old friend Stina, is similarly charismatic and watching the pair interact brings a sense of undeniable light into what could otherwise be a bleak film setting.
The film is unscripted and there is a moment where a spider appears on Reha’s sleeve mid sentence and he responds by talking to it. It is a lovely moment of serendipity and I can see why Mägi included it. However it was the only time I felt like I was watching acting. I saw Reha instinctively react to a stimulus; Kuntu immediately goes along. I admired their craft, whereas for the entire rest of the film I was fully immersed in their characters, which was far more satisfying.
An improvised feature is not an easy thing to successfully deliver, and on the whole the strength of the performances and direction make Mo Papa a compelling example of the daring spirit that leads to something special.
Hunger Strike Breakfast
In the early ‘90s, Soviet troops occupy the Vilnius TV station. The station’s star anchor, radio presenter and director resist outside in a caravan, barricading the flimsy walls and undertaking a hunger strike in protest. The neighbours, at first indifferent to the movement, slowly recognise the faces and voices that had been broadcast into their homes over the years and gradually open their homes and hearts to them.
At face value I would say that the scenario is unbelievable, but there’s not much that would surprise me to learn from that turbulent, troublesome and sometimes bizarre period of history leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Director Karolis Kaupinis captures this feeling and leans into the sense of the absurd, bringing with the passage of time a comedic eye to traumatic events.
The film is not without a sense of dread however, such as when hungry soldiers cross the picket line to offer vodka in a strange offer of friendship, only to then menace and steal food.
Ineta Stasiulyte does a masterful job of playing the resigned anchor who refers to her job as like any other. She turns up, works, then goes home. She doesn’t even have her own office.
Paulius Pinigis also stands out as Sigis, one of the disinterested neighbours, who at first cares only that Stasiulyte’s bullhorn is waking his sleeping baby, but soon becomes integral to the protest. We learn that he is following his dream of being an actor, but spends his days in a rabbit costume entertaining children. This is in contrast to his father, who had joined the Communist Party in order to secure a good job and resign to a quiet, comfortable life.
Hunger Strike Breakfast(2025) is a Lithuanian, Latvian and Czech co-production and the combined resources are evident in a convincing period look and high production values. It is an entertaining historical film that satisfyingly captures the absurdity of the time.
The Black Nights Film Festival
The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (Pimedate Ööde Filmifestival, PÖFF) first took place in 1996 and has become one of the biggest film festivals in Northern Europe. It aims to bring a comprehensive selection of world cinema to Estonia and the program consists of local and international features, short films, children’s films, documentaries and animation. PÖFF is a great place to see new films and find out what films to keep an eye out for.
PÖFF is running until 23 November 2025 in Tallinn with select screenings in Tartu.
Estonia’s legendary rock powerhouse Terminaator has touched down in Australia, and the countdown is officially on. Their first stop is Perth this Friday, 21 November 2025, with Sydney and the Gold Coast close behind. If you’ve been meaning to grab tickets… consider this your final nudge.
For more than 30 years, Terminaator has shaped the soundtrack of countless Estonian lives. Songs like “Juulikuu lumi,” “Carmen,” and “Romula” have outlasted fashion cycles, hairstyles and governments — and hearing Jaagup Kreem’s unmistakable voice live is something everyone should experience at least once.
And in case you’re wondering: yes, all three of us from HEIA are going. Purely for journalistic accuracy, of course… and definitely not because we know every chorus by heart.
So if you’ve ever belted out Terminaator in your living room, in the car or at a midsummer bonfire, this is your moment. Come and join the Australian Estonian community for a night of full-volume nostalgia, high-energy rock and a very enthusiastic audience.
🎤 Tour dates and venues
Perth
🗓️ Friday 21 November 2025 📍 Nedlands Yacht Club, The Esplanade, Nedlands WA ⏰ Doors open 6pm | Show starts 7pm 🎟️ Book tickets here
This tour is a rare chance to see one of Estonia’s most iconic bands right here in Australia — loud, live and surrounded by fellow fans. We’ll see you in the crowd.
Have you ever opened a grant application, taken one look, and immediately decided you needed a snack, a nap, or a quick scroll through Instagram instead? You’re not alone. Luckily, help comes in the form of a practical, friendly online workshop designed for Estonians around the globe.
Event details
📅 Tuesday, 25 November 2025 ⏰ 16.15–17.30 (Estonian time) 🎤 Speaker: Krista Pegolainen-Saar 🗣️ Language: in Estonian (eesti keeles) 🔗 Register: https://globalestonian.com/et/kohtume
GlobalEstonian.com is hosting its third and final “Let’s Meet!” session of the year, and this round is all about cracking the code of a strong, fundable project application.
If you’re planning to apply for funding in the early 2026 grant rounds — or if your community group keeps saying “We really should apply for something…” — this workshop is for you.
Why you might want to join
You’ll walk away with:
practical steps for writing solid project proposals
a clear understanding of what funders actually look for
tips on how to turn great ideas into realistic, fundable plans
and a chance to ask your burning questions directly to experts.
Plus, you’ll meet other Estonians from across the world who are also wrestling with Time Zones, Word docs, Google Forms, and the eternal question: “Does this budget make sense, or is it quietly asking for a reality check?”
About the speaker
The workshop is led by Krista Pegolainen-Saar — an experienced supervisor, coach and community development specialist who works closely with NGOs, volunteer networks and local associations across Estonia.
She knows exactly what makes a project application shine — and how to avoid the classic “great idea, no funding” scenario.
Why this matters for Australia
Our Australian Estonian societies and community projects run on volunteer dedication, creativity and determination (and the kind of coffee consumption we don’t talk abut publicly). Stronger project writing = better funding = more events, more culture, more connection.
If you’re thinking of applying for support in 2026, this session is genuinely worth your 45 minutes — and you might even enjoy it.
