Council of Estonian Societies in Australia
AESL is an umbrella organisation that unites around 20 Estonian organisations all over Australia. AESL is one of the organisations belonging to the Estonian World Organisation. AESL’s main activity is to support what is important to Estonians all over Australia – events, enterprises that are not city specific but carry value to all.
Aims of the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia
The aims of the Council are:
- to coordinate activities within the Estonian community in Australia, in pursuit of the preservation and advancement of Estonian culture and heritage; and
- to act as a centre for distribution of information and aid to the community organisations.
Key support directions
- Language
- Media
- Estonian Archives in Australia (visit website →)
- Eesti Päevad / Estonian Festival (visit website →)
- Sõrve Summer Camp (visit website →)
The executive of the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia
Following the Annual General Meeting of the AESL Inc on 31st December 2024, the office-holders for the following year are:
Executive
- President – Juho Looveer
- Vice-President – Sirje Jõgi-Rivers (Victoria)
- Treasurer – Ingrid Provan (Victoria)
- Assistant Secretary – Iti Connor (Queensland)

State Representatives
- NSW: Marissa Pikkat
- SA: Martin Kurvits
- WA: Anu Läänesaar
Independents
- NSW: Esmée Okamoto
- NSW: Ave Nukki
Other Members & Representatives
- Archivist: Dr Andra Krumin
- Languages Coordinator: Iti Connor
- Public Officer: Maie Simson
- XXX Eesti Päevad Organising Committee: Ave Nukki
- Communications and Social Media Coordinator: Marissa Pikkat & Esmée Okamoto
- Estonian World Council (UEKN): Dr Juho Looveer, [Iti Connor]
- Estonian Global Cooperation Commission: Dr Juho Looveer
- Australian Baltic Council: Dr Juho Looveer
- Estonian Global Cooperation Commission – Working Party Re Mass Communications: Kristi Barrow
AESL Constitution
A copy of the current Constitution (last updated 17 August 2021) can be downloaded here:
Code of Ethics
The AESL proposes to adopt the Code of Ethics proposed by the Estonian Nonprofit Organizations (April 7, 2002 )
Read the code of Ethics below:
Eesti – https://heakodanik.ee/vabauhenduste-eetikakoodeks/
English – https://heakodanik.ee/en/code-of-ethics/
AESL Awards – AESL Aukirjad
Honouring service to the Estonian Community in Australia
The Australian Council of Estonian Societies (AESL) proudly recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Estonian community across Australia. These awards celebrate dedication, leadership, and long-standing voluntary service that strengthens our shared culture and community spirit.
Award criteria
AESL Aukiri (Certificate of Honour)
Awarded to individuals who have:
- Provided at least 10 years of significant service
- Made a positive impact on the Estonian community or a key organisation.
AESL Tänukiri (Certificate of Appreciation)
- Provided at least 5 years of significant service
- Supported the Estonian community or a key organisation.
Award recipients
Lifetime Achievement Awards
- Maie Barrow
- Tiiu Salasoo
AESL Aukiri recipients (Certificate of Honour)
- Karin Adamson – Melbourne
- Heidi Aedma – Brisbane
- Rein Aedma – Brisbane
- Tiina Alvre – Sydney
- Madis Alvre – Sydney
- Eili Annuk – Sydney
- Kadri Auväärt – Adelaide
- Kristi Barrow – Sydney
- Maie Barrow – Sydney
- Reet Bergman – Canberra
- Astrid Bowler – Canberra
- Edgar Briedis – Adelaide
- Steven Buchert – New South Wales
- Mai Buchert – New South Wales
- Ron Cowan – New South Wales
- Maia Dyke – Adelaide
- Krista Ford – Thirlmere
- Peter Helm – Adelaide
- Mihkel Hennoste – Brisbane
- Martin Hoile – Adelaide
- Lea Holm – Sydney
- Siiri Iismaa – Sydney
- Sirje Jõgi Rivers – Melbourne
- Sulev Kalamäe – Sydney
- Raivo Kalamäe – Sydney
- August Kangro – Sydney
- Dr Terry Kass – New South Wales
- Matti Kiviväli – Melbourne
- Vilma Kiviväli – Melbourne
- Tiiu Kroll-Simmul – Sydney
- Peeter Kruup – Hobart
- Kalev Kruup – Tasmania
- Martin Kurvits – Adelaide
- Maia Lauterbach – Sydney
- Kaili Lehtsalu – Sydney
- Harry Ling – Queensland
- Iri Luts – USA
- Peter Maasepp – Sydney
- Ilmar Mägraken – Adelaide
- Ilma Maidla – Thirlmere
- Jaak Mardiste – Brisbane
- Anneliis Martinson – Adelaide
- Aino Matwisyk – Sydney
- Aime Metsar – Melbourne
- Bruno Metsar – Melbourne
- Kuno Mikkor – Melbourne
- Koidula Muttik – Sydney
- Dr Peeter Muttik – Sydney
- Gunnar Neeme – Melbourne
- Lia Nicholson – Melbourne
- Ants Noormets – Melbourne
- Esmée Okamoto – Brisbane
- Karen Olesk – Adelaide
- Kaljo Palmõja – Perth
- Kai Panov – Thirlmere
- Jaak Peedo – Wollongong
- Arnold Perendi – Sydney
- Toomas Pill – Sydney
- Bernadette Pilli – Melbourne
- Matti Põldoja – Melbourne
- Külliki Poole – Sydney
- Mare Puksand – Adelaide
- Dolores Puskaric – Tasmania
- Pille Püvendi – New South Wales
- Tiiu Rääbus – Hobart
- Ivy Raadik – Melbourne
- Mart Rampe – Sydney
- Hillar Ranniko – New South Wales
- Ene-Mai Reinpuu – Adelaide
- Ingrid Renno – New South Wales
- Saima Riner – Melbourne
- Helle-Mall Risti – Sydney
- Tiiu Salasoo – Sydney
- Toomas Sarapuu – Adelaide
- Kieran Scott – Sydney
- Eduard Selge – Adelaide
- Richard Semenov – Adelaide
- Hillar Semenov – Adelaide
- Imbi Semmelweis – Sydney
- Reet Simmul – Sydney
- Uino Simmul – Sydney
- Ülle Slamer – Sydney
- Heino Sommer – Adelaide
- Helen Strutt – Sydney
- Elvi Suviste – Sydney
- Tiina Taemets – Brisbane
- Maila Taimre – Melbourne
- Ausma Taves – Melbourne
- Amelia Tiivas – Adelaide
- Kustas Tiivas – Adelaide
- Marju Tõnisson – New South Wales
- Heino Tõnisson – Melbourne
- Glory Toom – Melbourne
- Andres Truus – Queensland
- Reet Tuul – Adelaide
- Iivo Tuul
- Ellen Ups – Sydney
- Milvi Vaikma – Melbourne
- Taevo Vaikma – Melbourne
- Arvi Vainomäe – Melbourne
- Victor Valk – Sydney
- Rein Valling – Melbourne
- Jüri Woan – Sydney
AESL Tänukiri recipients (Certificate of Appreciation)
- Ella Scott – Sydney
- Maie Pikkat – Sydney
Here you can read a list of recent AESL Annual Booklets.
Preserving Estonian Language in Australia
Language classes have been held in Australia already since 1929, with big boost in 1950s when, after-war, big waves of Estonians arrived and about 10 language schools were run over Australia.
Tiiu Salasoo got interested in 1970s into formalising the language studies, including getting Estonian Language to university level, and for this representation, Tiiu was elected as Language Coordinator at AESL Board in 1975. Tiiu remained the language coordinator for 50 years, until 2023, when the position was handed over to next generation – Iti Connor –representing Eesti Keel groups and classes in AESL Board since 2024.
These were complicated years that Tiiu Salasoo inspired the classes continue – small student numbers, no study materials from Estonia, only one grant from Australia’s government, success was slow but existing – own study material was produced – “Estonian for beginners” a book and 6 tapes, and in 1988 Estonian language was recognised as a curriculum subject for high schools. In Victoria Estonian language was taught at University High School and there were 3 graduates on high school level in 1990s (teacher Sirje Jogi Rivers).
The change in language groups and classes did not occur right after Estonia’s independence – the increased interest arose within born here generation of young, but the biggest change arrived when newly arrived Estonians started having children.
Besides the language classes there had been the children’s groups all along, learning a bit of language through games, society performances, songs, get togethers. There has been a steady rise in kids groups and interest in passing on Estonian language since 2010, being at its peak today in 2024, with new camps starting etc. New Estonians clearly are interested to hold on to Estonian heritage from young age. Language classes are different these days as adults are able to learn and keep their language skills online. Main emphasis is to support the children groups and their language practise.
– by Sirje Jõgi Rivers, Vice President, AESL
Last Updated June 2024.
Estonian Media in Australia
The legend goes that the dream of an Estonian newspaper in Australia emerged from the very first ship that brought Estonians to Australia.
There are a few others who claim the idea initiating from them. But the official meeting was held in Sydney Eesti Maja on 26.2.1949, initiated by Estonian men’s choir in Australia and the thought to establish a newspaper was presented by previous Viljandi newspaper Sakala editing team member.
It was agreed that the purpose of the Newspaper is to be the bearer of culture and Estonianism for the Estonian community, in order of preservation and spreading the voice in Australia, including publishing and sharing of literature in the Estonian language.
The first newspaper Meie Kodu was published on 11.2.1954. The first editor Ilmar Raudma said – Although we are physically uprooted from our homeland, we are not that in heart and spirit. If we were, we would offer no value to our new country nor ourselves.
The first paper in 1954 had a circulation of 300, the last paper in 2019 had a circulation of 1,300. It was a valuable source and connecting point for the Estonian generation who arrived to Australia after WWII.
Meie Kodu (Our Home) newspaper orders fell due to the transition from the older generation to the younger, who has moved to digital media. Meie Kodu newspaper was closed on on 23/01/2019.
Meanwhile the cities newsletters – Teateleht in Melbourne and Virgats in Adelaide continued to gather and distribute local announcements on paper and by email to the members of respective societies. Both newsletters are supported by AESL until the present time.
Kristi Barrow established a digital newsletter for sharing Australia events and news, such newsletters were rare and irregular but the most important step was taken – the torch was handed over from paper media to the digital and the torch was never dropped.
In addition to printed media, AESL has supported the promotion and production of Estonian-language radio programs and their broadcast on SBS radio. In the end, AESL could not stop the termination of the radio broadcasts as Estonian radio listener was getting old, society diminished and SBS was all about new waves of migration to Australia who needed airtime more than the small Estonian community.
The following period in Estonian media is digital.
Kristi Barrow, who had been active in eesti media in Australia already at the time of Meie Kodu newspaper, started the home page eesti.org.au and published newsletter sent out from news@eesti.org.au. Both were slow to develop, because the previous correspondents for paper newspaper had “disappeared” and also the older generation was not interested in digital media. However the new arrivals from Estonia were in need of information.
AESL was located in Melbourne at that time, its chairman Lembit Marder founded a digital page aimed mainly at new Estonians – estonia.org.au.
Kristi Barrow applied for a grant from the Republic of Estonia for the further development of media platforms, the application was successful and a “media conference” was held to create a new team that would consistently deal with media, the website, and send news regularly to Estonians over Australia.
In 2024, Media Project was founded, chairman Johanna Rivers, uniting a few young Estonians who have media interest or who value the connection. The group has been successfully launched and redevelopment of eesti.org.au is in progress, e-newsletters have become regular and cover all states.
Since it is a voluntary contribution, it is to be hoped that the correspondents in the cities will continue and contribute ongoingly and regularly or find a successor in case someone else has to step in.
What else is new besides the all county-coverage with representatives / correspondents?Different is also the use of digital platforms, the programs used are mainstream and universal, meaning are not limited to one person or one group – as a cloud-based backpack is designed to be easily handed over when needed.
It can be said that AESL representative Kristi Barrow made it – the transition from paper to digital was not quick and easy, but there was never a break either – there was a person who kept it alive.
Tiiu Kroll Simmul is another big name to mention as she was the editor/ responsible editor for Meie Kodu newspaper between 1970 and 1992. Remarkable results – looking back in time at the way we got here. 2024 brought a new fresh start as a continuation of the work done before.
AESL will continue to support eesti media in Australia – may it unite us today as did in the past to future yet to come.
These days we have built a digital society that may lead to improved and expanding physical interaction all over Australia.
Join for updates on https://www.facebook.com/p/Australian-Estonian-Media-Project-61556385279654/
For newsletters register at news@eesti.org.au
Get in touch and show your interest by email – media@eesti.org.au
– by Sirje Jõgi Rivers, Vice President, AESL
Last Updated August 2024.
Estonian Archives
In 1952, when the Association of Estonian Societies of Australia was founded, the first chairman Aleksander Peel prepared the first action plan of AESL. The very first AESL action plan included the position of archivist, whose task was to establish the central archive.
A call was published in newspaper Meie Kodu where AESL asked organizations to send a copy of each book and publication for free for archiving purposes. Archivist elect to create an archive, deal with the storage, cataloging and availability of material for the sake of preserving Estonian culture.
In 1954, at the first international conference on Exile Journalism in Brazil, a decision to collect the works published in exile made. In Sweden the archive started in 1954, in the USA in 1956, in Canada in 1961 – note that Estonians in Australia has already started in 1952.
In Sydney, the materials of the archive were gathered in the semi-basement rooms at the base of the stage at Estonian House. Once that room was full, archivist Hugo Salasoo built a shelter for the archive at his own expense in his own garage.
Estonian Archive was consecrated by Reverend Einar Kiviste on June 29, 1968. The original name – the cultural historical archive of the Association of Estonian Societies of Australia was renamed EAA – Estonia Archives in Australia.
The implementation of the archive by AESL remains one of the most important initiatives.
The early years of archive were largely on Hugo Salasoo’s shoulders.
Long-time archivist Maie Barrow managed the archive from 1994-2024.
From 2024, the archivist is Terry Kass.
Today’s archive is an exciting place.
The material in the archive is rich, unique and historic.
Appreciative visitors come from all over the world, Estonian researchers/journalists use the materials for research purposes, the archive makes thematic presentations using its various materials.
AESL has issued an invitation to younger generation to come and get familiar with the material, work at archive, come for an internship, come to a volunteer to contribute to the archive and to learn so much at the same time.
– by Sirje Jõgi Rivers, Vice President, AESL
Last Updated August 2024.
Estonian Children’s Summer camps
In the second week of January, 2024, the Australian / Estonian community celebrated 71 years of running Estonian children’s camps in NSW. This was the 63rd year of holding the camp at the Point Wolstoncroft Sports and Recreation Centre, the longest continuous booking in the history of NSW and also one of the world’s oldest continual Estonian culture camps.
Proudly supported by the AESL, the Sõrve summer camp is an initiative that provides members of the Estonian community with the opportunity to come together to experience, appreciate and enrich their cultural knowledge in a friendly, encouraging and safe environment, while also providing our young adults with the opportunity to develop valuable leadership and mentoring skills. Both the Australian and Estonian Governments have recognised Sõrve Summer Camp as an important annual event for the Estonian community in Australia (50 Fabulous Years of Sydney Estonian Summer Camps ed. Olev Muska 2005).
What is Sõrve camp and who is the target audience?
The first summer camp was held in Narrabeen in 1953. The idea for a summer camp came from the Estonian tradition of spending summer at the family farm, but few post-World-War II refugees had relatives in Australia, let alone relatives with a farm! The first camp at Pt Wolstoncroft was held in 1962 and obtained its current name ‘Sõrve’ due to its location, on a narrow strip of land that juts into Lake Macquarie, which resembles the Sõrve peninsula in Saaremaa.
The Sydney Estonian Society’s Supplementary School Committee (Sydney Eesti Seltsi Täienduskooli Hoolekogu; now known as the Sydney Estonian Parents’ and Friends’ Association ‘Sõrve Sõbrad’) is responsible for the camp each year while the leaders (juhid) organise the day-to-day management of the camp. Over the years, as the number of school-aged children has waxed and waned, Sõrve camp has morphed into a family camp for both young and old (under 8 to over 60 years of age).
This year witnessed a record attendance of under 8-year olds (42 babies, toddlers or infants); 54 school-aged children; 21 leaders and 77 adults (most of these being parents of the under 8-year olds). Campers came from New South Wales, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, South Australia, and from further afield such as Estonia, Finland, and USA.
What happens at Sõrve camp?
The camp offers Estonian cultural activities, including Estonian language, singing, folk dancing, craft and cooking as well as a wide range of indoor and outdoor sporting activities. The week is structured and packed with games, fancy dress nights, campfires, hikes, skits and performances where children learn teamwork, to be inclusive and to be creative. Friendships that last a lifetime are formed across the country and around the world.
This year (2024), adults had the option of participating in activities, such as singing, folk dancing, Estonian language, swimming, canoeing, painting and golf. NSW members of the Kooskõlas choir who were at camp spent time learning parts for their role as the backing choir for Rein Rannap in the concert that he gave in early February in Sydney. They also had the pleasure of performing in the cultural performance on Visitor’s Day at camp as the backing choir for Robin Kukk, who took out third place in ‘Eesti otsib superstaari’, Estonia’s version of ‘Australian Idol‘. The cultural performance was enhanced this year by the wearing of national folk costumes (rahvarõivad) borrowed from the Folk Costume Library, an initiative started by the Sydney Estonian Craft Group (Sydney Eesti Seltsi Kunsti-, Käsitöö ja Etnograafiaring) and supported by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Välisministeerium).
At the end of each day before bedtime, the Sõrve family holds hands, right arm over left, to form
the circle of friendship (sõprusring), where everyone sings the night-time song (unelaul) ‘Nüüd uni tule’ and reflects on the day’s activities, achievements and friendships and on the new day to come.
Looking to the future
The future with respect to attendees at Sõrve camp looks bright for the eastern seaboard states, with a new wave of babies, infants and toddlers. Members of the Melbourne Estonian community are now discussing running their own children’s summer camp. The burgeoning EstWest Association in Western Australia also has an exciting opportunity to establish an Estonian children’s summer camp on the western seaboard. These are initiatives of which AESL would be supportive. Potential knowledge transfer between east and west coasts holds great promise for the continued evolution and growth of summer camps in Australia.
A caveat going forward is that as successive generations of Australian Estonians have integrated more and more into the larger Australian society, the numbers of young fluent Estonian speakers as well as teachers of Estonian culture have fallen, as has participation in local Estonian communities. This, in turn, impacts the long-term maintenance of the Estonian culture in Australia and, thus, our ability to appreciate and impart this culture to our younger generations. An injection of cultural skills has been, and will continue to be, crucial for the Australian Estonian community to thrive. This can be, and is being, achieved in various ways: firstly, through active welcoming and community participation of adults/parents/children who have recently arrived to Australia from Estonia, including their instruction of language, song, folk dance or craft; secondly, short secondments from Australia to Estonia of people wishing to be trained as language, song, folk dance or craft teachers; and thirdly, short secondments from Estonia to Australia of people trained in various aspects of Estonian culture for the specific purpose of holding workshops and performances e.g. at camp, Estonian Festivals (Eesti Päevad), or in the lead-up to learning songs for the Song Celebration (Laulupidu) or dances for the Dance Celebration (Tantsupidu). Thus, continuation of the Estonian culture in Australia will require a sõprusring formed through national and international collaborations to provide the thread that ties camps and generations together.
– by Siiri Iismaa, AESL Independent Board Member
Last Updated: June 2024

Sõrve website: www.sorve.org.au
Sõrve facebook: www.facebook.com/SorveSummerCamp/
Eesti Päevad Festival
It was over a hundred years ago that Estonians in Australia started to organise their social life. First it was just a desire for Estonians to get together (in late 1800s), then came purpose – let’s get together and sing Estonian songs (in early 1900s), dance Estonian folk dances, teach children our language – and Estonian organisations were formed in all the major cities.
A massive migration followed World War II. In 1952, cities’ organisations gathered under one umbrella, AESL, Council of Estonian Societies in Australia. Two years later, AESL decided to create a large event, where all the Estonian groups all over Australia get together, enjoy and display Estonian culture in Australia, and so the Estonian Festival was born, first held in Sydney in 1954.
A tradition was formed, 80 years ago – to hold Eesti Päevad Festivals every three years, rotating between cities. In 2024, the EP Festival will be held in Adelaide for the 29th time.
What has changed during these years?
The first EP was a massive gathering with many ethnic cultural performers and lots of sport – “after-war” Estonians were enthusiastic and youthful.
The same groups continue today, folk dancing, singing, handicraft, language, only the generations have changed. These days, Estonians in Australia are either born here or have recently arrived from Estonia. The Eesti Päevad Festival is still going strong – being held every two years these days to keep our ethnic culture groups inspired to continue, and to welcome the newly arrived. Since the World Eesti Päevad ESTO was held in Melbourne in 1988, the Eesti Päevad organisers have also included in the program performers from Estonia – theatre groups and popular musicians.
Where to next with, Eesti Päevad?
These days the “born-here” Estonians are no longer young. Are the newly arrived Estonians going to keep the ethnicity going? Are the “born-here” third (fourth) generation still strong enough Estonians to continue? AESL as an umbrella looks after the financial matters. Eesti Päevad funds are diminishing and decisions are to be made – do we organise bigger Eesti Päevads now, and take a financial loss, or do we budget to hand some over for next generations? AESL acknowledges that this is a unique situation for Estonians in Australia. The Estonian Houses acquired after the second world war are much loved but require renovations or are to be sold. The new generations may have different needs.
Eesti Päevad in Adelaide, in December 2024, will include AESL NonConference – a gathering in the bush, by tent and campfire, where we invite participants to share their thoughts about our changing society and hear thoughts from the youth. Are we going to continue by opening up more to Estonia and to world Estonians, is it going to be cultural or a more professional direction? What are the communication methods of the future? Is Eesti Päevad here to stay? Are there budding leaders among us to make the change happen?
– by Sirje Jõgi Rivers, Vice President, AESL
Last Updated June 2024.
AESL Annual General Meeting
Every year in January, AESL holds its annual general meeting.
Past AGMs
AESL UNITES
AESL holds once in a year an annual meeting and discusses how we Estonians go in Australia, where are we headed and in what way.
Society (city or activity) leaders attend and contribute. Actually every city representative is a member of AESL Board, this means that every city contributes ongoingly.
In 2024 we added something different – it was not only AESL Annual Meeting on 31.12.2024, also asked for views from the wider audience. AESL held monthly zoom gatherings and face to face Bush “Nonconference” (Mõttetalgud) – we covered AESL history and thoughts for future, did not shy off from differences between new and established Estonians in Australia, a “new” Estonian’s search to find her way and her inspiring story how she now contributes to Estonians in Australia.
This is how AESL moves along with times. We gather thoughts from our members and together try to
implement and move to that direction.
AESL has regular activities that do not change. The range of AESL activities is not covered in this
overview but readily available to read @eesti.org.au/aesl
Here, we cover one aspect – AESL ANNUAL BOOKLET 2024.
In my view, if AESL did nothing else but collect data and publish such annual booklet where ALL our Estonian Societies and Activities are covered, year in and year out – then this is already a valuable contribution; information that cannot be gained from anywhere else, stretch this thought through years and times!
Maybe now you wonder, why have I not seen this booklet? Maybe it really is something good? (Uploaded @eesti.org.au/aesl/agm)
As I write this, I do not care exactly if you have read it. It is long, over 100 pages. You do not need to read the AESL ANNUAL BOOKLET 2024 – because you are in the middle of it. You live it. You may want to know how are other cities doing though, what to learn from them and implement?
The value of the booklet is in the consistency, the idea of it. This is also what AESL is about. We hold it together, we rise higher our small selves into big Estonian being in Australia and umbrella us all.
Year in and year out we collect data over Australia and make a book out of it. The book can be looked back at any time. Even the language used in the articles speaks volumes of the times.
These days
the booklet contains photos – it is recorded in our history what kind of handcraft we made in 2024, for example. Going through the annual booklets we discover information how our society started, established, moved through different times and stages.
Let’s have a quick overview of 2024 – as per annual booklet.
AUSTRAALIA EESTI SELTSIDE LIIT
COUNCIL OF ESTONIAN SOCIETIES IN AUSTRALIA Inc.
ABN 34 579 619 788
Last annual meeting was held by zoom and in person in Adelaide on Tuesday, 31 st December 2024.
Booklet contains speeches made within 2024, chairman’s report (Juho Looveer) , vice chariman’s report (Sirje Rivers), financial report (Ingrid Provan), board members publications included Eesti Päevad Festival’s report (Martin Kurvits), eesti language report (Iti Connor), communications report (Marissa Pikkat) , Media Project’s update (Kristi Barrow, Johanna Rivers), Cultural Foundation’s update (Juho Looveer), archive report (Terry Kass), followed by cities organisations reports.
AESL unites eesti organisations in Northern Territory, Brisbane (Iti Connor), Sydney (Kirsti Horst), Wollongoing (Claudia Kalnin), Adelaide (Martin Kurvits) ,Melbourne (Bernardette Pilli), Handycraft (Ingrid Renno), Sõrve Sõbrad (Sulev Kalamäe), Virmalised (Ella Scott).
The names in brackets show who wrote the relevant reports.
The word “wrote” is not emotional. What is behind the word, definitely speaks of value, commitment, contribution. Giving of shelf. Seeing the good of being united and leaving its mark in history, its thoughts, in an annual booklet.
How many member organisations AESL unites in 2024? All the mentioned above.
We also have Estonians in Canberra. Tasmania. Western Australia. Queensland. Small or big groups, who gather occasionally for an ‘Estonian event’. They are not or are thinking of the point of being united as one Estonian Society in Australia under the umbrella of Council (AESL).
I am not sure if it is also questionable – miks eesti riik? Why government to Estonia?
Or does questioning the purpose of AESL only mean that sticking together formally is not needed for Estonians who have left Eesti?
Why does an Estonian look up another Estonian when moving to a different country? Why does an Estonian maybe not look up another Estonian until they have children?
Why come together on 24th February, why dance around the fire on jaanipaev, why to love when children sing eestikeeles to Santa on the 24th December?
What words do I use when I explain that this is what our mind and heart needs, this is how we support our own, this is where our strength is and spreads from.
Of course we can also do without. We can expand what we consider “our own”. But are we not like leaves from one tree, maybe even branches of root that make the tree. Make the tree grow. Make the tree strong to withstand a storm.
Eestlane olla on uhke ja hää – Know that song? Love it? Why? What does it mean to you?
While one is singing, another one thinking, third one keeps on publishing the booklets, collecting our stories. Together we make sense.
Sirje Rivers, April 2025


AESL AGM in January 2024 was attended by 21 people.
Annual Reports were presented by every city organisation, many matters were brought up and discussed. Attendees were most interested in upcoming Eesti Päevad and media developments, but also generally where the Estonianism in Australia is headed, and how, in what way. Cities and their organisations have different ways to attract new people, ideas were exchanged at the meeting, now more and improved visibility is needed both from city organisations and AESL so the ways and thoughts reach wider audience.
AESL is a closed environment no more, times are changing. It is not only old generation leaving the stage but also the ’middle’ generation’s readiness to hand over to youngers. It is a new place where we are headed and this takes everyone’s thoughts. Next such opportunity will be at Adelaide Eesti Päevad that is held 70 years from the first Eesti Päevad in Australia. AESL will invite Eesti Päevad attendees to ’unconference’ – where rather than speeches, speaking of minds is encouraged.
Eesti Selts in Tasmania has announced closing, Melbourne Eesti Maja will be sold by 2025, Perth has stepped up with many youthful and fresh ideas and initiatives. Visibility and better connection will help to reach new level in coming years.
– Sirje Rivers, Vice President
Donate to AESL
By donating to AESL, you make a difference to Australian Estonian communities and activities.
Support the Future of the Australian Estonian Community
The Australian Estonian Society Liit (AESL) has been empowering our community through grants and support. You can help continue this legacy by making a donation or leaving a bequest.
Your contribution will:
Support cultural programs and events
Provide grants for education and community projects
Preserve Estonian heritage in Australia
Join us in building a stronger future!
Donate today or consider a bequest. Every contribution makes a difference.
Ways to Donate
You can donate via Direct Deposit or Cheque.
Current Campaigns
We are seeking donations until 31 July 2024 towards the Pärnu Monument for Estonian diaspora. Learn more →
Get in touch
aesl@eesti.org.au