VOSA brings it all together—stay informed, engaged, and connected.
VOSA Sydney — Your Weekly Window into Slovenian Life
News, culture, community updates and more —online and on air.
If you would like to send a special message to a family member or friend, or listen to your favourite song on the next show, email vosaradio@outlook.com, or call 0400 533 009 no later than
5 pm every Tuesday.
Voice of Slovenian Australians Sydney is live every Saturday on 89.3 FM.
What is happening on VOSA Radio tomorrow?
Tomorrow we will feature an interview prepared by the Slovenian Buzz Melbourne about the family of the first accordion makers in Slovenia. As usual, we will feature your special messages, story, word and song of the week.
On this Day in Slovenian History: September 4
Slovenian naturalist and writer Fran Erjavec was born in Ljubljana on 4 September 1834. He became known both for his work in natural science. He studied natural sciences and developed a lifelong interest in zoology, particularly the study of insects and other animals.
Through his writing, Erjavec helped bring knowledge of the natural world closer to ordinary Slovenian readers, combining scientific observation with vivid, accessible storytelling.
The Latest: Key Features and Community Updates
- The Kucler Accordion Heritage – The First Diatonic Accordion Makers in the World
- Scholarships for Slovenians Living Abroad, 2026/27
- Kidney Kar Rally Day 5: Final Update Aleks Lajovic and Damien Novak
- Slovenian Language Learning Corner: Online Platform and App
- St Raphael’s Pastoral Council Notices: Upcoming Event & Rookwood Cemetery Plots Available
Slovenian Organisations / Regular Weekly Updates
- Club Triglav Mounties
- St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission Merrylands
- Consular Assistance NSW
- Slovenian Australian Association Canberra
- Slovenian Language Association QLD
Discover Slovenia Through Film
Having a diatonic accordion at home today means having joy in the house. Playing it, is a privilege enjoyed by many Slovenians, as a proper celebration is hardly imaginable without the accordion. Yet, discovering the history of the first diatonic accordion makers—both here and abroad—is something truly special.
It was nearly 170 years ago that the Slovenian Kucler family from Lesno Brdo near Vrhnika began crafting the first diatonic accordions.
Words in English – Jure Žitko, Researcher
A cultural and professional event, it will take place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Cankarjev dom Vrhnika. No bookings or entry ticket required.
At the opening of the exhibition, the results of research into the history and significance of Kucler accordions, the acoustic and stylistic characteristics of the instrument will all be presented.
Having played a central role in organising this event, Katarina Vrisk is proud to see this remarkable story that was first brought to light in her book Anthology of Slovenian Australian Musicians, now being shared in Slovenia. She said “We are bringing this important piece of history back to its homeland and celebrating the incredible achievements of this family with a wider audience.”
Jelena Brežnik (nee Kucler), is the daughter of the late Tone Kucler, from the family of the first accordion makers in Slovenia. Below you can read more about the story and also a read a recap of the event at Club Triglav Mounties in 2016.
Scholarships for Slovenians Living Abroad and
in Neighbouring Countries 2026/2027
Would you like to study in Slovenia?
The Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia has announced a call for applications for scholarships for study in the Republic of Slovenia, intended for:
👉 Slovenians living in neighbouring countries, and
👉 Slovenians living around the world.
The scholarships are available for study at higher vocational and higher education programmes at the first and second-cycle levels in Slovenia
The basic scholarship amount is €258.40 per month.
Application deadline: 30 September 2026
Young Slovenians living abroad and in neighbouring countries are warmly invited to apply and to share this information with others who may be interested!
Kidney Kar Rally
Final Day 5: Aleks Lajovic & Damien Novak’s Journey
The 2026 Kidney Kar Rally is officially complete and we made it across the finish line. All up, the rally raised $411, 607.00 for kids battling Kidney disease. Our team raised $13,387, with donations still arriving during the rally.
A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors. This year, there were three teams in the rally driving their standard 4WDs (Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux and Toyota Landcruiser).
Slovenian Language Corner – Online Platform and App
Slovenščina na dlani (Slovene in the Palm of Your Hand) is a free, online learning platform.
It is particularly useful because learners can practice, receive immediate feedback and access explanations when they make mistakes. The difficulty and content can also adapt to the learner’s knowledge and progress.
Memrise is a language-learning app that helps users learn new vocabulary, phrases, and pronunciation. It uses videos, listening exercises, and interactive activities to make learning more engaging. The app offers a free version, although some features require a paid subscription. It can be useful for practising Slovenian at a beginner level.
St Raphael’s Pastoral Council-Upcoming Events
Feast of St Raphael, Farewell Fr. Darko & Wedding Anniversaries – Sunday 27th September
Join us in celebrating 20+ years of Father Darko’s faithful service, honouring St Raphael our Patron Saint, and celebrating couples marking wedding anniversaries.
Rookwood Cemetery- Slovenian St Raphael Lawn 3
Our forward-thinking Franciscan priests had the foresight to arrange dedicated lawn areas at Rookwood Cemetery for members of our Slovenian community. Slovenian Lawns 1 and 2 are now full.
The only burial plots still available within the Slovenian lawn areas are in Slovenian St Raphael Lawn, also known as Slovenian Lawn 3.
There are still plots available, however it is not known how long the remaining plots will continue to be available specifically for members of our Slovenian community.
A Monumental Lawn Grave in St Raphael Lawn may accommodate up to three coffin burials, or up to five cremated remains, subject to the cemetery’s requirements.
The plots are offered with a Perpetual Interment Right. This means the right of interment does not expire and there are no annual renewal fees.If you or your family would like to be buried within our Slovenian St Raphael Lawn, you may wish to consider purchasing a plot while they are still available.
For availability, current pricing and further information, please contact Rookwood Catholic Cemetery Sales:
Phone: 02 9649 6423
Email: enquiries@catholiccemeteries.com.au
Keep Updated with what’s happening in Slovenia
and local organisations in Sydney
Triglav Mounties Group
Contact details
Email: triglav.reception@mountiesgroup com.au
Phone: (02) 9426 1000
Bring Dad to Triglav for Father’s Day!
- Lunch: Family entertainment, including activities for kids.
- Dinner: Live entertainment with a band/duo.
- Members’ Promotion: Spend $10 or more at the bar to automatically receive a ticket into the prize draw.
- Prizes:
One hamper giveaway at lunchtime and in evening
Major prize: BBQ, drawn on Monday. - Food: Normal bistro menu plus blackboard specials available throughout the day.
- No set menu.
- Important: This promotion is for members only.
Your Special Events
Triglav Mounties is available to host your family celebrations, including birthdays, baptisms and other special occasions.
Bookings are essential.
(02) 9426 1000
St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission Merrylands
Email: slomission.sydney@gmail.com
Phone: 0409 074 760
Tedenske Novice
Pater Darko Informs :
Sunday,September 6, is the 23rd Sunday of the year and Father’s Day.
Sunday’s second collection at Mass is for the Diocese of Parramatta’s Clergy Fund, supporting retired priests.
Tuesday is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mali Šmaren). Holy Mass will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Saturday is the pilgrimage to Marian Valley. Mass will be celebrated there at 11:00 a.m. at the Marian Shrine, followed by a procession to the Marija Pomagaj (Mary Help of Christians) Chapel, accompanied by the singing of the Litany. Afterward, we will gather for lunch in Canungra. Fr. Darko will use this Mass to bid farewell to the Slovenian community in Queensland.There will be no Mass at St. Raphael’s on Saturday.
Next Sunday, September 13, is the 24th Sunday of the year. Mass will be held at 4:00 p.m. in Figtree (Wollongong). This will also be the LAST SLOVENIAN MASS IN WOLLONGONG. After Mass, you are invited to a dinner at the German Club in Kembla Grange. Compatriots from Sydney and elsewhere are also welcome! Please register for the dinner with Andrew Žičkar (Mobile: 0409 037 770; Email: a.zickar@gmail.com).
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for our Parish Feast Day / St. Raphael’s Sunday on September 27. Couples celebrating wedding anniversaries: Please register as soon as possible. Couples celebrating their golden wedding anniversary and seniors are welcome every year. ALL Parishioners : Please sign up for the lunch in hall ($30; children under 12: $15) by September 20.
Slovenian Consulate NSW
Honorary Consuls and Vice Consuls serve as Slovenia’s official representatives. They work under the supervision of the Slovenian Embassy in Canberra, unpaid and part time.
For General Information and queries related to Slovenia, please send an email to ConsulateSlovenia.Sydney@gmail.com.
Alternatively, call Honorary Consul Aleks Lajovic on 0407 678 578 or Honorary Vice Consul Mark Stariha on 0404 464 727.
Slovenian Australian Association Canberra
Email:admin@slovenianclubcanberra.org.au
Phone: (02) 6282 1083
Follow Us. Share Us. Be Part of the Buzz.
Every share helps the events reach more people and keeps our community strong, connected, and growing.
Father’s Day- Sunday 6th September
We will be celebrating Father’s Day at the Club this Sunday, 6 September. Lunch and dinner sessions available. Book now.
Come along and enjoy a meal, a drink and some time with family and friends as we celebrate all the dads, grandfathers and father figures in our community.
Working Bee- Saturday 12th September
There is always plenty to do, and we would love to see members come down and lend a hand.
You don’t need to be an expert — just bring yourself, a pair of willing hands and a bit of community spirit!
Come on down and help us out. Every little bit helps!
Slovenian Language Classes are Back!
Our first round of Slovenian Language Lessons was a huge hit, with our Beginners class filling quickly.
We are delighted to continue the program with a new 10-week block commencing Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
5:00pm – 6:30pm
Beginners – Continuation Class
10-week course: $100
6:45pm – 8:15pm
New Beginners Class
10-week course: $140, including the Slovenian language workbook.
Introducing Naša Miza: The Slovenian Australian Cookbook
Every Recipe Tells a Story.
Every Story Brings Us Home.
We’re inviting Slovenian Australians from every state and territory to help create something truly special—a cookbook that celebrates our food, our families, and the stories that have travelled from Slovenia to Australia.
Share your recipe. Share your story. Help us create a cookbook that every Slovenian Australian family will be proud to call their own.
Contact Natasha via the admin email address to contribute to Naša Miza: The Slovenian Australian Cookbook.
Interested in Learning Slovenian Folk Dancing ?
We are exploring the possibility of establishing monthly Slovenian Folk Dance classes in Canberra led by a local teacher.
No previous dance experience is required, and people of all ages are welcome to express their interest.
Expressions of Interest Now Open
Please register your interest by return email.
SLCA – Learn Slovenian Let’s Preserve our Language!
Email: slovenianlanguage.qld@gmail.com
Slovenian Language and Culture Association QLD (SLCA QLD)
offers 7 engaging online classes,
including two for young learners.
7:00 a.m. Sunday (QLD time): For beginners—kids learn Slovenian through songs, games, and basic grammar.
8:00 a.m. Sunday: For children aged 9+ with some Slovenian knowledge.
Adults: can choose from two advanced beginner classes, one intermediate class, or a 60-hour intensive beginner course.
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