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.
On this Day in Slovenian History: September 18
Slovenian politician, economist and pioneer Mihael Vošnjak was born in Šoštanj on 18th September 1837 . He became an important figure in the development of Slovenian savings and lending institutions and helped promote railway development and Slovenian economic organisation. Vošnjak strongly believed that economic progress was essential for the social and national development.
He advocated for greater economic cooperation among Slovenians and supported the establishment of financial institutions that could strengthen local communities and businesses. Through his activities, he contributed to the growth of Slovenian economic self-confidence during the late 19th century.
The Latest: Key Features and Community Updates
- Wollongong Farewell Father Darko
- Scholarships for Slovenians Living Abroad, 2026/27
- Slovenian Language Learning Corner: Pocket Lesson and Podcast
- Referendum Slovenian October 11
- St Raphael’s Pastoral Council: Rookwood Cemetery Plots Available
- The Kucler Accordion Heritage- The First Diatonic Accordion Makers in the World
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
Wollongong Farewell Father Darko
Last Sunday, the Slovenian community in Wollongong gathered for Father Darko Žnidaršič’s final Holy Mass at the Croatian Church in Wollongong. After 21 years of devoted service and spiritual guidance, it was a poignant farewell marked by profound gratitude as he prepares to conclude his spiritual journey in Australia. Following the Mass, attendees convened at the German Club in Figtree for an evening enriched with music, delicious food and cherished company.
Among the attendees were representatives from Sydney, Olga Lah, President of the Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians NSW ( HASA NSW) with Joze Lah; Mimi Dee Rooy, Secretary of HASA NSW; and Walter Šuber, NSW Representative on the Council of Slovenians Abroad and Around the World with Kristine Šuber.
Father Darko has profoundly impacted the lives of many through his compassionate leadership and unwavering support. His dedication to the community has created a lasting legacy, and we are going to miss him dearly.
Special thanks to Andrew Zickar for his organisation and coordination in making this a fitting farewell for Father Darko.
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!
Slovenian Language Corner – Pocket Lesson & Podcast
Phrase Book- Pocket Slovenian
Žepna slovenščina (Pocket Slovene)is a practical Slovenian phrasebook designed for beginners, travellers and anyone who wants to learn everyday Slovenian. It focuses on common words, phrases and conversations for situations such as greetings, shopping, eating out and travelling. It is a handy resource for quickly finding useful Slovenian expressions without needing to study extensive grammar.
Best for: Beginners and travellers who want practical Slovenian for everyday situations.
Se vidimo! Slovene with Polona
Se vidimo! Slovene with Polona is a podcast created specifically for people learning Slovenian. It teaches everyday vocabulary, useful expressions, pronunciation, grammar and Slovenian culture through short, easy-to-follow episodes. The early episodes use more English to explain the language, gradually introducing more Slovenian as your confidence improves.
Best for: Beginners to intermediate learners who want to improve listening and everyday conversation.
Referendum Slovenia – October 11
Image and text provided by The Embassy of the Republic of
Slovenia Canberra
On Sunday, 11 October 2026, Slovenia will hold one legislative referendum and three consultative referendums.
The questions concern amendments to the Parliamentary Inquiry Act, conditions applying to financial social assistance for able-bodied persons, voting rights in local elections for non-EU citizens, and the mandatory contribution for Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTV Slovenia).
Slovenian citizens who have their permanent residence registered in Australia may vote in person at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Canberra on 11 October 2026.
Vote by post from Australia, but they must notify the National Electoral Commission (DVK) no later than midnight Slovenian time on 25 September 2026.
Slovenian citizens permanently resident in Australia who will be in Slovenia on referendum day may instead apply to vote at a special OMNIA polling station, with notification required by midnight Slovenian time on 7 October 2026.
Applications for voting by post, at a diplomatic mission or consulate, or at an OMNIA polling station are available through the e-Uprava portal: https://e-uprava.gov.si/si/podrocja/drzava-druzba/volitve-referendumi/posebne-oblike-glasovanja.html?lang=si.
Further information about the referendums is available from the National Electoral Commission (DVK): https://www.dvk-rs.si/volitve-in-referendumi/referendumi/volitve-referenduma/zakonodajni-referendum-o-zppre-b-in-posvetovalni-referendumi-lokalne-voliltve-socialni-prejemki-in-rtv/
St Raphael’s Pastoral Council-Upcoming Events
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
The Kucler Accordion Heritage – The First Diatonic Accordion Makers in the World
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.
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
Octoberfest Club Triglav – Sunday 11th October
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 20th September is the 25th Sunday of the year. Mass is at 9:30am.
At 6:00 PM, there will be Holy Mass in Canberra—a farewell Mass for Fr. Darko and the final regular Slovenian Mass for those in the Australian capital and the surrounding area. You are warmly invited!
Next Saturday, September 26th, at 9:00 AM, Fr. Darko will celebrate Mass at St. Margaret Mary Parish Church in Merrylands. The parish priest, Fr. Wojtek Šliwa, and the assistant priest, Fr. Zachary Lewis (both Paulines), along with members of the parish community, invite us afterwards for coffee and tea (morning tea) in their parish centre.
We have collected $283.75 for the Diocese of Parramatta’s Clergy Fund for retired priests. May God reward you!
Our Diocese of Parramatta will also host the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, patron of youth, next week—from September 28th to 30th—at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta. Please mark the dates. You can find the program and further information on the website: https://parracatholic.org/events/relic-exhibition-st-carlo-acutis/ .
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.
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
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.
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.
VOSA Sydney is Supported by:
