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VOSA Sydney — Your Weekly Window into Slovenian Life
News, culture, community updates and more —online and on air.
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5 pm every Tuesday.
Voice of Slovenian Australians Sydney is live every Saturday on 89.3 FM.
What is on VOSA Radio tomorrow?
Tomorrow we look back at Sunday’s celebration at St Raphael’s Merrylands, where the Slovenian community gathered to mark the feast of St Raphael, honour marriage jubilees, and bid a heartfelt farewell to Father Darko. As usual we will feature story, word and song of the week.
What is happening today,
October 2 in Slovenia
Slovenia is hosting the UEC European Road Cycling Championships, with races centred around Šenčur and Preddvor in the foothills of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
The championships begin today, 2 October with the Under-23 men’s and women’s road races. Elite and junior events will follow, with riders starting in Ljubljana and passing through towns including Škofja Loka, Kranj, Vodice, Mengeš and Kamnik before reaching Šenčur.
The challenging finishing circuit includes the climbs of Možjanca and Štefanja Gora, with the elite men tackling the circuit five times.
Around 850 cyclists from 45 countries are expected to take part, making it a major international sporting event for Slovenia. Tadej Pogačar’s hometown of Klanec is also on the route, although Pogačar will not compete as he recovers from injuries sustained at the Vuelta.
The Latest: Key Features and Community Updates
- Honouring Father Darko Žnidaršič, Patron Saint Raphael and Wedding Anniversaries
- Books, History and Culture: The National and University Library
- Referendum Slovenian October 11
Slovenian Organisations / Regular Weekly Updates
- Club Triglav Mounties
- St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission Merrylands
- Slovenian Consulate NSW
- Slovenian Australian Association Canberra
- Slovenian Language Association QLD
Honouring Father Darko Žnidaršič, Patron Saint Raphael and Wedding Anniversaries
A Celebration of Faith, Service and a Lasting Legacy
For 21 years, Father Darko Žnidaršič OFM has been far more than a priest to our community — he has been a steadfast guide, mentor, and a source of faith, strength and comfort to generations of Slovenians in Australia. His warmth, kindness and unwavering pastoral care have been a constant presence in the lives of so many, leaving a legacy that will remain deeply woven into the fabric of our community.
A Final Mass of Faith, Love and Gratitude
On Sunday, 27 September, Slovenians of all generations gathered at St Raphael’s Church in Merrylands to honour Father Darko and celebrate his two decades of devoted service to our community. The church was filled to capacity as parishioners came together to say Najlepša hvala and express their heartfelt gratitude for Father Darko’s longstanding presence, devotion, friendship and spiritual care.
Joining Father Darko for this special occasion were Provincial Stephen Bliss OFM, and Father Simon Peter Berlec OFM, who now leads the Slovenian Missions in Australia across Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
The church was beautifully decorated, providing a fitting and welcoming backdrop for such a significant occasion. Special thanks to everyone who contributed their time, care and creativity to preparing the church, particularly Sonja Fisher, Olga Lah, Vesna Kavčič and Vesna Poch for the beautiful floral arrangements, which added warmth and beauty to the celebration.
Celebration of Wedding Anniversaries
As is tradition on the last Sunday in September, the community also witnessed the celebration of wedding anniversaries.
Father Darko presented each couple with his blessing and a certificate, recognising not only the number of years they have shared together, but the love, commitment and companionship that have carried them through the years.
Congratulations to:
55 years: Jože and Olga Lah
54 years: Ivan and Klara Brcar
35 years: Robert and Sylvia Šuber
30 years: Mark and Carmen Gašperšič
24 years: Dominic and Michelle Dobaj
16 years: Robert and Diana Fisher
16 years: Michael and Natalie Morony
Memories, Stories and Photos: A Special Farewell Program
Following Holy Mass, the community gathered in the Father Valerijan Jenko Memorial Hall for a special program dedicated to Father Darko. Just as the church had been filled to capacity, so too was the hall, with approximately 240 people in attendance and additional guests seated upstairs to be part of the celebration.
The program featured heartfelt speeches, treasured photographs and the presentation of gifts from the Pastoral Council and other community organisations. A beautiful performance by the church choir, singing ‘Marija, Skoz’ Življenje’, that followed a video message and moving photo presentation celebrating Father Darko’s journey in Australia since his arrival in Sydney in 2005. Throughout the program, there were many touching moments that not only honoured Father Darko’s 21 years of faithful service, but also reflected the deep care, love and appreciation the community holds for the Slovenian Mission in Merrylands and all that it represents.
A special thank you to the entire St Raphael’s Pastoral Council, along with the countless individuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare the church and hall, the program and video, photo exhibitions and provide catering and hospitality. Their time, care and generosity helped bring every detail together and made the day such a memorable and meaningful occasion for the community.
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to HASA NSW – Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians NSW – Australia Inc for their generous support as the official sponsor of this special celebration. Their contribution helped make the occasion possible and allowed our community to honour Father Darko’s remarkable 21 years of service in a truly memorable way.
Books, History and Culture:
The National and University Library
If you have any further questions regarding the National and University Library, please email helena.janezic@nuk.uni-lj.si.
THE NATIONAL AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARY (NUL) is a library for all Slovenians. Its fundamental mission is to collect written works related to Slovenians, Slovenia, and the Slovenian language, regardless of where (in which country) they were created. The National Library’s task is to gather and store all evidence of Slovenian creativity in one place and preserve it for future generations. It has been carrying out this work for more than 250 years.
For anyone who wishes to preserve and nurture the Slovenian language, the NUL offers free library membership and access to Slovenian e-books and audiobooks on the CobissEla and Audibook portals. We invite you to become part of the NUK’s community!
You can view old postcards of Slovenian towns, browse through 250 NUK treasures, or explore albums of mountain photographs. Among the many books on the portal are works by Slovenian author Cilka Žagar, who lives in New South Wales, Australia; all issues of the Slovenian magazine Misli/The Thoughts, which is still published in Sydney; and the newsletter Avstralski Slovenec.
For the full text and links, click the link below.
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/
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: 0455 444 912
Sunday 4th of October is the 27th Sunday of the year. The praying of the rosary will commence at 9am followed by Holy Mass at Merrylands will be at 9.30am, with Father Simon Peter from Melbourne.
Slovenian Mass will then be celebrated on the first Sunday of each month at 9.30 am as well as on other occasions when announced, with an exception for November where Holy mass will be held on the 22nd of November.
On All Saints’ Day, November 1, there will be Holy Mass at the Mausoleum in Rookwood at 10.00 am. The Mass will be celebrated by Provincial, Father Stephen Bliss OFM who will also bless the newly renovated chapel.
For the funerals of our deceased loved ones, please contact Fr Simon Peter Berlec OFM on 0455 444 912. He will provide you with the necessary information and take the details for MISLI. Funeral arrangements will be made with him and with the priests in your local parishes.
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
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Every share helps the events reach more people and keeps our community strong, connected, and growing.
Cherry Picking in Young A Day Trip in November
We’ve been asked by members whether Slovenian Australian Association Canberra is organising a cherry picking trip to Young this November.
It’s something our community has enjoyed in the past, and we’d love to see if there is enough interest to bring this old Club tradition back!
So, before we start making arrangements, we want to know how many people would be interested in coming along.
A day trip to Young
Cherry picking
Good company
A chance to get together outside the Club
Bringing back an old Club tradition
INTERESTED?
Please register your interest by emailing: admin@slovenianclubcanberra.org.au
Slovenian Language Classes are Back!
Our first round of Slovenian Language Lessons was a huge hit, with our Beginners class filling quickly.
For more information on how you can join, contact Natasha.
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.
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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