VOSA brings it all together—stay informed, engaged, and connected.
Fun Fact: Slovenia helped establish World Bee Day
The United Nations proclaimed 20 May as World Bee Day following an initiative by Slovenia. The date honours the birth of Anton Janša, an 18th-century Slovenian pioneer of modern beekeeping. Slovenia’s beekeeping heritage remains an important part of its cultural identity.
Photo: I Feel Slovenia
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 tomorrow on VOSA Radio?
Tomorrow we will hear an update on the Znamenje Project from the Chair of the St Raphael’s Pastoral Council. As usual we will feature the story, word and song of the week.
On this day in Slovenian History- 23rd October
On 23rd October 1955, Zvezdica Zaspanka (Sleepy little Star) premiered, marking a memorable moment in Slovenia’s theatrical and puppetry history.
Created by Slovenian writer Fran Milčinski Ježek, this charming tale of a sleepy little star became one of Slovenia’s best-loved puppet theatre classics. Its enduring appeal reflects the creativity and imagination that have long been part of Slovenian cultural life.
The story follows a little star who is sent to Earth as a lesson in responsibility and kindness. Along her journey, she encounters different characters and learns valuable lessons about friendship, humility and the importance of caring for others.Through imaginative storytelling, humour and heartfelt message, the play has delighted generations.
Beyond its entertainment value, Zvezdica Zaspanka holds a special place in Slovenia’s cultural heritage. It demonstrates how theatre and storytelling can communicate meaningful life lessons while bringing people together across generations. Its continued recognition is a testament to the lasting contribution of Slovenian writers and theatre-makers to the country’s artistic traditions.
For Slovenians living abroad, stories like this offer a wonderful reminder that heritage is preserved not only through language and traditions, but also through literature, theatre and the stories passed from one generation to the next.
The Latest: Key Features and Community Updates
- Discover Slovenia’s Biodiversity: Explore the Nature Information System
- Calling ALL SAAA Members: Apply for the Slovene Language Award 2026
- Reminder- Blessing of Znamenje, Sunday November 1
- Rookwood Cemetery Slovenian St Raphael Lawn 3
- Important Information for Slovenian Citizens in Australia- Apostille Seal
Slovenian Organisations / Regular Weekly Updates
- Club Triglav Mounties
- St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission Merrylands
- Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians ( HASA NSW)
- Slovenian Consulate NSW
- Slovenian Australian Association Canberra
- Slovenian Language Association QLD
Discover Slovenia’s Biodiversity: Explore the Nature Information System
NarcIS (Nature Information System in Slovenia), the new platform that has recently granted the general public access, brings together information from different scientific and environmental sources in one place. Visitors can discover which species have been recorded in Slovenia, explore their distribution, learn about endangered plants and animals, and find information about protected areas. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the natural world that makes Slovenia so distinctive.
Note: It does translate into English.
Click the link below to explore the website.
Calling All SAAA Members: Apply for the Slovene Language Award 2026!
Want to learn Slovene from the very beginning? The Slovenian Australian Academic Association (SAAA) is excited to announce the SLCA – SAAA Slovene Language Award 2026! We are offering 4 SAAA members living in Australia or New Zealand the opportunity to join a 60-hour online beginner Slovene language course, co-financed by SAAA and organised in collaboration with the Queensland Association for the Slovene Language and Culture (SLCA).
No previous knowledge of Slovene is required!
Who can apply?
- SAAA members living in Australia or New Zealand
- Preference will be given to descendants of Slovenes and to candidates who wish to strengthen their academic, cultural, professional or personal connections with Slovenia
-The call is also open to candidates who are not of Slovenian descent but are interested in learning Slovene and discovering Slovenian culture
How to apply?
Send your CV and motivation letter to luka.kropivnik@zrc-sazu.si by 28 October 2026. In your motivation letter, tell us what Slovenia means to you, why you would like to learn Slovene, and how you hope to use your new language skills in the future.
Important Dates:
Application deadline: 28 October 2026
Winners announced: by 4 November 2026
Course starts: November 2026 Format: Online
Whether you want to reconnect with your Slovenian heritage, build new connections with Slovenia, or simply start learning a new language, this is a great opportunity to begin your Slovene language journey!
For more information, contact: Luka Kropivnik – luka.kropivnik@zrc-sazu.si
To join the SAAA, visit website: https://saaa.si/membership/
Reminder- Blessing of Znamenje, Sunday November 1
Next Sunday November 1, at 10am the traditional All Souls Day mass at the Rookwood Mausoleum will continue this year. Mass will be celebrated by Provincial Father Stephen Bliss OFM. Following mass, we will move to Slovenian Lawn 2 for the blessing of the lawn and the Znamenje, the unveiling of the memorial stone honouring the priests and nuns who served our Slovenian community in NSW.
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
Important Information for Slovenian Citizens in Australia- Apostille Seal
Apostille Seal (Apostille Stamp)
An Apostille is required for Australian documents to be officially recognised in Slovenia.
It confirms:
- The document is genuine, or
- A Notary Public’s signature is valid
Important:
- A Notary Public cannot issue an Apostille
- A Notary can arrange one for you (usually for a fee)
How to obtain an Apostille:
- Use a Notary or specialist agency, or
- Apply directly through DFAT by post or in person at a Passport Office
DFAT fee: $105 per document
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
Halloween at Triglav Mounties
60 years of Club Italia Dinner
Pictured above – Mounties Group Director John Dean and Members of the Triglav Mounties Advisory Committee, under the leadership of President Peter Krope.
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 25th of October is the 30th Sunday of the year. There will be no Holy Mass at Merrylands on Sunday.
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 perform one blessing for the Slovenian Lawn 2 and Znamenje .
Please note that there will be no blessing of Slovenian Lawn 1 on All Souls’ Day. However, Father Simon Peter will bless Slovenian Lawn 1 on Monday, 23 November, at 10:00 am for those wishing to attend.
Slovenian Mass will 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 November. On this day the hall will be open for coffee, cakes and narezek only. The following Sunday after mass on the 6th December, the hall will also be open and on this Sunday we will serve lunch.
For those who have been receiving the Rafael Magazine, please be advised that the publication will unfortunately be discontinued. We encourage readers to subscribe to Misli Magazine, a valuable bimonthly publication serving the Slovenian community throughout Australia. It provides important news, information and updates relevant for our community. If you are not currently receiving Misli Magazine and would like to subscribe, please contact Father Simon Peter on 0455 444 912.
For the funerals of our deceased, 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.
Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians (HASA NSW)
The Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians in New South Wales (HASA NSW) has established the Fr Darko Žnidaršič Library and Continues to build on it, with exciting new additions coming soon.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, relaxation, or simply a good book, we invite you to browse our collection.
Especially on Sundays, when the hall is open for coffee and cake after Mass, Why not take a few moments to browse the library with family and friends?
Location:Behind the stage in the Father Valerijan Jenko Memorial Hall.
When: At your leisure whenever the hall is open.
Please feel free to borrow a book, and remember to register your borrowing in the record book provided.
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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Working Bee- Tomorrow Saturday 24th October
Come along and lend a hand as we continue improving our clubhouse and outdoor spaces. Every helping hand makes a difference! Snacks and drinks will be provided, and you’re welcome to join us for as much time as you can spare.
Melbourne Cup Luncheon- November 3rd
Get ready to dress up, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and soak up the excitement of The Melbourne Cup – the race that stops the nation!
SAAC invites you to join us for a wonderful afternoon of racing, great food, friendship and a little Melbourne Cup glamour.
What’s happening on the day?
- Doors open at 12:00 pm
- Delicious buffet lunch served at 1:00 pm
- The Melbourne Cup race live on the big screen
- Sweeps with prizes — no TAB and no ATM on site
- A prize for the best-dressed race-day outfit
- A complimentary glass of bubbles or orange juice on arrival
Tickets: $45 per person
RSVP and prepayment are essential by Tuesday 27 October 2026.
To secure your place, please pay by bank transfer using the details below.
Bank transfer details
- Account Name: Slovenian Australian Association of Canberra Incorporated
- Bank: NAB
- BSB: 082-926
- Account Number: 515056492
- Reference: Your Name
Please ensure your name is included in the payment reference so we can identify your booking.
For enquiries or to confirm your attendance, contact the club on 02 6282 1083.
Gather your friends, plan your race-day outfit and join us for a fantastic Melbourne Cup celebration with our wonderful community!
We look forward to seeing you there.
Hearts & Hands – Sveti Martin & Reunion – Saturday 14th November
Celebrate our volunteers, Slovenian traditions and community connections with an evening of live music by Alpine Echoes, Sveti Martin festivities, the blessing of the new wine, food and wine pairings, and our Decorate Your Heart Christmas activity for all ages.
- Members: Free entry
- Non-members: $20 per person, including live music and christmas decoration activity
- Food and beverages available to purchase
- RSVP by Saturday 7 November 2026
Cherry Picking in Cherry Picking Day Trip Young-
Sunday 22nd November A Day Trip in November
Great news! Our Cherry Picking Day Trip to Young is confirmed and going ahead.
Enjoy a visit to Ballinaclash Orchard and Cellar Door, cherry picking, wine tasting, farm animals and free time to explore Young.
- Coach cost for members: $45 per person
- Further trip and payment details will be provided to registered participants.
If you haven’t registered yet, please get in touch as soon as possible. We look forward to a fantastic day together!
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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