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 on VOSA Radio tomorrow?
As Father Darko Žnidaršič OFM prepares to farewell our community he joins us for a special and heartfelt conversation reflecting on his 21 years of devoted service, faith and spiritual care. We’ll look back on the memories, moments and lasting connections he has shared with our community over the last two decades.
As always, we will feature your special messages, along with story, word and song of the week.
On this Day in Slovenian History: September 25
On this day in 1718, Martin Johann Schmidt, better known as Kremser Schmidt, was born in Grafenwörth, Austria. He became one of the leading painters of the late Baroque period in Central Europe, producing religious works, portraits and frescoes. Kremser Schmidt also left an important artistic legacy in the Slovenian lands.
His late-Baroque style influenced local artists during the 18th century and later generations, including the Layer painting workshop in Kranj. Several of his works can be found in Slovenian churches. His story is a reminder of the strong artistic and cultural connections that have existed between Slovenia and the wider Central European region for centuries
The Latest: Key Features and Community Updates
- HASA NSW AGM: Preserving our History for Future Generations
- Father Darko Žnidaršič OFM Recognition Award
- Books, History and Culture: The National and University Library
- Scholarships for Slovenians Living Abroad, 2026/27
- 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
HASA NSW AGM: Preserving our History for Future Generations
The Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians NSW (HASA NSW) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 19th September 2026, in the Father Valerijan Jenko Hall at St Raphael’s Merrylands. The meeting was well-attended, reflecting the vibrant community dedicated to preserving and promoting Slovenian heritage in Australia.
During the AGM, the new committee was elected for the 2026/27 term. The members are:
- President: Olga Lah
- Vice President: Tania Smrdel
- Treasurer: Branko Fabjančič
- Secretary: Mimi de Rooy
Members of HASA: Alfred Breznik AM, Jeni Breznik, Peter Krope, Walter Šuber, Kristine Šuber, Julie Fabjančič, Jože Lah, Michelle Šusteršič, Vesna Kavčič, Jordan Covich, Mark Stariha and Andrew Šuber.
The meeting served as a valuable opportunity to discuss upcoming initiatives and exciting projects in the pipeline.
During the meeting, President Olga Lah expressed her heartfelt gratitude on behalf of HASA NSW to outgoing Vice President, Father Darko, who is leaving us after 21 years of dedicated service to HASA NSW. Father Darko’s leadership and vision will be greatly missed and we extend our sincerest thanks for his years of service, guidance, and support.
Father Darko Žnidaršič OFM Recognition Award
Recently Father Darko Žnidaršic OFM was presented with an recognition award by Bishop Robert Rabbat, Melkite Catholic Eparch of Australia New Zealand and All Oceania for 10 years of fraternal companionship as a fellow pilgram.
Congratulations and well done
Father Darko!
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.
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!
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: 0409 074 760
Tedenske Novice
Pater Darko Informs :
Sunday 27th September is the Feast Day of St. Raphael , a celebration of wedding anniversaries, and Fr. Darko’s Farewell Celebration.
Our wedding anniversary celebrants:
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
Congratulations to these and all other celebrants! Let us also remember in prayer our deceased loved ones, as well as widowed spouses, parents, and their family members.
After Mass, there will be lunch, a cultural program, and social gathering in our hall.
On Tuesday, the Feast of the Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, there will be a prayer group meeting at 10:00 am, followed at 10:30 am by Fr. Darko’s final Mass before his departure for Slovenia. In the evening Fr. Darko departs for Slovenia.There will be no Masses at St. Raphael’s Church from Wednesday through Saturday.
Next Sunday, Oct. 4, Fr. Simon Peter Berlec will celebrate Mass for the Feast of St. Francis, and subsequently on the first Sunday of every month at 9:30 am, as well as at other times when announced.
On the Feast of All Saints (November 1st), Holy Mass will be celebrated at the Rookwood Mausoleum at 10:00 am by an Australian Franciscan friar. Following Mass, the restored chapel will be blessed by a visiting priest. (We will provide updates should there be any changes.)
For visits to the sick and elderly, or for Holy Communion and the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the nearest priest.
Regarding funerals for our deceased, from Monday 28th September 2026, please call Fr. Simon Peter Berlec OFM (Mobile: 0455 444 912) to receive instructions and provide details for the obituary notice. Funeral arrangements should be coordinated with him and the priests of the local parishes.
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
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AFL Grand Final – Tomorrow
Open from 12:00pm First Bounce | 2:30pm
BRISBANE LIONS VS FREMANTLE DOCKERS
The Brisbane Lions take on the Fremantle Dockers in the 2026 AFL Grand Final. Watch it LIVE on the large screen in the Members Bar. Come early, grab a seat, enjoy some food and drinks and settle in for one of the biggest sporting days of the year.
Stara Trta- Tomorrow, Saturday 26th September
Our Stara Trta — the Old Vine of Slovenia — is more than just a grapevine. It is a living connection to Slovenian heritage, tradition and generations of our community.
Now it’s time to give it the setting it deserves.
Date: (Tomorrow)
Saturday 26 September 2026
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Slovenian Club Canberr
Come and be part of creating something extraordinary at the heart of our club.
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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