26. June 2026 – NSW & ACT – Stičišče avstralskih Slovencev

Slovenian Statehood Day Message from
The Minister of Slovenians Abroad and Around the World
Suzana Lep Šimenko

Slovenian Statehood and Independence Day Facts

Slovenia’s independence was supported by an overwhelming majority of citizens, with nearly 89% voting in favour in the 1990 independence referendum.
The famous phrase “Danes so dovoljene sanje. Jutri je nov dan.”
(“Today dreams are allowed. Tomorrow is a new day.”) became a symbol of Slovenia’s independence movement.
The Slovenian coat of arms on the national flag was designed by artist Marko Pogačnik and includes three golden stars inspired by the medieval Counts of Celje.
Australia was the first non-European country to acknowledge Slovenia’s Independence, officially recognising Slovenia on 16 January 1992, just one day after recognition by the European Community.

VOSA brings it all together—stay informed, engaged, and connected.

Want to catch up on the latest episode of VOSA Radio?

Click the button below to listen now !

Listen to VOSA Radio HERE

What is happening on VOSA Radio tomorrow?

We will speak with Father Darko Žnidaršič, Head of the Slovenian Mission Merrylands. After a few weeks on the road, we will check in with our motorcyclists, and all they have experienced so far on their European adventure. Some of our usual team members are away, so we have some special guests joining us this week. As usual, your story and word of the week and plenty of Slovenian music to kick off the weekend.

Special Statehood and Independence Edition – VOSA Notices

Key Feature Highlights

Celebrating 35 Years of Slovenian Statehood and Independence: Reflections and Insights by Mr Alfred Brežnik AM
Branko and Marko Visit Father Ciril Božic OFM
FIFA World Cup 2026: Weekly Round-Up by Zac Limar

Slovenian Organisations / Regular Weekly Updates

Club Triglav Mounties: Statehood Day Celebrations
St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission Merrylands – Weekly Updates
Consular Assistance NSW
Slovenian Australian Association Canberra – Weekly Updates
Slovenian Language Association QLD – Weekly Classes
Seeking more information on Slovenia or our Community? Scroll to the bottom to explore the range of links.

Celebrating 35 Years of Slovenian Statehood and Independence.

Photo: Office of Slovenians Abroad and Around the World

Reflections and Insights from Mr Alfred Brežnik AM

This week Slovenia is celebrating 35th years of Independence. Are there any specific moments or feelings from that historic moment in 1991?

I simply can’t believe that thirty-five years have passed since that historic day where we witnessed the fulfilment of these century-old dreams: to the sounds of the new Slovenian national anthem —Prešeren’s “Zdravica”—and the lowering of the old Slovenian flag with the red star from the tall flagpole, while simultaneously raising the new long white-blue-red flag bearing the new Slovenian coat of arms. An unforgettable and deeply emotional event that brought many to tears, including me, tears of joy. A moment you can experience only once.

We had finally become a nation!
What role did the Slovenian community in Australia play in the path to Independence?

Slovenian Australians closely followed events in Eastern Europe and actively supported Slovenia’s independence movement. Committees and associations were established in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne to support the Democratic Opposition of Slovenia (DEMOS). These organisations later became the Slovenian National Councils in NSW and Victoria and merged in 1990 to form the Australian Slovenian Conference and the World Slovenian Congress. Upon my return from Slovenia, with the approval of the National Councils, Dr. Dular, and the Minister of Information, Mr. Stanič, I established the Slovenian Information Office in Sydney.
How did the Slovenian community in Sydney celebrate Slovenia’s Independence at that time?

The Slovenian community can certainly count this swift recognition—including that from Australia—as one of its achievements and successes. Countless celebrations and festivities took place throughout Australia where Slovenians live. We truly have wonderful memories of that time—35 years ago. This is especially true for our older generation, who experienced it all firsthand.
What are Slovenia’s greatest achievements over the past 35 years ?

A lot has happened over the decades: Firstly, following independence and international recognition: Membership in the global community of nations (UN); Slovenia became a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation); Slovenian has become one of the 27 official languages of the EU. It’s incredible economic growth across all sectors of activity. It is a success story—a stable country.
How can we preserve Slovenian culture, traditions, and the Slovenian language here in Australia in the future?

By continuing everything that is currently happening throughout Australia. Especially in Sydney with connections to Melbourne, the ACT, and Brisbane, it is very encouraging: HASA NSW (Historical Archives of Slovenian Australians), VOSA Radio, and media activities in general have demonstrated the incredible engagement of the second and even third generations. Success is guaranteed. Keep up the good work and best of luck!

Click the below buttons to read the full version of his insights on Glas Slovenija, in both English and Slovenian.

Full Version English

Full version Slovenian

Branko and Marko visit Father Ciril Božic OFM

During our travels through Slovenia, Marko and I made a special stop in Kamnik to visit Father Ciril Božic OFM. We enjoyed a wonderful catch-up, sharing stories from the road,while he asked about how life is back home in Australia . Over a relaxed coffee, the conversations were filled with laughter, memories and that familiar warmth he brings to every encounter.

This visit was personally meaningful for me. Reconnecting with the priest who married Julie and I all those years ago added a heartfelt layer to the moment. Sitting with Father Ciril again, in the town he calls home, was a beautiful reminder of the bonds that continue to connect us across distance, time and life’s many journeys.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Weekly Round-Up by Zac Limare

Photo: Claudio Thoma/Keystone/AP

The World Cup is really starting to take shape now, with some teams locking in their place in the next round while others are still left waiting on results elsewhere. Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa and Canada have all done enough to book their spot in the knockout stage, showing real composure when it mattered most in the group phase.

On the flip side, South Korea and Bosnia and Herzegovina are sitting in third place in their groups, meaning their fate isn’t fully in their hands yet — they’ll have to wait for the final round of matches to see if results go their way as one of the best third-placed teams.

At the top end of the tournament, the usual heavyweights are starting to settle in, with Argentina, France, Germany and Brazil all looking strong as the knockout stage approaches. And when it comes to individual brilliance, it’s been hard to look past Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, who have all delivered moments that are already shaping this World Cup.

Matches & Results

Triglav Mounties Group

Contact details
Phone: 02 9426 1000, Fax: 02 9823 2522
Email: triglavinfo@mountiesgroup.com.au
Web: www.mountiesgroup.com.au
Trading Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 10.00am – 12.00am – Friday & Saturday: 10.00am – 3.30am
Triglav Mounties GroupTriglav Mounties Group

Statehood Day and Community Awards 2024/25

Full photos

Regular Events

Triglav Bistro
Lunch: Daily, 10 AM – 3 PM
Dinner: 5 PM – 9 PM

Bingo
Every Monday, Tuesday & Thursday mornings at 10 AM

Trivia Night: Every Wednesday evening
Meat Raffle: Every Friday evening

Your Special Events

Triglav Mounties is available to host your family celebrations such
as birthdays,baptisms and the like.

Booking’s Essential. Tel.(02) 9426 1000

Triglav Daily Events – What’s On

St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission Merrylands

Email: slomission.sydney@gmail.com
Phone: 0409 074 760

Tedenske Novice

Pater Darko obvešča :

Nedelja 28. junija je 13. nedelja med letom. Pri sv. maši bo ljudsko petje.

Ob 11.30 dopoldne je sv. maša za domovino na Slovenskem Društvu Sydney in proslava dneva državnosti.

Današnja prva nabirka je za petrov novčič (peter’spence). To je starodavna nabirka katoliške cerkve, s katero papež podpira karitativna dela v najrevnejšihpredelih katoliške cerkve. Bog povrni za vaš dar!

V ponedeljek, na praznik sv. Petra in Pavla, bosta sv. maši ob 9.30 dopoldne in ob 6.00 zvečer. V ponedeljek sv. maši bo sklep vrtnic.

Osmrtnice (Death Notices)

V nedeljo, 21.6.2026, je v domu starejših Estia Health v Figtreeju, NSW, umrla ANGELA SIRC, rojena MIHALIČ. Dočakala je 90 let, doma je bila iz Kruplivnika v župniji Grad v Prekmurju. Pogrebna sv. maša bo v sredo, 1.7.2026, ob 11.30 dopoldne v cerkvi sv. Brigite – St. Brigid’s Church, 119 Gipps Road, Gwynneville, NSW. Pokopana bo na pokopališču Lakeside – Kanahooka.

On Tuesday, 16th June 2026, in the afternoon, IVAN TOMŠIČ, aged 87, died at the Southern Cross Aged Care, North Parramatta. He was from Mirno pri Gorici. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, 3rd July, at 10.00 am at St. Raphael’s Merrylands. He will be buried at the Slovenian lawn of
St. Raphael’s Rookwood Cemetery.

On Thursday, 18th June 2026, HELENA GERIČ, née ŠKRINJAR, died at Nepean Hospital in Penrith, NSW. She was 77 years old, and was born in Koroška Bela. The funeral Mass will be held on Monday, 6th July 2026, at 10.30 am at St. Raphael’s in Merrylands, with a rosary at 10.00 am.

Slovenian Consular Assistance

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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Interested in Learning Slovenian Folk Dancing ?

Following the success of the workshop, we are exploring the possibility of establishing monthly Slovenian Folk Dance classes in Canberra and perhaps Sydney as well led by a local teacher.

This would be a wonderful opportunity to:

Learn traditional Slovenian dances
Connect with Slovenian culture and heritage
Meet new people and make friends
Enjoy a fun and active social activity
Help preserve an important part of our cultural traditions

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.
If there is sufficient interest, we hope to launch regular classes in Canberra and Sydney in the near future.

The SAAC New Restaurant- Dober Tek

Click here – Menu

There has never been a better time to visit the club.

Dedicated children’s menu
Kids under 12 eat free on Saturdays
Delicious Sunday specials
Available on Uber Eats
Friendly atmosphere and great company

Bring the family, invite your friends, and enjoy everything our club has to offer.

Don’t Miss a Club Update!

If you’d like to receive detailed updates from the Club straight to your inbox, simply email admin@slovenianclubcanberra.org.au. Stay informed and connected with the Slovenian Australian Association Canberra.