A window into the heart of the Slovenian community, VOSA is a celebration of culture, stories, and a journey through the heart of Slovenian life in Australia.
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Travelling through the Julian Alps this summer and need
to find somewhere to stay ?
Local Tourism Operators have launch a new community booking system that includes accomodation across several landmarks such as Lake Bled, Soča Valley and other stunning spots across the Triglav National Park.
Take a read of the Slovenian Times article below to find out how you can benefit from this on your next trip to Slovenia and how they are planning to evolve this simple reservation tool further.
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 !
What is happening on VOSA Radio tomorrow?
Tomorrow, we’ll be joined by a special guest who will be travelling through Slovenia next month by motorbike alongside one of our very own VOSA members. Together, they’ll be sharing updates and stories from their journey along the way. Tune in tomorrow to find out more. As always, we’ll have your special messages, our story and word of the week, and plenty of great Slovenian music.
Summary of this week’s VOSA Notices:
Key Feature Highlights this week in VOSA Notices
- World Bee Day Celebrations Canberra
- Researching Slovenian Genealogy in Australia
- Important Information for Australian- Slovenians – Citizenship
- Slovenian Language Courses – Ljubljana and Online
- Kapelica Project – Progress and How to Donate
Slovenian Organisations / Regular Weekly Updates
- Club Triglav Mounties – Slovenian Statehood Day
- St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission Merrylands – Weekly Updates
- Slovenian Australian Association Canberra – Folk Dance Workshop Series and Slovenian Reunion & Statehood Day Celebrations
- Slovenian Language Association QLD – weekly classes
- Consular Assistance Information & Contact Details.
- Seeking more information on Slovenia or our Community? Scroll to the bottom to explore the range of links.
World Bee Day Celebrations – Canberra
Photo: Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia Canberra
As you saw in last week’s edition of the VOSA Newsletter, Slovenia was the main initiator of May 20 as World Bee Day. Across this week there have been a several key events that highlight the importance of Bees in our environment and raise awareness through education programs and initiatives .
Last Saturday Canberra celebrated World Bee Day at the Capital Region Farmers Market, Canberra!
It was truly a buzzing Saturday , with stalls offering delicious honey treats , a Traditional Slovenian Breakfast , fun kids’ activities, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about the importance of bees from ACT for Bees and the ACT Beekeepers Association.
Ambassador H.E Marko Ham joined Cormac Farrell, Head Beekeeper at Parliament House Canberra, for an interview on ABC Canberra’s Saturday Breakfast with Emma Bickley.
Click the button below to hear the full interview.
Researching Slovenian Genealogy in Australia
Date: 25 May 2026
Time: 7:30pm to 8:30pm
(Victoria ‒ Australian Eastern Standard Time – AEST)
Venue: On Zoom
Language: English
For Slovenian descendants (or their partners) who are interested in family tree research and are looking for some internet links and information. The session will run as a PowerPoint presentation suitable for the entire group, so there will be limited opportunity to focus on individuals.
If you wish to attend, please email me the following information:
- First name, surname, email address, and mobile phone number.
- It would help me target particular areas if you would include the villages/towns you are interested in and the parishes they are in (if you know them).
Attendance is free, but only people who have registered by sending me their contact details will be allowed into the Zoom session to protect all attendees. The Zoom ID and passcode will be sent as confirmation of your booking.
Silvia Žele
silvia.zele@biseri.eu
www.biseri.eu
0492 943 139
Important Information for Australian-Slovenians
Q & A – Slovenian Citizenship
Q: I am married to a Slovenian. Can I acquire Slovenian citizenship?
Spouses of Slovenian citizens need to fulfil these requirements to be able to apply for citizenship:
-Live in Slovenia for at least a year
- Be married to a Slovenian for at least three years
-Pass a basic Slovenian language test - Renounce other citizenships
Q: My name in Slovenia is different to my name in Australia. Does that matter?
Yes, your name in the Slovenian registry needs to match your name in Australia.
Q: I am not sure if my parents are Slovenian. How can I check?
The best way is to contact the Slovenian Embassy.
They can check if your parents are in the Slovenian registry.
Start Learning Slovenian Today!
Slovenian Languages Courses – ONLINE AND IN SLOVENIA
Online Slovenian Language Morning and Afternoon Course,
Autumn 2026
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Winter Slovenian Language School in Ljubljana 2027
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Spring Slovenian Language School in Ljubljana 2027
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
For more information, click the links below:
https://centerslo.si/tecaji-za-odrasle/
https://centerslo.si/za-otroke
https://centerslo.si/tecaji-za-odrasle/stipendije
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
Vljudno vabljeni v Klubu Triglav Mounties, za dan državnosti in podelitev nagrad najzaslužnejšim članom.
V Nedeljo 21.junije 2026
S pričetkom od 12.00 ure dalje.
Rezervacije so nujne.
You are invited to Slovenian Statehood Day and Community Awards 2024/25 at Club Triglav Mounties
Sunday 21st June 2026
12pm start
Reservations are essnetial.
Call the the Club
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
St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission Merrylands
Email: slomission.sydney@gmail.com
Phone: 0409 074 760
Tedenske Novice
Pater Darko obvešča :
Nedelja 24.maja je Binkoštna Nedelja, praznik Prihoda Svetega Duha. Pri sv. maši poje mešani zbor.
Ekipa VOSA ob svoji prvi obletnici Tedenskega Obveščanja ( VOSA newsletter ) vabi na BBQ piknik v nedeljo 24. Maja po sv. Maši v cerkveni dvorani P. Valerijana Jenka v Merrylandsu.
V Nedelja je Binkoštni Ponedeljek, praznik Marije, pomočnice kristjanov – Marije Pomagaj. Sveta maša bo v Merrylandsu samo ob 6.00 zvečer. Dopoldne sv. maše ne bo, ker imam pogreb in sv. mašo v Wollongongu (sv. maša je tam v hrvaški cerkvi marije kraljice ob 11.00 dopoldne).
V tem tednu bom na uhovniških dnevih škofije Wollongong v Campbelltownu. V torek in sredo ne bo sv. maše v Merrylandsu. V četrtek je redna sv. maša v Merrylandu ob 10.30 dopoldne.
Župnija sv. marjete – St. Margaret Mary v Merrylandsu in župnik p. wojtek šliwa o. s. p. p. e. vabita v soboto, 30.maja., ob 6.00 zvečer k zahvalni sv. maši ob 15-letnici Duhovniškega Posvečenja. Po sv. maši bo pogostitev v njihovi dvorani v Pastoralnem Centru – Prinesite kakšen prigrizek (byo). Pri Sv. Rafaelu v soboto ne bo sv. maše.
40 let Škofije Parramatta
Letos 8.aprila. je naša škofija Parramatta praznovala svojo 40-letnico. Zahvalna sv. maša bo v nedeljo, 31.maja., ob 2.00 popoldne. Naš Škof Msgr. Vincent Long Van Nguyen posebej vabi predstavnike: družine, posameznike, zakonce, zastopnike iz vsake župnije po 3. prijavitese v naši župnijski pisarni.
Sv. mašo bo vodil apostolski nuncij Nadškof Msgr. Charles Balvo, ki se bo takrat tudi poslovil od Avstralije, letos junija odhaja v pokoj ob svoji 75-letnici.
Osmrtnice (Dead Notices)
On Tuesday, 12. May.2026, IVANKA ŽABKAR, née ŠKODA, died in hospital in Shellharbour, NSW. She was 95 years old, and was from Rake. The funeral Mass will be held on Monday, 25. May .2026, at 11.00 am in the Croatian Church of Mary, Queen of Wollongong – Figtree. She will be buried in the Lakeside Cemetery – Kanahooka.
On Saturday, 16.May .2026, OLGA ULJAN, née CERGOLJ, died in Bankstown Hospital. She was 87 years old and was from Slivje. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, 28.May .2026, at 2:00 pm in the Mother of Mercy Chapel in Rookwood. She will be buried in the Slovenian Cemetery of St. Raphael.
Kapelica Memorial and How to Donate
Details for anyone wishing to donate are:
Account Name: ST RAPHAEL’S BUILDING FUND
Reference: Kapelica – [your name]
BSB: 062202 Account number: 00902052
Slovenian Australian Association Canberra
Email:admin@slovenianclubcanberra.org.au
Phone: (02) 6282 1083
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Slovenian Folk-Dance Workshop Series
We’re proud to be hosting TWO immersive 3-day Slovenian folk-dance workshops—a rare opportunity to experience authentic tradition right here in Australia!
May 15–17 | Sydney
Slovene Association Sydney
May 22–24 | Canberra
Slovenian Australian Association Canberra
Led by expert instructors from JSKD Slovenia, travelling all the way from Slovenia, these workshops offer a unique chance to truly connect with our culture.
- Learn authentic Slovenian folk dances
- Build skills across 3 full days
- Immerse yourself in music, tradition, and community
- Be guided by passionate, experienced instructors
- Whether you join us in Sydney, Canberra—or both—this is more than just a workshop… it’s a cultural experience you’ll carry with you.
Please register your interest with Natasha on 02 6282 1083
Spots are limited, and with two workshops on offer, now is the time to secure your place!
Don’t just watch tradition—be part of it.
SAAC Reunion and Statehood Day Celebrations
Celebrating 55+ years of community, memories, and connection
We’ve been asked by many of our past members… “When are we having a reunion?”
Well – we’ve heard you loud and clear!
We’re excited to start planning something truly special – a reunion for the Slovenian Australian community here in Canberra, bringing together all generations.
If you’ve been part of our community over the past 55+ years, it’s time to come back home.
Reconnect with old friends, relive unforgettable memories, and celebrate the legacy built by those who came before us – and those continuing it today.
What better occasion than our Independance Day 35 years – Statehood Day on Saturday, 20 June 2026.
A day of pride, connection, and community.
- Let us know if you’re interested in attendin
- Tag or share this with past members who would love to be part of it
- Keen to help organise? We’d love your support!
You asked… we will deliver – a reunion for all generations.
Register your interest now and help us make this an unforgettable celebration.
The SAAC New Restaurant- Dober Tek
Check out our variety of menus by clicking the button below.
Opening hours: (unless booked for a private function)
- Wednesday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
- Thursday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
- Friday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
- Saturday: 12:00pm – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – 8:30pm
- Sunday: 12:00pm – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – 8:30pm
The doors are open, the kitchen is fired up and we are ready to welcome you.
Come and support our brand new restaurant and enjoy great food and warm community atmosphere.
Bring your friends, bring your appetite and help the club celebrate this exciting new chapter.
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.
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 Radio
Glas Avstralskih slovencev Sydney v živo vsako soboto na 89.3 FM. Če želite poslati posebno sporočilo družinskemu članu ali prijatelju, ali poslušati svojo najljubšo pesem v naslednji oddaji, nam pišite pošto na naslov – vosaradio@outlook.com ali nas pokličite na telefonsko številko na 0400 533 009 najkasneje do 17. ure vsak torek.
Voice of Slovenian Australians Sydney is live every Saturday on 89.3 FM. 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.
Follow us on Facebook for community news!
Email: vosaradio@outlook.com
Phone: 0400 533 009
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.
Seeking more information on SLOVENIA or our Community?
Click the below links for the latest news and updates from Slovenia!
Vsakdanjik – Institute of Slovenian Ethnology
Click the below links for Slovenian professional organisations in Australia!
Slovenian Australian Chamber of Commerce
Slovenian Australian Academic Association
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