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 happening on VOSA Radio tomorrow?
Being marathon season, we are joined by a Slovenian marathon runner who participated in the recent TCS Sydney marathon. As usual we will feature your special messages, story, song and word of the week.
On this Day in Slovenian History: September 11
Slovenian ethnologist, anthropologist and politician Niko Županič died in Ljubljana at the age of 84 in 1961 on 11th September. He is considered one of the founders of modern Slovenian ethnology and was instrumental in establishing the institution that became the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum.
Through his writing, Erjavec helped bring knowledge of the natural world closer to ordinary Slovenian readers, combining scientific observation with vivid, accessible storytelling.
The Latest: Key Features and Community Updates
- Slovenian Marathon Enthusiast Marko Roblek:Australian Visit and TCS Marathon Experience
- Scholarships for Slovenians Living Abroad,2026/27
- Slovenian Language Learning Corner: Language Book and Online Platform
- Important Information for Slovenian Citizens in Australia
- St Raphael’s Pastoral Council Notices: Upcoming Event & Rookwood Cemetery Plots Available
- The Kucler Accordion Heritage- The First Diatonic Accordion Makers in the World
Slovenian Organisations / Regular Weekly Updates
- Club Triglav Mounties
- St Raphael’s Slovenian Mission Merrylands
- Consular Assistance NSW
- Slovenian Australian Association Canberra
- Slovenian Language Association QLD
Slovenian Marathon Enthusiast Marko Roblek: Australian Visit and TCS Marathon Experience
When we set off from Slovenia for Sydney, a journey of approximately 16,000 kilometres lay ahead of us. On the other side of the world, it is truly wonderful to feel that Slovenia lives on through language, memories, and human connections.
For me, Slovenia is paradise on earth—with its mountains, greenery, and friendly people—a place where I always feel safe and enjoy the best quality of life. Australia is similar to Slovenia in many ways, so it comes as no surprise that so many of our compatriots have chosen to stay there.
Meeting Dr. Stephanie Šuber was a truly special experience. I was alerted when an enthusiastic young woman had joined us; she was so excited she could barely get the words out—explaining that she was of Slovenian heritage, couldn’t believe she’d met so many compatriots in the middle of Sydney.
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!
Slovenian Language Corner – Language Book & Online Platform
Čas za slovenščino (Time For Slovenian)— Interactive Learning Materials
A very useful free interactive resource for beginners, particularly younger learners but also useful for adults.
The vocabulary resource is specifically designed for learners of Slovenian as a second or foreign language. You can view the online version for free or purchase a hard copy.
Video Slovenščina –
Online Video Platform
Videoteka za slovenščino is a free interactive online resource for learning Slovenian language skills. It was created as part of a project at the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Education, combining Slovenian-language teaching with digital learning.
It is interesting because it doesn’t simply provide videos. Each lesson provides more than just videos; it combines clear explanations with interactive activities, allowing learners to actively engage with the content, practise their skills, and reinforce their understanding.
Important Information for Slovenian Citizens in Australia
Reprints of Australian Certificates
These may be needed when applying for citizenship.
If you need official reprints of Australian documents:
Birth Certificates
Apply for a birth certificate | Service NSW | Service NSW
Marriage Certificates
Apply for a marriage certificate | Service NSW | Service NSW
Death Certificates
Apply for a death certificate | Service NSW | Service NSW
All applications can be made online.
St Raphael’s Pastoral Council-Upcoming Events
Feast of St Raphael, Farewell Fr. Darko & Wedding Anniversaries – Sunday 27th September
Please note that the hall is currently at full capacity. Any new bookings made from today onwards will be placed on a waitlist. We will then be in contact with you to advise if and where we are able to accommodate your booking.
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
The Kucler Accordion Heritage – The First Diatonic Accordion Makers in the World
Having a diatonic accordion at home today means having joy in the house. Playing it, is a privilege enjoyed by many Slovenians, as a proper celebration is hardly imaginable without the accordion. Yet, discovering the history of the first diatonic accordion makers—both here and abroad—is something truly special.
It was nearly 170 years ago that the Slovenian Kucler family from Lesno Brdo near Vrhnika began crafting the first diatonic accordions.
Words in English – Jure Žitko, Researcher
A cultural and professional event, it will take place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Cankarjev dom Vrhnika. No bookings or entry ticket required.
At the opening of the exhibition, the results of research into the history and significance of Kucler accordions, the acoustic and stylistic characteristics of the instrument will all be presented.
Having played a central role in organising this event, Katarina Vrisk is proud to see this remarkable story that was first brought to light in her book Anthology of Slovenian Australian Musicians, now being shared in Slovenia. She said “We are bringing this important piece of history back to its homeland and celebrating the incredible achievements of this family with a wider audience.”
Jelena Brežnik (nee Kucler), is the daughter of the late Tone Kucler, from the family of the first accordion makers in Slovenia. Below you can read more about the story and also a read a recap of the event at Club Triglav Mounties in 2016.
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
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 13th September is the 24th Sunday of the year.
At 4:00 PM, Holy Mass will be celebrated in Wollongong (Figtree) at the Croatian Church of Mary, Queen of Peace; this will be Fr. Darko’s farewell Mass and the final Slovenian Mass for the local community. We will sing a hymn of thanksgiving. After Mass, there will be a communal dinner at the German Club in Kembla Grange. Please register for the dinner with Andrew Žičkar (Mobile: 0409 037 770; Email: a.zickar@gmail.com).
This week—from September 14 to 21—the Diocese of Wollongong will host the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the patron of youth, who was beatified last year. Gatherings will take place as follows: September 14 in Oran Park; September 15 in Rosemeadow; September 16 and 17 in Nowra; September 18 in Unanderra; and from September 18 to 21 at the Cathedral in Wollongong. You can find the program and further information on the website: www.dow.org.au/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
Follow Us. Share Us. Be Part of the Buzz.
Every share helps the events reach more people and keeps our community strong, connected, and growing.
Working Bee- Saturday 12th September
There is always plenty to do, and we would love to see members come down and lend a hand.
You don’t need to be an expert — just bring yourself, a pair of willing hands and a bit of community spirit!
Come on down and help us out. Every little bit helps!
Slovenian Language Classes are Back!
Our first round of Slovenian Language Lessons was a huge hit, with our Beginners class filling quickly.
We are delighted to continue the program with a new 10-week block commencing Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
5:00pm – 6:30pm
Beginners – Continuation Class
10-week course: $100
6:45pm – 8:15pm
New Beginners Class
10-week course: $140, including the Slovenian language workbook.
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.
Interested in Learning Slovenian Folk Dancing ?
We are exploring the possibility of establishing monthly Slovenian Folk Dance classes in Canberra led by a local teacher.
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.
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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