Maie Barrow honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

On February 24th, at the Independence Day ceremony in the Sydney Estonian House, Dr Juho Looveer, Chairman of the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia, presented Maie Barrow with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“The Council of Estonian Societies in Australia expresses its deepest thanks and appreciation for your long-term commitment over several decades and your contribution to maintaining Estonian culture, especially your work recording the history of Estonians in Australia, through which you have helped to preserve the Estonian traditions within the community and have introduced Estonia to a broader audience.”

Maie was the honorary archivist for over 29 years. She remains on the Estonian Archives in Australia Council and will continue to volunteer in the Archive.

Maie Barrow (right) receives her award from Dr Juho Loover (President, AESL)
Sydney, 24th of February, 2024

24 February 2024
Dr Juho Looveer
President, AESL (Council of Estonian Societies)

Maie came to Australia as a little girl; her family settled in Adelaide. She grew up in the Estonian community, attending Eesti Kool (Estonian Saturday school), was involved with the girl guides; she did all the other things that we children of refugees did – singing, dancing, etc

Maie took over as our archivist for the Estonian Archives in Australia (EAA) nearly 30 years ago (Nov 1994). In that time, she has developed boxes stored in a garage into a world renowned archive. Our Estonian Archives in Australia has won several awards and is acclaimed internationally. In recent years, one of their collections has been listed with UNESCO.

In 2023, The EAA was also recognised by the Estonian Government when they received an award from the Estonian government just last November.
Maie was Archivist for the City of Botany Bay Library for 16 years, developing skills she brought to the EAA. Maie also completed a postgraduate degree in Archives and Research.

Maie has maintained her involvement in many other activities – she has been the main organiser for an Eesti Päevad, and was also the Chair of the AESL.

AESL would like to thank Maie for her dedication and professionalism, as well as her leadership in the community over several decades.