Archives Advisory Council
The 2025 Council
The Archives Advisory Council oversees the work of the Archive. The Council’s members serve a 3 year term and are elected at the annual general meeting of the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia.
Chairman – Andra Krumins
Secretary – Ivo Kauniste
Treasurer – Taimi Nurm
Media – Aale Kask
Member – Maie Barrow
Member – Virge Nielsen
Member – Siiri Iismaa
Ex Officio – Terry Kass
Maie Barrow
Maie Barrow is a professional archivist. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from Adelaide University and a BA in French from Macquarie, MSc and MIM (Archives/Records) from UNSW. She has lectured extensively on the history of Estonians in Australia both in Australia and abroad. She is an ex officio member of the Archives Council. In 2017 Maie was awarded the Order of the White Star, 5th Class for services rendered to the Estonian state.
Aale Kask
A life-long passion for history led Aale to study Art History at University. After graduating Estonian Academy of Arts, she worked for the Tallinn City Council where she coordinated work with local historians and language specialists, later taking up the opportunity to work for the Publishing House to write articles about architecture, design and heritage. After moving to Sydney, she started writing articles about Estonian community in Australia and then joined the Board of the Estonian Archives in Australia in 2015.
Ivo Kauniste
After studying medicine at Sydney University for a couple of years Ivo realised he was more interested in mathematics and physics. He switched to engineering and holds a B.E (Electrical engineering) from UNSW. Ivo worked as an engineer with Telecom Australia until his retirement.
Andra Krumins
Andra Krumins (granddaughter of Jakob Lukats) is an artist who delights in editing English. With a BA in German and Russian, she has had a broad working background including market research project manager, Whanganui River guide, veterinary nurse, picture framer, swimming instructor and specialist linguist.
Virge Neilsen
Virge Nielsen was born in Estonia and moved to live in Australia around the turn of this century. She has been an active member of Estonian community in Sydney, arranging several art exhibitions over the years and previously serving as a founding member and Co-chair of Estonian Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.In a professional capacity, Virge currently works as an Enterprise Architect for major software company in the space of marketing technology.Virge is committed to promoting and preserving Estonian heritage and culture abroad, bringing to the board of Estonian Archives in Australia her enthusiasm and practical business acumen to support the ongoing operations of archives.
Taimi Nurm
Taimi has been involved with the Estonian community most of her life. Currently she is on the Board of the Estonian House Cooperative Society. Her expertise with finances and government regulations is a great asset to Council. She is currently the treasurer.
Siiri Iismaa
Siiri joined the EAA Board in 2026. She has been active in the Estonian community since her teenage years, participating in folk and choral singing, and in folk dancing. Siiri became a certified practising Estonian<>English translator/interpreter after interpreting for Estonian sports teams at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. Siiri has served as a Board member of the Australian Council of Estonian Societies in Australia, the Sydney Estonian Parents’ and Friends’ Association (Sõrve Sõbrad), was Camp Leader for two Sõrve Estonian Childrens’ Summer Camps and is currently a member of the Board of the Estonian Society of Sydney, Inc and the Estonian Cultural Foundation of Australia. She is a founding member and committee member of the Australian-Estonian choir Kooskõlas and has sung at Estonia’s Song Celebration (Laulupidu) in 2014, 2019 and 2025.Siiri is a highly regarded and internationally recognised scientist. She graduated from the Australian National University with BSc (Hons I) and the University Medal, followed by a PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology. Siiri began her scientific career at the University of California, Irvine as a US Biotechnology Program Fellow, before moving to Sydney to the Heart Research Institute as a National Health and Medical Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow, and then a Senior Scientist at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. She has had decades of experience running a research laboratory that studies heart disease; applying for, managing and evaluating Government and philanthropic grants for research in the medical sector; and publishing over 100 articles in leading scientific journals. Highlights of Siiri’s scientific career include showcasing her research to Princess Diana of Wales and to Princess (now Queen) Mary of Denmark (twice); and being interviewed on the Estonian television program Püramiidi tipus (excerpts of which are used in the Estonian school science curriculum) and the Estonian podcast series Globaalsed Eestlased.
