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
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.
