This June marks the 84th anniversary of the first mass deportations from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, a solemn chapter in Baltic history. To honour the memory of those affected, Baltic communities in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne are hosting public commemorations. All are welcome to attend.
In 13-14 June 1941, approximately 43,000 people were forcibly removed from their homes by Soviet authorities and sent to Siberia. Thousands more were killed or deported in the months that followed. These deportations continued after World War II, and by 1954, nearly 10% of the Baltic population had been affected. Few survived the harsh conditions or were ever able to return home.
🕯️Let us come together to remember, reflect and stand united for peace and freedom.
Adelaide
Baltic Commemoration of Deportation
Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Migration Museum, 82 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide SA 5000
Tickets: Free entry
The South Australian Baltic community will gather at the Migration Museum for a wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of those who suffered and perished during the deportations. The annual commemoration ceremony will be held on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 2 pm.
The event will feature a speech by the President of the Baltic Council of South Australia and performances by local choirs.
The ceremony will take place outdoors – attendees are encouraged to bring umbrellas in case of rain.
Read more
📰 More info: Visit the Eestlased Adelaide’s Facebook page
Sydney
Commemoration of the Mass Deportations from the Baltic countries
Date: Sunday, 15 June 2025
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Sydney Latvian House, 32 Parnell St, Strathfield NSW 2135
Tickets: Free entry
Hosted by the Joint Baltic Committee, Sydney’s commemorative event on Sunday 15 June 2025 at 2pm reflects on the traumatic legacy of the 1941 deportations and their modern-day relevance. In light of ongoing global conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, the program also highlights the shared experience of forced exile.
The event will feature a speech by Olya Olkhovyk, Cultural Director of the Ukrainian Council of New South Wales. There will be performances by Sydney Estonian Choir, Sydney Latvian Male Choir and Lithuanian vocal ensemble Atspindys.
Read more
📰 More info: Visit the Estonian Society of Sydney Facebook page
Melbourne
Joint Baltic Deportation Commemoration
Date: Sunday, 15 June 2025
Time: 2.00 pm
Location: Lithuanian Club, 44 Errol Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Tickets: Free event
Melbourne’s commemoration will be hosted by the Lithuanian community with contributions by all Baltic countries. Join us to commemorate the mass deportations at the Lithuanian Club in Melbourne on Sunday 15 June at 2 pm. The program reflects on the immense human cost of the 1941 deportations. There will be speeches from special guests, including from Estonia, and performances by Lithuanian and Latvian choirs.
Before the event, you are welcome to book a table for lunch. To make a reservation, email: bookings[at]lithuanianclub.com.
Read more
📰 More info: Visit the Melbourne Lithuanian Club Facebook page
