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Nyhet / Publicerad 29 oktober 2020 / Ändrad 24 juni 2026

Newsletter

Summary in English

Newsletter July 2026

A Summer & Winter Greeting

As summer unfolds in Sweden and winter makes itself felt here in Australia, the Swedish Church in Melbourne is now entering its annual winter break. For a few weeks, our activities will pause and our staff will have the opportunity to take some well-earned leave before we gather again in early August.

We would therefore like to take this opportunity to send our warmest greetings and heartfelt thanks to all of you who, in one way or another, are part of our community – wherever in the world you may be.

For many, the months ahead will bring summer days in Sweden filled with bright evenings and time spent with family and friends.

Here in Australia, we are instead moving into the winter season, with crisp mornings and a slightly slower pace of life. Wherever you may be, we hope this time offers space for joy, rest, and new experiences.

Thank you for all the conversations, services, coffee gatherings, activities, and moments of fellowship we have shared during the past six months. It is you who make the Swedish Church in Melbourne the warm, welcoming, and vibrant community that it is.

We wish you a wonderful summer and winter and look forward to welcoming you back when the church reopens on 11 August.

A warm welcome back!

Winter Break

The church will be closed from Monday 29 June and will reopen on Tuesday 11 August.

Our online shop will also be closed during this period and will reopen on 11 August.

For updates during the break, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook.

Contact During the Break

28 June – 26 July
Debbie Sayers,
Member of the Church Council
Phone: 0410 495 410
Email: debsayers1@gmail.com

From 27 July
Gunnar Wenehult
Phone: 0459 225 532
Email: melbourne@svenskakyrkan.se

Urgent Matters
For urgent consular matters, please contact the Swedish Embassy in Canberra.
Phone: 02 6270 2700
Email: ambassaden.canberra@gov.se

You can also contact the Church of Sweden's Duty Priest service via their website.

 
Sunday Reading

Visit Thoughts for the Weekend, our blog where Church of Sweden priests reflect on the upcoming Sunday readings each week.

Save the Date

Although there is still much to look forward to this year, we would already like to give you a preview of some of the highlights coming up at the Swedish Church in Melbourne during the second half of the year.

Be sure to mark these dates in your calendar – we look forward to sharing many wonderful gatherings, traditions, and experiences with you.

We will also be celebrating an important milestone throughout the year as the Swedish Church in Melbourne marks 70 years at Toorak House. The anniversary will be recognised in various ways, with a special highlight being our 70th Anniversary Service on the First Sunday of Advent, commemorating the first church service ever held at Toorak House seventy years ago.

Meatball Competition: Saturday 17 October

Christmas Market: Thursday 19 November – Thursday 17 December
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm, and Sundays from 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm.

Scandinavian Food and Fun Day: Saturday 28 November, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

First Sunday of Advent & 70th Anniversary Service: Sunday 29 November

Lucia Concert at the Swedish Church: Saturday 12 December, 5.00 pm

Lucia Concert at St John's Anglican Church: Sunday 13 December, 8.00 pm

More information about each event will be shared closer to the date, but we hope you will already reserve these dates and look forward to a wonderful end of the year together with us.

Christmas Market 2026

From 19 November to 17 December, we will once again host our annual Christmas Indoor market

It is the perfect opportunity to stock up on Swedish Christmas favourites, find this year's special Christmas decoration, be inspired by beautiful Advent candle holders, purchase festive tablecloths as gifts, or perhaps even treat yourself to a pair of traditional wooden clogs.

The Christmas will be open inside Toorak House:

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Sundays: 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm
On 28 November, the festivities move outdoors with our Scandinavian Food and Fun Day, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Enjoy a variety of Scandinavian food including Norwegian waffles, Danish sausages, Swedish sandwiches, Christmas soft drinks and much more.

During the day, we will be visited by Santa Claus, Lucia and her attendants, enjoy live folk music, and sing traditional Christmas songs together.

And don't miss Pippi Longstocking and friends, bringing fun and mischief to the garden!

We hope to see you there!

Vote in the Swedish Election from Melbourne and Australia

On 13 September 2026, elections will be held in Sweden for the Parliament, regional councils, and municipal councils.

If you are living abroad, you may vote early either by post or in person at the Embassy in Canberra, certain honorary consulates, and selected polling locations throughout Australia. Please note that it is not possible to vote abroad on Election Day itself.

Vote at the Swedish Church in Melbourne

The Swedish Church in Melbourne will be one of the locations where you can cast your advance vote.

Voting Hours

- Saturday 22 August, 12:00 pm–4:00 pm 
- Sunday 23 August, 12:00 pm–4:00 pm 
- Sunday 30 August, 12:00 pm–4:00 pm 


Who Can Vote?

You may vote if you:

- Are a Swedish citizen 
- Have turned, or will turn, 18 years old by Election Day

Are or have been registered as a resident in Sweden 
Living Abroad Long-Term?

Swedish citizens who have lived abroad for more than ten years must register for the electoral roll in order to vote. Your application must be received by the Swedish Tax Agency no later than 12 August 2026.

More Information  about voting in Australia is available on the Swedish Embassy’s website. 

A warm welcome to vote with us at the Swedish Church in Melbourne!