Our Swiss National Day, 1st of August, is just around the corner! Various clubs across Australia are hosting events to celebrate - check out what’s happening near you and join the festivities! We’ve listed the events we’ve been informed of, but there may be more. Contact your local club - and if you’re not sure who that is, you can find them here. ACT Canberra (Murrumbateman), 1 August: National Day Celebration by the Swiss Club of Canberra, more info here SA Adelaide (Monta

Good news for the internationally mobile Swiss! Cantons Lucerne and Neuchâtel are set to offer e-voting to their citizens abroad now as well, in addition to the cantons St. Gallen, Thurgau, Basel Stadt and Graubünden. A step that reflects the many efforts, over many years, to strengthen the political rights of Swiss abroad. For many Swiss abroad, especially those living overseas, e-voting is the key to reliably exercising their democratic rights - postal delays too often mean

For young Swiss abroad, understanding their military obligations and options can be complex.

The camps of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad offer a unique chance for young Swiss living abroad to reconnect with their roots, explore Switzerland’s stunning landscapes, and build lasting friendships. Several summer camps 2026 still have available spots, providing diverse experiences from sports and outdoor adventures to cultural tours across the country. These camps welcome Swiss youth aged 15 to 18 from around the world, creating a vibrant community that strengthens t

A webinar on ETIAS and returning to Switzerland for a holiday or permanently.

April 2026. By Carmen Trochsler & Beat Knoblauch The delegates of the Council of the Swiss abroad met in Bern on 19. and 20. March 2026. Australia was represented with Carmen Trochsler (Adelaide), Barbara Zingg (Broome), Beat Knoblauch (Sydney) and Thomas Hofer (Perth, deputy delegate). Roland Isler (Melbourne) joined the Council meeting online. It was a great pleasure to meet fellow delegates from all over the world in person over these two days, as well as members of the

*Edit August 2026: The previously confirmed target of launching ETIAS in the last quarter of 2026 is currently under review - a launch in 2027 is now considered the most likely scenario. A major step in strengthening border security for the Schengen Area (of which Switzerland is a part of) will be the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026. The European Union will a

A lifetime of service to the Swiss Community It is with sadness that we learn of the passing of Peter Meury. He was a most influential personality within the Swiss Community in Australia. Peter arrived in Melbourne in late 1960, delegated from Basel for a position with the Swiss Ciba Company. Almost immediately he got involved with the Swiss Club of Victoria, eventually taking on the Presidency of the club. The club house on Flinders Lane is one of Peter’s enduring legacies

SCV MEMBERS PORTRAIT ART PROJECT This project began with a simple idea: let’s really see each other. Led by artist and SCV committee member, Patrick Rychner, the 100 x Swissness Arts Project set out to photograph 100 members of the Swiss Club of Victoria (SCV) – not just as faces, but as people with stories, histories, and quirks worth sharing. The aim was connection. Members meeting members. Old hands crossing paths with newer faces. Conversations starting where they migh

To celebrate its 75 th anniversary, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, considered one of the most iconic and spectacular live events in the world, will be presented for the first time in Brisbane this February. More than 30 bands, some 1’000 performers from various countries! And proudly flying the Swiss flag will be the Top Secret Drum Corps from Basel, in their black uniforms and big hats with a white feather. The group was formed in 1991 by young drummers who started

Switzerland has declared January 9th a National Day of Mourning for the victims of the horrific fire in Crans-Montana. The Swiss community in Australia joins in the commemoration, our thoughts and condolences are with the victims and their families, and with the community in Crans-Montana.

It’s hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by! To take a closer look at what’s been happening in 2026, visit the news blog on the SAA website - where we post community news and helpful information for Swiss living Down Under. Across the country, Swiss clubs in every state have been very active, organising countless events that bring people together and celebrate our shared heritage. A lot of work and love goes into keeping a club running, and we would like to expres

14 November 2025, Carmen Trochsler, Delegate Council of the Swiss Abroad Staying connected with Switzerland in various ways - through family, food, clubs, travel or simply keeping up with the news - matters for many of us. Two important information channels that help keep the Swiss Abroad informed, are in need of support. Here’s what you can do: Swissinfo is Switzerland’s international public media service. You might receive their newsletter, read the articles online or follo

It might still be October, but many Swiss clubs across Australia are already planning their Christmas celebrations. As always, the Samichlaus (or Père Noël) will make his rounds - a wonderful Swiss tradition that delights children and keeps our culture alive far from home. Keep an eye out for your local club’s Christmas event - they’re always full of warmth, laughter, and festive spirit. 📅 Check your local club’s website and save the date for a festive celebration near you!

Text and Image: YPSA The Youth Parliament of the Swiss Abroad (YPSA) is electing its next Board of Directors (2026–2027 term). If you want to represent young Swiss abroad, contribute to YPSA’s mission, and help shape its future — this is your chance to get involved. Timeline: • Applications open: 12 October • Deadline: 9 November • Voting: 17–30 November • Results: 7 December Eligibility: candidates must be 15–35 years old, hold Swiss nationality (or have a direct blood rela

Sign the petition to save SWI swissinfo.

The Council of the Swiss Abroad met in Bern to open its 2025–2029 term, addressing key issues such as digital government, Bilateral Agreements, and services for Swiss citizens abroad.

The Swiss Community Care Society in Sydney invited its Members to a Guided Tour at the Museums of History (Sydney Museum) in Bridge Street Sydney CBD on the 4th September 2025. The occasion arose from the Swiss contribution to the current exhibition “Seeing Sydney - Knowing Country“ ,* curated by a team under the direction of Dr Penelope Stannard, Principle, Head of Curatorial and Research. Some 40 members, including the visiting former CEO of the Organisation of the Swiss

At the meeting of the Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA) on 23 August in Bern, Katja’s term as a member of the Council expired. Katja...

On 28 September 2025, Swiss voters will decide whether to introduce a new electronic ID (E-ID).