Around Australia, the Ukrainian community will commemorate a bitter-sweet Ukrainian Independence Day on Thursday, 24 August (and over the following weekend) with street rallies, concerts, on-line auctions, global human chains, flag raisings, festivals, picnics, movie screenings and proud displays of Ukrainian culture, dance, song, music, clothes and food.
Bipartisan messages of support have already been received from Federal and State politicians, with a wide range of community representatives invited to all events.
A full list of events can be found below.
Media talent available includes displaced Ukrainians in Australia; community members whose family/friends are on the front line; recent Australian visitors to Ukraine; and Kyiv-based Australian-Ukrainian journalist, Julian Knysh.
Stefan Romaniw OAM and Kateryna Argyrou, Co-Chairs of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) said today “This is a very important Ukrainian Independence Day for us. Ukraine is being tested in ways unimaginable in the 21st century by an illegal and genocidal Russian invasion.
“But we know from speaking to our friends and family in Ukraine – many of whom are on the front-line or live in areas being pounded by Russian missiles and drones – that they are determined to maintain their independence and freedom. Ukrainians have a strong sense of their cultural identity, the beauty of their language and customs, and the importance of democracy.
“As a community, we will continue to do all that we can to help them.”
After 18 months of a brutal Russian invasion, the community has:
- welcomed around 7,000 displaced Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Australia
- raised over $9 million through Ukraine Crisis Appeal, the AFUO’s humanitarian aid charity
- provided protective gear, life-saving equipment and utes/vehicles to defenders on the front-line through the AFUO’s Defend Ukraine Appeal
- rallied and lobbied to raise awareness about Russia’s brutal war
The community has been deeply touched by Australia’s support of Ukraine, which has included significant military and humanitarian aid.
“We are deeply grateful for Australia’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the assistance offered by the Government and everyday Aussies to defend our common values,” added Mr Romaniw and Ms Argyrou.
UKRAINIAN-AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENTS 2023
| CITY | DAY & TIME | EVENT & LOCATION |
| Australia-wide | 14/08-27/08 | Online Charity Auction: items include lunch with Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko; signed flag by Commander of the UA Forces General Valerii Zaluzhnyy; branded merchandise from famous Ukrainians |
| Melbourne | Wed 23/08 Evening | “Ridny Kray’ Independence day lunch – politicians attending |
| Melbourne | Thu 24/08 5:30pm | Human chain (FreeWorldGathering global initiative) Federation Square |
| Melbourne | Sun 27/08 2pm | Our Ukraine concert: choirs, dancing groups, public/political speeches – Ukrainian Centre, 3-11 Russell St, Essendon |
| Noble Park, Victoria | Sat 26/08 Morning | Noble Park Ukrainian School – children’s events, politicians & community invited |
| Geelong | Sun 27/08 | Independence Day Lunch – with guests |
| Sydney | Wed 23/08 6pm | NSW Parliamentary Screening of Mariupol.Unlost Hope |
| Sydney | Thu 24/08 5:30-7:30pm | Independence In My Heart Rally – Customs House to Sydney Opera House steps – March + Prayer + Rally |
| Sydney | 23/08-25/08 11am-7pm | Colours of Freedom Art Exhibition – Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf, 548 New South Head Rd, Double Bay |
| Sydney | Thu 24/08 All day | Ukrainian flags flown above Balmain Town Hall, Sydney Town Hall, Woollahra Council Chambers |
| Hobart | Sun 27/08 12:30-4pm | Concert, Music, Dance, Ukrainian food – Ukrainian Hall, 185 Main Road, Moonah |
| Adelaide | Thu 24/08 6pm | Moleben – Prayer for Ukraine St Andrews Church, 420 Torrens Rd, Kilkenny |
| Adelaide | Sun 27/08 3pm | Independence Day Concert – choirs, dancing groups,Kozak Bar. Ukrainian Comm. Centre, Hindmarsh |
| Canberra | Sat 26/08 10am-noon | Friends of Ukraine: Canberra/Queanbeyan Rally, russian embassy, 78 Canberra Ave, Griffith |
| Perth | Sat 26/08 11am-3pm | UAWA Independence Day Picnic (+ raised flags), Kings Park |
| Brisbane | Sat 26/08 11am-5pm | Ukrainian Festival Brisbane – 47 Galsworthy St, Holland Park West |
| Brisbane | Thu 24/08 Evening | Parliament House, Brisbane Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge & others lit up blue & yellow |
