It’s been a busy few weeks of advocacy for the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) and member organisations, with meetings across the Federal Parliament, government and even Government House! 
Foreign Minister Penny Wong – Senator for SA and DFAT officials: AFUO letter urging Australia to join international calls for action on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in temporarily occupied Oleshky, under siege by russia.
The office of the Hon Pat Conroy MP and Defence officials: in an online meeting, the AFUO advocated for military aid for Ukraine and was briefed on Australia’s latest $45m defence package, including how aid and decommissioned kit is matched to Ukraine’s needs.
Senator Deborah O’Neill, Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Ukraine: AFUO chair Kateryna Argyrou, Ukrainian Council of NSW – ОУГ НПВ President Andrew Mencinsky and AFUO Communications Manager Nadia Mencinsky advocated for the closing of the blood oil sanctions loophole; more military aid; and visa certainty for Ukrainians in Australia.
Office of Opposition Leader Angus Taylor MP, and with Senator Dave Sharma: ongoing AFUO engagement, with meetings coming up soon.
Zoe McKenzie MP: AFUO Board member Chrestyna Kmetj and AFUO Ukraine Aid Coordinator Teresa Lachowicz discussed humanitarian needs, russian disinformation, and the importance of Australia staying engaged.
The Governor General: in an act of “cake diplomacy”, Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc. President Peter Bongiorni presented the Governor-General with a Ukrainian honey cake during Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations in Canberra.
We’re grateful for Australia’s support so far, but Ukraine’s fight is far from over. We’ll keep bringing our community’s voice to Canberra and pushing for meaningful action. 
