1/2011
January 24,2011
AFUO WEEKLY WRAP UP
Connecting across the seas Australia and New Zealand Connect
CYM Ukranian Youth Association held its first Tabir (summer camp) in New Zealand at Clevedon outside of Auckland between 20 and January 2011. Over 40 participants attended spending time together. Younger members were entertained with range of activities, and parents discussed various aspects of Ukrainian life and settlement.
Taras Klish from Auckland handled many of the pre Tabir arrangements
Peter Duma was Camp leader with the leadership made up of representatives from Australia and New Zealand.
Bishop Peter Stasiuk Eparch for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia , NZ and Oceania, Rev Fr Felix Figurek Administrator of the Catholic Cathedral in Melbourne and a regular visitor to NZ and Stefan Romaniw Chairman of the Australian Federation of Ukrainians Organisations also attended the Tabir and gave presentations. Slavko Duma from Sydney also presented to the group.
Natalia Duma and Natalka Trotnar conducted the children’s program with Michael Trojan assisting in various ways.
Yurij Haldun, a singer and writer from Hamilton, will attend the Canberra rally on 19 February where he will perform.
The chairman of AFUO also invited the chairperson of the Association of Ukrainians in NZ, Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler, to visit Australia to present to the community
The AFUO will encourage to the Ukrainian Education Council of Australia to visit NZ as there is keen interest in establishing a school.
This a good example of various parts of the community coming together for the benefit of all
SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK APPOINTED CHAIR OF FEDERAL PARLIAMENT’S AUSTRALIA UKRAINE PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Senator Catryna Bilyk, Senator for Tasmania, has been appointed Chair Australia – Ukraine Parliamentary Group
Senator Bilyk’s husband Robert is of Ukrainian background
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has congratulated Senator Bilyk on her appointment as Chair of the Australia – Ukraine Parliamentary Group, and wished her every success in her endeavours.
AFUO Chairman Stefan Romaniw has spoken to Senate Bilyk a number of times last week to raise a range issues concerning our community and also the situation in Ukraine .
Some of these included
- The AFUO suggested an opportunity be provided for the AFUO to brief the members of the Australia – Ukraine Parliamentary group and other interested Members of the Australian Parliament on the current status of issues in Ukraine and proposals on how the Australian Government may wish to strengthen its involvement.
- A planned visit of a major ukrainian investor who wishes to buy Australian cattle. The AFUO has made contact with relevant Australian posts overseas, Australian government departments and livestock exporters. Protocol issues need to be agreed on to ensure this opportunity is maximised.
- Australia’s Ambassador in Vienna (who has responsibility for Ukraine) His Excellency Michael Potts will be in Australian in March. A meeting has been scheduled with the Ambassador on March 23, 2011.
The AFUO will meet with Senator Bilyk over coming weeks.
UKRAINIANS IN HUNGARY CALL ON AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Ukrainian community in Hungary called on AFUO support this week requesting the AFUO send a protest letter to the Hungarian Prime Minister relating to alleged falsifying of elections in Hungary which saw Ukrainian representation in the Hungarian parliament diminished. An AFUO delegation visited the Embassy of Hungary in Canberra to present the letter on January 21,. 2011.
HOPAK IN THE PARK APRIL 30, 2011 SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL
Ticket bookings Details http://www.theartscentre.com.au/whats-on/event.aspx?id=2522
Discussions s are progressing with a good chance that the dance ensemble Mriya from Kharkiv in Ukraine may participate in the Hopak in the Park festival. Ihor Bartosh, the leader of the group, in a telephone conversation with the AFUO Chairman stated the following “We are excited about the prospect of coming to Australia. We are planning to be there between 22 April and 9 May. We are ready to give performances , conduct workshops and join with our Ukrainian families over Easter.” Hopefully the will eventuate.
MALANKA
Congratulations to all Malanka 2011 organisers and participants. Good to see numbers rising again!
REMEMBER CANBERRA RALLY 19 February 2011
Human and National Rights in Ukraine and Russia must be defended!
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