The peak body for Ukrainians in Australia has begun to welcome displaced Ukrainians with offers of temporary accommodation, food, clothing, medical/mental healthcare, and opportunities to meet the local Australian-Ukrainian community.
Around 500 displaced Ukrainians have arrived in Australia, with the Department of Home Affairs advising the community it had expedited the issue of around 4,000 visitor visas for Ukrainians seeking temporary safety in Australia.
‘Displaced Ukrainians arriving in Australia have faced what few of us can imagine – under the threat of invasion, shelling, and bombing, they have been forced to flee their homes and all they hold dear. This has most heartbreakingly included in many cases their husbands, fathers, and brothers, who have stayed behind to defend Ukraine,’ said Ms Kateryna Argyrou, Co-Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO).
‘To assist these predominantly women and children, the AFUO has created a central national database to collect requests/offers of accommodation, aid, and volunteers. In just a few weeks, over 350 offers have been received for temporary accommodation, and assistance related to donating basic goods, clothing and shoes, free medical services from medical professionals, and education. Over 100 people have registered as volunteers, and we are now allocating them into groups so they can work on various community initiatives.
‘The AFUO has also worked with state-based community organisations to set up a team to assist displaced people in each state. In Sydney, this has included starting “meet & greet” sessions at the local Australian-Ukrainian community centre from this Saturday to provide support, camaraderie, and assistance,’ said Ms Argyrou.
‘The AFUO has also worked with Sydney and Melbourne international airports to create welcome signs for Ukrainian displaced arrivals. For Ukrainians arriving from many thousands of kilometres away, seeing something in the Ukrainian language is an important first indication they are embraced in Australia,’ said Ms Argyrou.
‘We are extremely grateful for the ~$2m raised for Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Our target is $5m, and more donations are needed to help the victims of the Russian invasion,’ said Ms Argyrou.
Media Inquiries: Ms Kateryna Argyrou 0423 204 988 and Nadia Mencinsky, Media Liaison, 0416 253 963
Media Inquiries for Sydney Ukrainian Displaced People’s Meet and Greet: 10:00am – 12.00pm Ukrainian Youth Centre, 3 John St, Lidcombe Andrew Mencinsky 0411 743 750
Further information about AFUO initiatives and rallies/events around Australia click here
