Ukraine marked Defenders Day on Saturday 1 October with a national holiday and - as a sign of respect and gratitude to the brave defenders of Ukraine - a minute of silence around the country. We too as a community deeply honour the sacrifices made by all our Ukrainian defence forces and warriors. In his address to the Ukrainian people, President Zelenskyy urged … [Read more...]

Elizabeth Elliott felt compelled to help Ukrainians after watching and reading horror stories about Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In her words ‘It was the injustice of what the Ukrainians are enduring whilst the world watches on - it was so unfair.’ Elizabeth’s third book of poetry, Tilting At Windmills, was recently launched in Newcastle, with all … [Read more...]

With a 70 year presence in Australia, our community has been unwavering in its support of displaced Ukrainians, many of whom are approaching their one-year milestone of a new life in Australia.  AFUO member organisations have provided visa, resettlement, employment and educational assistance and organised events to showcase the warmth and hospitality that Australia … [Read more...]

Aussies from all walks of life - even primary school aged children - have been moved to help front-line defenders in Ukraine via the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisation (AFUO) Defend Ukraine Appeal.   Last weekend, 9-year-old Aussie Eva and her friends raised $500 (matched by their parents) at a toy drive to donate to the Defend Ukraine Appeal “Adopt a Drone” The … [Read more...]

A pioneering program funded by the AFUO’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal (UCA) Resettlement Fund has provided over 50 recently arrived Ukrainian women with much needed mental health support. The Women’s Circle (Zhinoche Kolo) program provides group talk therapy, trauma informed yoga, and nature-based retreats and workshops run by professional counsellors, Australian-Ukrainians … [Read more...]