This fascinating article from the Australian Defence Department reports on Operation Kudu - Australia’s contribution to the UK-led multinational mission training recruits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Ukrainian female and male recruits - teachers, builders, retail assistants - are highly motivated and determined to learn all they can so they can ‘defend their … [Read more...]

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations condemns the barbaric, terrorist attack by Hamas against the people of Israel. We extend our deepest condolences for the innocent lives lost and stand with the people of Israel as they seek to defend themselves. We will keep the Australian-Jewish community in our thoughts and prayers at such a difficult time. We … [Read more...]

Future Ukraine, a new fund dedicated to helping Ukrainians impacted by russia’s full-scale invasion rebuild their country - and their future - has been launched by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO). Featuring DGR status and fully tax deductible donations, Future Ukraine will contribute to targeted projects in the fields of rehabilitation, … [Read more...]

On 13 September 2023, the NSW Premier Chris Minns, rose in the New South Wales Parliament to present a historic motion in support of Ukraine. He moved that the NSW Parliament condemn russia’s illegal, immoral and unprovoked war;stand with the people of Ukraine in their fight to liberate their country from the russian invasion; and offer its continuing support to the 1,500 … [Read more...]

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...]

Thank you Australia for joining 31 countries in delivering interventions before the International Court of Justice - the UN’s highest court - in support of Ukraine’s case against Russia.  The intervention “demonstrates Australia’s unwavering commitment to upholding fundamental rules of international law and the integrity of the Genocide Convention,” said the Attorney … [Read more...]