The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) is deeply shocked by Pope Francis’ comments praising Russia’s imperialist and aggressive past and have joined the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ukrainian government representatives, and the Ukrainian World Congress in condemning the Pope’s words and seeking further clarification. On Friday August 25, the Pope … [Read more...]

Julian Knysh, Australian-Ukrainian filmmaker and journalist reporting for the AFUO from Kyiv, has described that notwithstanding the exhaustion of Ukrainians, the mood of  optimism and unity was unmistakeable in Kyiv on Ukrainian Independence Day this year. “People are proud to be Ukrainian. Although tired and weary from dealing with the invasion every day, crowds walked … [Read more...]

Kateryna Ilnytska, Sydney-based daughter of Colonel Ilnystkyi who was killed whilst defending Ukraine on Wednesday, was determined to tell her story to Australians to honour her father so the AFUO took it to friend of the community Chris Reason, Network 7. Thank you Chris and Channel 7 for honouring Col Ilnytskiy and helping Kateryna to share her story. Channel 7 News … [Read more...]

Dear Ukrainians and Australians, Today, we don't merely celebrate the independence of a nation; we pay tribute to the unyielding spirit of the Ukrainian people. We honour the courage, determination, and staunch resolve of Ukraine to chart its own course amidst devastating Russian aggression. In this harrowing battle for freedom, democracy, and life, we are buoyed by … [Read more...]

The AFUO is deeply saddened to learn that Colonel Sergiy Ilnytskyi, Captain of the Ukrainian National team at the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, commander of the UDA “South” detachment in the 28th Brigade, and Kyiv City Council deputy, has been tragically killed while defending Ukraine in the Donbas region. Colonel Ilnytsky won Gold for Ukraine at the Invictus Games and our … [Read more...]

Tomorrow, people around the world will celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day. Australia, known for its multiculturalism and diversity, provides the perfect backdrop for us to showcase the depth of our culture, cuisine, traditions, and the values for which we stand. We encourage each of you to participate in a personal flash mob aimed at introducing your Australian friends to … [Read more...]

Дорогі українці. Напередодні святкування Дня Незалежності України CYOA звертається до вас з важливим посланням. Багато учасників із нашого українського ком'юніті вже народилися тут в Австралії, хтось переїхав сюди багато років тому, а хтось рятуючись від страшної війни зовсім недавно. Але всіх нас поєднує не лише національна приналежність, юридичні статуси та загальна … [Read more...]

Around Australia, the Ukrainian community will commemorate a bitter-sweet Ukrainian Independence Day on Thursday, 24 August (and over the following weekend) with street rallies, concerts, on-line auctions, global human chains, flag raisings, festivals, picnics, movie screenings and proud displays of Ukrainian culture, dance, song, music, clothes and food. Bipartisan … [Read more...]

The Australian has published a response from the AFUO’s Co-Chair, Stefan Romaniw, to an inexcusable piece of journalism by Adam Creighton which appeared in Monday’s edition of the newspaper.  We know that many members of our community were similarly shocked and angered by Creighton’s article which repeated russian disinformation, bias and falsehoods. Thank you to … [Read more...]

Next week Ukrainians around the world will be uniting on Ukrainian Independence Day on 24 August and taking to the streets to form human chains - a symbol of unity of the free people of the world! In a global initiative supported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we urge you to join The Free World Gathering and show everyone that freedom is our mutual … [Read more...]