In a bipartisan show of support for Ukraine, the 60th Parliament of Victoria has established a Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Ukraine Group, to strengthen ties between Ukraine and Victoria and foster trade, rebuilding and cultural/travel exchange programs.  Co-convened by the Hon Lee Tarlamis MLC (Labor) and the Hon Matthew Guy MP (Liberal), the group numbers … [Read more...]

The AFUO congratulates Mr Peter Bongiorni, President of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc, who has won the "Minister’s Multicultural Award" at the 2023 Multicultural Queensland Awards.  The award recognises outstanding contributions to multiculturalism in Queensland. The Hon Leanne Linard, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, congratulated Mr Bongiorni … [Read more...]

The Dog House Australia is a heartwarming television series that sees rescue dogs placed in a new ‘forever home’. Network 10 is seeking families and individuals from different backgrounds in the Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane areas, who would like to adopt a rescue dog. They are particularly interested in speaking to Australian-Ukrainian families who might be interested … [Read more...]

Around Australia, the Ukrainian community marked Ukrainian Independence Day last week 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. The spirit of freedom, independence and pride in Ukrainian culture and identity was … [Read more...]

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...]