The Ukrainian community across Australia will mark Ukrainian Independence Day (24 August) with a packed weekend of celebrations, including special guests from Ukraine, festivals, markets, concerts, dinners, rallies, charity auctions and the unfurling of the world’s largest Ukrainian flag at Barangaroo, Sydney.
Key AFUO member events include:
Sydney
- Spirit in Colour Concert – Sat 23 Aug, 6:00–9:30pm, NIDA Parade Theatre
- World’s Largest Ukrainian Flag Unfurling – Sun 24 Aug, 11:30am, Barangaroo Reserve
Melbourne
- Ukrainian Independence Evening – Fri 22 Aug, 7:00–11:30pm, Essendon Community Centre
- Ukrainian Independence Day Market – Sun 24 Aug, from 10:30am, Essendon Community Centre
Brisbane – Ukrainian Festival Brisbane 2025 – Sat 23 Aug, from 11:00am, Holland Park West
Adelaide – Ukrainian Independence Day Concert– Sun 24 Aug, 3:30–5:30pm, Hindmarsh
Perth – Independence Day Luncheon & Concert– Sun 24 Aug, 12:00–3:00pm, Maylands
Canberra – Rally at russian Embassy – Sat 23 Aug, 10:00–11:00am, Griffith
Hobart – Ukrainian Market Hobart – Sun 24 Aug, 12:00–4:00pm, Moonah
Online – Charity Auction: https://go.rallyup.com/ua-independence-2025/Campaign/Details
See full list of AFUO member events here, incl Geelong, Noble Park and Ardeer. 1
Media talent available includes:
- Special guests from Ukraine: distinguished military leader Lt-Colonel Berezovskyi, Head of the Odesa State Emergency Services Colonel Fedkalov, and acclaimed singer Julia Sanina, lead vocalist of The Hardkiss (Sydney only)
- Displaced Ukrainians in Australia sharing their personal stories.
- Community members with family and friends on the frontline in Ukraine.
Kateryna Argyrou, Chair, Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) said this Ukrainian Independence Day is especially important.
“Ukraine is being tested in unimaginable ways by Russia’s illegal and genocidal invasion. At a time of high-stakes discussions, we celebrate proudly to remind the world of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, culture, and democracy – and to show our families, friends and loved ones in Ukraine that we stand with them,” said Ms Argyrou.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian community in Australia has:
- Welcomed more than 7,000 displaced Ukrainians seeking safety
- Raised approximately $20 million through the Ukraine Crisis Appeal and Future Ukraine, AFUO’s humanitarian aid charities
- Supplied protective gear, vehicles, and life-saving equipment to defenders through the Defend Ukraine Appeal
- Rallied, advocated, and raised awareness about Russia’s brutal and illegal war
The community has been deeply moved by Australia’s military and humanitarian support. At the same time, it continues to advocate for critical military aid and calls on the Australian Government to close the sanctions loophole that allows Russian-linked fuel into Australia, generating more than $2 billion since February 2023 in revenue for the Kremlin.
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- Please kindly note that this is not a complete list of Ukrainian events / organisations in Australia. AFUO focuses on promoting its member organisations, but we welcome all Ukrainian initiatives and encourage you to seek information and attend as many events as possible. Together we stand strong! ↩︎
