The Association of Ukrainians in Geelong proudly display their cultural identity with a magnificent mural painted on the exterior of the Geelong Ukrainian community hall!
The stunning mural – now the subject of a stirring video – serves to remind people that the community’s love for Ukrainian culture, tradition and values remains stronger than ever, particularly as Ukraine enters the third year of russia’s unlawful, full scale invasion.
Geelong community member Luba Pryslak says in the video “Everyone in Ukraine has to know that we and the world haven’t forgotten what’s happening – and that [the people in Ukraine are] supported’.
Mural advisor Christy Chudosnik says “We wanted to make sure we were showcasing elements of Ukrainian culture that were deeply important to identity, and creating timeless pieces that spoke to the generations that came before us, and to the future.”
The mural is showcased on the Geelong Ukrainian community hall in Pakington Street, which is the site of the annual parade held during Pako Festa, the largest multicultural festival in Victoria.
The Geelong Ukrainian community proudly celebrates its culture in festivals such as Pako Festa. Walking in the parade as a community, alongside dancers from the Lehenda Ukrainian Dance Company, plus selling traditional Ukrainian food and cultural items at the festival, promotes and emboldens the importance of preserving and celebrating Ukrainian culture.
Acknowledging the importance of community within the Australian Ukrainian diaspora, particularly at this time of war in Ukraine, Chrestyna Kmetj, Executive member of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations says in the video, “Regardless of where we live in the world, being Ukrainian is in our blood and in our DNA”.
