Continuing our annual program of Vyshyvanka Day at Victorian Parliament, AFUO Board Member Chrestyna Kmetj met with the bipartisan Friends of Ukraine Group, along with, President of Association of Ukrainians in Victoria (AUV) Eugene Hawryszko and Secretary of AUV Ashley Awramenko.
Michael Galea MP proudly wore his vyshyvanka, following his recent visit to Ukraine. He began Vyshyvanka Day with a Mention to the Victorian Legislative Council, attended by Chrestyna Kmetj and Ashley Awramenko. Noting his recent visit, the significance of cultural identity of Ukrainians particularly since the full scale invasion of Ukraine, he movingly recalled that it was Vyshyvanka Day of 2024 that was the last visit of our late 
Stefan Romaniw OAM, Co-Chair of the AFUO, to the Victorian Parliament.
Members of Victorian Parliament Friends of Ukraine Group met with Co-Chairs Lee Tarlamis MP and Matthew Guy MP noting that the Parliament stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its people around the world and acknowledge their courage, bold defiance and unbreakable spirit.
Vyshyvanka is a powerful symbol of national identity and unity for Ukrainians. This day invites reflection on cultural heritage and serves as a powerful expression of pride, especially in light of russia’s full-scale illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine and the abhorrent destruction and the ongoing struggle for Ukraine and its people.
Wearing a vyshyvanka has become a bold statement of resilience and unity.
Joining Vyshyvanka Day were Sam Groth MP, Wendy Lovell MP, Cindy McLeish MP, Kathleen Matthews-Ward MP and Natalie Suleyman MP. Thank you for your support!
