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 17 members from across the political spectrum.
Ms Chrestyna Kmetj, Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) Board member and liaison for the group, said today “We are very grateful that Victorian Parliamentarians have stepped up in force to stand with Ukraine and further develop the connections between our countries.
“Besides providing the community with support, attending our events and helping us to prevent ‘Ukraine fatigue’, the group will be invaluable in generating a positive and productive relationship with Ukraine,” she added.
Upcoming events to be organised by the group include a movie event for parliamentary members; exploring the potential for a sister city relationship with a region in Ukraine; participating in AFUO and Ukrainian World Congress commemorations of the 90th anniversary of the man-made famine in Ukraine, the Holodomor, later this year; and support for the local diaspora and community via programs and financial assistance.
Both Tarlamis and Guy attended Ukrainian Independence Day events in Melbourne last week, where they spoke of the importance of continued support for Ukraine and the defense of its territorial integrity, the fight to uphold the rules based international order and highlighted the strength and unity of Ukrainian people and their unwavering spirit to achieve victory.
The Victorian Government, with the assistance of Tarlamis, also had 13 significant sights around Melbourne lit in blue and yellow on Ukrainian Independence Day on 24 August 2023. This coincided with a gathering of the community at Federation Square and the raising of the Ukrainian flag.
For a list of the group’s members and its objectives, click here
