A Christmas of Warmth, Unity, and Hope: Celebrating with Our Community

UAAUNT Christmas Celebrating with Our Community

Christmas is more than a date on the calendar. It is a feeling — of warmth, belonging, and shared light. This year, our community came together to celebrate Christmas in an atmosphere filled with kindness, joy, and genuine human connection.

From the very first moments, the celebration felt special. Laughter of children, soft conversations, warm embraces, and the quiet excitement that lives only in moments when people truly feel at home. It was a Christmas where hearts were open and everyone felt seen.

The Magic of St Nicholas and Children’s Smiles

One of the most touching moments of the celebration was the arrival of St Nicholas, bringing joy, wonder, and gifts for the children. Their eyes lit up with excitement, their smiles filled the room, and for a moment time seemed to pause.

These simple yet powerful moments reminded us why traditions matter. They create a sense of safety and continuity, especially for families who have experienced displacement, change, or loss. The gifts were not just presents — they were symbols of care, love, and reassurance that this community stands together.

Irina Vasilcova and Luke Gosling

Honoured Guests and Shared Values

We were deeply honoured to welcome distinguished guests who joined us in celebrating this meaningful occasion.

Luke Gosling, Australian politician from the Labor Party and a Member of the House of Representatives, attended the celebration, showing his support for multicultural communities and the importance of unity, inclusion, and shared values. His presence was a strong reminder that community voices matter and that cultural diversity is recognised and respected at the highest levels.

We were also honoured to welcome Edvin Loren, President of the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT). His presence highlighted the vital role multicultural communities play in shaping a strong, compassionate, and inclusive society. His support reinforced the idea that diversity is not a challenge — it is a strength.

Mariia Shevchenko is a Liaison Officer of UAAUNT

A Space Where Everyone Belongs

What made this Christmas truly special was not the decorations or the program, but the atmosphere. It was warm, sincere, and deeply human. People spoke different languages, came from different backgrounds, and carried different stories — yet for this evening, we were one community.

There was a shared understanding that Christmas is about togetherness, about holding space for one another, and about creating moments where children feel safe and adults feel supported.

More Than a Celebration

This Christmas gathering was more than a festive event. It was a reflection of who we are as a community — resilient, compassionate, and united. It showed what is possible when people come together with open hearts and shared intentions.

In a world that often feels divided and rushed, this celebration reminded us of something essential:warmth is created by people, and hope grows where community lives.

We ended the evening with full hearts, grateful for every smile, every conversation, and every moment shared. This Christmas will remain not only in photos, but in memory — as a symbol of unity, kindness, and the quiet strength of being together.

Crowned with Honor: Two Ukrainian Women Shining at Miss Multicultural

In a world that is constantly searching for true leadership, cultural depth, and meaningful beauty, two Ukrainian women stepped onto the international stage and reminded everyone what real grace and purpose look like.

At the prestigious Miss Multicultural beauty pageant, Mariia Shevchenko and Irina Vasilkova earned not only crowns, but profound recognition for their vision, leadership, and cultural contribution.

Mariia Shevchenko - Queen of Benevolence / Miss Leadership Rising Star, Irina Vasilkova - Queen of Vision

A Triumph Beyond Beauty

Mariia Shevchenko was awarded the title Queen of Benevolence / Miss Leadership Rising Star,

Mariia Shevchenko was awarded the title Queen of Benevolence / Miss Leadership Rising Star

Mariia Shevchenko was awarded the title Queen of Benevolence / Miss Leadership Rising Star

While Irina Vasilkova received the distinguished crown of Queen of Vision. Both women proudly carried the title of Miss Ukraine, representing their homeland with dignity, intelligence, and deep emotional strength.

This was not simply a beauty competition — it was a celebration of values, purpose, and multicultural dialogue. Mariia and Irina demonstrated that beauty today is inseparable from leadership, compassion, and the ability to inspire others.

Leaders Beyond the Stage

What makes this achievement even more powerful is that both women are deeply involved in real community leadership.

Irina Vasilkova serves as the Vice President of UAAUNT / Queen of Vision / Miss Ukraine

Irina Vasilkova serves as the Vice President of UAAUNT (Ukrainian-Australian Association of the Northern Territory), where she plays a key role in strategic vision, cultural representation, and community development. Her title Queen of Vision reflects not only her presence on stage, but her ability to see the future clearly and lead with purpose.

Mariia Shevchenko is a Liaison Officer of UAAUNT / Queen of Benevolence / Miss Leadership Rising Star / Miss Ukraine

Mariia Shevchenko is a Liaison Officer of UAAUNT, working closely with communities, institutions, and cultural initiatives. Her role requires empathy, responsibility, and strong leadership — qualities that were powerfully echoed in her title Queen of Benevolence / Miss Leadership Rising Star.

Their pageant success became a natural extension of the work they already do every day: building bridges, representing Ukrainian voices, and strengthening multicultural connections.

Crowns Presented by Cultural Leaders

One of the most symbolic moments of the event was the official crowning ceremony, where the crowns were personally presented by Minister: Jinson Charls ( People, Sport & Culture, Disability, Arts, Youth, Seniors & Equality) . This powerful gesture elevated the pageant beyond a stage performance into a moment of national and cultural significance.

Minister: Jinson Charls , Tatiana Hoffmann -  President of UAAUNT, Irina Vasilkova - Vice President of UAAUNT, Mariia Shevchenko - Liaison Officer of UAAUNT

The recognition continued with a special meeting with the winners at Parliament, a rare honor that underlined the importance of their roles as cultural ambassadors and leaders. Their presence within the walls of Parliament symbolized respect not only for their achievements, but also for the Ukrainian community they represent.

Ukrainian Heritage on the Global Stage

Ukrainian Heritage on the Global Stage

Mariia Shevchenko is a Liaison Officer of UAAUNT / Queen of Benevolence / Miss Leadership Rising Star / Miss Ukraine

Throughout the competition, Mariia Shevchenko  and Irina Vasilkova embodied the spirit of Ukraine — resilient, elegant, intelligent, and deeply rooted in culture. Through their speeches, presence, and creative expression, they showcased Ukrainian heritage as living, evolving, and profoundly relevant in the modern world.

Mariia’s calm strength, compassion, and dedication resonated deeply with audiences and judges alike.Irina’s strategic mindset, clarity of vision, and confident leadership captivated the stage and beyond.

A Spectacular Representation of Talent and Heart

Their appearance at Miss Multicultural was nothing short of spectacular — a refined and emotional presentation of two Ukrainian women who represent far more than beauty. They represent leadership, resilience, and cultural pride.

In a time when Ukraine continues to defend its identity, culture, and future, Mariia Shevchenko and Irina Vasilkova stood as living symbols of dignity, strength, and hope.

Their crowns are more than adornments — they are a testament to service, vision, and the enduring light of Ukraine shared with the world.

Art Exhibition: “The Road to Freedom Is Bordered with Sunflowers”

When Art Becomes Action

Mariia Shevchenko (NNNII) - Exhibition“The Road to Freedom Is Bordered with Sunflowers” 

The art exhibition “The Road to Freedom Is Bordered with Sunflowers”  was created as a space where art, memory, and social responsibility could meet. What began as a visual exploration of identity and resilience evolved into a powerful community-driven project with long-lasting impact.

At the heart of the exhibition was the work of Mariia Shevchenko (NNNII) — an artist, cultural advocate, and community leader whose creative practice is deeply connected to humanitarian action. Mariia’s paintings reflect themes of freedom, displacement, hope, and the enduring strength of cultural roots. Sunflowers, a recurring symbol throughout the exhibition, represent life, continuity, and the road home — even when that road is shaped by migration.

Beyond her artistic work, Mariia has been actively involved in supporting Ukrainian refugees in Australia. Through her leadership and collaboration, she helped bring together Ukrainian organisations across Australia, strengthening cooperation within the community. As part of a dedicated team, she also contributed to a successful national initiative that supported Ukrainian refugees in obtaining Permanent Residency, helping families build stability, safety, and a future in a new country.

Every artwork presented at the exhibition was sold. Rather than ending in private collections alone, the impact of these works continued beyond the gallery walls. The funds raised were fully reinvested into the creation and printing of children’s books in two languages — Ukrainian and English.

The funds raised  Mariia Shevchenko (NNNII) children’s books in two languages — Ukrainian and English.

These books were developed with a simple but profound purpose: to ensure that children growing up in migration do not lose their connection to home. Through bedtime stories read by mothers and grandmothers, language, memory, and cultural identity are gently preserved. In moments of quiet reading, culture is carried forward — word by word, story by story.

The social and cultural significance of the project received national recognition when it was featured on the cover of Melaleuca Australia’s Annual Report 2025. Melaleuca Australia highlighted the initiative as one of the year’s successful projects that supports people and strengthens communities through creativity, compassion, and cultural preservation.

Mariia Shevchenko (NNNII) - Cover of Melaleuca Australia’s Annual Report 2025

This recognition affirmed the core belief behind the exhibition: art can do more than inspire — it can serve, protect, and unite. From paintings on canvas to books in children’s hands, “The Road to Freedom Is Bordered with Sunflowers” stands as a living example of how creativity can become a bridge between generations, cultures, and countries.

The journey continues — guided by the understanding that even far from home, culture remains a source of strength, belonging, and hope.