🎉 Congratulations to the New Members of the AFUO Resolution Committee!

Mariia Shevchenko - newest members of the Resolution Committee of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO).

We are excited to welcome Марія Шевченко and Томас Мілєнович as the newest members of the Resolution Committee of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO). Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to the Ukrainian-Australian community will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our organisation and advocate for Ukraine.

The Resolution Committee plays a vital role in shaping the direction of our work, ensuring our values are upheld, and guiding the development of key initiatives. We are confident that Марія and Томас will bring fresh perspectives and a strong sense of responsibility to this important work.

As part of the XXIX AFUO Conference and Triennial General Meeting, we adopted a new resolution that reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian-Australian community. Here is an excerpt from the resolution:

"The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the Ukrainian people’s right to self-determination. We will continue to work closely with the Australian government, international partners, and community organisations to provide assistance, raise awareness, and advocate for justice and peace."

We thank Марія Шевченко and Томас Мілєнович for stepping into these important roles and look forward to their contributions in helping us achieve these goals.

Ярослав Дума, Марко Павлишин, Одарка Брецко, Марія Шевченко,Томас Мілєновіч - Resolution Committee of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO)

We are proud to introduce and congratulate the members of the Resolution Committee of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO). This dedicated team plays a crucial role in guiding our organisation, ensuring our values are upheld, and shaping the direction of our advocacy and community work.

The Resolution Committee consists of five outstanding individuals who bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and dedication to serving the Ukrainian-Australian community:

✅ Ярослав Дума – A seasoned community advocate, Ярослав’s leadership and experience strengthen the committee’s ability to address key issues and support the needs of the Ukrainian diaspora.

✅ Марко Павлишин – A respected academic and community leader, Марко brings deep expertise in Ukrainian studies and a long-standing commitment to preserving and promoting Ukrainian culture and identity in Australia.

✅ Одарка Брецко – A committed community organizer, Одарка’s focus on cultural preservation and community empowerment adds invaluable perspective to the committee’s work.

✅ Марія Шевченко – With a strong background in community service, Марія is passionate about fostering connections and advancing initiatives that benefit both the Ukrainian-Australian community and Ukraine.

✅ Томас Мілєновіч – Bringing fresh energy and a thoughtful approach, Томас is dedicated to ensuring the voices of the community are heard and represented effectively within the AFUO.

Their collective experience and dedication will help AFUO continue to advocate for our community and Ukraine.

Together, we are stronger. Slava Ukraini! 💙💛

#AFUO #ResolutionCommittee #CommunityLeadership #StrongerTogether #SlavaUkraini

🏛️ XXIX AFUO Conference & Triennial General Meeting – A Historic Milestone

XXIX AFUO Conference & Triennial General Meeting – A Historic Milestone

This past weekend, we proudly held the XXIX AFUO Conference and Triennial General Meeting, bringing together participants from every state and territory across Australia. It was a truly historic event that highlighted the unity, dedication, and strength of the Ukrainian-Australian community.

I am deeply honoured to have been elected as the Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO). I step into this role with great respect and gratitude, following in the footsteps of my dear friend, mentor, and irreplaceable leader, Stefan Romaniw. His dedication has left an indelible mark, and I am committed to continuing his legacy. Together with a strong and passionate team, I look forward to working tirelessly for the benefit of our community and Ukraine. 💪🇺🇦

A very warm welcome to the new members of our board—your energy and vision will be invaluable as we move forward. And a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing board members, including Iryna Andreeva, Jarema Polatajko, and Stephan Chomyn, for your years of hard work, dedication, and service. Your contributions have strengthened our organisation and community.

New President of AFUO - Kateryna Argyrou

We also extend our congratulations to Kateryna Argyrou, the new President of AFUO. Her leadership, dedication, and vision will guide us through the next chapter, and we are excited to work together to serve our community and advocate for Ukraine.

A special note of congratulations also goes out to our colleagues at UAAUNT—your ongoing support and collaboration are vital as we continue to advocate for Ukraine and the Ukrainian-Australian community.

Together, we are stronger. Slava Ukraini! 💙💛

#AFUO #CommunityLeadership #StrongerTogether #SlavaUkraini #NewLeadership

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 in Darwin 💜✨

celebrating women's day 2025

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, the City of Darwin hosted a vibrant and inspiring celebration for International Women’s Day, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor the rights, achievements, and empowerment of women and girls everywhere.

A Day of Unity, Strength, and Celebration

The morning began at the Civic Centre courtyard, where attendees gathered for a special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. The atmosphere was filled with energy, pride, and solidarity as music and entertainment set the tone for the day.

The city walk was a beautiful display of unity, with women, men, families, and community groups marching together through Darwin’s streets. Led by the Kool Kats, Roving Performers, and inspiring guests, the walk ended at Civic Park, where the celebrations continued.

Event Highlights

🎤 Inspirational Speeches – Guest speakers shared powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and equality, reminding us of the importance of women’s voices in shaping our future.

📚 Community & Information Stalls – Attendees explored interactive displays and connected with local organizations supporting women’s rights and empowerment.

🎭 Live Performances & Entertainment – A mix of music, performances, and activities kept the crowd engaged and uplifted throughout the morning.

🍔 Free BBQ & Food Trucks – The community came together to share a meal, engage in meaningful conversations, and celebrate achievements.

🚌 Family-Friendly Fun – With a Fun Bus for kids and refreshments provided by Power and Water, the event was welcoming to all generations.

A Message of Gratitude and Empowerment

To all the incredible women of the world, in Australia, and within the UAANT community—today, we celebrate you! Your strength, resilience, and contributions make the world a better place. Whether as leaders, caregivers, innovators, or change-makers, your impact is immeasurable.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Darwin, the organizers, volunteers, and participants for making this event a resounding success. Together, we continue to champion gender equality, justice, and a brighter future for all.

💜 Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s continue to lift each other up, break barriers, and make a difference—every day!

#IWD2025 #WomenEmpowerment #UAANT #InternationalWomensDay #StrongerTogether #DarwinNT #EqualityForAll #CelebrateWomen #WomenInLeadership