Iryna Vasylykova: Championing the Ukrainian Community in the Northern Territory

Maxsim and Iryna Vasylykova

We are proud to share the inspiring journey of Iryna Vasylykova, Vice President of the Ukrainian-Australian Association of the Northern Territory (UAANT). From her roots in Ukraine to her impactful work in Darwin, Iryna’s dedication to supporting and empowering the Ukrainian community in Australia is nothing short of remarkable.

As a key leader in UAANT, Iryna has been at the forefront of:✅ Advocating for displaced Ukrainians and their rights.✅ Strengthening cultural ties between Australia and Ukraine.✅ Fostering a sense of belonging for new arrivals in the Northern Territory.

🌟 A Historic Milestone for UAANTOne of the most significant achievements under Iryna’s leadership is UAANT’s first official representation at the XXIX Congress of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) in Melbourne (March 14-16, 2025). This milestone marks a historic step in amplifying the Northern Territory’s Ukrainian community on a national stage, deepening collaboration with Ukrainian organisations across Australia, and ensuring the voices of displaced Ukrainians are heard.

💙 Building a Stronger FutureThrough her passion and commitment, Iryna not only provides immediate support to those in need but also lays the foundation for a thriving, united Ukrainian-Australian community. Her work is a powerful reminder that cultural preservation and community spirit are essential in overcoming challenges and shaping a brighter future.

We thank Iryna for her unwavering dedication and celebrate this historic moment for UAANT and the Ukrainian community in the Northern Territory. Together, we are stronger!

#UAANT #AFUO #UkrainiansInAustralia #CommunityLeadership #CulturalHeritage #StrongerTogether #UkrainianPride #NorthernTerritory

Outstanding Ukrainians of Larrakia: Promoting Culture and Education

Olena Zemaitis and her workshop Ukrainian Motanka doll

On Harmony Day, which celebrates multiculturalism and mutual respect, Ukrainian Olena Zemaitis held a workshop for students at Larrakeyah Primary School on creating a Ukrainian Motanka doll. More than 100 people experienced the richness of Ukrainian cultural traditions. Her contribution to promoting and preserving Ukrainian culture in Australia is a significant achievement for the Ukrainian diaspora.

 Larrakeyah Primary School on creating a Ukrainian Motanka doll

💙 Motanka Doll: An Ancient Tradition with Deep Meaning

The history of the Motanka doll dates back over five thousand years. In ancient times, these dolls served as charms – they symbolized well-being, protection, and were an essential part of the lives of early Ukrainians. The tradition of making Motanka dolls as protective amulets for children remains relevant today.

Holding this workshop at Larrakeyah Primary School was an important step in preserving and sharing Ukrainian cultural heritage with the younger generation in Australia. We are proud that Olena Zemaitis was able to bring this ancient tradition to schools and foster intercultural dialogue.

🏅 Achievements of Ukrainian Students

In addition to the exciting workshop, Larrakeyah Primary School held an awards ceremony recognizing student achievements. We are especially proud to highlight that two awards were received by students with Ukrainian heritage:

Olexandra Hutsol – awards excellence in mathematics

Sasha Zemaitis – for outstanding achievements in reading

Olexandra Hutsol – for excellence in mathematics

These talented students and Alexis Zemaitis proudly wore traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts (vyshyvankas) and celebrated their cultural heritage. The entire Ukrainian community of Larrakia is proud of you and wishes you continued success in your studies!

Their achievements not only reflect their dedication and hard work but also highlight the importance of preserving cultural identity while excelling in education. By wearing their vyshyvankas, they shared a piece of Ukrainian history and tradition with their peers, fostering cultural understanding and pride.

We believe that recognizing and celebrating diversity in schools helps build a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Sasha and Olexandra’s success is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian community and a reminder that cultural heritage can be a source of inspiration and achievement.

Olena Zemaitis and Principal - Fathma Mauger

We also extend a special thanks to the teachers, staff, and Principal Fathma Mauger for encouraging cultural diversity and supporting students in their academic and personal growth. Your dedication to creating an inclusive learning environment makes a difference in the lives of all students and helps cultural traditions flourish.

This celebration at Larrakeyah Primary School is a shining example of how cultural exchange enriches the educational experience and fosters mutual respect and understanding. Events like these not only honor the achievements of students but also promote a sense of belonging and community spirit, allowing children to feel proud of their heritage while contributing to a multicultural society.

We are incredibly proud of Sasha Zemaitis, Alexis Zemaitis and Olexandra Hutsol and look forward to seeing more achievements from Ukrainian youth in the future. Your hard work and dedication inspire us all—keep reaching for the stars! 🌟

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and community members who continue to support and nurture these bright young minds. Your efforts to preserve and share Ukrainian culture play a vital role in keeping traditions alive for future generations.

Together, we will continue to celebrate diversity, promote education, and build a stronger, more inclusive community. Congratulations once again to Sasha and Olexandra—you are a source of pride for all of us! 💙💛

#UkrainiansInAustralia #LarrakeyahPrimarySchool #MotankaDoll #HarmonyDay #CulturalHeritage #ProudUkrainians #UAAUNT #EducationAndCulture

Meeting with Assistant Minister Hon Julian Hill

Meeting with Assistant Minister Hon Julian Hill, Harmony Day 2025

Mariia Shevchenko, Liaison Officer of UAANT, participated in an important meeting with Assistant Minister Hon Julian Hill and the Regional Director North at Melaleuca Australia. The meeting addressed key issues concerning Ukrainian and Lebanese refugees.

💬 Main topics discussed:

• Support for Ukrainian refugees and simplifying the transition to the humanitarian visa 786, 866 – Mariia emphasized the importance of granting Ukrainian refugees the right to permanent residency in Australia through the humanitarian visa.

• Assistance for Lebanese refugees – UAANT expressed readiness to support Lebanese refugees and explore ways to provide assistance to this community.

• Opening language and cultural schools for children – The discussion included creating schools to preserve Ukrainian culture and language among refugee children. The Minister confirmed that the government plans to allocate grants for establishing such schools.

This meeting was a significant step toward ensuring the rights and freedoms of Ukrainian refugees and strengthening cooperation with the Australian government to support cultural heritage and integration.

🌍 Representatives from other communities who attended the meeting:

• Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs – Nikolay Nikolaev, Community Liaison Officer

• Melaleuca Executive Director – Erin Plumb

• Melaleuca Director – Kwame Selormey

• Latvia Community President – Reinis Dancis

• Muslim Association President – Abdul Bajwa Ahmadiyya

• Filipino Association President – Emcille

• Jews Association President – Vida Goodvach

• Bangladesh Association President – Noorin Sama

• Kenya Association President – Paul Wachira

• Ukrainian- Australian Association of NT – Liaison Officer, UAANT Mariia Shevchenko

  
  

Bangladesh Association President – Noorin Sama

Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs – Nikolay Nikolaev, Community Liaison Officer

Jews Association President – Vida Goodvach

Kenya Association President – Paul Wachira

Muslim Association President – Abdul Bajwa Ahmadiyya

Melaleuca Director – Kwame Selormey

Filipino Association President – Emcil

Assistant Minister Hon Julian Hill and Liaison Officer, UAANT Mariia Shevchenko

Luke Gosling, Australian Labor Party and Liaison Officer, UAANT Mariia Shevchenko

This meeting successfully united representatives of various ethnic communities to address shared challenges and find effective ways to support refugees. Collaborative efforts and engagement with the government are paving the way for a better future for those in need of protection and assistance.

#AFUO #UAAUNT #SupportUkraine #StrengthOfUkrainianWomen #UkrainiansInAustralia #TogetherToVictory #HumanitarianVisa866 #RefugeeSupport