Концерт до 30го річчя незаложностi Україні
30th Anniversary of  Ukrainian Independence Concert

(September 12 2021)

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President’s Message

 

I am happy to say that our 30th Independence Day Concert and Dinner at the Macedonian Cultural Centre was a success.  Representing the Minister for Finance; Lands; Sports and Recreation; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, Dr Tony Buti MLA was the Executive Director of OMI, Mr James Jegasothy  and the Minister’s Policy Advisor, Mr Said Padshah,

 

I had the opportunity to speak to our Ambassador Dr Mykola Kulinich during the week wishing him and his wife a safe return to Ukraine. The Ambassador conveyed his apologies for not being at our event due to travel restrictions and his imminent departure to Ukraine.  The Ambassadors which were penned for all Ukrainian communities in Australia, are below

 

The last couple of years have been poignant and important ones not only for our community but the overall Ukrainian community of Australia. In late 1948 our parents, grandparents and for some even grand grandparents began arriving from war torn Europe. In October 1948 a boatload of men arrived in WA and began work on the Mundaring Weir Upgrade.  Some of these men returned and settled in Perth and this is where our history begins, when a meeting was called in October 1949 and a organizational committee was formed. Then on February 25, 1950, an AGM was held, and a full committee was elected. On March 18, 1951 after the second AGM the UAWA adopted a constitution which was formally incorporated on September 3rd 1951.  This year our UAWA is 70 years old.

 

The Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian School, had its beginnings as several schools scattered in several suburbs and was amalgamated under the guidance of the late Maria Mencinsky, OAM.  The school officially commenced operations on March 3rd, 1950, and in doing so fulfilled the association’s cultural and educational commitment to this day.

In the last edition I wrote about Ukrainian President Zelensky’s statement which he made on July 16 of this year, at a session of Ukraine’s parliament on the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of the Declaration of State Sovereignty “Ladies and Gentlemen!  Enough quarrelling and discord. Enough manipulating and political games. Let's not divide Ukrainians and ourselves into groups, left or right; red or blue. We need to stop being politicians; it is time to become statesmen. People must not have a big appetite, but a big dream about a united, strong, and invincible Ukraine. This is my dream. And my goal. I am sure it is yours, too. Let us take care of one another! Let us protect our sovereignty! Let us save Ukraine!”

 

I join with the President’s words in saying, “It doesn't matter where we were born, it doesn't matter how old we are or what language we speak, the only thing that matters: Ukraine and its future; only together and united can we change everything for the better.”   On this cherished day, may Ukraine prosper, may peace reign over her lands and may she continue to move unwavering in advancement of democratic principles like the ones we live in, in Australia.

 

I wish everyone health, happiness, and success in all your endeavours.

 

Congratulations Ukraine on your 30th Anniversary of Independence

 

 

Многая Літа - Слава Україні

Many “Happy” Years - Glory to Ukraine.

Mykola Mowczan

 

 

(excerpts from address at the 30th Independence Day Concert