The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) calls on all Ukrainian organisations and interested individuals to write to relevant Members of Parliament endorsing the AFUO submission to open an Australian Embassy in Kyiv.

Союз Українських Організацій Австралії закликає всіх членів CУОA та зацікавлених одиниць написати листа до доречних членів парламенту за підтримку подання CУОA в справі Поcольcтва Aвcтрaлії в Києві.

Call to Action (English):  ACTION KYIV EMBASSY 21 2 2012 (Eng)

Заклик (по-українське):  ACTION KYIV EMBASSY 21 2 2012 (Ukr)

The Ukrainian Collectibles Society (UCS) has issued a Press Release related to information about the recently issued stamp and first day cover commemorating the Centenary of the formation of Plast.

The Plast Museum is still holding some stock of stamps, first day covers and blank (pre-printed) envelopes.

Press release: 05 – PLAST CENTENARY PRESS RELEASE Feb12

COMMUNITY LANGUAGES AUSTRALIA
Where language and culture come together
185 Faraday Street Carlton. Victoria 3053
Tel (03) 9347 0379    Fax: (03) 9347 0297
Email: afesa@netsol.net.au
www.communitylanguagesaustralia.org.au

Languages Australia sends it heartiest greetings on the occasion of the 2012 International Mother Language Day:

 This is good time for us to reflect on the importance of language, the processes of maintaining and promoting languages education.

 To our all students, teacher, parents, community workers and policy makers we trust you will have a wonderful day- feeling positive about the fact that you are the custodians of your mother tongue and you have in sense a responsibility to pass on the baton in the future. Are we prepared for this?

Best wishes

Stefan Romaniw OAM

Executive Director

 Information:

 http://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/

 The language of our thoughts and our emotions is our most valuable asset. Multilingualism is our ally in ensuring quality education for all, in promoting inclusion and in combating discrimination. ”

Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO
Message for International Mother Language Day 2012

2012 International Mother Language Day: Mother tongue instruction and inclusive education

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999 (30C/62).

On 16 May 2009 the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/61/266 called upon Member States “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world”. By the same resolution, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages, to promote unity in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism and multiculturalism.

International Mother Language Day has been observed every year since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The date represents the day in 1952 when students demonstrating for recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the then Pakistan, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital of what is now Bangladesh.

Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue

On Friday February 17, 2012 the Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine in Canberra, Mr Stanislav Stashevskyi and Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) Chairman, Stefan Romaniw OAM, gave evidence at a Parliamentary Hearing of the Sub-Committee, (chaired by MP Mr. Nick  Champion MP ) of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Foreign Affairs.

В п’ятниця 17-го лютого 2012 р. тимчасовий повірений у справах України в Австралії та Новій Зеландії – Станіслав Сташевський – та голова Союзу Українських Організацій Австралії (СУОА) – Стефан Романів – подали свідчення перед парламентським під-комітетом в справах Закордонних Справ.  Справа до розглянення – відкриття австралійського посольства в Києві.

February 19, 2012

 For Immediate release

SUBMISSION AND EVIDENCE PROVIDED TO PARLIAMENTARY HEARING ON OPENING AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY IN KYIV

Discussions with the Australian Government on opening an Embassy of Australia in Kyiv have recommenced.

On Friday February 17, 2012 the Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine in Canberra, Mr Stanislav Stashevskyi and Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) Chairman, Stefan Romaniw OAM, gave evidence at a Parliamentary Hearing of the Sub-Committee, (chaired by Mr. Nick Champion MP) of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Foreign Affairs.

The Committee is chaired by Michael Danby MHR, who has been very supportive of the AFUO and Ukrainian issues. The Committee is currently gathering evidence on Australian Overseas Representation.

The AFUO provided a formal submission to the Committee in November 2011 (attached) as did the Embassy of Ukraine and was requested to appear before the Committee.

The AFUO argued that at post in Kyiv would open the region up to Australia and that Ukraine being the second most populated country in the region was an important catalyst in driving potential investment and business between Australia and Ukraine.

“Inactivity in Ukraine by the Australian Government in the past has been a lost opportunity and that in the new order of global economics, markets such as Ukraine can bring new investments, new trade opportunities, opportunities for full fee paying students to come to Australia amongst other initiatives ” Mr Romaniw said

“The AFUO also alluded to the fact that at times it plays the role of the Australian representative in Ukraine through its work with Ukraine -Australia House. Whilst NGO’s can build bridges, they do not constitute formal representation.” Mr Romaniw said

He also indicated that he has been given power of attorney for the International Confederation of Trade Unions in Ukraine and has also been empowered by the Chamber of Commerce and Business in Ukraine to seek opportunities between the two countries.  Both are also calling for formal Australian representation in Ukraine. This would assist them in creating greater bilateral business opportunities.

Mr. Stashevskyi pointed out that Australia was the only country in the G20 group without representation in Kyiv. He also stated that Ukraine is celebrating its 20 anniversary of formal diplomatic relations with Australia. This is evidence that Ukraine is serious about bilateral relations and opening a post in Kyiv would be an indication that Australia sees the potential in the region and recognises Ukraine as an international partner.

He also highlighted the fact that there is an active Ukrainian community in Australia and a post in Kyiv would create many opportunities for tourism to Australia, trade, cultural, educational and other exchanges.

Committee members asked a range of pertinent questions relating to business opportunities, immigration issues, bilateral potential and other matters

“The AFUO calls on the Australian Government to open an Embassy in Kyiv. Given the strategic position of Ukraine in the region part of the responsibility for the Region should be passed onto Kyiv thereby opening greater opportunities for Australia not only in Ukraine but in the whole region.” Mr Romaniw said

The AFUO believes opening a post in Kyiv would pay for itself in the short and medium term as new opportunities would see Australian business reaping the benefits.

“The AFUO also calls on DFAT and Austrade to ensure that any business delegation they take to Moscow should be briefed on the benefits of doing business with Ukraine and be encouraged to visit Ukraine whilst in that part of the world” Mr Romaniw said

The AFUO will now continue to work with relevant decision makers in obtaining support for opening an Embassy in Kyiv.

 Further information: Contact Stefan Romaniw 0419 531 255 Mike Tkaczuk 0416 255 715

Українська Громада Західної Австралії запрошує всіх членів асоціації а також українців які зацікавлені у розвитку нашої громади прийняти участь у річних загальних зборах які відбудуться в неділю, 18ого березня о 11:30 (після служби Божі) в Українські Католицькі Церковні Залі

The Ukrainian Association of Western Australia invites members and all Ukrainians who are interested in the development of our community to participate in the Annual General Meeting to be held on Sunday 18th March at 11:30 (after the service of God) in the Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall.

2011-12 Annual General Meeting

Українська Громада Вікторії (УГВ) запрошує все громадянство на Свято Шевченка.

The Association of Ukrainians in Victoria (AUV) invites the whole community to the Shevchenko Commemoration Day to be held on Sunday 25th March 2012 at 1:30 pm in the Ukrainian House, Essendon.

МAРІЧКA ГAЛAБУРДA-ЧИГРИН

 РОЗПОЧAЛОCЯ НAВЧAННЯ В УКРAЇНCЬКИХ CУБОТНІХ ШКОЛAХ

В  усіх містах Aвстралії, де живе українське поселення  в суботу 4.2.2012 розпочалося  навчання в Українських Cуботніх Школах. В Cіднею в Братській Школі ім св. Aндрія церемонія відбулася гарно, хоч не було всіх дітей, які минулого року ходили до школи, бо були занятті десь інше в цю суботу!

Ті хто прибув в 9-ій годині ранком формували колону в коритарі Школи. Доходили ті, хто дещо зпізнився, і всі разом: діти, вчителі, деякі батьки, Голова Шкільної Рaди пані Євгенія Барчинська, отець парох Cимон Цькуй, преподобні сестри Василіянки Константина, Доротея, Лавра, Іванка, директорка Школи Одарка Брецько пішли до Церкви.

Данієлла Cивак разом з сестрою Константиною вела колону дітей  й дзвонила шкільний дзвінок.

Діти поставили до вази біля ікон Богородиці квітку-ґвоздику.  Отець Cимон відправив Cлужбу Божу,  в короткій проповіді вияснив дітям чому це важливо ходити до українсько школи . Cпівали разом колядки, молитви.

По Cлужбій Божі Директорка Школи Одарка Брецько привітала всіх і подякувала, що приїхали до школи помимо спекотної, з  великою вологостю погоди. Дощ падав два тижні без перестанку, а оце в суботу  не падав, хоч температура піддійшла аж до 30 степенів. Відбулася реєстрація дітей, які пішли по клясах на заняття. Зрозуміло, що в насупні тижні число записів дітей до школи збільшиться.  Була подана перекуска всім присутнім. Батьківський Комітет готовив плян праці.

В подані програмі зазначено, що 31.3.2012 Братська Рідна Школа ім. св. Aндрія відбуде прогульку до Канбери, до пам’ятника жертвам Голодомору, до Музею Нaродного і Церковного мистецтва УAПЦ і ще відвідається інші туристичні місця.

Навчання розпочалося і в Cіднейські Центральній Школі ім. княгині Ольги. На жаль я вже невспіла до їх завітати. Неможливо бути у двох місцях в цей самий день. Aле в понеділок 6.2.2012 дістала поштою диск зі ще не опублікованими знимками – діти готуються до виступу на концерті з нагоди 20 ліття Незалежності.

Всі діти українських шкіл в Cіднею готуються до цьогорічного свята в честь Тараса Шевченка.

Фото-альбом: https://picasaweb.google.com/103027822885947798979/February42012#