Russia-Ukraine war: Stand with Ukraine event to be held at Anglican Parish, Warrnambool

A Ukrainian woman says she fears for the safety of her mother, surrounded by Russian troops, as she pleads for Warrnambool to show their support.

“Ukraine seems like it is on the other side of the world, and many people here are devastated by the war. They feel helpless, like there is nothing they can do about it, which is not true. Even being so far away, we can do a lot.”

Those are the words from Warrnambool Stand with Ukraine event organiser Oksana Walters; as she pleads for people in southwest Victoria to show their support ahead of Saturday’s fundraiser.

It is being held at the Anglican Parish of Warrnambool from 4pm and hopes to raise money for hospitals in need during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

From the left: Iryna Brazhnikova with her children Maxim and Denis, Valerie Cameron, Oksana Walters and Olena Naumenkova with her child Michael.

The money raised will go towards a number of hospitals in Ukraine, depending on the movement of Russian troops.

“The hospitals are suffering; they need equipment and medical aid,” Oksana said.

Mother-of-two Iryna Brazhinikova moved from Luhansk, East Ukraine, to Warrnambool 10 years ago but her family, including her mum, are in the middle of the conflict.

“We have broken hearts; we are crying. You don’t know how to feel. We tried to invite our parents here as well. Mama, she can’t come now because the Russian army surrounds her. Even if she tries to go by herself in her car, they will try to shoot it.”

Iryna said she was grateful for the support through fundraisers including Warrnambool’s concert.

Warrnambool Ukraine mothers Olena Naumenkova and Iryna Brazhnikova.

“It’s good how welcoming people have been to come and support our families in Ukraine. It would be very nice if people came on Saturday (today),” she said.

Olena Naumenkova moved to Australia from Ukraine eight years ago and like many other families, has not heard from her cousin in Ukraine.

“I have not heard from her for a week, and I’m not sure if she’s OK. She stays in a little village, and I’m not sure if it is just no connection,” she said.

Olena says every time she puts her son to bed, she thinks of her friend‘s children the same age.

“I’m having breakfast in the morning, and I think of my friends sitting in a basement,” she said.

Iryna Brazhnikova with her children Maxim and Denis, and Olena Naumenkova with her child Michael.

Kyrgyzstan musician and Stand with Ukraine concert co-ordinator Ruslan Osmonov will be performing Ukrainian songs and one of his compositions.

The concert will be an ensemble of classical music, the line-up including the Cantori Choir, Trio in Cognito, Eleanor Donelan, Warren Easley, South-West Harpist and more.

Warrnambool Stand with Ukraine concert co-ordinator Ruslan Osmonov.

Market stalls and a donations box to drop off essentials such as hygiene products and food will be there for displaced women and children from Ukraine who are now landing in Australia for safety.

The Warrnambool community can donate goods until 3pm at the Anglican Parish of Warrnambool on Saturday, March 26.

The market will start at 4pm, with the concert beginning at 5pm for a 7pm finish.