Chief Minsiter says the Territory is ‘ready and willing’ to offer temporary housing to displaced Ukrainians

Chief Minister Michael Gunner says the Territory is ready and willing to temporarily house displaced Ukrainians.

PARLIAMENT house and government house both illuminated in the blue and yellow of Ukraine as the Chief Minister says the is ready to assist displaced Ukrainians.

Ukraine is currently in the midst of war against the invading Russian military.

In the week since the start of the invasion the world has rallied behind Ukraine with the Civic Centre having lit up in the colours all week.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he had also spoke to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to show that the Territory was ready and willing to house displaced Ukrainians.

“The NT stands in solidarity with the rest of Australia in our support of Ukraine and in our absolute condemnation of Russia for its completely unjustified attack on its neighbour,” Mr Gunner said.

“It is heartbreaking to see the toll this aggression has already take on innocent Ukrainians. Parliament House lighting up with the Ukraine colours is a show of support.

“I have contacted the Prime Minister and let him know the Territory stands ready and willing to offer humanitarian assistance.

“That includes temporary residence at the Centre for National Resilience for those Ukrainians currently displaced – knowing though that their greatest desire is to not leave the place they love and call home.”

NT Administrator Vicki O’Halloran said government house would be illuminating to show support for Ukraine and Australians of Ukrainian heritage.

“The illumination of Government House, a survivor of the impacts of war, in the national colours of Ukraine is a way to demonstrate our enduring support for peace,” Ms O’Halloran said.

“Only weeks ago Territorians joined together in remembrance of the impacts of war on our home soil. This weekend, we demonstrate that we stand in solidarity in supporting Ukraine.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this conflict.”

City of Darwin lights up in support of Ukraine

A SHROUD of blue and yellow lights will surround the City of Darwin Civic Centre this week in a show of support for Ukraine.

The European country is currently in the midst of war against Russian military aggression.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis stated it is important people living in Western democracies let Ukrainians know they are supported in their desire to live in peace and be free.

While there is little Darwin can do to directly aid Ukraine Mr Vatskalis said it was a way of showing the invaded country that they were not alone.

“What has happened to Ukraine is unacceptable on any level,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The Ukrainians are just like you and me and they want to live their lives enjoying the freedoms we in Australia take for granted.

“They want to be able to elect their own governments and to have a say in the direction of their country.

“And while there is little we in Darwin can do in a practical sense, we can show we are opposed to the violence Russia has unleased on the people of Ukraine.”

Darwin residents converged on the Civic Centre on the first night of the lights to get together and work out ways they can help Ukraine.

Tatiana Hoffmann was born in Ukraine and grew up in neighbouring Poland before moving to Australia but many of her family members are still in the country of her birth.

She gathers with other members of the Darwin Ukraine community to show her support and work out ways they can help those still in her home country.

“At this stage we’re gathering to show our support and love for Ukraine,” Ms Hoffmann said.

“We discuss how we can help but also talk about the history of our country which Russia has ruled for so long. We want to spread awareness.

“My aunt is there and she’s heard the bombs. And my dad is there and can’t leave. I send them messages every day just hoping to get a response.

“We’re looking to fundraise and do what we can. Doesn’t matter what country we’re from if we can help in any way that will go a long way for the people in Ukraine.

“We do not want this war in the Ukraine to happen. It’s so scary.”

The Civic Centre will be lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag for at least the next week.

Ukrainians living in Darwin band together to encourage Territory support

A UKRAINIAN woman living in Darwin has called for Territorian support and is sharing her story to shine a light on the gravity of what is occurring on the other side of the globe.

Since Russia began to invade her homeland Ukraine, Yuliia Shchedrovska has felt hopelessness and despair as she watches the atrocities unfold from abroad.

Yuliia Shchedrovska and her daughter Nataliia Taberko holding signs in support of their home country Ukraine. Picture: Supplied.

With her mother who lives in Zaporizhzhya, an eastern part of Ukraine, stuck in peril – she can only go west but that is a journey which would take her right across the war stricken country.

Ms Shchedrovska says she feels helpless in the situation.

“What I’m really worried about is that she just cannot get out, there’s nobody that could come and get her and she has not got a driver’s license,” Ms Shchedrovska said.

“Everything is shut and there are sirens going off all of the time.”

A sombre reality for Ms Shchedrovska is that safety was only little over three weeks away for her mother – flights were booked for her to land in Darwin on March 8 – a planned visit, the first time since the pandemic started.

When war began to look like a possible reality, Ms Shchedrovska urged her mother to get on the next flight to Australia.

But instead her mother insisted, ‘there was not going to be a war, this is the 21st century and I have work’.

Empty streets and closed shops are seen during a curfew imposed from Saturday 5pm to Monday 8am local time on Sunday February 27, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Explosions and gunfire were reported around Kyiv as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues. Picture: Chris McGrath/Getty Images.

By the time it was too late, Ms Shchedrovska’s mother tried to flee but by then, airports around the country were shutting down at a rapid pace and trains were cancelled.

Ukraine was declared a state of war. “I would rather be there with her,” she said.

“I have never wanted anything as much as now, I want to wake up in the morning and hear the sizzling sound in the kitchen … my mum making her signature pancakes.”

Feeling powerless, Ms Shchedrovska choked up while sharing her story of a war which seems so distant to the average Australian, but is in the backyard of every Ukrainians mind.

A large crowd gather in support of Ukraine on Hindmarsh Square in Adelaide on Sunday. Pictured on the 27 Feb, 2022. Picture: Tricia Watkinson.

With sheer will and grit, the proud Ukrainian is fighting her fears and banding together with 18 other Ukrainians living in Darwin, in bid to start a movement of support from Territorians.

A group of Ukranians living in Darwin urge Territorians to support Ukraine through the current crisis. Picture Julianne Osborne.

Ms Shchedrovska said there were masses of volunteers who were joining the Ukrainian army but did not have basic protection like helmets and body armour.

“They are facing invaders without enough protection,” she said.

“Ukrainians are standing strong as a Nation, sharing food, medicine, and shelters, while Ukrainian Army is defending the land and saving lives of Ukrainian people.

“I’m asking everyone who can help, please, donate to the official portal that was created by the National Bank of Ukraine in support of the Ukrainian Army.”

“Helping to save lives of those saving lives.”

To show financial support of the Ukraine crisis, click the link here and switch the National Bank of Ukraine website translation to English.