Politicians among hundreds at Stand With Ukraine Brisbane rally

Hundreds of people, including several politicians, gathered in King George Square on Sunday for the Stand With Ukraine rally.

Sunday’s rally in Brisbane’s CBD. Picture: Richard Walker

Hundreds of people gathered in King George Square on Sunday for the Stand With Ukraine rally.

In an opening speech, Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc President Peter Bongiorni said: “We are here today to gather together to mark three years of Ukraine’s unbreakable resistance against Russia’s full scale invasion.”

The rally marked the third anniversary since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Picture: Richard Walker

“We honour the victims of this brutal, unprovoked war, and stand in awe of the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people.”

Mr Bongiorni said the “undeniable truth” that remained was that Ukraine stood unbroken for over a decade.

“It has defended the principles that unite all free nations - freedom, sovereignty and democracy - despite relentless attacks, war crimes and movement efforts to erase Ukraine’s identity,” he told the crowd on Sunday.

Following his speech, the sombre crowd shared a minute of silence for those who had lost their lives in the war.

Stand with Ukraine Rally at King George Square. Picture: Richard Walker

Several leaders attended the rally including Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick.

Mr Dick said he was there on behalf of the state opposition to show his support to Queenslanders who were part of the Ukrainian community.

Other leaders who were in attendance to pay their respect and give speeches were Deputy Mayor of Brisbane Fiona Cunningham representing the Lord Mayor, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hermann Vorster, Senator Paul Scarr, Member for Greenslopes Joe Kelly and retired Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan.

Hundreds attended the rally. Picture: Richard Walker

Mr Vorster said he had encountered “so many Ukrainians” who were making lives in Queensland but their hearts were aching for what they had left behind and for the future that they hoped their friends and family would be able to enjoy.

Ruslana Yashnyk and Daria Povorozniuk at the rally. Picture: Richard Walker

“They are aching, and I just hope we can find a way of healing that pain.”

Speaker Daria Povorozniuk, 30, said her husband was at war and that she had arrived in Australia five-and-a-half months pregnant.

“It was stressful,” she said.

“Can you imagine, you’re a pregnant woman in a country you have never been to with one bag and a winter jacket?” she said.

Fellow speaker Ruslana Yashnyk, 31, said Sunday marked a very important time for Ukrainians.

“This time is the anniversary, and for us, it means that we will remind people,” she said.

Originally published as Politicians among hundreds at Stand With Ukraine Brisbane rally