The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused one of the greatest increases in displaced persons since WWII. The repercussions of this war have been felt across the world, both in terms of economic and human cost.
Tasmania, though extremely distant from the events, has since last year, become host to a small group of Ukrainian arrivals. They have been supported by the small, but long-standing Ukrainian community of Tasmania, who have kept many cultural traditions alive.
Anna was one of these arrivals in early 2021. Her husband Oleh had observed the Russian build up of forces on the border and recommended that they go with their infant son to Portugal for a while. However, they had never anticipated the full extent of what was to come.
They chose Tasmania because it was far away, and they had a connection in Hobart. When they arrived they were also pleased to find there was a existing Ukrainian community here.
In Tasmania, Anna has continued to pursue her passion for Ukrainian folk art and used to sell some of her art work at Hobart's Salamanca Market, and used the funds to support her family and Ukraine in this incredibly challenging moment in its history.
Music : ''Хай живе, вільна Україна'' (Long live, free Ukraine!), composed by Petro Prosko.
