Posted on August 03 2022
The Association of Ukrainians in South Australia Inc. (AUSA) was formed in Adelaide on the 15th of May 1949, and it operates as an incorporated entity with membership comprising of people who support the objectives of the Association's Constitution. Most members have Ukrainian heritage. It is a membership-driven organisation providing social, cultural engagement and education services to the Ukrainian Australian community.
AUSA is governed by a Board of Management, elected by its members to guide the association to achieve its mission, meet its regulatory obligations and ensure its sustainability and viability. It is the peak body in South Australia for the Australian-Ukrainian community and is closely associated with a broad range of affiliated organisations - 4 church parishes, 7 cultural-social organisations that operate directly under our auspices, and 9 incorporated organisations that provide a forum for women’s, youth, sporting, collectibles, and other activities and events.
AUSA maintains a large community centre at 64-66 Orsmond Street, Hindmarsh, providing Ukrainian language classes (for school-aged children from kindergarten to SACE level 2) and support services for its aged and ageing members. AUSA supports a function centre, clubrooms, several dance ensembles, choirs and musical ensembles that play both Ukrainian and classical music.
In 2022 AUSA faces its greatest challenge in responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that commenced on 24 February. The invasion has caused enormous suffering and devastation in Ukraine, resulted millions of refugees fleeing the war and created enormous geo-political problems around the world. In particular, it has impacted heavily on Ukrainians throughout the world. AUSA, in conjunction with interstate Ukrainian associations, is meeting its challenge by rallying our community and our supporters to offer effective assistance to the large number of displaced Ukrainians (refugees) that have arrived in Australia and raising money to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Ukraine desperately needs all the assistance it can get, and AUSA wishes to thank the Australian governments at local, state and federal levels, Australian businesses and charitable organisations and the Australian public for the strong support their have given to this cause.
To assist displaced Ukrainians arriving in South Australia please feel free to contact bern@helpukrainiansaustralia.com.au)
Frank Fursenko
President (AUSA)
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