Thursday, 15 May 2025

Vyshyvanka Day

Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:53): Today is Vyshyvanka Day, a day which celebrates the wearing of a vyshyvanka, Ukrainian traditional dress, as a way to nurture and promote Ukrainian culture. Vyshyvankas are identified by their distinctive form of embroidery and are an iconic symbol of Ukraine. Of the many heinous acts inflicted by Russia on the Ukrainian people, one of the most insidious has been the attempt to deny and destroy culture. The wearing of such garments on days like today has therefore taken on an even greater importance over the past few years. Today I am honoured to be giving this statement wearing my new vyshyvanka, which was gifted to me as part of my recent visit to Ukraine. Last year on this day the Victorian Parliament was visited by members of our Ukrainian community for Vyshyvanka Day. For some, me included, it would be the last time that we would see the late, great Stefan Romaniw. Stefan was a powerhouse advocate for Ukraine both in Australia and across the world and was adored and respected by all who met him. We all dearly miss him. Today again the Ukrainian community has joined us in Parliament to mark this special day, and I acknowledge the presence of both the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria and the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations here. I encourage all members to join them and us in marking this important cultural day and show Ukraine that we continue to stand with them. Slava Ukraini.