Ukrainian families bring culture and cause together at Mama’s Market

THE Geelong Ukrainian Women’s Association will hold its fifth annual Mama’s Market on 9 May, as the volunteer-run event continues to raise funds for grassroots aid in Ukraine while also providing support and connection for local Ukrainian families.

The market, which will be held at Ukrainian House in Geelong from 10am to 3pm, has grown from a modest fundraising idea to a major community event which plays an essential role in fundraising and cultural connection.

“We didn’t expect it to be as successful as it has been thus far,” event organiser Maria Lubczenko said. “We don’t raise millions, but we do what we can in our own little way.”

Lubczenko said the market was first established in 2022 and is scheduled around Mother’s Day so families can combine a day out with buying a gift for mum.

This year’s event comes as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, with organisers saying the need for humanitarian support remains acute.

“The reason why we started doing it was really to fundraise when the full-scale invasion occurred in Ukraine,” Lubczenko said. “The war is continuing. It’s in its fourth year, and the accumulative destruction and damage that has been done is more than ever.”

She said the money raised is directed to grassroots organisations in Ukraine, including groups helping people near the frontlines, families who have lost homes, and animals left behind during evacuations.

The association, which has been part of Geelong for 70 years, also supports newly arrived Ukrainians living in Australia, providing social connection, practical assistance and a tie to Ukrainian culture.

“It is about moral support and social support, which are really quite important when you’re in a strange country,” Lubczenko said.

That support has been vital for Oksana and her children, Alina, 19, and Maksyn, 10, who moved to Australia four years ago and have since become active members of the local Ukrainian community.

“The first year was so stressful,” Alina said. “A different culture, environment … I was 15 years old at a new school … with no language – it was hard.”

She said the Ukrainian community in Geelong helped the family settle. “We found out about the community of Ukrainians. They helped us, we are so grateful,” she said.

The family is regularly seen helping at Ukrainian House, and Oksana said it is very important for her to find ways to give back to those still in the Ukraine – including her own family and loved ones – now that she and her children have found a safe place to live over here.

“Ukrainian people have a mentality – be strong, support each other,” Alina said.

Traditional Ukrainian food, clothing, gifts, flowers, homemade goods and a silent auction will be among the attractions at this year’s market, with proceeds to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.