World’s largest Ukrainian flag to be unfurled in Geelong

THE world’s largest Ukrainian flag will be unveiled in Geelong for the first time this weekend, with a community gathering planned to mark the occasion.

More than 200 volunteers are expected to unfurl a 60x40m flag on Sunday (January 11) to celebrate Ukrainian culture and show solidarity with Ukrainians affected by the war.

The flag has travelled extensively since its creation, beginning in Kyiv before moving across Ukraine and on to Poland, Washington DC, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and now Geelong.

The short, family-friendly event is free and open to the public, with community members encouraged to wear blue and yellow in support.

Associations of Ukrainians in Victoria president, Luba Pryslak, said the event would reflect Geelong’s strong sense of multiculturalism and compassion.

“To support those who have suffered, lost their homes, lost their families and friends or are still defending Ukraine is very significant,” she said. “We will feel the spirit of them as we are holding that flag.”

Larissa Sichivitsa, who fled Ukraine during the war four years ago, said it was moving to see support coming from so far away.

“To feel a piece of Ukrainian motherland is coming to support us to not lose our hope for the victory of Ukraine is wonderful. We will show how brave we are as a nation for fighting for peace and independence,” she said.

First generation Ukrainian woman and president of the Ukrainian Women’s Association Geelong, Valya Bazalicki, said the event would be a powerful symbol of unity.

“Coming together to hold the flag is going to be a wonderful thing to symbolise unity,” she said. “The Geelong community support us out of sight with our events and we are sure this will be no different.”

The event begins at 1pm, with the flag unfurling scheduled for 1.30pm.