Welcome to the official page of the Ukrainian Association of Western Australia (UAWA). We are a vibrant and inclusive group committed to celebrating Ukrainian heritage, fostering unity, and building a thriving Ukrainian community in Western Australia.
Our Association provides a supportive space for Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine to connect, engage, and preserve our rich cultural traditions.
We strive to provide a sense of belonging by creating a tight-knit community where members can connect and support each other.
We believe in the power of knowledge and education. On Saturday mornings, UAWA Taras Shevchenko Language and Cultural School aims to teach Ukrainian history, language, music and art.
We actively seek partnerships and connections with other multicultural groups and organisations within Australia. By fostering intercultural collaborations, we aim to promote diversity and create a harmonious environment where different cultures can learn from each other.
From Ukrainian dance workshops to traditional food festivals, cultural performances to language classes, we organise a wide range of events throughout the year that allow members to showcase their talents and immerse themselves in Ukrainian culture.
The Ukrainian community in Western Australia stands together to support those affected by the ongoing war. Through fundraising, cultural events, and humanitarian initiatives, we’re uniting to bring hope, aid, and solidarity to Ukraine.
Founded in 1948, the Ukrainian Association of Western Australia has proudly supported and strengthened Ukrainian identity, culture, and community life across the state for more than seven decades.
October 11, 1948: First Ukrainian emigrants arrived at Fremantle on the ship Kanimbla. The group of 60 men from Germany were politely welcomed by the WA authorities. They formed a dancing group and a choir and held a concert for West Australians. This was the first ever Ukrainian concert in Western Australia.
The men were split into 3 work parties – 20 of them went to work in the gold mines in Kalgoorlie. Others went to work on the railway lines whilst another group went to work on the construction of the Mundaring Weir. After a time, some of the men who went to Kalgoorlie returned to work at Mundaring Weir and Mundaring Weir became the largest population of Ukrainians in WA. More people started arriving and they were settled in hostels and camps, namely Graylands, Northam and Cunderdin.
October 1949: 36 people attended and the first ever committee was comprised of P Lytwyn – President, P Dobrosko – secretary, Mr Burbello – social coordinator, P Kardash – organisational coordinator. This committee organised the first ever functions and commenced to develop the first constitution of the Ukrainian Association in Perth.
By consent with the Catholic Church of Perth the Association was permitted to conduct meetings at St Patrick’s Church, corner of Havelock & Murray St, Perth. This period had a major influx of Ukrainians to Perth, and the first AGM was held on February 25, 1950, at St Patrick’s Church with 78 people in attendance. M. V. Boliukh chaired the AGM, and the first elected president was V. Mryczko. Unfortunately, several months later V. Mryczko was sent up north of WA for work and was forced to resign. April 28, 1950, P. Kuzmycz took over in the role of President. The following AGM was held on March 18, 1951, and Dr O Mencinsky was elected.
June 6, 1951: the Ukrainian Association Choir was formed, and the first rehearsal was in the Anglican Church Hall (in Aberdeen St. Perth). The choir’s first conductor was Y. Tamarchenko but from February 1952 the choirmaster became Dr O Mencinsky. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church at the time used the Anglican Church for Sunday liturgy.
September 1, 1951: Ukrainian Association of Western Australia officially incorporated.
1952: Formation of the Kyiv Soccer Team.
1953: Arrival of Fr Y. Spolitikewycz, first UGCC priest in WA.
September 1955: UAWA decides to buy a parcel of land in Hann Street Leederville
August 1957: Foundation laid.
September 1958: First UAWA newsletter published by M. Butkewitsch.
February 1958: Construction of the Hall started.
1960 June – First visit to WA by the secretary of the CYOA, R Hizhowsky.
First delegate from the UAWA elected to represent WA was I. Mowczan.
1962: Hall completed.
1975 – 1998: Hall sold and eventually demolished to make way for Southport Street off-ramp, with interim rental to Gilbert & Sullivan Society.
M. Baranowsky, T. Bershchak, M. V. Boliukh, T. Boyko, M. Boychuk, P. Buniak, D. Butenko, M. Butkewitsch, P. Cherkasow, P. Dobrosko, M. Drozdowsky, M. Dudarec, L. Dudarec, Fr. H. Fomyczewsky, P. Gutej, D. Hawrycz, E. Hlyva, H. Hlibovytsky, L. Hlibovytska, H. Hloniuk, I. Hohol, S. Homiak, V. Honczarenko, V. Horvat, M. Ikashenko, M. Jakowyna, I. Jatsenko, V. Kania, P. Kardash, P. Kotsiumbas, P. Kuzmycz, L. Kulynycz, M. Lieber, P. Lytwyn, O. Lytwyn, I. Lubczenko, K. Medwid, F. Melnyczuk, Dr. O. Mencinsky, F. Mykolaienko, A. Minko, I. Mowczan, H. Mochon, Dr. V. Mryczko, B. Nahernyak, A. Ohariw, W. Perzylo, W. Petriw, W. Popowsky, A. Redko, M. Riznyk, J. Riznyk, S. Rostyk, T. Sawka, Prof. Sadowsky, W. Shneider, I. Shorsh, T. Shtonyk, Dr. Swiczar, M. Sirko, N. Sirko, V. Slobodian, V. Sofienko, Rev. Fr. Y. Spolitikewycz, V. Stasiw, E. Temnyk, E. Tomiuk, O. Zhelihivsky, V. Zen.
Ukrainian Pioneers in Perth
Western Australia 1958 to 1962
Acknowledgements