Recent arrivals from Ukraine are coming to Orange

Orange News Examiner Art Department.

By staff writer

Orange will host around 40 people who recently arrived in Australia from Ukraine next week as part of Refugee Week celebrations.

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Orange mayor Jason Hamling said it was a good opportunity for Orange residents to learn more about Ukraine as part of the visitors Regional Taster Tour trip to the Central West.

They will spend three days visiting Orange and Cowra.

“I’m pleased to learn that this group of recent arrivals in Australia will be making a trip to Orange," said mayor Jason Hamling. “We can only imagine the turmoil that these families have been through."

John Burke from the Orange Social Justice Group said that since arriving from Ukraine the families had been living in Sydney.

"It would be great if they could get an idea of what life in regional Australian could be like,” Burke said.

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A free community event will be held on Friday June 17 at the Orange Regional Conservatorium.

Members of the Orange community are invited to attend to learn more about the Ukrainian Refugee Program, run by the Community Migrant Resource Centre at Parramatta.

Mr Burke is looking for locals who speak Ukrainian. They should first get in touch with council’s Migrant Support Service.

“Not all the visitors have a good command of English," said Burke. "We’ll have assistance with translation on the night, but are looking for more support from our residents who speak Ukrainian.”

A Community Connections activity is also planned during the trip, where local service providers, sporting and council representatives will meet with the Ukrainians to provide information about moving to the Central West.

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“We hope these Ukrainian families get a good sense of what life would be like if they relocated to Orange or Cowra, including what employment opportunities [and] social, sport or cultural activities are available here,” Burke said.

In a statement council said: "Most of the new arrivals are women with children, youth and the elderly. Some men have arrived but not great numbers as most remained in Ukraine to participate in resistance efforts."

The free community event on June 17 at the Orange Regional Conservatorium (73a Hill Street, Orange) begins at 6.30pm for 7pm.

More information from Orange Migrant & Refugee Support Service.