The Alla Horska Branch was established in 1974, initiated and brought to fruition through the efforts of Mariia Kovshyk. The initial group consisted of just five women, but today, the branch boasts twenty active members who proudly uphold its traditions.
The first head of the Branch was Liuba Yurchyshyn, who, tragically, passed away prematurely on February 21, 1977, at the young age of thirty. From its very first years, the Branch focused on supporting the development of the community and cultural life of the Ukrainian population in Sunshine and its surrounding areas.
The Branch Members
A crucial aspect of the Branch's work is the promotion of Ukrainian embroidery. Branch members have created samples of embroidery from many regions of Ukraine, which they have showcased at various festivals, exhibitions, and public events. The Branch also acquired a portrait of Alla Horska, crafted by the graphic artist Maru Jarockyj.
Traditional Ukrainian Embroidery Samples by Alla Horska Branch Members
Portrait of Alla Horska by Maru Jarockyj
In its initial years, the Branch primarily concentrated on supporting the development of community and cultural life for Ukrainians in Sunshine. Branch members actively engaged in work at the Ivan Franko Native School and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Sunshine. Thanks to their initiative, numerous charitable bazaars were organised, alongside communal Sviatchene (blessing of Easter baskets), and celebrations for Green Holidays (Pentecost), Mother's Day, and Father's Day.
The Alla Horska Branch has been highly active in significant public events:
Participation in the international "Folkfest" festival in 1993.
Organisation of the "Dynamics of Modernity" art exhibition featuring works by Marusia Yarotska, with all proceeds donated to support women in Ukraine.
Contribution to the "Steps Across Ukraine" exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. This exhibition showcased traditional Ukrainian clothing, carpets, embroidery, artistic carvings, and a key exhibit – a korovai (traditional bread), made by Khrystia Klym.
Participation in the "Easter" exhibition at the Sunshine Australian Library.
Members of the Branch have also participated in numerous meetings with prominent figures, including Leonid Kravchuk, the first President of Ukraine; Vira Haidamaha, the World Head of SUM (Ukrainian Youth Association); Professor Zoreslava Nyzhnyk from Kyiv; Bishop Kyr Petro Stasiuk; Reverend Mother Anisia OSBM (Order of St. Basil the Great); and other Ukrainian community and religious leaders.
The Branch has actively maintained ties with Ukraine, fostering connections with the Ukrainian Women's Association branches in Lviv, Chernivtsi, and Ivano-Frankivsk, as well as with Ukrainian cultural and religious organisations. They also organised financial aid for children affected by the Chornobyl nuclear disaster.
Today, the Alla Horska Branch in Ardeer continues its vibrant activities:
It holds regular monthly meetings, spiritual services, thematic discussions, and workshops.
It supports humanitarian initiatives, including aid for Chornobyl children, religious organisations, and sports and youth associations.
It actively engages newly arrived immigrants in community life.
It continues to promote Ukrainian culture, traditions, and art within Australian society.
The Branch's overarching goal remains serving Ukraine, preserving and transmitting Ukrainian heritage to future generations, and supporting the women's movement both within the diaspora and in Ukraine.
Leadership and Contact
The current Chairwoman of the Alla Horska Branch is Yanina Dutka.
You can contact the Alla Horska Branch via email at: allahorska@outlook.com
The Branch Members, 2022
You can find the Alla Horska Branch and stay updated on their activities via their Facebook page: Link