Active Ukrainian women in Noble Park and surrounding areas primarily focused their efforts on the local branch of the Ukrainian Community of Victoria and the Lesia Ukrainka Native School. The distance from the central office of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Victoria created a need for another branch. This new branch would unite women from Melbourne's eastern suburbs, including Noble Park, Oakleigh, Springvale, Dandenong, and others.
The first inaugural meeting took place on July 8, 1973, at the Noble Park People's Home. Eight women attended the gathering. Despite the small number, they were greatly inspired to create a new branch, which was named in honour of Lesia Ukrainka.
"Though life may take us far and wide, We all return, eventually, To humble homes where storks abide, Where apple orchards bloom so free."
Bozhenna Kovalenko, 1979
Today, the Lesia Ukrainka Branch in Noble Park remains a highly active hub of the Ukrainian community. Its members continue to support the Lesia Ukrainka Native School in Noble Park, helping to organise and finance children's participation in the Petro Jacyk International Ukrainian Language Competition. They also host numerous charitable events and are deeply involved in broader community initiatives.
The Branch is steadfast in its mission to nurture Ukrainian culture, language, and traditions, foster national consciousness among the younger generation, and provide crucial support to Ukraine during wartime.
The Branch Members at the UWAV 2024 Exhibition Opening
For decades, the Lesia Ukrainka Branch in Noble Park became a shining example of women's unity, sacrifice, and patriotism. Its members actively participated in public campaigns aimed at drawing attention to Ukraine's ongoing struggle for freedom.
They organised and took part in:
Mourning demonstrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Holodomor, commemorating the devastating famine-genocide.
Protests against performances by the Red Army Choir in Australia, symbolising resistance to Soviet influence.
International actions opposing the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.
Rallies and vigils held in response to the Chornobyl disaster, highlighting the human cost of Soviet policies.
Vigorous campaigns advocating for the protection of Ukrainian dissidents and political prisoners.
Furthermore, members of the Branch were proactive in their advocacy, sending letters to the Soviet Embassy in Canberra to demand the release of Ukrainian political prisoners, specifically highlighting the plight of women dissidents. They also directly appealed to the Prime Minister of Australia, urging the Australian government to uphold and protect the rights of Ukrainians on an international stage.
The newly formed Noble Park Branch was led by Bozhenna Polikarpivna Kovalenko (Radzievska). She was a renowned Ukrainian writer, journalist, poet, educator, and community activist in Australia. She also published under the pseudonym Olena Riabchenko and was a member of the "Slovo" Association of Ukrainian Writers. Her literary and community work left a profound mark on the Ukrainian diaspora in Australia.
The initial committee members included Anna Kiyashka, Tetiana Slipetska, Sofia Danyliuk, Sofia Opar, and Volodymyra Kuzyk. The audit committee was first chaired by Eva Balaban, who was later succeeded by Olha Sheremeta, joined by Stefania Kozak and Mariia Roitarovska. This dedicated committee served for 15 years, tirelessly supporting the Branch and assisting in all its activities.
The Branch Members, 1975
Leadership and Contact
The current Chairwoman of the Lesia Ukrainka Branch in Noble Park is Olga Radywyl.
You can contact the Lesia Ukrainka Branch in Noble Park via email at: soyuzukrainok@gmail.com
You can find the Lesia Ukrainka Branch in Noble Park and stay updated on their activities via their Facebook page: Link