On Saturday 14 May, The Square Mirrabooka welcomed to the centre more than 100 displaced Ukrainian families who had fled the ongoing war in Ukraine, many of whom are beginning to settle in the centre’s trade area. The Centre partnered with the Ukraine Association of WA and the Ukraine Crisis Appeal to support these families with vouchers to the centre.

These families are among more than 6,000 Ukrainians who have arrived in Australia since February, as part of the nation’s humanitarian response to resettlement from Ukraine.

The We Welcome Ukraine event included a traditional welcome from local indigenous elders, a first for many of the families, performances from the Ukrainian Cossack dancing group and members from the Perth Orchestra performing the Ukrainian National anthem. The day also featured a series of service stalls to support the families and connect them with the local community.

Fawkner Property (owners of The Square Mirrabooka) Chief Investment Officer and Founder, Chris Garnaut, said the event was an opportunity for Mirrabooka and members of the wider Perth region to celebrate culture and community.

“Driving donations for the Ukraine Crisis Appeal is a key objective of the campaign, however, the We Welcome Ukraine event is also designed to be a day of honouring and celebrating Ukrainian culture and community,” Garnaut said.

The ambassador for Ukraine Vasyl Myroshnychenko flew to Perth to attend the event and said the Ukrainian people will never forget the support and kindness.

“Seeing all those Ukrainian families with children on the day was heartbreaking for me, but I was so pleased to see them getting your support. “ Myroshnychenko said.

The funds raised on the day were donated to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal, Australia’s largest fundraising effort for the resettlement. The Square Mirrabooka owners, Fawkner Property, committed $100,000 to begin donations.