Cultural and humanitarian ties between Ukraine and Australia have a long history and have been strongly supported by Australia’s active Ukrainian community.
One of the early symbols of the preservation of Ukrainian historical memory in Australia was the memorial to the victims of the Holodomor of 1932–1933 in Ukraine, unveiled in 1985 near the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canberra. In 2007, the sculptural composition “Shevchenko’s Thoughts” (Shevchenkovi Dumy), presented to the Ukrainian community in Australia by the Kyiv City State Administration, was unveiled at the Ukrainian Orthodox Centre in Canberra.
An important milestone in bilateral humanitarian ties was Ukraine’s participation in the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. Ukrainian veterans and service personnel competed alongside wounded and injured military personnel and veterans from other countries, contributing to stronger links between the Ukrainian and Australian veteran communities.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries has expanded considerably. Exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, public discussions, fundraising events, commemorations of the Holodomor and victims of Russia’s aggression, as well as events promoting Ukrainian culture, history and Ukraine’s struggle for independence, are regularly held across Australia.
Ukrainian community organisations, churches, Saturday and Sunday schools, youth organisations, performing groups and cultural centres across Australia play an important role in developing cultural ties between the two countries and preserving Ukrainian identity.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Australia has become an important humanitarian partner of Ukraine. As of September 2026, the Australian Government had provided AUD 90 million in humanitarian assistance, with a particular focus on the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, older people and persons with disabilities. Australian humanitarian assistance is delivered through United Nations agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other humanitarian partners.
In September 2026, Australia announced a further package of support for Ukraine, including an additional AUD 5 million in humanitarian assistance and AUD 10 million for the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
Australia has also contributed AUD 66 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction and a total of AUD 50 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. Australia has also provided approximately 80,000 tonnes of thermal coal to support Ukraine’s energy security.
Other Australian assistance programmes have supported Ukraine’s border management, cyber security, nuclear and radiation safety, protection against chemical threats, disability inclusion and psychological rehabilitation. Australia has provided support to Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, as well as other Ukrainian institutions and international organisations working in these areas.
Australian charitable foundations, non-government organisations, businesses, the Ukrainian-Australian community, Rotary clubs and other civic initiatives also make a significant contribution to supporting Ukraine.
One of Ukraine’s major Australian private-sector partners is Minderoo Foundation. Since 2022, the Foundation has supported a range of humanitarian, recovery, food-security and child-protection projects in Ukraine. By early 2025, Minderoo reported that it had provided AUD 20 million in support for Ukraine, including humanitarian assistance, demining, food and energy security, and programmes supporting Ukrainian children. In February 2025, the Foundation announced a further AUD 5 million package.
Minderoo Foundation also cooperates with the Olena Zelenska Foundation. In 2023, it contributed USD 1.128 million to the Room for Childhood programme, supporting the construction of three homes for large foster families displaced by the war. In June 2026, Minderoo announced a further USD 500,000 to improve the safety and energy resilience of schools in frontline regions, helping up to 4,000 children continue their education in safer conditions.
In June 2026, Minderoo Foundation also committed USD 2 million to the UN World Food Programme to support Ukrainian small and medium-sized agrifood businesses and help them access private investment. In September 2026, the Foundation announced a further USD 2 million through the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to provide emergency grain-storage solutions to farmers in frontline agricultural regions and help protect Ukraine’s harvest.
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) and its associated charitable initiatives also play a major role in supporting Ukraine. Together with Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) and Caritas Ukraine, AFUO operates the Ukraine Crisis Appeal, a major humanitarian fundraising initiative for Ukraine. Funds raised are used to provide food, emergency accommodation, medical assistance and other essential support to people affected by the war.
Australia’s Rotary movement is an important partner in these efforts. Rotary clubs across the country have helped raise substantial funds for humanitarian projects in Ukraine, including support for internally displaced persons, emergency accommodation and other forms of assistance.
AFUO also manages the Defend Ukraine Appeal, which provides non-lethal equipment, including vehicles, protective gear, communications equipment and night-vision devices, to Ukraine’s defenders. The Future Ukraine initiative supports rehabilitation, reconstruction, education, leadership development and humanitarian projects.
Australian state and territory governments have also contributed to Ukraine’s humanitarian recovery. Their support has included funding for medical and reconstruction projects, assistance to newly arrived Ukrainians and cooperation with Ukrainian community organisations.
Australia has introduced humanitarian and migration pathways for Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s aggression and has provided access to relevant social, health and education services. Australian authorities have also given priority to visa applications from Ukrainian nationals, particularly those with family or other connections to Australia.
Overall, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and Australia encompasses not only government assistance but also extensive support from Australian civil society, business, charitable foundations, state and territory governments, the Ukrainian-Australian community and volunteer organisations. This cooperation covers emergency humanitarian relief, support for displaced Ukrainians, recovery and reconstruction, child protection, food and energy security, education, healthcare, cultural diplomacy and assistance to Ukraine’s defenders.