The Ukrainian presence in Australia dates back at least to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Individual migrants from Ukrainian lands lived in Australia well before the emergence of an organised Ukrainian community after the Second World War. During the First World War, dozens of them enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. Research conducted in Queensland identified at least 60 servicemen from Ukrainian lands who enlisted between 1914 and 1918; 48 served overseas and 11 died during the war. People of Ukrainian origin were also among those who served in the Gallipoli campaign.

The large-scale formation of the Ukrainian community in Australia began after the Second World War, when thousands of Ukrainian displaced persons arrived from Europe. The first Ukrainian community organisation in South Australia was established in May 1949, followed by the establishment of Ukrainian communities in other Australian states.

On 10 June 1950, the first Australia-wide congress of Ukrainians established a national representative body for Ukrainian communities. In 1953, the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) was established. Today, AFUO serves as the principal coordinating body of the organised Ukrainian community in Australia and brings together 22 Ukrainian organisations. 

The Ukrainian community in Australia is one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the 2021 Australian Census, 53,359 people reported Ukrainian ancestry, while 14,055 Australian residents were born in Ukraine. The community has grown further since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 following the arrival of displaced Ukrainians in Australia.

Ukrainian community organisations operate across Australia’s states and territories and play an important role in preserving Ukrainian language, culture and national identity, supporting Ukrainian education and youth activities, and maintaining strong links with Ukraine.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the Ukrainian community in Australia has played an active role in humanitarian, charitable and advocacy efforts in support of Ukraine. Community organisations conduct fundraising campaigns, support humanitarian, medical and other projects in Ukraine, assist newly arrived Ukrainians in Australia, and help maintain public awareness of Ukraine and Russia’s ongoing aggression.

Australia has a network of Ukrainian Saturday and Sunday schools, as well as cultural, religious, veterans’, women’s and youth organisations. Ukrainian youth organisations include Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organisation and the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM).

Active Ukrainian community centres operate in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra and other Australian cities.