On a sunny winter’s day, old and new friends of the Ukrainian community in Newcastle gathered together to take up the challenge to maintain their identity through their tradition and heritage. Over the years, the number of young people in Newcastle who are associated with the community has unfortunately diminished and, although CYM is still active, it has been disappointing to see many members slip away. In an attempt to rejuvenate CYM in Newcastle, a lunch was held on June 27 at the Ethnic Communities Council of Newcastle’s community hall. It was pleasing to see so many people come along to catch up with old friends, meet new people, share a delicious lunch and renew their CYM memberships.
The National Executive of the Ukrainian Youth Association in Australia (UYAA) identified in their Strategic Plan for the years 2008-2011 the need to visit all oseredky throughout Australia, with the hope of enhancing and rejuvenating some activity amongst membership. Recently visiting Brisbane, the National Executive has demonstrated their commitment to enthusiastically reviving activity and membership. 2nd Vice President and Organisational Director, Stephen Duma, attended the lunch and inspired the sumenyata, molodshe yunatstvo, sharshe yunatstvo and druzhynnyky to get involved, take action and most of all - have fun! He called upon all members to take a more active role and congratulated the young druzhynnyky for organising the event, especially Stephanie Boyko and all the volunteers.
It was also very encouraging to see Andrew Duma (Canberra-Queanbeyan), Andrew Bodnaruk (Sydney) and Andrew Suchowersky (Sydney) supporting Newcastle’s effort to kick-start more regular activities and get togethers. Spending the weekend in Newcastle, there was plenty of time for discussions about upcoming events that Newcastle can take part in and even organise. Stephen Duma will hold a "CYM: Getting to know your organisation" day in Newcastle in the coming weeks to assist the board in understanding their role and to educate the community on the way CYM works.
In true Novocastrian style, the lunch included a BBQ as well as home made verenyky. There were plenty of cakes and lollies to keep the kids entertained, as well as a Wii fit game. Tea, coffee and plenty of nibbles ensured that everyone left full and happy! Some of the children also made use of the wonderful facilities at the Ethnic Communities Council centre and played soccer on the field outside.
During the day, there were opportunities for all current members and future members to get to know each other, discuss upcoming events and have a chat to the members present from other branches. Newcastle Branch President, Mr George Boyko (who is also the President of the Ethnic Communities Council, Newcastle and the Hunter region) thanked everyone for coming along and emphasised the importance of rejuvenating CYM in Newcastle and supporting the younger members to take an active role in leadership.
Newcastle is now looking forward to a BBQ they will be holding in the coming weeks to welcome their new members, varenyky making lessons, a screening of 'The English Surgeon' on August 15, Independence Day celebrations on August 22, hosting the UYAA’s Leadership and Self Development training session and Zabava on September 11 and the many concerts their dance ensemble, Troyanda, have planned for the next few months.
Newcastle has embraced the challenge to rejuvenate their community, reinvent UYAA in their city and maintain their identity through heritage. Coinciding with recent celebrations of the 60th anniversary of CYM Australia, it is pleasing to see that the strength and spirit of CYM in Newcastle is continuing to strive.
