Members of Plast Queensland, part of Plast Australia, recently gathered for a meaningful skhodyny (meeting) centred on the theme “Four Years of Resilience: We Remember. We Unite. We Support.” The gathering created a space for young people to reflect on the ongoing war in Ukraine, support one another, and reaffirm their shared identity and strength as a community.
During the zbirka, sestrychka Nastya introduced the theme, reminding attendees that 24 February 2022 marked a turning point that changed millions of lives forever. “We gathered to remember, to support, and to feel that we are together,” she shared, setting a thoughtful and reflective tone for the meeting.
Participants were invited to honour the memory of soldiers, civilians, and children who lost their lives in the full-scale war with a minute of silence—an emotional moment that united everyone in remembrance. Eternal memory.
The program continued with a hutirka (discussion) about the war, followed by small group conversations led by senior members, including st.pl. Maria and Nastya. These intimate discussions allowed participants to share their thoughts, emotions, and personal connections, fostering a strong sense of mutual support.
A highlight of the gathering was the activity “Chain of Unity.” Standing in a circle, participants passed a ball of yarn, each adding a word of hope or strength. As the thread moved from person to person, a web gradually formed, symbolising the interconnectedness of the community. Reflecting on the activity, the leader reminded the group: “Each thread is one of us. Alone it is thin, but together it becomes a strong network. The same is true for Ukraine. Every person matters. And together we are strong.”
The creative component of the skhodyny focused on making a banner for a vigil held the following evening, reinforcing the group’s commitment to remembrance and solidarity beyond the meeting itself.
As the gathering drew to a close, participants reflected on the day’s message: unity in the face of hardship. The skhodyny concluded with the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem, Shche ne vmerla Ukraina, a powerful and unifying expression of resilience, identity, and enduring hope.
