Just over a week ago mother and daughter Lillia and Lisa left their home in Kyiv, Ukraine, to escape war, and are now living in Noosa, with their future uncertain and their thoughts with their family and friends left behind.
Their journey here began about four months ago when Noosaville residents Adela and her mother Glennice were watching images of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on their home television and discussing what a terrible thing it must be for the innocent victims.
“Mum said, well we have room here we could offer,“ Adela said.
The next day Adela phoned the Ukraine Embassy and the Australian Ukraine Society and posted a message on the Ukraine Society Facebook page.
A couple of days later a Ukrainian doctor living in Brisbane, a friend of Lillia, contacted her to say there was a family that would contact them.
“Lillia contacted me through Facebook,“ Adela said.
“She said the family would like to take up our offer.“
Lillia organised their travel while Adela posted photos of their home on Facebook, told her about Noosa and a school near by for 10-year-old Lisa.
Lillia’s husband, Vadym, an engineer, had to remain in Ukraine, as most men aged from 18 to 60 are banned from leaving the country.
After a 36-hour commuter train ride to Warsaw, Poland, then a flight to Australia, Lillia and Lisa reached Brisbane where Adela and Glennice travelled to collect the new arrivals.
“We just went here to be happy and feel safer,“ Lillia said.
“It’s very beautiful. Beautiful beaches, kind people.“
Adela said since their arrival the family had been embraced by the community, having received donations of clothes, school uniforms and offers of assistance.
The Australian Government has made available a 786 Temporary Humanitarian Concern (THC) visas for all Ukrainian nationals who are in Australia on temporary visas, and those who will arrive in the coming months. Valid for three years, the visa allows holders to work, study and access Medicare.
Lisa attended her new Noosa school on Monday. After two years in distance education due to Covid and the war, it was a welcome experience.
“It’s the best day,“ she said. “I have friends.“
Although her English is limited Lillia said once she obtained her visa, she aimed to find work.
Adela and Glennice bought a car they have made available to Lillia to get around and give her independence. A yellow VW, neighbour Michael attached blue stripes to it, giving it the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Despite the kindness shown to her and her brave efforts to forge a life for herself and her daughter the strain of the situation is evident.
Lillia speaks to her husband and family in Ukraine each day and as her phone still emits the Ukraine warning signals of approaching missiles, she is always aware when they face danger.
Their Ukrainian home has so far survived the attack but Lillia cannot plan for their future with their lives in limbo.
