Ridni.

My name is Marina Ladaniwskyj, and I am a third generation Ukrainian Australian. My journey began with memories of happy times with cousins at my grandmother's (aka Baba's) house, incense wafting up my nose at Ukrainian church, and varenyky (Ukrainian style dumplings) by the dozens. Relatives - 'Ridni' in Ukrainian - provided a place where I belonged and felt safe - long before I was old enough to understand what being Ukrainian meant.

Culture is said to encompass a way of living and being in a community. Food and the rituals that surround the food we eat are a core part of culture, and differ markedly between countries, regions and families. Culture and tradition change over time - as we live and grow, influenced by the environments that we find ourselves.

When I first became involved in the Ukrainian community in Tasmania as an adult, my understanding of Ukrainian food and culture was limited. As I began to work in the multicultural sector in my 20s, I became acutely aware that I wanted to know more about being 'Ukrainian' and started learning and teaching dancing a few years later. My journey as a leader of the community, and learning Ukrainian has shaped my sense of identity and understanding of Ukrainian traditions.

As Russia annexed Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk, and then prepared to invade Ukraine in 2022, I watched from the safety of Australia with a sense of disbelief. The anger on 22 February 2022, shared by Ukrainians around the world, was felt no less in Tasmania. As our community mobilised in support of Ukraine, I learnt quickly of the absolute determination that is fuelled by the knowledge of injustice happening in the place you or your friends call home.

Like many other second and third generation Ukrainian Australians who have never visited Ukraine in their lifetime, the pain and anger is felt deeply. But somehow, it's hard to compare to the pain you know your friends born in Ukraine are feeling. I see this pain every day, and it is easy to feel paralysed and not know what you can do to help.

We all process this pain in a different way. Some of us rally every week, and advocate in the political sphere for the aid that Ukraine needs. Some of us fundraise and raise awareness in our circles about important causes that support Ukraine. Others do what they can, in a variety of ways to support Ukraine. All these efforts come together to make a difference. It all matters.

This blog is a reflection on Ukrainian food and culture. I am excited to learn and share these learnings with you. It is a way to develop a community where belonging and inclusion are valued as I explore with you what is means to be Ukrainian in Australia.

As our community grows, I will have some exciting news to share with you. For now, thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope you enjoy reading.