Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio has invited Ukrainian Ambassador Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko to visit the Toowoomba region and see first-hand why the garden city is a refugee welcome zone.
The invitation comes after Mayor Antonio met Ambassador Myroshnychenko at the recent Local Government Association of Australia National Conference in Canberra.
“It was so inspiring to hear Ambassador Myroshnychenko speak in Canberra about his amazing journey to get to Australia to take up his ambassadorship after the Russian invasion of his country.
“At the same time, it is also shocking and disheartening to hear of the millions of Ukrainians that have now been displaced as a result of Russia’s attacks.
“The people of Toowoomba stand beside those of the Ukraine and I personally condemn the barbaric Russian invasion of the Ukraine.
“Toowoomba is Australia’s Garden City, we are a refugee welcome zone and have an inclusive community that has helped to resettle thousands of migrants from all over the world in recent years.
“Our industry is built of the back of the agricultural sector, much in the same way Ukraine relies so heavily on their $13 billion farming and food processing industry.
“Ukrainians who choose to call Toowoomba home would be welcome with open arms and have a plethora of employment opportunities at their feet.
“I have invited Ambassador Myroshnychenko and his family to come and visit Toowoomba to see first-hand why we are one of Australia’s most liveable regions.
“I look forward to hearing from the Ambassador in coming weeks,” Mayor Antonio said.
