As more Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war with Russia arrive in Australia, the need for resettlement services is growing.
The Ukrainian diaspora is rising to the challenge by coordinating donations as the wider Australian community also steps up to do its part.
Dale and Kelly Liebenberg have lived in Australia for 11 years, and with no connection to Ukraine, they're helping refugees by opening up their Sydney home.
"We've come from South Africa so when we first arrived, we didn't really know anyone here either so we kind of know what it feels like to not really have anyone to help settle in,” Ms Liebenberg told SBS News.
“What’s going in Ukraine at the moment is heartbreaking, so we just wanted to do what we can to help, even if it’s in a small little way, it’s important for us.”
The couple has welcomed the Dorosh family to stay at their home indefinitely after the family of four fled their hometown near Odessa before making the long journey to Australia.
"It's very important to meet people who don't know us but who make for us all these things,” Olga Dorosh said.
"It's so amazing, it's so exciting, it's wonderful.”
The Dorosh family arrived in Australia from Ukraine and are staying with the Liebenbergs. Source: SBS News
“Many times, I wake up and I see this country in my mind, and now [that] I am in Australia it is strange. But [it’s] a special situation because of the war in Ukraine.
“This is a bad moment, but you are amazing people. You help us with your soul and your hearts.
“When I sleep, I say thank god and when I wake up, I say thank god and thank Australia.”
So far, more than 1,500 Australian families have offered accommodation to Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia.
As well as housing, education is also a pressing issue for the new arrivals.
Inna Ilienko was forced to escape her home in Donetsk in 2014 only to flee her new home in Kyiv last month, leaving behind her husband and parents.
Finding schooling in Australia for her eight-year-old son was made possible with the help of volunteers, she said.
"Today my son [can] go to Ukrainian school and he communicates with friends, he finds new friends, it's very important to him,” Ms Ilienko said.
Ukrainian Council of NSW Director Andrew Mencinsky said more help is needed with around 5,000 temporary visas approved by the federal government for Ukrainians.
Ukrainian Council of NSW Director Andrew Mencinsky. Source: SBS News
His organisation is providing assistance by collecting clothes and organising emergency short-term accommodation, which he said is crucial during the period before government organisations step in to provide help.
"Here we provide them the opportunity to meet other Ukrainians, to hear Ukrainian being spoken and to make them realise they're not alone,” Mr Mencinsky said, adding that there has been "overwhelming generosity" from Australians.
"We've had some things that you wouldn't expect people to offer, including free driving lessons, free sporting sessions. People are really trying to help."
