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Ukraine Photovoice Project: Fleeing the war across oceans.

The issue: Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, over 8 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge abroad. While most found shelter in the neighbouring countries, some crossed the ocean to seek safety in faraway countries, such as the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. As of 1 March 2024, more than 11,400 Ukrainians displaced by the war had entered Australia through the humanitarian program and other visa pathways. Relevant and effective support in emergency forced displacement requires insights into the lived experiences of those who fled their homes and are settling in a new place. Further, despite the war in Ukraine now entering its third year, it is almost non-present in the news and public spaces anymore; hence the need to raise awareness of the ongoing experiences of displaced people and their families in Australia among the wider society remains.

Project summary: The Photovoice project is developing a greater understanding of the experiences of Ukrainian displaced persons (DPs) since transitioning to life in Western Australia. The project focuses on the impact of displacement on the wellbeing of Ukrainian DPs and their use of language(s). This was achieved by inviting Ukrainian DPs as well as relevant community members to share their experiences through photovoice, including interviews and photography. The project has resulted in the creation of a photo exhibition being displayed in communities across metropolitan Western Australia.

Relevance for practice and policy: The Photovoice project aims to foster community engagement through the photo exhibition highlighting the voices and stories of Ukrainian DPs. Additionally, the stories of service providers and other organisations that work with these DPs are also on display. Recommendations for services and policy will be provided in order to ensure Ukrainian DPs are adequately supported through this long-distance transition after being forcibly displaced from their homes.

Project funding: Lotterywest and Healthway

Who is involved?

Chief Investigators: Professor Jaya Dantas and Dr Tetiana Bogachenko

Project team: Yuan Lim, Fleur McLennon, Erin Mitchell, Larysa Chybis, Georgia Griffin, Zakia Jeemi

Participants: Displaced Ukrainians in WA and their families

Project progress:

Travelling exhibition displays

At the Refugee Week Family Day at Herb Graham Centre in Mirrabooka
In buildings 501, 400, 418, 200, 405, as well as at the Creative Quarter Gallery and TL Robertson Library at Curtin University
at Edith Cowan University
In a range of community libraries in Mirrabooka, Dianella, Inglewood, Osborne Park, Karrinyup, Scarborough, Ellenbrook, Armadale, Ballajura, Beechboro, Bullsbrook, Rockingham, Cannington, Wanneroo, Success.

Conferences/academic talks

At Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia
At a national presentation for online international health SIG PHAA
At a national mentoring session of ASCILITE - shaping the future of tertiary education
At the research showcase for 53 Health Science agents from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Mongolia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and China at Curtin University
At the national Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) conference in Melbourne
At the IASFM Conference in Indonesia

Reports and academic publications

• “Fleeing the War across Oceans”: Photovoice Project with Ukrainian Displaced People in Western Australia – Community Report

Project website: https://www.ukraine.photovoiceproject.com.au/