UAANT Holds Annual General Meeting on Territory Day

On 1 July 2026, as part of the Northern Territory Day celebrations, the Ukrainian-Australian Association of the Northern Territory (UAANT) held its Annual General Meeting at 6:00 pm at the Darwin Sailing Club.

The meeting brought members together to review the Association's work over the past year, elect the Executive Committee, and set priorities for the year ahead. It was also an opportunity for members to gather in person on an important day for the Northern Territory, before continuing the evening with the wider Territory Day celebrations.

President's Report

UAANT President Tatiana Hoffmann opened the meeting with a report on the Association's activities and achievements over the past year.

The President also addressed a matter concerning copyright claims raised by former Liaison Officer Maria Shevchenko regarding photographs and text that had previously appeared on the Association's website.

The President noted that the Association had taken the matter seriously and had removed the relevant materials in full. She also expressed disappointment that the issue had escalated, particularly given Ms Shevchenko's previous role as the Association's Liaison Officer.

Ms Shevchenko was personally invited to attend the meeting through a direct mention in the members' group chat, so that the matter could be discussed openly with members present. However, she did not respond to the invitation and did not attend the meeting.

President Tatiana Hoffmann encouraged all members to avoid unnecessary conflicts and to continue working together in a respectful and constructive spirit for the benefit of the Ukrainian community in the Northern Territory.

Treasurer's Update

Treasurer Maksym Vasylkov reminded members that the Association had also formally responded to Ms Shevchenko, confirming that all materials believed to be associated with her authorship had been removed.

The Association further stated that should Ms Shevchenko identify any remaining material that she believes belongs to her, it would also be removed promptly.

Members were reminded that the Association's focus remains on transparency, respectful communication, and practical work that supports the Ukrainian community across the Northern Territory.

Executive Committee Election

Following the President's report, members proceeded with an open vote to elect the Executive Committee. The voting was conducted openly, with the details of the election process and the results recorded in the official minutes of the meeting.

The meeting elected the following Executive Committee members for the year ahead:

• President: Tatiana Hoffmann
• Vice President: Iryna Vasylkova
• Secretary: Andrii Renkas
• Treasurer: Maksym Vasylkov

The meeting also elected Michelle Renkas as the Association's new Liaison Officer, succeeding Maria Shevchenko.

Matters Deferred to the Next Meeting

Several additional matters were identified for discussion, but members agreed to move them to the next meeting. Time was limited, and the Territory Day fireworks had begun nearby, making further detailed discussion difficult due to the noise.

The items to be discussed at the next meeting include:

• planning upcoming UAANT community events;
• reviewing and updating the Association's website;
• deciding the next donations and fundraising priorities to support Ukraine.

The question of future donations to support Ukraine was noted as especially important and will be returned to at the next meeting so members can consider it properly.

Territory Day Celebration

Following the conclusion of the meeting, members continued celebrating Northern Territory Day together, enjoying the festive atmosphere and watching the traditional Territory Day fireworks display.

The Association thanks everyone who attended the meeting and looks forward to another productive year supporting and strengthening the Ukrainian community across the Northern Territory.