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Life goes on

Experiences of displacement include a lot of challenges in addition to the fight for survival. Even here in Australia Ukrainians keep being affected by the war. The constant worry and anxiety create an emotional background that DPs continue to live with and that has a significant impact on their everyday lives and psychosocial wellbeing. Transitions are always challenging, and it takes time to settle, especially when one is dealing with an ongoing psychological trauma along with the multiple impact of loss of home, place, livelihoods, and in many cases family. Men and women, the young and the elderly need support in the places of refuge. 

Adjustment in a new place is a part of settlement process and poses a lot of demands, but Ukrainians are resilient and adaptable. Where it seems impossible to leap, progress comes one step at a time: 

“Once you take one step, next time it is not as scary.” They press on despite all odds: “I have no time to be depressed”.”

Through sharing their photos and short vignettes, the participants explain what this means in practice.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress
skies collage
When there is no threat from the sky.
scars
The face of the war. The scars will heal, but the memories will never disappear.
wounds healed
The face of the war. The scars will heal, but the memories will never disappear….
ship in a pond
Australia has become a safe harbour for the displaced persons during the war. This photo…
playing local sports
Footy is big in Australia. Playing Australian football helps my son feel that he belongs…
cactus flower
When the cactus you planted flowers, it is a small victory in the new place.
children in school uniform
It is their first time going to an Australian school! The kids are surprised, there…
red flower
To me, this flower symbolises the hearts of Ukrainians which are like an open wound….
seagull at beach
The bird here symbolises the strength and willpower of displaced Ukrainians to find new opportunities…
golden hour
The things we value keep us afloat.
red rise in vase
A woman is always a woman. We look for beauty around us in the new…
Cactus
There have been difficult moments and, possibly, there will be more of them in our…
stuffed wombat
We need to remember our full life in the past and try to build a…
family with ape statue
and try to build a full life in our present. 
head stand ocean
Undoubtedly, it’s difficult here without knowing the language. Being an immigrant is not easy. None…