After fleeing war, Yurii looking forward to Living Together

Published on 12 September 2022

This month’s Living Together Festival is a long way from war-torn Ukraine, but it’s where MC Yurii Chuchenko’s thoughts will wander as he prepares for the big event.

Mr Chuchenko fled his home country in 2014 after Russia invaded the Donbas region where he lived.

After full-scale war broke out earlier this year, he and wife Inna emigrated to Australia, settling in the Hunter Region.

“It’s not easy to be so far away but we talk with our family every day,” he said.

“We have big support here from the community, and social services as well.”

Mr Chuchenko will not only perform MC duties at the Sunday September 25 Living Together Festival at Speers Point Park – he’ll also run a stall and cooking masterclass.

And he’s well qualified, having competed in the Ukrainian version of Masterchef before his hasty departure.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said Mr Chuchenko was a fitting host for the event.

“The aim of Living Together Festival is to celebrate multiculturalism in all its forms – how it enriches our community and helps it thrive,” she said.

“We’re so fortunate to live in a peaceful country that embraces people from all corners of the globe.”

Running 9am-2pm, the festival will feature workshops, demonstrations, Home Grown Markets, world music, international cooking classes, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and language sessions.

Lake Macquarie City Council Community Development Officer Emilie Wiggers said the inaugural event would showcase local performers and artists from across the globe.

“It will really be a trip around the world in a day,” she said.

“That includes everything from Afghan singers and dancers to Tibetan meditation, and from Brazilian capoeira – a mix of dance and martial arts – to African drumming.”

The event, part of the wider Living Smart Festival weekend, will also feature the Newcastle Jets.

Jets Customer and Community General Manager Matt Star said the event was “a great fit” for the club.

“Football is truly a world game, and we embrace the many different backgrounds that make up our fan base,” he said.

“We’re excited at the opportunity to engage with many of the club’s current fans, and look forward to connecting with just as many new ones.”

An ‘IncludingYOU’ tent will also be on-site, providing a place for people with sensory needs to enjoy the event.

Go to livingsmartfestival.com.au for more information and to view the full event program.