The Roebuck Bay Hotel will host a fundraising event for Ukrainian refugees displaced by the ongoing war after a Polish Broome resident put a call-out to the community.
Thirty one year old, Milena Balik, who hails from Poland and has been living in Broome on a skilled-sponsor visa for four years said the idea was born out a sense of helplessness when seeing the struggles in Europe.
“For someone from Poland, we know exactly what that means from our grandparents, they went through this,” she said.
“Everyone’s just in shock now that one of our neighbours is going through the same thing in the 21st century.
“Seeing all the refugees from Ukraine has made me feel very helpless being so far away so I decided instead of just saying that I support them I would try to do something.”
Ms Balik said she put the idea to the Broome community who immediately rose to the call.
“The response from the community has been so amazing and overwhelming there are a few bands in town I’ve messaged and everyone, absolutely every single one, decided to do it for free.”
One of Broome favourite venues — The Roebuck Bay Hotel — also volunteered their space for an event.
Several bands will perform including Puertside, Big Broome String, Deviant Dub, JHS and the Specs along with a dance troop and a performance from a drag queen.
There will be a raffle and people walking around taking donations.
Local clothing company Clobber and Stitch also agreed to make up merchandise for the event.
Ms Balik said she hoped it was only the start of plans to help Ukrainian refugees.
“I want them to see that they are supported everywhere, even in remote places far away on the other side of the world,” she said.
The fundraiser will take place at the Roebuck Hotel on April 1 at 7pm and will cost $25, with all ticket sales going to charity Global Giving.
You can make a donation to the fundraiser at https://www.globalgiving.org/fundraisers/broome-stands-with-ukraine/
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