Mykola "Myk" Mowczan (Ukrainian: Микола Наумовмч Мовчан) is an Australian community leader of Ukrainian descent. He served as president of the Ukrainian Association of Western Australia (UAWA) from 2004 until becoming immediate past president. He has been a prominent advocate for the Ukrainian community in Western Australia, particularly in response to the Russo-Ukrainian War."Myk Mowczan | Community Leader." Rotary Club of Perth. 6 May 2022. https://rotaryperth.org.au/speakers/dac72836-d271-4de7-97e7-890255d01e16
Early life and education
Mowczan was born in 1950 to a Ukrainian displaced persons refugee family. He grew up in the Rivervale suburb of Perth and attended Tranby Primary School, Belmont Junior High School, and Governor Stirling Senior High School. He completed his tertiary education at Mt. Lawley Technical College and the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), now known as Curtin University.
Community leadership
Mowczan has been involved in Ukrainian community organisations for decades. He served as president of the UAWA from 2004, representing a Ukrainian diaspora in Western Australia of more than 500 people. In this role, he coordinated with government officials, organised fundraisers, rallies, and vigils in support of Ukraine.
In May 2022, he represented the Ukrainian community at the announcement of a $500,000 donation by the Western Australian Government to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal."Western Australian Government donates $500,000 to help the people of Ukraine." Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations. 24 May 2022. https://afuo.org.au/western-australian-government-donates-500000-to-help-the-people-of-ukraine/
Public engagements
Mowczan has been a regular speaker at many multicultural events in Western Australia.
On 6 May 2022, he addressed the Rotary Club of Perth on the UAWA's response to the war in Ukraine. On 30 May 2022, he was an invited guest speaker at the 32nd Anniversary of Croatian Statehood Day celebrations at Perth Stadium."32nd Anniversary of Croatian Statehood Day." WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce. 30 May 2022. https://croatiacommercewa.asn.au/32ndAnniversaryCroatianStatehoodDay.html On 4 June 2022, he delivered a speech at the European Union Consular Group's Europe Day 2022 celebration at Government House Ballroom in Perth. He was the second speaker, following the outgoing Governor of Western Australia, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC."WA celebrates Europe Day 2022 at Government House with Greek flair." The Greek Herald. 8 June 2022. https://greekherald.com.au/community/events/wa-celebrates-europe-day-2022-government-house-greek-twist/ In August 2023, Mowczan addressed about 70 people who attended a Ukrainian flag-raising ceremony in the City of Albany, held as a show of solidarity with Ukraine. Among the attendees were approximately 60 Ukrainians from outlying towns."In pictures: Ukrainian flag-raising ceremony a show of solidarity from City of Albany and community." Albany Advertiser. 22 August 2023. https://www.albanyadvertiser.com.au/news/albany-advertiser/in-pictures-ukrainian-flag-raising-ceremony-a-show-of-solidarity-from-city-of-albany-and-community-c-11653835
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