The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) – the leading voice for Macedonians abroad – celebrates the 30th anniversary of Macedonia’s Independence Day and congratulates all Macedonians in and outside the Republic on this auspicious occasion. UMD reflects on the centuries-old struggle for Macedonian independence and the countless lives lost to ensure that this dream and vision of a free and sovereign…
The Hon David Coleman, the Federal Member for Banks, New South Wales, invited several representatives from the Macedonian community to participate in a video conference on 28 July 2021 with Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Federal Senator for New South Wales, the Hon Marise Payne. The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) Australia was represented by our Director, Ms Vera Sekulovska.…
Australian Census – Tuesday, 10 August 2021 The Census will contain multiple questions on cultural background. This is an invaluable opportunity to have our voices heard and our Macedonian heritage counted. UMD Australia considers that it is vitally important to have our say in the current climate, particularly when our Macedonian identity continues to be questioned and erased. The information…
The United Macedonian Diaspora Australia (UMD Australia) is compelled to express our profound concern at the demands contained in the Australian Hellenic Council’s (AHC) public letter to the Prime Minister of Australia, which are aimed at curbing the fundamental rights of our Macedonian Australian community to identity, language, culture, and freedom of expression in Australia. The AHC letter openly denigrates…
United Macedonia Diaspora Australia (UMD Australia) is pleased to announce its partnership with Peos Estate winery, a Macedonian family-owned business with a history of over 90 years in Manjimup, Western Australia. The Peos Estate winery was founded by brothers Vic, John, Kon, and Chris. They were inspired by the great passion of their late grandfather P.Y Peos, and their father…
The Australian Senate’s Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade References Committee has issued its Report of February 2021 in response to written submissions made to its inquiry on issues facing diaspora communities. The United Macedonian Diaspora Australia (UMD) lodged a submission on behalf of the Macedonian community in July 2020. UMD Australia Director, Vera Sekulovska, was invited to give evidence to…
In the past, Australia Day may have been seen as a time for celebration and unity. But how can we come together when this day is one of mourning for First Nations peoples? The Macedonian diaspora community in Australia knows the devastating impact of having sacred land invaded and cultural identity denied. UMD Australia acknowledges that January 26 is a…
The United Macedonian Diaspora has welcomed increased news coverage of the name change debacle. Broader coverage has been achieved of the plight of ethnic Macedonians in Greece and Bulgaria whose governments deny their existence. A column by UMD’s Alastair Stewart was published in The Times. It draws on parallels between a maybe independent Scotland and Macedonia’s tragic experience on the…
Social Media Outreach: – 67 Virtual Events, Gatherings, Trivia Nights, Video Messages Garnered 407,000 Views to Date Charitable Efforts: – UMD Generation M’s Together from Home Campaign Donated $50,000 for the Creation of a new Pulmonary Clinic in Skopje to Combat COVID-19. – Another $50,000 will be donated for medical equipment in regional clinics in the near future. …
Young leaders in the United Macedonian Diaspora have made a formal submission to the United Nations. The team is calling for radical action to tackle oppression of Macedonian ethnic minorities, notably in Greece and Bulgaria. The U.N. report, Eliminating Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) made a call for…
The Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee invited UMD Australia Director and Global Board Member Vera Sekulovska to appear before the Committee on 6 November 2020 to speak on the Macedonian community’s response to the inquiry on “Issues facing diaspora communities in Australia.” Click HERE to download the full remarks, which were also entered into the public record.…
The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade in Canberra, Australia has published the submission of 31 July 2020 of UMD Australia and its young leaders Generation M, related to issues facing Macedonians in Australia. Click HERE to download a copy of our submission; HERE to read other submissions made to the Committee. “Our team, including…