Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia visits to see Bendigo-made Bushmaster

The City of Greater Bendigo has welcomed the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, to tour the Thales Australia factory in North Bendigo and see where Bushmasters are made.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf met Ambassador Myroshnychenko when he addressed the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra.

During his address the Ambassador shared an emotional video featuring the Mayors of Ukrainian cities that showed the terrible and heartbreaking damage the war is having on their communities.

Afterwards, the Assembly passed a unanimous motion supporting the Ukrainian people and their legitimate and democratically elected governments. Cr Metcalf then took the opportunity to introduce herself to the Ambassador and invited him to visit the home of the Bushmaster.

The Australian Government has committed to sending 60 Bushmasters to Ukraine. A number of vehicles have already arrived and have been keeping Ukrainian soldiers safe on the front line from shelling, missiles and airstrikes. The Bushmaster is famous for its lifesaving capability on operations.

This afternoon Ambassador Myroshnychenko had the opportunity to ride in a Bushmaster and meet the people who have been assembling the troop carriers.

Cr Metcalf said it was a privilege to welcome Ambassador Myroshnychenko to Bendigo.

“Like many cities and towns around the world, Bendigo adds its voice to those expressing sympathy with the Ukrainian people as we all continue to be shocked by this senseless and destructive war,” she said.

“We are very proud that the Bushmaster is made locally and is serving a critical role in the war effort. It is an honour to have the Ambassador visit Bendigo and for our community to reiterate its support to Ukraine.”

Ambassador Myroshnychenko said keeping solders safe on the front line was essential to allowing Ukraine to remain in the battle to save their country.

“We are very grateful to the Australian Government for providing Bushmasters to the Ukrainian war effort. They are proving to be crucial to our battle plan and I am honoured to be able to travel to Bendigo and sincerely thank the men and women that build the Bushmasters,” he said. 

The Rosalind Park Conservatory will tonight be lit in yellow and blue in honour of Ambassador Myroshnychenko’s visit.