Ukrainians settle in Collie

Continued from front page “I bought food just in case, and we had a suitcase with documents and a package with non-perishable food in the corridor."

Anastasiia said that on the morning of February 24, their worst fears became reality.

“We went outside to check, and a rocket flew over our heads.

“Our whole life flew before our eyes. We returned to our apartment, took the children and the dog, got into the car and left.”

The family drove to a friend’s house in the city of Mukachevo, almost 800 kilometres away.

“Our journey lasted 14 hours, but we were on such an adrenaline rush that we did not feel hungry or tired,” she said.

Anastasiia’s mother lives in Australia, at Kulin, and had been monitoring developments in Ukraine.

“She knew where the rockets were going and told us which way we needed to go.

“Thank God we got there.”

The family stayed in Mukachevo for a month. They wanted to leave the country, however, men were no longer allowed to leave.

Anastasiia said it was calm in Ukraine’s west, but they soon started to hear air raid alerts.

“Every night we woke up, dressed and hid,” she said.

“A friend suggested I go to Germany so I decided to travel with the children. My husband stayed in Ukraine.”

Anastasiia said the journey to Germany was difficult.

“It took a day, with the children, but at every step there were volunteers who fed us and watered us,” she said.

Anastasiia, Kirrill and Archie stayed in Germany for two months.

“I hoped that everything would end and I would return home,” she said. “But nothing stopped, it only got worse.” continue depositing batteries at the bin, however Mr Edwards can be contacted on 0408 858 453 for collection.

Anastasiia then made the decision to move to Australia, to be with her mother and stepfather.

POWERED UP: Hamish Pipe, Eric Martin and Tony Edwards counted 128 used car batteries dropped at the bin over the last month and a half.

Community Expo

FIND out what clubs and organisations have to offer in Collie at the Community Expo in Central Park on Saturday, February 18.

“I lived with them for six months,” she said.

“I lived, I existed. I lay in bed without getting up, I did not want anything. I was isolated from everything.

“I don't have a driver's licence, I don't know English. I have no friends. There is no complete family. And, I confess, that I decided I would fly home next month.”

Anastasiia’s plans were halted by Yevhen’s miraculous escape, as he flew to Australia in November.

The couple now lives in a home in Collie, owned by Anastasiia’s step father.

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Collie Community Radio 101.3fm will broadcast live from 9am, and the expo gets underway at 10am, running until 12-noon.

Local clubs and organisations will be on hand to talk about their activities.

Cup next weekend

THE Collie Underwater Hockey Club will host the Collie Cup at the swimming pool next weekend.

Teams will be selected at 10am Saturday for the round robin games. Juniors will play between the senior games.

Dinner and drinks will follow at the Collie Golf Club.

Archie attends Wilson Park Primary School and Kirrill is at Collie Senior High School. “Now we are learning to live again,” Anastasiia said. “We are new here, but I really hope time will help us, and we will get off the ground.”

While the Makovskyis have found safety, they still have concerns for their family and friends in Ukraine.

“We have many relatives and friends who stayed in Ukraine,” Anastasiia said.

“They are used to rockets, to the sounds of bombs, and this is scary.

“I just pray to God that all this ends and everyone returns home to their families.”