2022 NSW Humanitarian Award

 Awarded to the Blue Peony Foundation by  

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC

Governor of New South Wales

and

Mr Dennis Wilson
The award was accepted by Mrs Zoia Douglas. 

 The Humanitarian Awards are proudly supported each year by  official partners, The Refugee Council of Australia and Refugee Week. 

Photo credit: Craig Greenhill

 The Blue Peony Foundation was established to welcome and support Ukrainians who have fled their country following the Russian military invasion in February 2022. Four strangers from diverse cultural backgrounds met on social media and were most fortunate to be given space to operate a donations centre from the Ukrainian Youth Centre in Lidcombe.

The Blue Peony Foundation proudly works with over 30 volunteers and partners with various organisations, charities and entities to assist the displaced people of Ukraine to start a new life in Australia. To date, the foundation has addressed the needs of over 700 displaced people from Ukraine providing clothing, bedding, personal hygiene items, food, technology items, language classes and much more.

Under the leadership of its Director, Zoia Douglas, the foundation has assisted new arrivals in finding employment, accommodation, and most importantly, connected them with the local community in NSW. Through these community events, many friendships and connections have been forged and continue to ease the suffering of many Ukrainians who continue to arrive.

Recently the Blue Peony Foundation embarked on a new project of relocating displaced families from Ukraine to rural and regional areas in Australia. Ms Douglas and her team believe this project will be of great benefit to displaced people from Ukraine. With recognition for outstanding service and leadership in the category of Refugee Supporter, the Blue Peony Foundation continues to ensure Ukrainian refugees are welcomed and settled safely and with dignity.