[MEDIA RELEASE] Community Gathers to Honor the Legacy of Stefan Romaniw OAM

Wednesday, 11 December 2024

MEDIA RELEASE

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Community Gathers to Honor Stefan Romaniw OAM
in a Memorial Evening of Remembrance

Community Languages Victoria (CLV) and Community Languages Australia (CLA) hosted
a heartfelt memorial evening on Saturday, 7 December 2024, at the Ukrainian Community
Centre in Essendon, celebrating the life and enduring contributions of the late Stefan
Romaniw OAM. The event brought together family, friends, colleagues, and community
members to pay tribute to a visionary leader in multicultural education and advocacy.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome and refreshments, setting a reflective tone for
the proceedings. Mr Fahry Abubaker, CLV Executive Officer, opened the program by
outlining the evening's schedule and highlighting the significance of Stefan's work.

Mr Tassos Douvartzides, President of the CLV Executive Committee, emphasised Stefan's
unwavering commitment to language education and his instrumental role in promoting
cultural diversity across Australia.

Attendees were moved by a tribute video curated by the CLV Team & Committee, showcasing Stefan's lifelong dedication and achievements. This was followed by a special address from Mr Enzo Sirna AM, CLA Deputy Chair, who shared personal anecdotes reflecting Stefan's profound
impact on the multicultural landscape.

The program continued with a poignant speech by Stefan's son, Mr Peter Romaniw, offering
intimate insights into his father's passion for language and culture. A musical tribute by
Stefan's grandchildren added a deeply personal touch, celebrating his love for the arts.
In recognition of Stefan's significant contributions, a commemorative plaque was presented
to his family symbolising the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

The evening also provided an open floor for guests to share their memories and reflections,
fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for Stefan's work. The event
concluded with closing remarks and expressions of gratitude to all attendees.

This memorial evening honoured Stefan Romaniw's remarkable achievements and
underscored the enduring impact of his dedication to multiculturalism and community
language education. His legacy continues to inspire and guide the community he served so
passionately.

View the Tribute Video here: https://bit.ly/StefanTributeVideo

View social media post by community member Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler on CLA Page HERE.

Kind regards,