Andrew Makohon is a coach of Sunshine Heights Junior Soccer Club and president of the Ukrainian community in Australia. The Sunshine resident was born in Australia after his grandparents were displaced by the World War II.
Tell us more about yourself and what you do?
I am a supervisor in the Water Industry. I oversee repairs of water assets.
What is your connection to Sunshine?
I was born and raised in Sunshine
For how long have you been involved with community soccer in Sunshine?
As a young boy in the early 1980’s I played at Sunshine Heights and now as a father I have my daughters playing there. I have been involved helping and coaching currently for about 4 years.
What was brought your family to Australia?
My grandparents came to Australia after being displaced by World War II. After being separated from family by force to work in Germany they could not return because Communist retributions saw them as traitors working for the enemy. So in an ironic parallel to today they had to flee to Australia.
What do you like about where you live?
The diversity of the community around Sunshine. From the post war European migration to the current new arrivals, Sunshine has a rich blend of cultures.
Where is your favourite local place you spend time?
The green space along Kororoit Creek is a wonderful pocket where one can enjoy viewing native wildlife and get a true feel of nature.
What is your favourite meal?
Ukrainian cabbage filled dumplings (Varenyky) with sour cream and dill.
Greek Souvlakia would be close second.
Tell us something our readers would be surprised to know about you?
Last year March, to raise awareness of the importance of community and mental health (Especially after COVID), I rode my bike 500km in 4days, from the Victorian border to Port Phillip Bay. I retraced the path of post WW2 migrants after they arrived in Australia, in the late 40’s, when they had to work 2years in regional areas to pay off the cost of their passage.
Tell us more about the girls’ soccer team you are coaching.
Sunshine Heights is a club that has been serving the community since 1955. It is wonderful to be a part of a program that promotes friendship and sport with open arms. Our girls are of all levels and backgrounds. Soccer brings them together, with a focus on fun and friendship. The confidence and memories they get from this is something I am proud to be a part of.
I know you are the leader of the Ukrainian community staying in Australia or Melbourne. What services or assistance do you give to the Ukrainians staying in Australia?
Our Ukrainian Hall in Ardeer serves as a community gathering place for concerts, cultural events and social interaction. We have members assisting new arrivals with things such as English language classes, social support networks and helping refugee children settle in Australian schools as well as sporting outlets.
Do you have any intentions of visiting Ukraine?
I have visited Ukraine as a student and most recently with my family 2013, before the outbreak of Russian aggression. I was hoping to return in 2018 before first COVID and then Russian invasion prevented.
