Former Goolgowi Boy Makes A Difference In Ukraine

Former Goolgowi local Ethan Byrne has taken his skills as a mechanic and a heart for others to Ukraine.

He has been posting on Facebook to share what he has been doing in the war-torn country.

“I found there was a lot of propaganda from both the west and the east and this was just one of the reasons I decided to travel to Ukraine to not only volunteer and support Ukraine but also to seek out the truth and have a better understanding of the situation here in Ukraine,” Ethan said.

“One of the reasons I decided to begin posting content was after a conversation I had with a journalist here in Ukraine.

“I had been trying to figure out how I could make my efforts more effective and impactful, and his advice was clear - raise awareness.

“He explained that, being from Australia, I could use my experiences to inform people back home and keep the momentum of Western support alive.

“Raising awareness, he said, could be just as crucial as the work on the ground, ensuring that countries like Australia remain engaged and committed to providing the aid Ukraine desperately needs.

“That conversation resonated with me, and it became a driving force behind my decision to not only volunteer, but also share what I see and do here.”

Ethan said he realised the journalised was right after some of the messages he had received on his posts.

“A lot of people have messaged me highlighting the fact that they didn’t realise what was going on over here or even that the war was still being fought so aggressively,” Ethan said.

“Also, Australia’s media coverage of the war in Ukraine presents a narrative that blends cautious optimism with concern over Western “war fatigue” and resource constraints.

“Recent stories emphasise Australia’s military assistance - such as air defence missiles, tanks, and humanitarian support - while questioning whether Western aid is arriving fast enough to make a meaningful impact on the conflict’s outcome.

“But from the ground in Ukraine, the realities are far more nuanced, as I have witnessed first-hand through months of volunteer work across a few regions deeply affected by the war.

“The gap between the narrative back home and what’s happening in real-time on Ukrainian soil is striking.

“In Kharkiv, for instance, I’ve been part of efforts to repair frontline equipment and vehicles essential for Ukrainian soldiers, frontline workers such as medics, drone operators and other volunteers.

“The daily challenges range from securing parts to working under threat of renewed bombardment daily barrage of artillery and missile strikes.

“These kinds of logistical efforts rarely make headlines, but are critical in maintaining the war effort.

“Further east in Donetsk, I’ve helped deliver both humanitarian aid and military supplies to frontline troops and civilians.

“These missions go beyond simply transporting goods, they rely on volunteers operating under intense conditions delivering aid in areas where drone attacks and land mines are a real threat and have claimed the lives of humanitarian aid workers as recently as this month.

Ethan said Australia’s media often mentioned humanitarian aid efforts, but didn’t fully convey the dangers involved or the persistence required to keep supply chains functional.

“Reconstruction and demolition projects are another vital, but underreported aspect of the conflict,” he said.

“In liberated regions, such as areas on the Kharkiv Oblast, Sumy Oblast and Kyiv Oblast, I’ve been involved in tearing down structures damaged beyond repair due to the Russian invasion and rebuilding bomb shelters for displaced civilians.

“This work is part of a larger effort to give communities a chance to reclaim their lives, yet it doesn’t fit into the broader media focus on military strategy and political negotiations.

“In Kyiv, I’ve had the unique opportunity to assist in a drone workshop, assembling drones used both for reconnaissance and offensive operations.

“While Australian media highlights large-scale aid packages, the role of grassroots innovations, like these workshops, often goes unnoticed.

“Here, volunteers are creating tools essential for frontline soldiers, demonstrating how civilian and military efforts overlap in Ukraine’s resistance against Russian forces.

“Although Australian outlets acknowledge the need for support, the tone in recent coverage reflects growing concerns over the sustainability of Western aid, given other global crises like the conflict in the Middle East.

“On the ground, however, Ukrainians are not waiting for perfect alignment from their allies; they continue to fight, rebuild and innovate with the resources they have, often relying heavily on volunteer networks like the one I’m part of.

“This disconnect between the media narrative and the ground reality highlights an important lesson - while military and financial aid from countries like Australia is crucial, it’s the relentless work of volunteers - both Ukrainian and international - that is holding the fabric of resistance and recovery together.

“These efforts don’t just sustain the war effort but are actively shaping the future of Ukraine, one demolished building and repaired vehicle at a time.”

Ethan said Australians needed to understand the full spectrum of what’s happening in Ukraine.

“It’s not just about large aid announcements or political decisions - it’s about people on the ground doing the hard, often invisible work to rebuild lives and maintain resistance,” he said.

“That, ultimately, is where the story lies.

“With winter fast approaching, the need for winter supplies for Ukrainian civilians and soldiers is more urgent than ever.

“Russia’s attacks on critical infrastructure has left many regions without reliable energy for heating, and this winter is expected to be just as harsh.

“Temperatures can drop well below freezing, and without sufficient fuel, electricity, or insulation, both civilians and frontline troops will struggle to stay warm.

“Warm clothing, blankets, generators, and fuel are essential, and it’s crucial to act now before winter fully sets in.”

If you’d like to help, Ethan has set up a fundraiser through PayPal, and you can find the link to donate in his Instagram bio @byrnyzy89 and on his Facebook home page Ethan Byrne.

Also, NH4Ukraine.org, founded by Brian Nolen at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, delivers food, hygiene products, and support for displaced children in Ukraine.

Based in Kharkiv since April, Ethan said volunteers covered their own expenses so all donations go directly to aid.

“I’ve been working with Brian on this mission and he does a lot of good work on the ground supporting vulnerable Ukrainians,” Ethan said.

“Learn more or donate at NH4Ukraine.org or bit.ly/NH4Ukraine_2024.

“Every contribution makes a difference in helping Ukraine endure the challenges ahead.

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