24 May, 2008 - The Ukrainian Youth Association branch in Canberra-Queanbeyan, under the patronage of Colonel Yevhen Konovalets, celebrated its 50th anniversary. The branch was formed in Queanbeyan in 1958, initially as part of the Sydney branch, prior to becoming its own branch. With time, members gradually started living in Canberra. It was thus decided to form the current branch of the Ukrainian Youth Association in Canberra-Queanbeyan. To officially celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UYA Canberra-Queanbeyan branch, a banquet was held with guests from around Australia.

Hundreds of thousands pilgrims arrived in Sydney to take part in Mass, Stations of the Cross, concerts, and conferences. Preparations for World Youth Day cost the local government almost as much as preparations for the Olympic Games in 2000. Roads were closed... Police were out in force to ensure the event ran smoothly, and all in all, the city had a certain spark about it, that it had not seen since the Olympics! Click more to read about the adventures of the Ukrainian pilgrims, who came to Australia from all over the globe for World Youth Day!