I awoke to the terrible news of Stefan Romaniw’s passing at only 69 years of age. Stefan Romaniw, OAM, was the Executive Director of Community Languages Australia and Community Languages Victoria and the former Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. He was a towering figure in developing and promoting multiculturalism and ethnic language schools.
Stefan was on his way back home after attending a conference in Lithuania when he collapsed in Warsaw on Tuesday, June 26. Stefan was taken immediately to the hospital, and his children travelled to Warsaw to be at his side.
Stefan Romaniw was the First Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress and Co-Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO). He was front and centre in advocating for his motherland in the face of Russian aggression and was a constant on mainstream media advocating for more support for Ukraine.
Stefan played a role in my career when I was the head of Multicultural Arts Victoria and has always made himself available when I sought advice. Stefan was always ready to provide comments to Neos Kosmos on any issue, be it the preservation of Greek or the maintenance of the Immigration Museum’s name.
He was loved, respected and admired. His advocacy, communication, collaboration, meditation and unifier skills brought immeasurable strength to the sector and everyone he worked with.
Stefan, the son of a Ukrainian immigrant, started as a student at the Ukrainian Community School in North Melbourne and went on to serve as principal of that Ukrainian school for 17 years. He received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his “service to education and language learning through the coordination and provision of services for people from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds.”
Stefan was always there, serving passionately and coordinating at a national level. Stefan had a strong faith in creating a better tomorrow if you needed optimism. In a recent interview, Stefan said in his own words: “I like to be optimistic, I like to smile, and I like to joke because it creates a good atmosphere wherever you are.”
Stefan’s disarming charm and humour built bridges between people, communities and organisations. Stefan was also fearless; he was not one to be intimidated. He garnered respect and support from both sides of politics. Moreover, you knew that you were well cared for with Stefan on your side.
I am shocked and saddened – as are many of my peers and friends.
You left us too young Stefan, my friend.
