Victoria's unused Covid quarantine hub is offered up to house Ukrainian refugees

Victoria is planning to open the door at their quarantine hub in Mickleham to refugees fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

The UN Refugee Agency estimates four million people could be displaced as a result of Russia’s invasion.

Premier Daniel Andrews revealed on Wednesday that the state government would welcome refugees – as well as flood victims from NSW and Queensland – to the new facility.

Victoria is planning to open the door at their quarantine hub in Mickleham to refugees fleeing war-torn Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country

The premier spoke about the conflict in Ukraine on Wednesday and shared his sympathy with those affected: ‘This is shameful. It’s wrong. Our hearts go out to everyone in Ukraine, and indeed those in Russia who don’t necessarily support this’

It’s been estimated by the UN Refugee Agency that close to four million people could be displaced as a result of the conflict between the two nations that has led to the death of thousands and completely decimated Ukraine

‘We will do whatever we have to do, whatever we can, to help support – either on a temporary or permanent basis – anyone fleeing from Ukraine [and] anyone fleeing from this conflict,’ Mr Andews said. 

‘The notion of state support – we are there to do whatever we can to support people displaced by this horrible conflict, this completely abhorrent act as perpetrated by the Russian Federation.’

The premier then shared his sympathy with the people of Ukraine and the citizens in Russia against the war. 

‘This is shameful. It’s wrong. Our hearts go out to everyone in Ukraine, and indeed those in Russia who don’t necessarily support this.’

Victorian premier Daniel Andrews revealed on Wednesday that the state government would welcome resettling displaced refugees – as well as flood victims from NSW and Queensland – at the new facility

‘All of us are very saddened by what’s going on. It is on the other side of the world but it affects so many people,’ Mr Andrews added

‘All of us are very saddened by what’s going on. It is on the other side of the world but it affects so many people,’ he added. 

Mr Andrews celebrated the country’s focus on ‘diversity’ and says that ‘peace and respect always has to win out’ in regards to resettling those from different countries.  

The Victorian government has since written to the Commonwealth for support in opening the doors to the Mickleham hub for refugees and flood victims in New South Wales and Queensland. 

Australia is set to offer permanent humanitarian visas to a select number of displaced Ukrainians.

The Victorian government has since written to the Commonwealth for support in opening the doors to the Mickleham hub for refugees and flood victims

It’s unknown how many refugees will be taken in or how many will be offered permanent visas

It’s unknown how many refugees will be taken in or how many will be offered permanent visas.  

At least 500,000 Ukrainians have fled Ukraine since Russian forces invaded the eastern European country in late February.

160,000 more citizens are expected to move soon as the country continues facing devastating attacks. 

Daniel Andrews condemned the attacks from the Kremlin last week and subsequently had numerous buildings in Melbourne lit up with the yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag in a demonstration of support.  

At least 500,000 Ukrainians have fled Ukraine since the eastern European country was invaded by the Kremlin’s forces

Daniel Andrews had numerous buildings in Melbourne lit up with the yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag in a demonstration of support. Pictured: Flinders Street Station is lit in yellow and blue in Melbourne