Ethan Byrne is putting his automotive skills to good use in Ukraine. Photo: Supplied.
A mechanic from the tiny Riverina town of Goolgowi has given up a dream job to fly to Ukraine and help rebuild bomb shelters, assemble drones and raise awareness of what’s happening in the war-torn country.
Ethan Byrne was the envy of every revhead when he was employed in the motorsports industry fixing cars in the pits at the Supercar Championships.
But in July, he left Australia to do something even more impressive.
“I have a deep passion for history, particularly Eastern European history, which I find fascinating,” he said.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014 was completely unjustified and highlights a disturbing pattern; when Russia lost political influence, it resorted to violence … [the] full-scale invasion in 2022 only intensified a conflict rooted in years of struggle,” he said.
“I believe every nation deserves the right to choose its own path, and Ukraine’s fight reflects values I strongly identify with: democracy, freedom, and self-determination,” he said.
Mr Byrne has also been helping to deliver aid. Photo: Supplied.
Since arriving in the former Soviet state, he’s gotten straight to [unpaid] work.
“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,” 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.
“In Kyiv [the capital], I’ve had the unique opportunity to assist in a drone workshop, assembling drones used both for reconnaissance and offensive operations.”
The 34-year-old said he learned that the situation on the ground in Ukraine was very different from what he heard in the media.
“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,” Mr Byrne said.
“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.
“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.”
The Goolgowi man says he’s learned the media portrayal of what’s happening isn’t accurate. Photo: Supplied.
Mr Byrne said he met a journalist in Ukraine who urged him to raise awareness about the conflict. He therefore launched a Facebook site to let people know his perspective. His page has 1800 followers.
“The journalist 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.”
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