Margaret River locals embrace new arrivals to South West

Volod Razumovskaya and Russian-born wife Regina arrived in the South West in March this year, after fleeing Ukraine at the invitation of Nannup-based friends.

Local resident Ian Parmenter said he had the chance to meet Volod, Regina and their two children at a lunch hosted at The River recently.

"Regina's English is better than mine," Mr Parmenter said of the couple.

"But Volod is still isolated by the language divide, so this was a great opportunity for them to chat in English and in their native tongues."

Joining the group was South West-based Ukrainian pianist Anna Bogachova and local musicians Ross Goulden and Annie Horner.

Mr Razumovskaya is also a musician, and was delighted to receive a guitar from Mr Parmenter as a gift to welcome the family to the region.

The cultural connections continued last weekend, when Anna Bogachova was joined by violinist Akiko Miyazawa for a concert at the Margaret River Uniting Church.

Attended by a large group of locals, the concert was held thanks to the efforts of Mr Goulden and Ms Horner, who also oversee the popular Young @ HEART series at the Margaret River HEART.

"A truly memorable recital, with great Ukrainian music," said Mr Parmenter.

"[The concert] also gave local Ukrainian newcomers a chance to connect."