LOCAL primary school students and the Casterton Rotary Club have stood in solidarity with Ukraine, as the onslaught by Russia rages on, half a world away.

Students from the Casterton Primary and Sacred Heart schools gathered for a vigil around the Peace Pole at the Rotary Park last Thursday morning to show support for those affected by the conflict.

Students brought sunflower emblems – representing Ukraine’s national flower – and posters displaying messages of support.

Glenelg Shire Councillor, Karen Stephens, Casterton Rotary Club’s Wally Walsh and Casterton Vinnies’ Frank McInerney spoke at the vigil, noting the impact of the war had reverberated around the world.

Mr McInerney acknowledged the war had seen many Ukrainians killed and displaced.

“We’ve also seen the strength of the resistance of the Ukrainian people, defending their land and defending their way of life,” he said.

“Our presence here today says that we support those people and that we care for them.”

Also in attendance were Helen Stanislawski, who lives in Tarrayoukyan after arriving in Australia from Ukraine 30 years ago and several of her family members, who had fled from the conflict.

Speakers at the vigil offered their thoughts to Mrs Stanislawski, family members in attendance and family who were still in Ukraine.

Casterton Primary School leaders, Jett Lykke and Chloe Kurzman, gave speeches on the importance of seeking peace in Ukraine, while Sacred Heart students read out a prayer for the victims of the war.

The gathering coincided with National Sorry Day and attendees also acknowledged the historical mistreatment of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.