Geoff Bowan announced as Australia’s next ambassador to Ukraine

He was also most recently assistant secretary, Eastern and Southeast Europe Branch, as well as serving overseas on two occasions in Beijing.

“Mr Bowan will coordinate Australian assistance and deepen cooperation across shared priorities, including military, humanitarian and energy assistance, trade and investment, multilateral cooperation, and people-to-people links,” according to a statement from Australian Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong.

“He will also advance Australia’s regional interests, including engagement with Moldova, while maintaining essential consular services for Australians in the region.

“I thank outgoing Ambassador Paul Lehmann for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Ukraine and Moldova since 2023.”

Australia has also announced the appointments of another three experienced career officials to lead Australia’s posts in Singapore, Lebanon and Israel.

Robyn Mudie has been announced as Australia’s next high commissioner to Singapore, Neil Hawkins as Australia’s next ambassador to Israel and Tom Wilson as Australia’s next ambassador to Lebanon.

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Earlier this month, Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko congratulated the Parliament of NSW on the establishment of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Ukraine.

“This initiative reflects the Parliament’s commitment to international friendship, democratic solidarity and support for Ukraine during a time of immense challenge,” according to ambassador Myroshnychenko.

“Special recognition goes to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Greg Piper, for serving as chair of the Friendship Group, and to the president of the Legislative Council, Ben Franklin, for serving as co-chair. Their leadership demonstrates strong bipartisan support and a shared commitment to strengthening NSW–Ukraine relations.

“At a time when Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty and democratic values, such gestures of friendship and partnership carry deep significance. The Ukrainian community in New South Wales, as well as friends of Ukraine across Australia, will greatly value this important initiative.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.