Amid the full-scale war in Ukraine, media professionals have become not just witnesses but active participants in the struggle. Among those who stood by us in this difficult time is Rob Duffield, a regional news media professional from Australia who did everything in his power to help.
For over three decades, Rob worked in Victoria’s regional press — from sales to editorial leadership, from marketing to advocating for the industry at the government level. At some point, he became deeply moved by the situation of Ukrainian journalists: working under shelling, without electricity, yet with unwavering commitment to their mission.
His connection to the Ukrainian media community began at the INMA conference in Hamburg, where Rob met colleague Ioana Blaut, who was already actively supporting us. Her stories about Ukrainian newsrooms persevering through war — and the many support initiatives launched by the Association “Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine” (AIRPPU) and its director Oksana Brovko — sparked in him a desire to act. “Her passion moved me, and we discussed how I could help from faraway Australia,” he recalls.
That’s how the idea was born to pitch a story about Ukrainian women in media to the ABC television program Foreign Correspondent. “One night, I couldn’t sleep and kept thinking about how to help. Then I remembered this program and realized: the story of Ukrainian women journalists must be told,” Rob explains.
Though there was no guarantee his idea would be accepted, the editorial team agreed — and the piece aired, showing viewers the strength, resilience, and professionalism of Ukrainian women in local media.
“Rob is a reminder that you don’t need to wait for big decisions to make a meaningful impact. It’s enough to act in the way you can. Even from the other side of the world,” says AIRPPU’s CEO Oksana Brovko.
How Personal Support Became a Lifeline for Journalists: The Example of Rob Duffield
At the same time, Rob organized solidarity campaigns — radio segments, public messages to the media ahead of World Press Freedom Day, letters suggesting action. However, most Australian regional media remained indifferent. “It was disappointing. They were too busy, too focused on profit,” he admits.
Refusing to give up, Rob decided to contribute personally: he donated funds to purchase EcoFlow power stations for Ukrainian newsrooms. This equipment allowed journalists to keep working even after shelling and blackouts.
“The difficulties journalists face working in wartime Ukraine are the complete opposite of the working conditions and freedoms journalists currently enjoy in Australia. I felt that a personal donation could inspire other donors to support the cause… It was very rewarding to learn how that money helped media teams survive and operate under war conditions,” Rob shares.
He is especially inspired by Ukrainian women journalists who continue working during the war:
“They risk their own safety and the safety of their families to report the news as accurately as possible… I admire what Oksana and her team do every day.”
Rob consistently emphasizes the importance of regional journalism during wartime: independent, local, in-depth reporting.
“Global news flows are prone to inaccuracies, staff shortages, unchecked reporting… Ukrainian media are an example of the best kind of news coverage,” he says.
“These small, private initiatives of support are incredibly important. At first glance, they may seem like a drop in the ocean. But in fact, it’s from such small steps that a broad horizontal support network is built. And this is yet more proof that solidarity can overcome any geographic boundaries,” says Oksana Brovko.
This article is part of a series highlighting projects and initiatives that build a wide support network. Previously, we wrote about Nils Riise’s walk from Oslo to Bergen. This story adds another piece to the larger puzzle, where genuine care begins with a personal decision to take action.
