Local café found an unexpected way to support Ukraine—here’s how!

International diplomacy often plays out in grand halls and high-stakes meetings, but sometimes, the ripple effects reach the most unexpected places.

When a global controversy unfolded on the world stage, a small-town Australian couple found themselves deeply moved—so much so that they decided to take matters into their own hands.

What followed was an unconventional stand, a bold statement, and a commitment to a cause that stretched far beyond their quiet village.


When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with then-US President Donald Trump at the White House, the exchange left a lasting impression on a couple living in rural New South Wales.

Jan Giles and Adrian Sykes, from the small village of Binalong, were shocked by how Zelensky was treated during the meeting.

‘I was disgusted because here’s this man, coming for help and he’s belittled,’ Giles said.


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Binalong café owners take a stand for Ukraine. Image source: ABC Central West/Hamish Cole


‘It’s schoolyard bullying and we don’t accept that anywhere.’

‘You don’t treat anyone like that, let alone a head of state and for it to be on the world stage, [it’s] absolutely unbelievable.’

Determined to show their support for Ukraine, the couple introduced what they called ‘tariffs’ on American-made products at their café.

Before the US government announced a 25 per cent tariff on Australian steel and aluminium, Giles and Sykes had already imposed their own version of a tax on certain US goods, with the funds directed to aid efforts in Ukraine.

‘We call it a tariff because I think it’s the word of the week,’ Sykes said.


A $1 charge was added to Coca-Cola products, while Jim Beam and Cola faced a $2 increase.

Jack Daniels and Jim Beam were removed from the café’s shelves entirely since they were produced and shipped from the United States.

In another symbolic move, the couple decided to display the American flag upside down in their café.

‘It actually symbolises a state of distress,’ Sykes said.

‘I feel that’s how America is going at the moment.’


The initiative followed a community fundraiser organised by Giles and Sykes after they saw the now-infamous White House meeting.

Musicians volunteered their time, and people from across the district attended, including a Ukrainian family who had heard about the event.

‘It was wonderful, they all came in the Ukraine colours and they were just absolutely over the moon,’ Giles said.

Between the tariffs and the fundraiser, more than $2,000 had been donated to the Australian Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

To further their impact, the café pledged to match every dollar raised through their campaign.


‘We should be [able to raise] around $800, maybe $1,000 a quarter, and over a period of a year that would equate to maybe $3,000–4,000 a year,’ Sykes said.

He added that their goal was simply to help in any way they could, especially given what Ukraine had endured and the treatment Zelensky received from Trump and then-US Vice President JD Vance.

The couple planned to continue their efforts until they saw a change in Trump’s stance on Ukraine.

‘Binalong is not going to change the world [but] something like this can sometimes catch on a little bit,’ Sykes said.


In a previous story, former US President Donald Trump appeared confused when questioned about the AUKUS deal, a key security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US.

His response raised eyebrows, adding to concerns about his approach to international relations.

Read more about the moment that left many questioning his grasp on global affairs.

Key Takeaways
  • A rural Australian couple, Jan Giles and Adrian Sykes, were outraged by how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was treated by then-US President Donald Trump and decided to take action.
  • They imposed ‘tariffs’ on American-made products at their café, adding extra charges to certain items and removing US-branded alcohol, with proceeds going to aid Ukraine.
  • Their efforts followed a community fundraiser that attracted widespread support, including from a Ukrainian family, and helped raise over $2,000 for the Australian Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
  • The couple vowed to continue their campaign until Trump’s stance on Ukraine changed, believing small actions could inspire broader awareness.

With their small-town initiative making waves, it raises an interesting question—can grassroots actions like this truly influence global conversations?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
 

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Great stance to take - as someone else commented "from little acorns"! The world needs to stand up to the bully in the White House. He and Vance were incredibly rude to Zelensky and showed themselves for what they are - playground bullies. When Zelensky (quite rightly) refused to sign an agreement to provide millions of dollars of minerals to the US, without any form of guaranteed support from the US, Trump again showed his childishness by turfing him out of the White House. Trump then played fast and loose with lives by pausing aid and exchange of intelligence to Ukraine. Trump wants to become a dictator and he is well on his way to achieving that goal unless he is stopped by either legal means or by psychiatric intervention.
 
I am in total agreeance Lisa, doesnt that cafe think the billion dollars that we have already given is enough ?America has given 350 billion, someone has to pull the plug and end the war between these two countries. As for sending a peace keeping force over there I hope these two noble people have their hands in the air to volunteer
I cannot believe how gullible people are to believe the bullshit and some of the imbecile comments
 
Yeah, OK ,the UN did a shithot job in lebanon, terrorist bunkers and tunnels right under there noses and towers, firing rockets at will, peacekeepers have been reduced to toothless tigers with all the over the top guidelines they have to follow, seen some African nations lately. The UN is outdated,corrupt ,incompetent and should go in the same direction as The league of nations.
Yeah and why aren't we talking about what is going on in Syria? Christians being slaughtered and the UN is silent and doesn't want know!
George Christensen has just been over to the UN Human Rights Council - pleading with them to help these people - no countries including Australia have said a word - not a peep - that tells me they are all complicit in this and if you want to get involved in overseas events - then why aren't you using your voices to end this?
Not having a shot at you bombadier - you and I are on the same wavelength over the UN and it has to be disbanded - they have lost their way and their Charter is now a bloody big joke!
 
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Yeah and why aren't we talking about what is going on in Syria? Christians being slaughtered and the UN is silent and doesn't want know!
George Christensen has just been over to the UN Human Rights Council - pleading with them to help these people - no countries including Australia have said a word - not a peep - that tells me they are all complicit in this and if you want to get involved in overseas events - then why aren't you using your voices to end this?
Not having a shot at you bombadier - you and I are on the same wavelength over the UN and it has to be disbanded - they have lost their way and their Charter is now a bloody big joke!
(y).
 
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I would not support Ukraine in any shape or form with Zelensky as the leader.... the man is an arrogant disrespectful individual. He wants to keep the war with Russia going as long as possible... war makes money for the politicians...
 
Great stance to take - as someone else commented "from little acorns"! The world needs to stand up to the bully in the White House. He and Vance were incredibly rude to Zelensky and showed themselves for what they are - playground bullies. When Zelensky (quite rightly) refused to sign an agreement to provide millions of dollars of minerals to the US, without any form of guaranteed support from the US, Trump again showed his childishness by turfing him out of the White House. Trump then played fast and loose with lives by pausing aid and exchange of intelligence to Ukraine. Trump wants to become a dictator and he is well on his way to achieving that goal unless he is stopped by either legal means or by psychiatric intervention.
i must have watched a different commentary. you have very stupid opinions.
 
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He was basically told to F..K off. Are you a Trump or Putin supporter.? I was alway brought up to treat a guest with respect and make them feel comfortable!. Zelensky went into a room full of vultures, he was begging and he was alone, he is the hero!. I think more Australians should boycott American goods! Trump is showing his true colours, he dosen`t care about America either.
A hero that can play the piano with his penis, and dance in high heels lol google it if you don't believe me, he is nothing but a puppet.
 
Wow how stupid are these people? Do they realise that the ukraine president was appealing to the american public to be allowed to join NATO? Which Trump shut down why? The ukraine is at war with Russia if they joined NATO all the countries in NATO INCLUDING AUSTRALIA WOULD BE AT WAR NOW!! MAYBE some research should have happened before this stupid stunt!!
As far as I know, Australia is not a signatory to NATO so it does not affect us one bit unless we want it to.
 
Wow how stupid are these people? Do they realise that the ukraine president was appealing to the american public to be allowed to join NATO? Which Trump shut down why? The ukraine is at war with Russia if they joined NATO all the countries in NATO INCLUDING AUSTRALIA WOULD BE AT WAR NOW!! MAYBE some research should have happened before this stupid stunt!!
Australia is not part of NATO
 
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Do you know the meaning of NATO? Do you realise that Zelensky was there to try and get into NATO? Did you know that Ukraine is currently at war with Russia? If Ukraine joined NATO do you understand what that would have meant?? NATO'S POLICY If ONE in ALL in...we would all be at war NOW
If Ukraine had previously joined NATO. Putin would never have invaded.
 
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Wow how stupid are these people? Do they realise that the ukraine president was appealing to the american public to be allowed to join NATO? Which Trump shut down why? The ukraine is at war with Russia if they joined NATO all the countries in NATO INCLUDING AUSTRALIA WOULD BE AT WAR NOW!! MAYBE some research should have happened before this stupid stunt!!
Australia is not a member of NATO. (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
 
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