Circular Quay is heaving with tourists and young families making the most of a sunny weekend afternoon when a small group of men, women, and children gather outside Customs House.
As they unfurl blue and yellow flags and hand out placards, they swap stories about the week just past: of family and friends trying to survive in Ukraine, of little electricity, and of loved ones sent to fight against Russia.
In the crowd, Australian Jane Malcolm greets the group, many of whom have become close friends, bonding over the worst of circumstances.
