Poland in Australia

The event at the Embassy was attended, among others, by the representatives of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, headed by the Chief of Protocol, Ian McConville, and by other federal administration officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Polish community and friends of Poland.

The ceremony began with the national anthems of Poland and Australia, performed by the Polish-Australian pianist Krzysztof Małek, followed by toasts to both countries and their citizens made by Ambassador Michał Kołodziejski and the Chief of Protocol. In his speech, Ambassador Kołodziejski referred to the 50th anniversary of Polish-Australian diplomatic relations established on 20 February 1972, by presenting them in the context of much longer history of bilateral contacts, which can be traced back to the beginning of the European settlement in this country in the early 19th century. Ambassador Kołodziejski raised the issue of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, pointing out to some similarities with the situation of Poland during WWII. He reiterated Poland’s full support for the invaded neighbour that shares with us and Lithuania the legacy of the 3rd of May Constitution. Participants paid respect to the victims of war in Ukraine through a minute of silence.

Chief of Protocol Ian McConville referred to recent close contacts between the political leaders of our two countries, including the joint statement of the Prime Ministers of Poland and Australia issued on the occasion of 50 years of Polish-Australian diplomatic relations, and the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs' visit to Warsaw on the very day of the anniversary.   

Special guests of the event were four Polish-Australians who participated in the project „Unity | Stories about Us”, carried out by the Polish-Australian Business Forum to mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations under the patronage of Polish Ambassador. From Sydney came prof. Betina Szkudlarek, Jenny Morawska and Krzysztof Czerwiński, and from Brisbane prof. Lidia Morawska.

Celebrations of the 3rd of May Constitution accros Australia

On April 30, Consul General of the Republic of Poland Monika Kończyk visited the Polish School WA in Perth. A meeting with the school community was held with the students' performances related to the May Celebrations. The Consul General also participated in the solemn Holy Mass during which funds were collected to help Ukraine, and in May Celebrations of Polish diaspora organisations in the Polish Club. During the ceremony, poems and songs prepared by students of Polish schools and the opera artist - Magda Lisek were presented, as well as a performance by the dance group "Kukułeczka". On the occasion of the Polish National Day, local authorities lit up in white and red one of the most recognizable buildings in Perth – the Bell Tower.

In Brisbane, main ceremonies were held at the “Polonia” House. To mark the Polish National Day the local authorities decided to light up the building of the town hall in white and red.

Celebrations in Hobart included a special holy mass and the Academy prepared by children from the Polish school and their Australian friends, together with the performance of the “Oberek” folk dance group.

Main celebrations in New South Wales took place on 1 May in the Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Queen of Poland in Marayong.

In Mebourne, which has the biggest Polish community in Australia, the celebration also took place on 1 May in the Polish Marian Shrine in Essendon. The program of the 3rd of May Academy was prepared by Polish schools and scouting organisations from the state of Victoria. It also included performances by the Polish folk dance group “Polonez” and the Rawdanowicz Family band.

Another event was held at the Polish House in Geelong, organised by the Polish Community Association in Geelong.

More about the celebrations in Victoria (in Polish):

https://portalpolonii.com.au/?p=6828

https://portalpolonii.com.au/?p=6841