Poland in Australia

On 17 November 17 2019, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland Michał Kołodziejski hosted a reception commemorating the 101st anniversary of Poland regaining its independence. The members of the Polish community in attendance jointly sang the Polish national anthem, Dąbrowski’s Mazurka at the start of the event. In his speech Ambassador Kołodziejski reflected on the relevance of independent Poland and acknowledged the role played by the Polish community in Australia in keeping Polish tradition and culture alive. During the reception, the Ambassador presented Bogdan Lisowski with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland.Afterwards, guests joined soprano Marta Nowicka in singing of Polish patriotic songs. Those present also had the opportunity to see an exhibition of Polish stamps “London Sea Post Stamps” issued by the London-based Polish Government-in-Exile during 1941-1945 from the collection of Andrzej Alwast. On the same day a Holy Mass service, dedicated to the Homeland, the President of the Republic of Poland and the People of Poland was celebrated at the St. John Paul II Catholic Centre in Canberra. A few days earlier, the Ambassador participated in the Independence Day celebrations organized by the Polish community in Hobart. Independence Day events were also held in other major Australian cities, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.