Poland in Australia

Today marks 50 years since the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Australia and Poland on 20 February 1972. On that day, we affirmed the warm friendship between our nations. 

Our enduring relationship dates back to the arrival of the first Polish migrants to Australia in the 19th century. Since then, generations of men and women of Polish heritage have made significant contributions to the progress of modern Australia. 

The 1939 invasion of Poland spurred Australia’s entry into the Second World War. We honour our service personnel who bravely fought side by side, most famously in 1941 during the Siege of Tobruk, and the Australian and Polish aircrew who flew in support of the Warsaw Uprising. 

In the aftermath of war, Australia welcomed thousands of Poles who journeyed here to establish new lives in a new land. Australians stood fast in support of the brave struggle of the Polish people against communist rule and martial law, and celebrated Poland’s return to democracy in 1989.

In recent years our countries have worked closely together as democracies — supporting the rules-based international order and open and fair trade. We have enjoyed strong economic growth and the increasing success of our business links. We cooperate closely in the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other fora. 

Our relationship is one of mutual respect, underpinned by ties of family, friendship, history, heritage, and strong community links. After the catastrophic bushfires in 2019, Polish volunteer firefighters were involved in coordinating donations to the Kosciuszko National Park. In the latest expression of our bond, in 2021 Poland shared with Australia its surplus doses of COVID-19 vaccine, helping to protect Australians and our communities and thereby saving many Australian lives.

For 50 years, Australia and Poland have cooperated to build and enhance our strong bilateral relations. Today, we are proud of our friendship, confident in our shared interests and optimistic in the opportunities that lie ahead.