Speeches
Tuesday, 26 November 2024
Reception to recognise volunteers of the Polish Women's Association in Adelaide
I warmly welcome you all to Government House.
This afternoon we gather to celebrate 70 years of the Polish Women’s Association in South Australia.
In 1954 a small group of Polish women, new to South Australia, began sending clothing, food and medical parcels to compatriots in Germany who had not met strict medical and health criteria for migration to Australia.
Having lived through the perils of war, these women understood hardship.
They had experienced separation from their families, the loss of loved ones, displaced persons camps, and other harsh difficulties.
Now, while undertaking the challenge of building new lives for themselves, on the other side of the world, they also wanted to serve others.
The care packages marked the beginning of the Polish Women’s Association – the very first association of Polish Women in Australia - as well as the characteristic generosity for which its members became known over the coming decades.
The Association soon expanded its activities to support local people and causes.
One of its first initiatives in Adelaide was to visit Polish patients in psychiatric hospitals, struggling with what would be known now as PTSD, following their wartime experiences.
This was followed by fundraising efforts for a range of causes such the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Australian Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul, the Catholic Immigration Centre and several others.
The Association was also a pioneer of multiculturalism, promoting Polish culture, language and traditions by taking part in various community activities, exhibitions, fairs, competitions and events.
During the 1956 Spring Fair at Adelaide Town Hall, Lady George, wife of Governor Air Marshall Sir Robert Allingham George, purchased a doll dressed in Polish national costume, made by one of the members as a fundraising activity.
Gosia kindly provided me with a photo of the occasion.
Friends,
Members of the Polish Women’s Association here today have followed generously in the footsteps of the organisation’s founders.
Two of our guests are the daughters of early presidents - Basha Samcewicz, whose mother was inaugural president, and Jola Kozak, whose mother was president on two occasions.
I am pleased that Irma Gorzelak has joined us. At 97 years of age, Irma remains an active member of the association. Welcome Irma!
Several women here today have also been part of the association for more than 20 years, and I thank them for their dedicated service.
Ladies, I thank you all for donating your time, energy and enthusiasm to serve the Polish community, and broader community, here in South Australia.
I thank you for continuing the work of supporting Polish organisations such as the Dom Polski Centre, Polish Educational Society and Polish Seniors Clubs; and for proudly sharing your Polish heritage.
I thank you for your continued support of charitable causes, such as the Cancer Council and Foodbank, and your fundraising support for people affected by the recent floods in Poland.
I was pleased to learn the Association is planning a membership recruitment plan for the new year, and I look forward to following your progress.
Congratulations to the Polish Women’s Association on reaching its 70th anniversary.
Gratulacje!