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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-09-24 Daily Xml
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Kolo Polek

Mr FULBROOK (Playford) (15:17): I rise to give my most sincere dziekuje to Kolo Polek, South Australia's Polish Women's Association, who recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. This group of amazing women have a wonderful story that has not only sought to preserve their culture but also reinforced all that is brilliant about being South Australian.

Their proud legacy began in the aftermath of the Second World War with the arrival of around 7,000 Polish migrants to South Australia. The 1950s evoke so many different memories. While a time of displacement, it also heralded the dawn of new opportunities of hope in distant lands like our own. A powerful driving force behind the optimism has been the joy created by the many women who have worked tirelessly to preserve their culture in their adoptive country.

There is a common Polish saying that explains that while the man is the head of the family, the woman is the neck that turns the head, and this could not be truer about Kolo Polek. As with any community starting afresh, the need to stick together comes as second nature. In starting anew, there was a strong desire for the many Poles to hold on to those things that made their culture great: the food, costumes, music, dance and language, just to name a few. But as a driving force, Kolo Polek was and remains much more than this.

While established in 1954, history should reflect that the benevolence of this community predates the association. We cannot overlook how they supported their fellow countrymen to settle and establish themselves here, but again, this is only scratching the surface. What began as a small group of Polish women sending clothing, food and medical parcels to their compatriots who did not meet the strict medical and health criteria for migration to Australia grew to include large families, single mothers and the disabled with limited means and limited prospects in postwar Europe.

Charity may begin at home, but this group never forgot that it goes further and to this day they remain a powerful force in providing charitable aid to causes across Australia and the world, teaming up with groups like the Good Neighbour Council, Young Women's Christian Association, Catholic Immigration Centre, APEX, St Vincent de Paul, Rotary, Ethnic Communities Council and other charitable organisations.

While the world has changed significantly in 70 years, and the Polish Women's Association evolving with it, it goes without saying that their ethos of support has always been ingrained to help families settle, visit the sick in hospital, or raise much needed funds for key charitable projects.

As South Australians we have a lot to be thankful for, and it is both wonderful and deserving that celebrations for their 70-year legacy have been ongoing. In gratitude, last month ministers Bettison and Hildyard co-hosted a reception in parliament for the association to acknowledge this significant milestone. This was a fitting opportunity to showcase the South Australian government's deep appreciation for their work here in South Australia.

Two weekends ago, I then joined with the Hon. Jing Lee, from the other place, and some wonderful dignitaries at Dom Polski, including Henryk Kurylewski, President of the Polish Community Council of Australia; Janet Giles from the City of Adelaide; Miriam Cocking, President of the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia; Irene Row from the Multicultural Commission; Elizabeth Ho OAM, Chair of the History Trust of South Australia; Edward Dudzinski, President of the Federation of Polish Organisations in South Australia; Len Nowak, President of Dom Polski; and many others for a fantastic lunch.

Throughout Kolo Polek's 70 years, volunteers have been its strength and the efforts made by those for this special event were, indeed, no exception. In saying a heartfelt thanks, I particularly want to express gratitude to the association's president, Gosia Skalban OAM, who has given a lifetime of service and leadership to our state's multicultural community. I understand there may be further motions in parliament to follow and I look forward to hearing other members express their appreciation.

Just before I finish up, I can imagine those terrible floods that are affecting central Europe are not too far from the minds of members and I also take this opportunity to express sympathy to the thousands affected. Knowing they have always quickly responded financially to issues locally, nationally and overseas, their members past and present have left a permanent and proud mark on our community. While they have every right to proudly proclaim their heritage, this kindness and strength of character also underlines why they should also be hailed as exemplary South Australians.

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