“Even though Poland and Australia are not neighbours geographically, history has forged our friendship,” said Poland’s Ambassador to Australia Paweł Milewski at the opening ceremony. While thanking Australia for welcoming Polish immigrants at moments that were difficult for Poland in the 20th century, he cited Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, who on her recent visit to Poland underscored the inexpressible contribution made by Polish citizens to the Australian community and way of life.
Several hundred artists representing Polish community schools, folk groups from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart, and Frederic Chopin Society in Victoria performed at the Polish Festival. The “Istebna” band from Poland was featured as well. During the opening ceremony guests had a chance to listen to the bugle call from Krakow’s St Mary’s Church, performed by eleven-year-old Dominik Rawdanowicz.
An additional attraction were stalls with Polish dishes, souvenirs, books, handicraft and jewellery. Moreover, the audience were invited to attend an exhibition devoted to the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising.
The official part was joined by representatives of Australian authorities and Polish diaspora organizations. Jan Szuba, the Festival’s organizer, received an Honorary Badge of Merit to Polish Culture, awarded by the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage.
The first Polish Festival in Melbourne was held in 2004.
Photo © Piotr Buszta/the Polish Embassy in Canberra