The Poland Australia Business Forum (https://pabf.com.au) together with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and the Polish Investment and Trade Agency organised a Unity Gala function at the Sydney Opera House to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Poland.
The opening address was delivered by HE Hon. Margaret Beazley AC CK, an Australian jurist and current governor of New South Wales who demonstrated her remarkable knowledge of Polish history and culture.
There were plenty of dignitaries in attendance including the PABF President Tym Pieglowski and the PABF committee; Agata Utnicka, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Poland; Jakub Wilchelm, Head of Polish Investment and Trade Agency in Australia; Monika Konczyk, Consul General of Poland in Sydney; Hon. Robert Borsak MLC and other parliamentarians; Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW as well as many Australian business and cultural life notables.
The Unity Gala was a celebration of the contribution made by the Polish Heroes to Australian culture, business, and academia.
The Polish Heroes project was created in 2022 by Anna Wojt and Leonie Tillman and consists of a series of podcasts featuring ten highly accomplished individuals in various industries, from arts to academia. All born in Poland,they made Australia their home some years ago. Leonie Tillman moderated a panel discussion with the Heroes.
It was a humbling experience to be named one of the Heroes by the PABF. Other Heroes who participated in the panel discussion were Professor Betina Szkudlarek, Bart Kolodziejczyk OAM, and Marzena Wasikowska.
For a series of Leonie Tillman interviews featuring all ten prominent Polish Australians,visit: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh
For those who are unsure about the meaning of the word, and I quote here from Eva Hussain’s, Hon. Consul of Poland in Melbourne, email, “the word hero comes from the Greek, literally meaning protector or defender but its connotations have changed somewhat over the years. The modern hero is selfless, compassionate and caring. Someone we admire for their courage, outstanding achievements, exceptional strength or noble qualities. Someone who demonstrates an utmost commitment to their morals, regardless of obstacles blocking their way.”
