The Council of Polish Organisations in the ACT Inc. was established in 1984 as the umbrella body representing the Polish organisations in the ACT region. Today these organisations fulfill the cultural, educational, social, business, religious and welfare needs of the community of approx. 4,500 people.
At the 2006 census there were living in Australia:
- 163,802 persons with Polish ancestry by country of birth of their parents
- 52,256 persons with Poland as their place of birth
In the Canberra-Queanbeyan area there were living:
- 4,304 persons with Polish ancestry by country of birth of their parents
- 1,199 persons with Poland as their place of birth
The Council of Polish Organisations in the ACT Inc. with its diverse membership co-ordinates the many activities of the community. It publishes the Kronika Polonii (Polish Chronicle) journal which informs and reviews Polish community events held during the year.
The Council represents the Polish Canberra community at various Australian and Polish-Australian forums held in and outside the ACT. It lobbies for Polish-Australians by raising issues important to their history, culture, language and traditions. It promotes the Polish-Australian cause whenever possible. It is affiliated with the Polish Community Council in Australia and New Zealand – the peak Polish-Australian body.
The Council is frequently asked to represent the Polish-Australian community at diplomatic functions, other events and to host visiting Polish dignitaries, academics and artists. In this respect, it has a close working relationship with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, other federal/territorial agencies, universities and multicultural bodies in the ACT.
Mission
The Council of Polish Organisations in the ACT Inc.'s mission is to sustain the life and prosperity of the Polish-Australian community within the wider multicultural community of the ACT. This is to be achieved by cooperating with all its Polish Australian members and other Australian organisations.
Objectives
- To co-ordinate the activities of the Polish member organisations in the ACT
- To represent the Polish community in the ACT and Polish interests generally
- To liaise and cooperate with the Polish Community Council of Australia & New Zealand and other member organisations of that Council and with representatives of the Government of the Republic of Poland at the Polish Embassy in the ACT
- To promote the Polish language, traditions and culture in the ACT by operating Polish radio programs, issuing a Polish periodical bulletin and supporting the teaching of the Polish language, Polish national dance groups and other cultural activities
- To raise the awareness of Poland, its culture, literature, music, art and history and to promote and popularise the Polish point of view in Australian society
- To promote loyalty to Australia, to encourage and assist Australians of Polish origin to actively participate in all spheres of Australian political and social life, and to promote Polish-Australian cultural co-operation
- To raise funds and to administer funds and donations aimed at supporting Polish community life in the ACT
Role
The Council fulfills its role through these activities:
- Coordination & participation
- Representation & lobbying
- Promotion
Executive Committee
| President | Mr Stan Kowalski |
| Vice-President | Mrs Wanda Horky |
| Secretary | Mr Joe Czerwinski |
| Treasurer | Mr Marek Stawski |
| Public Officer | Mr Wiesiek Burzynski |
| Ordinary Member | Ms Eta Rogoyska |
Public list of members with contact details
Council members [155 KB]
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Constitution
Past President's of the Council
| Andrew Alwast | (1999-2003) |
| Arkadiusz Fabianowski | (1997-1999) |
| Ryszard Majchrzak | (1993-1996) |
| Dr. George Klim | (1993) |
| Andrew Alwast | (1991-1992) |
| Dr. George Klim | (1991) |
| Wawrzyniec Sikorski | (1990-1991) |
| Renata Rustowska | (1988-1990) |
| Dr. George Klim | (1985-1988) |
Annual Reports
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