August 2022 Report
All good things come to an end, and so has my holiday in Poland. I was very impressed with my stay and encourage you to visit our beautiful country if you are able. Thank you to the members of the Management Committee who have been attending to the business of running Polonia during my absence.
As you already know, Polonia provides a cultural home to all Polish immigrants and their descendants whose interests primarily lie in perpetuating the Polish language, traditions and cultural heritage in their adopted homeland, Australia. To date, this Management Committee’s strategic direction in governing Polonia has been to:
- engage our patrons, members and guests by engendering in them a sense of “being” Polish,
- bring together and unite all generations of Polish Australians in recognition, memory and honour of their heritage, and
- encourage the broader community of Brisbane and southeast Queensland to be part of, understand, learn about, experience and be inspired by the heart and soul of Polish culture.
At the heart of its operations, Polonia is administered by volunteer committee members who rely on the help of Association members to bring our strategic and operational planning to fruition. We are looking for volunteers from within our membership who are willing and able to assist us in a variety of ways including clerical and administrative duties, marketing, fundraising, event planning, web hosting, food preparation, food and bar service, and trade skills (including plumbing, electrical and carpentry). We would also be keen to hear from members who can donate gift vouchers or prizes for us to raffle or award. In particular, we are looking for businesses to partner with on raffle prizes, in exchange for some promotion for the business. If you can assist us in any way, please contact: president@polonia.org.au. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!
A recent Working Bee at Zakopane had a number of volunteer attendees who replaced the roof and changed the ridge capping on one of the cabins. They also reconnected the two water tanks and cleared lantana in front of the kitchen so there is a clearer view to the river. Renovation of Cabin #3 has started as it hasn’t been attended to for a while and we are looking to create another outdoor shower. A reminder that bookings for “Zakopane” are now open to the end of June 2023. For more information or to book your stay, please email zakopane@polonia.org.au. Note, “Zakopane” is a private property owned by Polonia and is for the exclusive use of our members.
Our talented kitchen staff Magda & Agnieszka have initiated some new ideas in the restaurant, developing a new menu that will come into effect in early September. We thank them both for their creative suggestions and we hope you will come in to try the new offerings soon. And don’t worry – our traditional favourites can still be found on the new menu.
Our next Market Day will be on Saturday, 10th September. Doors open to the public at 9am and we will be open until 1pm (or until sold out). Our range of stalls will feature regular favourites and we’ll be grilling krańskis in the beer garden, with the downstairs bar open from 10am. The Polonia restaurant will be open from 11am until 2pm and then again from 5pm until 9pm. We encourage you to reserve a table by calling 3369 2747. The Library will be open from 9am until midday.
Come along and celebrate the beginning of Spring in Australia at “Polska Wiosna” at SPK (aka the Polish Returned Servicemen’s Club), 48-54 Holland Crescent, Capalaba, on Sunday, 11th September, from 11am until 4pm. There will be lots to eat and drink, see and do on the day, including Polish food stalls and performances by our Polish dance groups and scouts.
“Obertas” invites everyone to join in celebrating their 40th Anniversary by attending a Dinner and Dance Party with a touch of Polish folklore at Polonia on Saturday, 17th September. Starting at 6:30pm, there will be floorshow by Obertas, followed by a Polish buffet dinner. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased via Trybooking: Obertas 40th Anniversary Ball. As this is a pre-paid event, no walk guests on the evening will be accepted. Dress code for the evening is semi-formal and everyone is welcome to attend!
Don’t forget to renew your Polonia membership so that you can keep enjoying your discounts and other member benefits while providing much needed financial support to Polonia through your membership funds. Information about renewing your membership is available on our new website. Click here for “Membership”. You can also renew in person at the Club.
Date claimer: The Annual General Meeting of Polonia is currently being planned for Sunday, 16th October, 2022. Formal notification of the date and meeting agenda will be sent to members by the Secretary in due course.
Christmas is only 3 months away, so if you are looking for a venue for a Christmas party (or something else), please consider booking the Polish Club. We offer great meals and drinks at reasonable prices in a relaxed atmosphere. We can cater from 2 to 200 people with free parking for patrons. For function enquiries, call 3369 2747 or email: events@polonia.org.au
Finally, Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, grandfathers and every male role model who positively contributes to shaping young lives. You have our admiration and respect!
Henry Kurylewski
President
04.09.2022
To stay fully informed about what is happening at “Polonia”, I encourage you to regularly look at the calendar on our new website: Click here to see “Events” and follow our Facebook page: Click here to go to our Facebook page and/or our Instagram account: Click here to go to our Instagram page.