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1 grudnia 2010
Next generation of our Polonia in Australia?
an interview with Adam Wieczorkowski

We all know that the Polish community in Australia was built on the foundations of the migrants of the early years. Through the years, Polish organisations have evolved and become stronger through a close, tight-knit community. But with new social trends and differing cultural values affecting multicultural Australia, what is the future for our Polonia? Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting 19 year old Adam Wieczorkowski. On the outside he’s your normal young Australian male, athletic and knowledgeable are the two best words one can use to describe him. One would not even think that this individual is a new director and honourable club secretary for the Polish Club Limited in Ashfield. But he is!

Ernestyna Skurjat-Kozek - Can you tell us a little about your family background and how family history has influenced you Adam?

Well Ernestyna, my story is much like any other of a young Australian of Polish heritage. I was born in Sydney into a culturally rich Polish home. My father’s parents came to Australia just after the war from Germany. My mother’s side arrived from Krakow in 1966 and together, both families built a comfortable lifestyle from nothing at all. I remember quite fondly the story my grandmother told me of her trip to Australia. It was far from the comfort of an airliner. She, along with my grandfather and baby mum were just numbers in the thousands of other migrants on an Italian ship bound for Australia. Babcia had to sell her skin cream and make-up set in Genoa to buy a tiny ice cream. They came to Australia with nothing but through hard work, created a successful lifestyle that benefits me today. I have learnt that through hard work and a positive attitude, you can achieve anything your heart wishes. This is what I was always taught by my mother and father.

What about you? What are your interests?

I have an interest in Australia’s political arena and am an active member in a political party. I attended a private Catholic boys school in Strathfield and now study Politics and International Relations at a large University in Sydney so both these aspects of my life tie in well. When I’m not studying, I like to go out with friends and go to the gym, so my life isn’t just study and politics.

What made you get involved with the Polish Club Ashfield?

My family has had a long history with the club. My grandfather, Zbigniew Kromka, was a director at the club and worked behind the bar and as a waiter. My mother danced in Syrenka for many years and my grandmother organised functions and various activities in the club. And because I was not involved in a dancing group or Polish school, I decided to get involved in the club and follow in my grandfather’s footsteps.

Now that you are in the club, what are your plans?

Before I was elected a director, one of my main goals was to introduce the next generation to the club. For many years, there was an absence of young people actively involved in the club and my goal is to change that. I look at the club and see it as a business, not a charity. (I think that way of thinking originates from my father, the accountant). My goal is to slowly modernize the club. It has to be done gradually, too much change in a short amount of time can put people off. Firstly, the club has to become profitable. We have introduced new events ranging from a club disco, to an upcoming jazz dancing night. Everyone is always welcome. This year’s Bal Sylwestrowy/ New Years Eve Ball will be amazing! It is the first club NYE event where tickets are $100 but it will be worth it. An amazing band and delicious food as well as amazing atmosphere and decoration will make it a special evening.

Any visions for the future?

My vision is to bring in a broad range of clientele, not just Polish people. I, along with other board members want to see a return to the days where the Polish Club Ashfield was the place to be seen at. Thanks to the help of some people, the club has already begun to transform in this short space of time. The repainting of the halls is still taking place, the introduction of contemporary furniture and the gradual phase in of the new logo are just some of the changes that are occurring for the better. I feel that this will be a successful and rewarding year for the Polish Club Ashfield and I encourage everyone in the Polish community to come and show your support for the club by buying a drink at the bar, a meal at the restaurant, or a ticket to a club event. The Polish Club Ashfield is an icon in the community and it needs to be supported and appreciated, and preserved for future generations.

Adam, thanks for talking to Puls Polonii, and good luck!

Thanks a lot, Ernestyna.