80th birthday cake, NPWS banner, and greenery arranged by Mrs Barbara Dabrowa, image Chris Malek220 |
On Friday, 19th April, 2024, a special birthday celebration of significant importance to both the Polish and Australian communities, took place.
An enthusiastic group of people gathered at Thredbo Alpine Hotel to mark the 80th Anniversary of Kosciuszko State Park, now known as Kosciuszko National Park. The celebration, hosted by the National Parks Association (NPA), was attended by the Polish Ambassador, HE Maciej Chmielinski accompanied by his wife Mrs Malgorzata Jagas-Chmielinska, current and former National Parks staff, local Mayor and Councillors, representatives of the Polish-Australian community, conservation and bushwalking groups, the Public Service Association and a range of other supporters of Kosciuszko National Park, including special guests who are exactly 80 years old.
The Ambassador of RP, HE Maciej Chmielinski and his wife Mrs Malgorzata Jagas-Chmielinska with Lajkonik |
Kosciuszko National Park is known and loved as an Australian icon, a majestic alpine landscape, and the largest conservation reserve in NSW. It is the source of the mighty Murray, Murrumbidgee and Snowy Rivers and the irreplaceable home of many species of unique flora and fauna.
In celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Park’s declaration as a State Park, homage was paid to the First Nation custodians who cared for the Australian Alps over millenia. Rangers and other staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service who have worked and advocated for the protection of the high country were also acknowledged and thanked for their contributions.
(from left) Aunty Ellen Munday, Aunty Kathy Jones, and Uncle John Dixon |
Former NPWS staff Alistair Howard, Ian Pulsford, Jocelyn Davies and Bruce Leaver |
The event was MC-d by NPA Communications Co-ordinator Samantha Newton.
NPA Communications Co-ordinator Samantha Newton |
Welcome to Country was kindly given by Aunty Kathy Jones, Aunty Ellen Munday and Uncle John Dixon.
(from right) Aunty Kathy Jones, Aunty Ellen Munday, and Uncle John Dixon |
A historical background of how the Park was created, including the relevant enabling legislation, was given by historian Deirdre Slattery. Deirdre has in recent years published an amazing book titled “Kosciuszko” co-authored with the late Graeme L Worboys.
Deirdre Slattery |
The Ambassador of Poland, H.E. Maciej Chmielinski, spoke about the first plaque which was placed on Mt Kosciuszko in 1940 by the then Polish Consul Noskowski, on the 100th year Anniversary of Sir Paul Edmund Strzelecki’s ascent and naming of Mt Kosciuszko. The Ambassador explained the meaning of that event which was a protest against the invasion of Poland by both the Germans and the Russians, and an expression of solidarity with Poles by Australians. The Ambassador gave a number of examples which show the strong mutual respect and regard which the two nations of Australia and Poland have for each other, including Poland’s offers of assistance during and after the bushfires of 2019/2020.
The Ambassador of Poland, H.E. Maciej Chmielinski |
Former NPWS Regional Manager Dave Darlington gave a detailed presentation on the huge efforts made by NPWS staff over the years to protect and manage the Park, and some of the challenges which had been experienced.
Former NPWS Regional Manager Dave Darlington |
Two 80-year-olds, Patrick Condon and Esther Gallant, spoke on behalf of six 80-year-old guests, sharing some precious memories, stories, and observations of the changes over eight decades. Unfortunately, Ernestyna Skurjat-Kozek, the President of the Kosciuszko Heritage - also 80 years old - could not join us because of illness - we wish her a quick recovery.
Patrick Condon |
Esther Gallant |
The pace of the presentations was changed by a short video presentation prepared by Dave Gallan and Stuart Cohen, wherein against the background of stunning images of alpine landscapes, unique fauna and flora and other thought-provoking images, the audience enjoyed the gentle harmonies of the Djinima Yiliga Aboriginal Choir directed by Cheryl Davison. Unfortunately, the choir was not able to attend in person.
A stunning birthday cake was cut ceremoniously to mark the 80-year Anniversary of the Park’s existence as a State Park. Organiser Linda Groom from NPA, former Regional Manager Dave Darlington, the Ambassador of Poland H.E. Maciej Chmielinski, and Deirdre Slattery cut the birthday cake.
Organiser Linda Groom from NPA, former Regional Manager Dave Darlington, the Ambassador of RP H.E. Maciej Chmielinski, and historian Deirdre Slattery cut the birthday cake |
Additional highlights of the event included an exhibition of historical photographs and an art display of birthday cards for Kosciuszko National Park created by students of two Jindabyne schools and The Polish School of Sydney.
Birthday cards for Kosciuszko National Park created by students of two Jindabyne schools and The Polish School of Sydney |
The Kosciuszko Room was beautifully decorated by Barbara and Grzegorz Dąbrowa, using native flowers and greenery, incorporating a subtle touch of red and white carnations representing the Polish hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
Barbara and Grzegorz Dąbrowa |
Polish Song and Dance Ensemble “Lajkonik” dancers Adam Taras, Angelika Druc and Patryk Druc, attended in a representative and supporting role. In their elegant Szlachecki costumes (dress of the Polish nobility of the 1800’s), they ushered in the VIPs and took commemorative photos which will form part of the archive of this special historical event.
Lajkonk & Uncle John Gnublum Dixon |
Lajkonk & Aunty Kathy Jones |
Urszula Lang (author) attended as a Committee Member of the Southern Ranges Regional Advisory Committee, representing also Kosciuszko Heritage Incorporated, together with Vice President Andrzej Kozek and Felix Molski. Urszula also represented the NSW Federation of Polish Associations and was part of the event organising Committee.
Ursula Lang with Adam Taras, Angelika Druc & Patrick Druc from Lajkonik |
Andrzej Kozek & Dave Darlington |
Felix Molski & Dave Darlington |
SO WHY WAS THIS EVENT A MILESTONE FOR THE POLISH COMMUNITY? Because representatives of the Polish Community were warmly invited on the basis that they are genuine “stakeholders” in all matters relating to Kosciuszko National Park and Mount Kosciuszko. This is what Kosciuszko Heritage Incorporated has been working towards, since the Organisation was established in 2007, but which did not come easily or automatically. It is something that we have had to work for, overcoming many challenges and setbacks on the way. We now need to ensure that this acknowledgement continues in future years and is not allowed to fall by the wayside.
A Booklet of the Kosciuszko Heritage Inc Caring about the Kosciuszko Mountain |
Photos by: Chris Małek, Ian Pulsford, Grzegorz Dąbrowa & Andrzej Kozek.
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