WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR FATHER/GRANDFATHER’S FIGHT FOR POLAND’S FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE BE HONOURED WITH THEIR INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER OF GRAVES OF VETERANS?
Your family may be interested in submitting an application for your father/grandfather’s entry into the register of veterans’ graves. This application is processed in Poland and after archival research (which can take many months) you will receive a special notice in paper version with a small plaque which is then attached to the rear of the grave/headstone.
Please refer to the translated version of the application form.
If you need details of a person’s birthplace, that can sometimes be found at naa.gov.au
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS ARE EMAILED TO:
weterani-groby@ipn.gov.pl
Covering emails can be written in English for processing.
VETERANS WITHOUT FAMILY:
You are very welcome to complete an application form for a family veteran friend/s.
These are then sent to:
Ed Kremzer
Honorary Consul
polishconsultas@gmail.com
Who Are The Polish Pioneers?
Polish Pioneers are displaced persons, ex-servicemen and women who survived the atrocities of World War 11, finally travelled from England, East Africa, Germany and India, forging a better life for themselves and their families in Tasmania. They arrived in Tasmania between 1947 and 1957.
With Tasmania’s rapidly expanding hydro-electric network, over 800 Polish ex-servicemen were recruited to work for the Hydro Electric Commission on the following hydro power schemes: Bronte Park, Tarraleah, Butlers Gorge, Liawenee, Waddamana, Poatina, Wayatinah and Trevallyn Dam. Their enormous contributions to the Hydro and the broader community, helped to create the Tasmania that we know today.
A large number of Polish Pioneers were employed in the construction industry.
They worked in the residential sector and on many of the largest building projects in Launceston including government buildings, schools, hospitals, factories and churches. What they built remains as a monument to their contribution.
The women were actively recruited into the workforce to assist in the post-World War II economic resurgence. Many found their way into the textile, hospitality, manufacturing and allied support services, which enabled them to support their growing families and integrate into their communities while maintaining their values and traditions.
Dom Polski (Polish House)
The heart of the Polish community in the wider Launceston area.
Dom Polski/Polish House was situated on the corner of Canning and Bathurst Streets and was the heart of our Polish community. In the early days it was a vibrant community and brought much happiness and long-lasting memories for the Pioneers and their families.
Dom Polski was a place for much needed gatherings to support social, educational and cultural needs for individuals and families. It was a symbol of an association between Polish migrants and the Tasmanian community they helped to shape. The Polish Pioneers and the wider Polish community with support from the Launceston business community, contributed to raise the funds and materials to build the Dom Polski.
The decision to sell the Polish House was not an easy one and proved to be very challenging. Sadly, like with many post WW11 migrant groups throughout Australia their community houses are no longer used to the same level and become a financial burden on the small number of people prepared to maintain the premises. With the support of our aged Pioneers, the doors of the Dom Polski closed for the last time in 2013.
The Polish Pioneers were displaced persons and ex-servicemen and women, who made their way to Tasmania from different parts of the world after World War II.
Polish Pioneers Monument, King’s Park, Launceston
The Polish Pioneers monument situated in King’s Park Launceston was opened in 2018.
The Polish Pioneers monument situated in Kings Park Launceston was opened in 2018. It was funded by the Polish Pioneers Foundation Trust with proceeds from the sale of the Dom Polski (Polish House) in 2013.
It was felt at the time that the legacy left by our Polish Pioneers and their contribution to the Launceston community be displayed in a meaningful manner.
This monument recognises the strength, courage, sacrifice and endeavours of Polish men, women and children who came to Northern Tasmania after WW11 as displaced persons, ex-servicemen and women.
It commemorates the active role these Poles have played in contributing to the life and economy of Tasmania; their work ethic, strength and resilience being very much valued by the community at large.
The Polish Pioneers commitment and dedication with the financial support and building of their beloved Dom Polski was the heart of Polish culture, their heritage and love for Poland which they shared with the wider Launceston community.
This group of special Polish individuals, will always be remembered in this very public place.
“Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła, kiedy my żyjemy”
“Poland will never disappear while we are living”.
The monument in Kings Park serves as a place of education and reflection. It is fitting that it is situated on the edge of the Tamar River with the main structure comprising eight columns connecting it to the eight hydro schemes (which played a significant role in the employment of hundreds of Polish individuals). There are ten informative plaques on each column with two larger ones on two large plinths facing the river.
The White Eagle (Orzeł Biały) is the national coat of arms of Poland and it positioned on the entrance columns on either side of the structure.
Positioned on one of the plinth’s is the foundation stone from the Dom Polski; the Dom Polski never to be forgotten as it was the heart of the Polish community.
The main walkway in the park runs through the middle of the monument; this design element is welcoming and invites the community to freely move around and engage in the site and the story of the Polish Pioneers. The ground and vertical lighting features enhances the structure during the night and portrays a vision of calmness and reflection.
May the visitors that walk through the Kings Park spend some quiet time in this space on the river edge learning about our Polish Pioneers and their journey; give thanks, memorialise and celebrate their survival and achievements.
At the same time, turn their thoughts to the challenges confronted by current migrants and support them as they make a new life for themselves and their families in the beautiful state of Tasmania.
Photography by Monika Kulon
