Poland in Australia

The Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Sydney, Piotr Rakowski, welcomed guests and delivered a short address in which he highlighted the importance of the Enlightenment legacy of the 1791 Constitution for both Poland and Europe. He emphasised that it was the first written constitution in Europe and the second in the world, and that the values it promoted continue to serve as a source of inspiration and a foundation for democratic change in later periods.

The guests of honour at the ceremony were Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales, and Ben Franklin, President of the New South Wales Legislative Council. In their speeches, both referred to the constitutional legacy and universal values which, through the music of Polish composers, continue to play an important role in strengthening relations between Poland and Australia. The President of the Legislative Council also highlighted the contribution of the Polish community to building strong bilateral ties.

Following the official part of the event, guests attended a piano concert performed by Rafał A. Łuczewski, an internationally award-winning pianist, scholarship holder of the Polish Ministry of Culture, educator, and juror in music competitions across multiple continents.

The programme featured works by Fryderyk Chopin, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Ignacy Friedman, and Richard Addinsell.

The celebration was attended by representatives of the New South Wales authorities, members of the consular corps in Sydney, and representatives of the Polish community in Australia.