Poland in Australia

A concert commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Siege of Tobruk took place at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Sydney on April 15.

Honorary guests included Mrs. Karolina Cemka, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Republic of Poland, President of NSW Legislative Council Hon. Ben Franklin and Hon. Mark Banasiak MLC as well as representatives of the Rats of Tobruk Association.

Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Sydney, Piotr Rakowski, in his address, referred to the brotherhood in arms of Polish and Australian soldiers.

Karolina Cemka recalled the most important stages of the Allied-Axis fighting near Tobruk, which lasted from April to December 1941. Addressing the audience, she emphasised the heroism and perseverance of the Allied soldiers, their courage and determination, which allowed them to endure long months in the harsh desert conditions.

Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Chamber, Ben Franklin, highlighted the extraordinary bond between the Allied participants in the siege, who called themselves the Rats of Tobruk. Their shared struggle on the African front, as well as their post-war experiences, were an example of brotherhood and mutual support. After the war, many Polish soldiers were able to settle and find their place on Australian soil thanks to the help of their Australian comrades-in-arms.

The concert program by flutist Ewa Kowalski and pianist Anna Szydłowski featured works by both Polish and Australian composers, highlighting the significance of this anniversary, which is important for both countries.

Photos: Paulina Sobczak