Dr Bogumiła Żongołłowicz Honoured with the Order of Australia

09.06.2026

On 8 June 2026, on King's Day, Dr Bogumiła Żongołłowicz - a Melbourne-based writer, poet, journalist, editor and documentarian - was honoured for her achievements and outstanding contributions to the development of Australian society.

The writer is standing in front of a bookstore door, holding a book in her hand.

Dr Żongołłowicz’s work focuses on researching the history and experiences of Poles in Australia after the Second World War. Through her writing, she preserves the memory of important figures, who have shaped Polish and global culture and history. She is the author of numerous works, including a monograph on the literary cabaret Wesoła Kookaburra, as well as biographies of the artist Gwidon Borucki, writers Andrzej Chciuk and Zbigniew Jasiński, and consul Władysław Noskowski. Her body of work also includes poetry collections and many press articles.

Between 1991 and 2023, she collaborated with the Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). She is also a co-author of, among others, Finding My Feet. An Anthology of Poetic Voices (Melbourne, 2024), which features the work of 176 Australian poets. Dr Żongołłowicz is a member of several professional organisations, including the Union of Polish Writers Abroad, the Polish Journalists’ Association, the Melbourne Poets Union, the Australian Society of Authors, and PEN Melbourne.

Awards and distinctions:

2018 – distinction in the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Historical Competition in the category “Best publication in Polish on the history of Polish diplomacy” for Consul. A Biography of Władysław Noskowski
2019 – “Meritorious for Polish Culture” badge
2025 – Maria Konopnicka Organic Work Award
2026 – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

The Order of Australia is the country’s highest national honour (for both civil and military service) and ranks third in the Australian honours system. It recognises individuals for outstanding achievement and service that contribute significantly to the nation.

Any citizen can nominate a candidate for the Order. Nominations are assessed by the independent Council for the Order of Australia, and appointments are formally made by the Governor-General on behalf of the monarch. Honours lists are announced twice a year — in January and June. Before publication, recipients are confidentially notified of the award and asked to confirm their acceptance.

Photo courtesy of the author’s archive