Visit of Ms Helena Urbaniak as part of the "Good Evening at the Consulate” meeting series.

29.09.2026

An elderly woman is holding a microphone and answering questions. In the background are the Australian and Polish flags.

On 14 September 2026, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland welcomed Ms Helena Urbaniak, a blind teacher and social activist from Gdynia. For many years, she was actively involved in teaching children Braille and how to use computers. The 90-year-old is a great enthusiast of modern technology and actively uses it in her everyday life. She was also featured in the “Ludzie Trójmiasta” series following the publication of her book “Iskierki w mroku.”

Ms Urbaniak appeared on Damian Stefańczyk’s Pokolenia podcast, where she shared the story of her life and revealed that one of her dreams was to visit Australia. Her story resonated strongly with viewers, who raised more than PLN 100,000 within just two hours to help her dream come true. The funds made it possible to fully finance her journey to Australia.

During her visit with the Polish community at the Consulate, Ms Urbaniak shared her impressions of her stay in Australia and answered many questions from the audience about her life and work, as well as how she continues to pursue her dreams and passions. A recording from the meeting is available on the Consulate’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@plinsydney

During her stay in Sydney, Ms Urbaniak also met with Polish children from the Professor J. Goebel Polish Saturday School in Ashfield and visited a number of places associated with the Polish community.

Photos (5)

Ms. Helena Urbaniak and two Consulate staff members, who are leading the meeting, are seated in armchairs. In the background are the Polish, Australian, and European Union flags.

Members of the Polish diaspora ask questions during a meeting with Ms. Helena Urbaniak.

;A woman with a microphone, with other people in the background—she is asking questions

A man with a microphone is asking questions.