3 March 2024 – 40th anniversary of Syrena. Sixty-five years ago, Poles in Dandenong came together to form the Polish Association; fifty years ago, a large group from Ringwood joined; forty-eight years ago, land was purchased by Ryszard Kukwa, Józef Wrzeszcz, Jan Jelonek and Jan Jaworski; forty-three years ago, the Association of Poles of the Eastern Districts of Melbourne (SPWD), known in english as the Eastern Districts Polish Association (Melbourne) – EDPA (Melbourne), was officially registered; and forty years ago, the Polish House Syrena in Rowville was officially opened by the Victorian Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, the Hon. Peter Spyker.
How did it all come about? The decision to build the Polish House was made at a special meeting on 19 September 1982. The project by Witorz, Kemp & Assoc. Architects, presented by Wiktor Żarnowski, was chosen. A Building and Finance Committee was formed, chaired by Piotr Bujnowski with Edward Biały as secretary. Construction began with $42,000 in capital, and the Polish community was asked for loans. The appeal was signed by Adam Szczęśniak (president), Alina Artymiuk (secretary), and Zygmunt Buś (treasurer). On 5 December 1982, Fr Leonard Kiesch blessed the foundation stone, and on 22 May 1983, the foundation act was signed and laid at the construction site. Four months later, on 25 September 1983, Bishop Szczepan Wesoły officially blessed the Polish House “Syrena” in Rowville.
The name “Syrena” was suggested by Wiesław Przygoda and quickly gained approval.
The first fundraising picnic was held in 1977, and the first Markets, initiated by Bogdan Zaniewski and Piotr Bujnowski, took place in 1979. The Polish Markets became a long-standing tradition at Syrena, attracting Poles from Melbourne and beyond, as well as locals keen to try Polish food and learn about Polish culture. The Old Polish Festival, held at the end of summer, rivalled the Markets in popularity and creativity.
Annual events like the Valentine’s Ball, Mother’s Ball, Father’s Ball, Winter Ball, St Andrew’s Ball, and New Year’s Eve continue to draw crowds. Folk groups such as Łowicz (founded in 1975 by Jadwiga Krystyna Straszyńska), Łowiczaki, Beskidy, and Mazur have added colour to every event. Polish music at Syrena has featured choirs like Arka, Syrena, Iskierki, the Melbourne Children’s Choir, the Rytm Ensemble, and the AKT Amateur Theatre Group. Syrena is also home to Polish children and schools. The Józef Piłsudski Polish School, established in 1956, has educated generations of Poles passionate about Polish language, literature, and history. Syrena is also home to scouts and cubs – ZHP Podhale in Melbourne, the 21st Boys’ Scout Troop named after Major Hubal (led by Michał Chochowski and Janusz Ćwik-Szweycer), and cubs organised by Ryszard Jarek. On 22 September 2007, the “Kazimierki” scout hall was officially opened, built thanks to the generosity of the late Ryszard Kazimierski.
Many renowned artists from Poland and local talents have performed at Syrena. The venue has welcomed numerous church and political figures from both Poland and Australia.
Above all, Syrena is about its presidents, dedicated 24/7, for whom Syrena is a second – or even first – home, and who know every detail of its operation. Past presidents include: Jan Jaworski (to 1979), Adam Szczęśniak (1979–1987), Wiktor Hołda (1993–1995, 1997–2000), Bogumił Pawlak (1996, 2001–2006), Zygmunt Bieliński OAM (2007–2018, 2021–2022), Janusz Klępka (2019–2021), Dr Andrzej Markiewicz (2022–2024). We wish the current president, Paweł Rozpara, a tenure to surpass Zygmunt Bieliński’s nearly 15 years.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone of goodwill who, through their work, time, and financial support, continue to support Syrena..
