President’s Report and a List of Key Events – July 2023 to October 2024
Reflecting on the activities and achievements of the Australian Institute of Polish Affairs (AIPA) from July 2023 to October 2024, we celebrate a period of vibrant engagement with Polish and Australian communities, both online and in person. These initiatives underscore our dedication to fostering connections between Australia and Poland, while promoting a deeper understanding of Polish culture, history, and contemporary political and social issues.
Over the past year, AIPA has further established its profile within the academic community. A notable achievement was the seminar featuring Polish sociologists, who visited Australia to participate in the XX ISA Congress of Sociology. This event, hosted at the University of Melbourne, created an informal and friendly setting for knowledge exchange and was attended exclusively by AIPA members.
Our outreach to scholars at Australian and Polish universities has strengthened connections with leading experts in sociology, politics, history, and culture. The AIPA Board also continued to build valuable relationships within diplomatic circles. For instance, Treasurer Dr. Gosia Klatt and I met privately with Mr. Benjamin Hayes, the newly appointed Australian Ambassador to Poland.
In response to a private invitation, I travelled to Canberra to attend the National Day Reception celebrating Poland’s Constitution Day on May 3. This event, hosted by H.E. Ambassador Mr. Maciej Chmielinski, brought together a distinguished group of guests, including officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), embassy staff, AIPA members, and other esteemed attendees from across Australia.
In addition to formal events, I have made an effort to strengthen the connections among AIPA members through more informal social gatherings. Recognizing the desire for a sense of community, I organized several outings at restaurants and also travelled to Sydney and Canberra to meet with our members in those cities. In Sydney, I enjoyed a lunch in the private room of the Polish Club in Ashfield, generously sponsored by AIPA members Ernest and Margaret Fajwul. This gathering was a wonderful opportunity to meet the members of the Sydney Branch in person. In Canberra, I met with AIPA Board member Dr. Kasia Williams and our Sydney members, Mr. Simon Target and Dr. Beata Zatorska during the screening of their documentary at Parliament House.
A major highlight of the year was the visit of Professor Radoslaw Markowski, Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw. As our first international guest since COVID-19, Professor Markowski delivered a series of lectures in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Hobart on “Democracy in Europe, its Eastern Part, and Poland: The Last Decade.” His presentations were hosted by leading institutions, including the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Tasmania. In Melbourne, he also engaged a wider audience at Armagh House, Toorak, where he discussed “The Polish Elections of 2023: Causes and Consequences.” Professor Markowski’s profile was further recognized through his appearance on ABC Radio National’s Late Night Live, where he was interviewed by Phillip Adams.
I invite you to review the Key Events section below for an expanded list of AIPA’s recent initiatives and the various ways our members have contributed to these efforts.
Below is a detailed list of key events and activities that have either been initiated by AIPA or with which the Institute’s members have been involved in other ways. The list contains both online and live events.
1. AIPA seminar with Polish Sociologists (01.07.2023)
Location: Melbourne
Description: AIPA members in Melbourne had the privilege of meeting with Polish sociologists who came to Australia to participate in the XX ISA Congress of Sociology, promoting knowledge exchange in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Three presentations were delivered exclusively for AIPA members at the University of Melbourne. https://aipa.net.au/meeting-with-polish-sociologists/
2. Lecture by Dr. Katarzyna Williams in Canberra (19.07.2023)
Location: Canberra –
Description: Dr. Katarzyna Williams presented a lecture at the Australian National University on the theme, “What does it mean to come together?”: The Art and the Other after the Long Summer of Migration in Europe, as part of the Freilich Project for the Study of Bigotry.
3. Panel Presentation in Warsaw (21.07.2023)
Location: Warsaw
Description: AIPA Vice-President Prof. Jan Pakulski participated in a panel presentation during the Concillium Civitas on “Political Elite Decay and its Consequences.”
4. Screening of “Masha and Valentyna” (31.07.2023)
Location: Canberra – Description: AIPA President Dr. Alexandra Dunwill attended the screening of the documentary “Masha and Valentyna” and met with AIPA members and notable figures in the Ukrainian, Polish, and Australian communities, strengthening cultural and diplomatic connections.
5. Presentation at ECPR Conference (4.09.2023)
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Description: AIPA Vice-President Prof. Jan Pakulski presented a paper on “Political Elite Decay in Poland and Hungary” at the ECPR Conference at Charles University.
6. Publication of Dr. Alexandra Dunwill’s Book (05.09.2023)
Location: Melbourne
Description: AIPA President Dr. Alexandra Dunwill’s book titled “Scrutinising Elites and Schooling in Post-communist Poland.” Has been published by Routledge Taylor & Francis in London. https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Scrutinising_Elites_and_Schooling_in_Pos/rfrJEA AAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover
7. Welcome to the New Ambassador of the Republic of Poland (06.09.2023)
Location: Melbourne, Canberra
Description: On behalf of the Board, AIPA President sent a welcoming email to the new Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Maciej Chmielinski, as part of diplomatic and cultural engagement.
8. Educational Tour in Europe (11-22.09.2023)
Location: Belgium, Italy, and Poland
Description: AIPA Treasurer, Associate Professor Gosia Klatt led a successful 2-week study tour to three European education systems with 17 students from the University of Melbourne, enhancing educational insights and promoting cultural exchange.
9. Election to Linux Foundation Networking Governing Board (16.09.2023)
Location: Melbourne
Description: AIPA member, Dr. Walter Kozlowski was elected as a member of the Linux Foundation Networking Governing Board, contributing to the advancement of networking technologies.
Location: Canberra
Description: Dr. Katarzyna Williams presented a lecture on “The wall with a view of Europe: Two long years of the EU–Belarus border crisis” as part of the ANU Migration Seminar Series.
11. Meeting with Australian Ambassador in Poland (25.09.2023)
Location: Warsaw
Description: AIPA Vice-President Prof. Jan Pakulski met with the Australian Ambassador in Poland, HE Lloyd Broderick, to discuss past and future collaboration, recognizing AIPA’s contributions to strengthening Polish-Australian relations and aiding Ukraine during the Russian invasion.
12. Exhibition of Aboriginal Art in the Utopia gallery in Warsaw (12.10.2023)
Location: Warsaw
Description: Dr Halina Zobel-Zubrzycka represented AIPA at the opening of the Aboriginal exhibition in Warsaw. Dr Zubrzycka emphasised AIPA’s role as a promoter of knowledge about Aboriginal art in Poland, allowing the exhibition guests to learn about the history of AIPA and its role in building a cultural, social, and political bridge between Poland and Australia.
13. Martin Krygier on Elections in Poland. Radio National (14.10.2023)
Location: Sydney
Description: AIPA member Professor Martin Krygier spoke with the Radio National presenter Geraldine Doogue about the upcoming elections in Poland. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/saturdayextra/elections-in-poland/102975678
Location: Melbourne
Description: Dr Gosia Klatt hosted a visit of the Secretary of State, Government Plenipotentiary for the Development and Internationalization of Education and Science, Tomasz Rzymkowski. The visit was led by Poland’s Ambassador HE Maciej Chmielinski, and also included Mr Piotr Semeniuk, Director, Department for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and Mr Krzysztof Przemieniecki, a science expert.
15. ZOOM Webinar with Radoslaw Markowski – Poland after elections 2023 (20.11.2023)
Location: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart.
Description: Professor Markowski’s webinar explored causative explanations and broader European factors, offering valuable insights into Poland’s political and economic trajectory. Prof. Markowski analyzed the factors that led to PiS’s rise, its constitutional challenges, and drew comparisons between Poland’s and Hungary’s unique paths to illiberal governance. He also presented an early analysis of the October 15, 2023 election, examining why PiS lost and possible future scenarios for Poland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiRLAUaw3I0&t=397s
16.Meeting with the Ambassador (21.11.2023)
Location: Melbourne.
Description: AIPA President Dr Alexandra Dunwill and AIPA Treasurer Dr Gosia Klatt met with the Ambassador designate, Mr Benjamin Hayes, in Giorgios restaurant in Armadale.
17. AIPA get-together in Sydney. (26.11.2023)
Location: Sydney
Description: Alexandra Dunwill flew to Sydney to meet with the AIPA members and friends. We had lunch in the private room of the Polish Club in Ashfield, kindly sponsored by our members Ernest and Margaret Fajwul. It was a great opportunity for me to meet the members of the Sydney Branch face-to-face.
18. Congratulatory letter to the new Prime Minister, Donald Tusk. (14.12.2023)
Location: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart.
Description: AIPA President Dr Alexandra Dunwill and Vice -President Prof. Jan Pakulski send congratulatory email to the new Prime Minister, Mr Donald Tusk to convey our warm wishes and support.
19. Congratulatory letter to the Speaker of the parliament, Mr Szymon Holownia. (14.12.2023)
Location: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart.
Description: AIPA President Dr Alexandra Dunwill and Vice -President Prof. Jan Pakulski sent a supportive email to the Speaker of the parliament, Mr Szymon Holownia, following the shameful behaviour of the far-right Confederation party MP, Grzegorz Braun, who demonstratively extinguished Hanukkah candles, in front of the Jewish community members, invited to the parliament to celebrate the Jewish festive season and Christmas. Holownia reacted forcefully excluding Braun from the sitting of parliament and said he would inform prosecutors about his actions.
20. 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝: What two smart regions can achieve together. (29.01.2024)
Location: Melbourne
Description: AIPA President Dr Alexandra Dunwill attended an event hosted by the Polish Australian Business Forum (PABF). The event featured a talk by the newly appointed Polish Ambassador to Australia, Mr Maciej Chmieliński, which was followed by a panel discussion. It was an opportunity to network with the Victorian entrepreneurs and engage with the Ambassador and business leaders, fostering relationships and understanding.
21. Donation to WOSP (28.01.2024)
Location: Melbourne
Description: AIPA donated $300 to support a fundraising event to raise funds for the Polish Foundation Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy (WOŚP). Money raised was sent to WOSP to purchase equipment for 15 children’s and 49 adults’ respiratory units in Poland.
22.Democracy in Europe, its Eastern part, and Poland: The Last Decade. (12 -24.02.2024)
Location: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Hobart.
Description: AIPA guest Professor Radoslaw Markowski, Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, in Warsaw visited Australia in February. Professor Markowski delivered face-to-face lectures in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Hobart, speaking on ‘Democracy in Europe, its Eastern part, and Poland: The Last Decade’ at institutions including the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, the University of NSW, and the University of Tasmania. In Melbourne he also engaged with a broader audience at Armagh House, Toorak, where he discussed the ‘Polish Elections of 2023: Causes and Consequences.’
23.Late Night Live with Phillip Adams. Reshaping Poland. (21.02.2024)
Location: Sydney
Description: Professor Markowski was a guest on the ABC Radio National program Late Night Live, where he was interviewed by Phillip Adams. You can listen to the interview here: https://www.abc.net.au/…/poland-post-election/103485522
24.Poland and the Russia-Ukraine War. (06.03.2024)
Location: Melbourne, RMIT EU Centre
Description: Alexandra Dunwill, Gosia Klatt, Grace Pundyk and Anna Tomala attended a seminar with professor Andrzej Szeptycki, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education in Poland.
25.NAWA Conference (12-13.03.2024)
Location Melbourne
Description: AIPA President Dr Alexandra Dunwill attended a NAWA (National Agency for Academic Exchange) conference at the Monash University. NAWA is a Polish governmental institution that supports the academic mobility and internationalisation of higher education and science, gives grants and scholarships, support universities with the international promotion and promotes Polish language and culture.
26.Polish Universities Roundtable at the University of Melbourne (13.03.2024)
Location: Melbourne
Description: Dr Gosia Klatt hosted a roundtable with several Polish universities including: Jagiellonian University of Kraków, Medical University of Gdańsk, AGH University, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznań, SGH Warsaw School of Economics and POLISH NAVAL ACADEMY of the Heroes of Westerplatte. The visit was organised by the NAWA (National Agency for Academic Exchange).
27.Book launch at the Monash University (17.04.2024)
Location: Melbourne
Description: AIPA President Dr Alexandra Dunwill launched her recently published book Scrutinising Elites and Schooling in Post-Communist Poland: Globalisation, European
Integration, Socialist Heritage, and Tradition at the School of Sociology conference, Monash University, Clayton.
28. 3rd May Constitution Day in the Polish Embassy in Canberra. (08.05.2024)
Location: Canberra
Description: AIPA President Dr Alexandra Dunwill flew to Canberra to attend the National Day Reception, organized in honour of Poland’s 3rd May Constitution Day. Hosted by HE Ambassador Mr. Maciej Chmielinski and Mrs. Malgorzata Jagas-Chmielinska, the event served as a significant gathering for various dignitaries, including DFAT and embassy staff, members of the Australian Institute of Polish Affairs (AIPA), and other esteemed guests from across the nation.
29. The phenomenon of hybrid warfare and its associated threats (01.06.2024)
Location: Melbourne
Description: Another face-to-face event. Dr Piotr Łubiń ski, a lawyer ańd expert iń humańitariań law, ińterńatiońal crimińal law, humań rights, ańd ińterńatiońal public law spoke at the Uńiversity of Melbourńe about the pheńomeńoń of hybrid warfare. Piotr delved into two of the four challenges of hybrid operations: disinformation and lawfare. The discussion was enriched by case studies on the instrumentalization of migration by Belarus/Russia, compared with the exploitation of oceans, particularly around the exclusive economic zone near the Galapagos, and the use of its artificial islands by China at the South China Sea. This facilitated an excellent exchange with AIPA members, highlighting the similarities in how Poland, the European Union, and Australia deal with hybrid threats.
30.Australia’s surprising role representing Poland during WW2. Podcast (15.08.2024)
Location; Melbourne
Description: Ass/Prof Gosia Klatt spoke with Georgina Downer from the Robert Menzies institute about the remarkable tale of how Australia came to diplomatically represent Poland in Moscow in
the early 1940s. This podcast conversation has drawn from research on Gosia’s book The Poles and Australia.
31. Siberia and the “Soviet Story” in the Australian Imaginary. Dr. Kasia Williams (20.09.24)
Location: Melbourne
Description: Several AIPA members attended a lecture by AIPA Board member Dr. Kasia Williams (from the ANU Centre for European Studies), at the University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts Research Initiative on Post-Soviet Space (RIPSS). Dr Williams spoke on how the stories of refugees evacuated from the USSR, from gulags in Siberia, Kazakhstan and Turkestan, were represented in the Australian Imaginary. She concluded that the “Soviet story” is largely missing from public narratives and understanding of World War II and its aftermath in Australia.
AIPA members Dr Katarzyna Kwapisz-Williams and Sybiraczka Nina Smenda (fot. Alexandra Dunwill)
These activities reflect our commitment to advancing knowledge about Poland in Australia, strengthening academic ties, and enhancing the Polish-Australian relationship. We look forward to continued growth and collaboration in the coming year.
Thank you to our members for making these accomplishments possible.
Warm wishes,
Dr Alexandra Margaret Dunwill
AIPA President
