History

By the end of 1950 there were 8,236 Polish people residing in Western Australia, in comparison to 1947 when only 227 Poles lived here. Significant number of them settled in the Midland-Bellevue area, due to the proximity of two large employers: Midland Brick and Midland Railway Workshops.

Initiated by Fr. Witold Dzięcioł the organising committee was formed to start Polish school in Bellevue. First classes started in 1954 at the Bellevue Primary School on Saturday mornings. In 1956 the school was forced to move out and found its place – for the next 13 years at the home and garage of Mr Jan Majewski. Then the school moved to St. Anthony Church in 1970 -1971 and after the new General Sikorski Club House was completed in 1971 the school moved to specially appointed classrooms there. School continued until 1974 when because of the small number of students was forced to close. After new wave of Polish emigrants arrived in 1980’s – the school re-opened again from 1980 till 1984.

Polish Association in Midland-Bellevue was established. Zygmunt Gosztyła was elected the first President. The Association was tasked with overlooking many activities of the Polish community from schooling to balls and concerts, from organising social functions to building own Hall. Roman Pachurka offered a part of his land for £300 with first instalment of £150. The offer was gladly accepted. The Association was behind many fundraising activities for the purpose of building the Main Hall.

First Miss Club Ball was organised as a fundraiser for the building of the future Club. This event was very popular and was being held every year till 1980.

First Debutantes ball is organised. It was initiated by Zygmunt and Maureen Słowiński on advice of Alex and Furela Smith. It was not only the excellent fundraising event but also a great way of introducing young people into the adult society. The Balls were always a great success and run till 1978. The last ball was organised one more time in 1998. November

At the General Meeting of the Polish Association in Midland-Bellevue decided to become incorporated in 1966 – the year of the Millennium of Christianity in Poland. The new name for the club was also decided. Unanimously all members voted for the name “Polish Club General Władysław Sikorski Inc. WA”.

Polish Club General Władysław Sikorski Inc. WA was officially incorporated on the 22 April 1966.
The club’s new Constitution highlighted the main goals and objectives. All activities varied over the years, being adjusted according to the circumstances; however major aims and objectives still remain the same.

Building Committee was selected and Czesław Mania was elected as the Chairman. Bold plan was approved to build the biggest ethnic club at the time. The cornerstone for the club was blessed by His Excellency bishop Władysław Rubin on 3 March 1968.

Polish Folk Theatre Group Mazowsze under the leadership of Longin Szymański was formed. Mazowsze performed to perfection but only for two years.

Stanisław Michalak established the Polish Dance Group. This group continued its excellent work for eight years not only for the local audience but also in Hyde Park, Perth Concert Hall, Perth Entertainment Centre to name a few. They were also performing on live TV.

For 4 years Czesław Mania and his Building Committee worked hard together with countless volunteers to complete the project of building the Polish Community Centre: Sikorski Club.

During weekdays Club members and other Polish community volunteers worked in their regular employment but on weekends they worked at the building site from sun rise to sun set. Some worked there on weekdays while having an annual leave from work. Ladies cooked meals for lunch and dinner and delivered to hard working men. It was a hard time for the families but everybody understood and made sacrifices for their common goal. It is hard to name all who participated and we apologise those we might have omitted.

Plans were prepared by Polish engineer Wiesław Szczęsny, the building supervisor was Lionel Keith Sharpe (a local builder). Materials where possible were organised at no cost or with huge discounts, many members helped where they could. Jan Rzepecki and Edward Spadek organised steel mesh, Jan Wonica – concrete, Roman Miłosz – bricks, Krysia Dymitrowski – cement, Edward Mróz – roof sheeting (asbestos, replaced in 1998 with steel by Jan Mania), all timber – from timber mill in Wundowie, structural – jarrah, flooring – wandoo, Herrick McClenghan – fabric for stage curtains and windows dressing, Bronisław Mazurak – doors, Benio Małecki – wood panelling for stage, Teodor Ługowski – vinyl protective cover, Czesław Mania – bitumen base and blue metal for hardening the parking. Polish coat of arms – Eagle was carved from wood by Stanisław Wasilewski.

All members worked together to clear the land, and dig the trenches. Professional bricklaying by a team led by Zygmunt Bagiński (3 day a week paid, 3 days a week for free), internal brick laying volunteers: Jan Kubiak, Jan Majewski, Czesław Mania, Stanisław Milewski, Paweł Pawlukiewicz, Stanisław Ragus, Stefan Tobias. Cleaning second hand bricks by the team: Franciszek Bujnowski, Wiktor Dostal, Bazyli Głowacki, Eugeniusz Marczewski, Stanisław Michalak, Jan Naturalny, Janek Sochacki, Zygmunt Słowiński, Czesław Zawada, Genowefa Kujawski. Electrical installation – Mr Schultz.

Timber works (including stage design): Józef Budziński, Stanisław Milewski, François Sekulla, Jan Majewski, Czesław Mania, Jan Naturalny, Janek Sochacki. Window dressing fitted by Zosia Mania. Project Kitchen by ladies: Maria Budziński, Helena Duniec, Jadwiga Grygorcewicz, Maria Leweczka, Zofia Majewski, Zofia Mania, Bronisława Miłosz, Maria Pawlukiewicz, Janina Ragus, Patrisia Zawada. Fitting and gluing wall vinyl: Teodor Ługowski, Stanisław Ragus. Erecting the fence around the Club: Czesław Mania, Jan Naturalny, François Sekulla.

The project was completed by the end of 1971 with minor works to be finalised in 1972. The Main Hall measuring 33.8m x 18.5m (626 m²) and the kitchen 18m x 5.7m (103 m²) costing $34,000 (around $400,000 value in 2019 dollars). No bank loans were taken, all the money was collected and saved for years by the tireless fundraising efforts of the Polish community.

When finished the “General Sikorski Memorial Hall” was the largest ethnic community centre in Western Australia.

The Premier of Western Australia Hon. John T. Tonkin MLA officially declared “Open” the General Sikorski Memorial Hall in Bellevue

In his address Premier Tonkin said:
“The gathering here today was magnificent and a very significant one for the Polish people, and the State. You are helping to develop this great State… You are noted for your spirit and determination and have brought to us a type of culture which we never before possessed… it is my pleasure to declare this hall ‘officially open’ and congratulate you all on your achievement”

After the official opening came the official blessing of the hall and the club’s banner (sztandar) by Monsignor Witold Dzięcioł. Banner’s godparents were: Krystyna Linowska, Stanisław Mania and Zenon Pawlukiewicz.

In his address Monsignor Dzięcioł said:
“…Polish people have been well received by the people of Australia, and were thankful for the help and encouragement received from them, and were indeed happy to be able to preserve their own traditions and also comply with those which were new to them.”

On that day also Monsignor Witold Dzięcioł presented 30 members with a Certificate and a Medal ‘Exsuli Bene De Ecclesia Merito’ for their contribution in the building of the Hall. They were: Czesław Mania, Zofia Mania, Jan Mania, Stanisław Mania, Janina Ragus, Stanisław Ragus, Jadwiga Grygorcewicz, Roman Grygorcewicz, Eugeniusz Marczewski, Jan Kubiak, Stanisław Milewski, Kazimiera Bujnowska, Franciszek Bujnowski, Maria Pawlukiewicz, Paweł Pawlukiewicz, Zbigniew Pawlukiewicz, Stanisław Michalak, Maria Budzińska, Zofia Majewska, Helena Duniec, Benio Małecki, Wiktor Dostal, Roman Miłosz, Wojciech Borowiec, Czesław Kieliszewski, Czesław Zawada, Franciszek Para, Wawrzyniec Rębiesz, Jan Naturalny, Zygmunt Słowiński.
The certificates were signed by His Excellency Bishop Władysław Rubin, the Polish Primate’s delegate for the Polish migrants.

The official ceremony was ended by unveiling and blessing of a sculpture of the club’s patron General Władysław Sikorski. The bust was sculped by Adam Szczepański, renowned master craftsman and lecturer at the Technical Colleges in Fremantle and Leederville.
Unveiling was performed by Eugeniusz Hardy, President of the Federal Council of Polish Associations in Australia, blessing by the Bishop Szczepan Wesoły, the Delegate of the Primate of Poland.

– Official visit of the Club by His Eminence Cardinal Karol Wojtyła.
Future Pope John Paul II visited General Sikorski Polish Club on the 28 of February 1973.
Monsignor Witold Dzięcioł, Minister of the Poles in Western Australia and Zygmunt Słowiński President of the Sikorski Club, in accordance with the old Polish tradition and protocol welcomed the distinguished guest by presenting bread and salt.
Archbishop of Perth Sir Launcelot Goody in opening speech welcomed Cardinal Karol Józef Wojtyła the future Pope John Paul II.
The official party included: Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, Archbishop Launcelot Goody, Bishop Władysław Rubin, Monsignor Witold Dzięcioł, and Mr Zygmunt Słowiński.
There was a big gathering, MC was Bazyli Marcinkiewicz, Eugeniusz Hardy conducted Polish choir, piano recital by Stanisław Grygorcewicz, dance: Folklore Group Mazowsze and school children presented dances and recitations.

– Polish Ladies Group was formed. Maria Leweczko was elected the President. The Group worked on developing social links and building a social network beyond the Club. This group helped with organising various club functions. This Ladies group has done many fundraisers for charities and worked amongst others in helping Polish families in settling in Australia.

– Ex-Servicemen’s group was formed under the banner of the Club. The Group worked closely with the Returned and Services League (RSL) branch in Bellevue. This group took active part in Anzac Day marches, laying of wreaths and participating in social gathering after the events. In 2001 the club took over this role and to this day actively participates in these services.

– Reopening of the Polish School at the Club due to the influx of new emigrants. Again, the school carried out its duties teaching Polish language, traditions, customs and culture. The school was active for five more years. Children learnt also Polish poetry, songs and dance. There were concerts and Academia’s organised together with the Maylands “Adam Mickiewicz” Polish School that drew big crowds.
From its beginning until 1985 the Polish Club in Bellevue run Polish school. Amongst its teachers were: Dorota Jarnicki, Zofia Mania, Bogumiła Herodziński, Janusz Michalczyk.

– After the Martial Law was imposed in Poland by the communist regime the Australian Government approved bringing polish refugees to Australia. The Sikorski Club took the initiative and applied to the Federal Department of Immigration for the help in sponsoring polish families. Over the period of 3 years 60 people were sponsored, mainly families from refugee camps in Austria. The work involved looking after the welfare of the new arrivals and assistance with various formalities and settlement. Mrs Janina Ragus was in charge for the entire initiative and settlement of the newcomers.

– At the 1984 Annual General Meeting. The Management Committee was given approval by the members to pursue the project of building the lesser hall (now called a Function Room).
The Management Committee was authorised to begin the planning process with the establishment of a Building Committee. Tomasz Ratajczak was appointed Chairman of the Committee. He was charged with the responsibility to facilitate the planning process through wide consultations with the membership. Other members of the Committee included Tadeusz Budziński, Bazyli Glowacki, Jan Kubiak and Boleslaw Naturalny. John Dryker was engaged to draw the plans for the proposed lesser hall. His brief was to design a building that would include a functional open area, a small stage, bar facilities and conveniences. The external elevation would be in keeping with the existing main hall and reflect occupational health and safety standards. Dryker developed a series of designs that accommodated the various ideas put forward by the members and the general design brief provided by the Management Committee through the Building Committee. The members voted on the design, which was then submitted to the Shire of Swan. The proposed design was subsequently approved by the Council.

–Commencement of the building of the Lesser Hall. It took nine years to complete as all work was done by volunteers in their spare time.
– At the Annual General Meeting in 1985 Tadeusz Budziński was elected to the position of President. The outcome was a watershed for the organisation. The mantle of leadership had been formally handed to the next generation. Young generation takes over the Club. Children of the Founding Members are elected to the leading positions. With a jubilant and congratulatory atmosphere, Budziński paid tribute to the founding members of the Polish Club and the need to safeguard their vision for future generations. All members were genuinely appreciative of their tireless efforts and sacrifices to build the organisation. Despite the earlier generational tensions, the organisation was now well placed to move ahead. The Polish Club was on the move and looking forward.

Tadeusz Budziński to date is the longest serving President of the Polish Club – 11 years! (1985-1995)

With the election out of the way and the new Management Committee settled in, the building program for the lesser hall commenced. As with the building of the Memorial Hall during 1968— 1971, members gave their time voluntarily. Although the scale of the project could not be compared to that of the main hall, members worked long hours after work and during the weekends to progress the building program. Volunteers including Józef Budziński, Tadeusz Budziński, Ken Critch, Jim Cusack, Bazyli Glowacki, Jan Majewski, Jan Mania, Joseph Mania, Eugeniusz Marczewski, Stanislaw Michalak, Stanislaw Ragus, Tomasz Ratajczak and Francois Sekulla were integral in the supply of manual labour on site at various times.
Jan Kubiak was eager to put his skills as a bricklayer at the disposal of the Building Committee. Kubiak was a bricklayer by trade and was recognised for his fine work. Unlike the main hail which had no internal face brickwork, the lesser hall had predominantly internal feature brickwork that required careful attention. In keeping with the existing Memorial Hall, roof tiles were not used. Instead industrial colourbond sheeting was used as a durable option.
All electrical work was completed by Boleslaw Naturalny. Naturalny is a qualified electrician who generously provided his services throughout the building program. In addition, he donated the required materials and resources required to ensure that the work was achieved to the highest standard.
Ten years after construction began, the building program was completed. Despite the odd complaint by a vocal minority, the program was successful. The lesser hall was another positive example of what can be achieved when people work together for the greater good. The majority of members were proud of the outcome. As they witnessed the project taking shape, members could see that it was money well spent. At completion in 1994, the lesser hall cost $56,000 to build (a value of $105,000 in 2019 dollars) and was an invaluable addition to the Memorial Hall.

– Within the Polish Club Sikorski, the Polonia Bellevue Soccer Club is formed. The club entered the Soccer Amateur Provincial League. It played there till 1994. In 1992, barely two years after its inception, the Polonia-Bellevue Soccer Club won the championship in the Provincial Division of Western Australia. It was a success beyond all expectations. It is a credit to the founding team, three people who started it together, Henryk Wywiorski, Artur Leskiewicz and Marek Kuligowski. They had built the Club up to the level that The West Australian newspaper found it newsworthy.
The initial squad was:
1-Piotr Kolikow,
2-Krzysiu Statkiewicz,
3-Olek Pawłowski,
4-Janusz Borowy,
5- Janusz Rados,
6-Marek Kuligowski,
7-Władek Radło,
8- Olek Pawłowski,
9-Szymek Maciołek,
10-Jacek Jakowski,
11-Artur Leskiewicz,
Coach – Krzysztof Gbyl
Then other players joined in: Kazik Bak, Janusz Bloch, Tadek Krzysiak, Maciek Prosinski, Marek Wojtasik. During the period 1992-1993, other players joined the team. They were: Marek Bloch, Janusz Borowy, Marek Brak, Zdzislaw Brzeski, Robert Domaniak, Waldemar Grzeskowiak, Arek Jakubowski, Jacek Jaskówski, Jacek Jezierski, Karol Juszczyk, Marian Koleszko, Piotr Kolikow, Jan Krawczyk, Tadek Krzysiak, Father Leonard Macionczyk, Janusz Lerner, Marcin Lyszkowicz, Krzysio Piotrowski, Marek Piotrowski, Piotr Piskula and Father Miroslaw Redwanc.
Many people worked tirelessly behind the scenes in order to support the Polonia-Bellevue Soccer Club. Some had been there from the inception of the Club, while others joined along the way. The regular supporters included: Marek Bloch, Eddy Czekalowski, Robert Dominiak, Mariusz and Tadeusz Dubicki, Rafal and Jurek Hamera, Kazimierz and Michal Jackiewicz, Arek Jakubowski, Jacek Jezierski, Karol Juszczyk, Adam Kiljanski, Chris Klysz, Robert Mazgaj, Stanislaw Partyka, Piotr Sujkowski, Stanislaw Warzocha, Mariusz Wierzchos, and Jacek Wolny.

– Completion of the construction of the Lesser Hall. Today it is known as the Function Room.

Since 1994 subsequent Management Committees have further improved the functionality of the lesser hall. In 1998, Jan and Joseph Mania expanded the bar facilities to cater for the increase in membership patronage during social functions and gatherings during weekend afternoons. Furthermore, they advanced the original plans for a barbecue area and a covered alfresco at the rear of the lesser hall. A gas barbecue to be used in the alfresco area was generously donated to the Club by Stanislaw Mania. In 2002, the President of the Club, Kazimierz Jackiewicz, explored further improvements to the bar facilities. Stanislaw Bartoszewicz and Marek Piotrowski generously donated money and time to renovate and redesign the existing bar using Italian granite. This was followed in 2003 with further renovations and refurbishments to the remainder of the interior of the lesser hall. The work completed in this area complemented the elegant and modern bar facilities.

– In 1995 a new cultural group was formed, called Polonez. Its aim was to promote Polish culture by reviving the passion for music and other performances at social functions. Under the direction of Weronika Czerwiec, Polonez performed regularly at the Polish Club functions, singing, dancing and reciting poetry. Members of the group included: Stefania Blaszczyk, Bronislawa Borowiec, Franciszek Czerwiec, Helena Gear, Bazyli Glowacki, Eugeniusz Marczewski, Stefania Mazurak, Bronislawa Milosz, Maria Winiewski and Patrisia Zawada. Throughout the 1990s their extensive repertoire entertained many audiences and their outstanding performances reinforced Polish customs and traditions. Eventually ill-health, and age resulted in the group disbanding in 2000.

– on the 17 August was held 30th Anniversary Ball. The Honorary Membership was awarded to: Tadeusz Budzinski, Józef Budzinski, Franciszek Czerwiec, Stanisław Ragus, Alfons Knitter.
– ‘Centre of the Polish Culture’ is formed. Every Saturday children and youth met to study and rehearse their parts in various plays. The first performances were:  ‘Christmas play’ and ‘Pan Tadeusz’. The current Polish Youth Theatre Scena ’98 still has members who began their acting careers at the Sikorski Club.

– ‘A Literary-Musical Evening’ on 23 August with performances by Polish artists. It raised over $2,000 for the victims of the floods in Poland. The artists were: Ludwika Amer – poetry, Marta Kaczmarek – poetry, Dorota Slawomirska – music, Gosia Slawomirska – singing and the best young performers out of Polish schools in WA. Sponsors were: Alpine Restaurant, BP Ascot, Bostech Drilling Pty. Ltd., DrillWest, House of Gold, Jaros Engineering Pty. Ltd., Polski Kurier, Polska Księgarnia “Contal”, Vavel Travel, White Eagle Travel

– Asbestos roof removed from the club’s Main Hall building; erection of the pergola and installation of the air conditioning in the Main Hall.
– Volleyball field is created. Regular friendly matches of volleyball continue for years to come.

– Creation of the General Sikorski Club Seniors Group. Weronika Czerwiec was elected the President and carried out her duties till 2004. Since 2005 to this day the group is led by Elżbieta Kuligowski. Seniors organise for themselves many different activities but also actively take part in the life of the Club. Also Seniors Group take part in charities the most prominent of those is The Biggest Morning Tea.

– Renovation of Lesser Hall (Function Room). Installed the bar and cool room, changed ceilings and rendered the walls.
– 30th Anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Hall on 27 April. Special guests and representatives took part in the celebrations including Members of the State Government, representatives from the Swan City Council, Polish organisations in Western Australia, Consul of the Republic of Poland and the Salvatorian Fathers.

– Renovation of the kitchen – tiling of the walls and installation of the new stove and oven.

– 24 August “Ham on the spit”, provided by Bozena and Janusz Dzidek. The occasion was a meeting with Polish workers who came to work on contract for Midland Bricks. They presented the Club with the figurine of Lajkonik.
7-9 October – excursion to the Stirling Range to conquer the highest peaks of Western Australia: Bloff Knoll and Mt. Trio.
19 November – Busy Bee, “Ham on the spit”, supplied to all working by Jaros Engineering Pty. Ltd.

– Adding a projector and a screen to the Function room. Purchase of 6 new round tables and 36 chairs.
– November – Vlodek Bilski starts organising regular pool competitions. They became more and more popular over the years. Now in the Calendar of General Sikorski Club there are three major annual tournaments: Pearl Cup, Premier League and President’s Cup.

– April – Club members: Irek Kaliniewicz, John and Bozena Dzidek, Vlodek and Barbara Bilski donated $500 each for the purchase of the pool table.
– May – Instalation of industrial dishwasher in a  Bar, by Ziggy Bruszewski and  Roman Grzelak, copper piping provided Ken Jackiewicz.
– July – Sikorski Day. Awarded the Honorary Membership awarded to: John Dzidek, Edward Nagajek, Ireneusz Kaliniewicz, Peter Wolinski
– 14 October – “Dinner with Ildefons” – a night of music and poetry by Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński. It was a fantastic enactment prepared and performed by Jolanta Nagajek, Jacek Sławomirski, Andrzej Basiński and other members of the Polish Australian Cultural Society of WA.
– 9 December – Promotion and celebration of the newly released book: “Our Dream Our Future – A History of the Midland-Bellevue Polish Community 1950 – 2006” by George P. Sekulla and Krystyna and Robert Legge.

– March – Club donated $200, Club members collected $215 and sent to Poland to support Youth Rally in Australia
– April – purchase of new LCD TV for the Function Room.
– May – Seniors Club organized the „Biggest Morning Tea”, Club donated $200.
– May – Dinner with Polish Consul General Mr Ryszard Sarkowicz. Consul presented the Club with the embroidery of White Eagle, Polish Coat of Arms.
– June – Mr and Ms Gosia and Robert Godula donated to the Club the sound system.
– July – Sikorski Day. Formal lunch. Honorary Membership was awarded to Krystyna Legge (nee Naturalny), Robert Legge, George Sekulla, Franciszek Sekulla.
– October – Mr and Ms Halina and Jan Kochmanski donated table clothes for the round tables in the Function Room.

– January – while celebrating the Christmas Wafer we honoured 60th Wedding Anniversary of two couples Janina and Stanislaw Ragus, and Stefania and Bronislaw Mazurak.
– January – Club donated $200 to build the chapel of the Golgotha of the East at Jasna Góra in Poland
– February – Zdzislaw Bruszewski founded and installed with the help of Mirek Orkiszewski lighting at the small Hall.
– February – Andrew Dzidek (brother of the current President of the Club), while on a visit to Australia has donated to the Club tapestry depicting an eagle – Polish coat of arms.
– May – LotteryWest founded the bitumen in the front parking lot.
– June – the Club has donated $350 to the Dance Group Kukuleczka.
– July – the dinner on the anniversary of the death of the patron of the Club-General Wladyslaw Sikorski. Prizes were awarded for big contribution to the activities of the Club. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to: Edyta Grzelak, Bożena Dzidek, Ireneusz Kaliniewicz, Peter Durczak, Wlodzimierz Bilski, Alicja Bruszewski. For the continuing long-term work for the Club and also for the Polish community, for outstanding work and dedication to the Honorary Membership were awarded to: Halina Jackiewicz, Zdzislaw Bruszewski, Mirosław Orkiszewski.
– July – After 12 weeks of competition on the 31 July 2009 was finished the biggest pool competition so far in our Club. Perła Cup was sponsored by P & H Imports – owned by Mr Peter and Ms Helen Durczak.
On the 21 Sep 2009 we had spectacular Presentation Gala which was attended by over 40 players and guests. Winners: Singles – Vlodek Bilski, Doubles – Vlodek Bilski, Janusz Dzidek, Teams – Janusz Dzidek, Vlodek Bilski, Overall – Vlodek Bilski
– Friday 18 September – visit of Vice Consul.
Polish Vice Consul from Sydney Consulate made an unofficial visit to our Club. Our Friday night at the Club became a memorable one thanks to visit of Consul Ms Dominika Mosek. And it really was a very special event. Consul Ms Mosek familiarised herself with the club, met board members, answered many questions and had a nice and friendly chat with many of us. She also found some time to play a couple of games of pool. It was our great privilege that our Consul officially opened our pool competition “Puchar Prezesa 2009”! Thank you Ms Dominika
– 26 September – big Fundraising Ball for the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Appeal took place. We raised $1,500 and had a lot of fun in the process.
– 28 November – Andrzejki
Almost 80 people attended this night of fun and dancing. We danced to the rhythms of the ‘Ocean Nights Cabaret Band’.
– 12 December – Presentation Gala for the winners of the 8-Ball pool competition fully sponsored by the President of the General Sikorski Polish Club Mr Janusz Dzidek.
Winners of the Competition: Singles – Andrew Pietrzak, Doubles – Vlodek Bilski, Kazik Jackiewicz, Teams – Andrew Pietrzak, Piotr Durczak, Overall – Vlodek Bilski.
Presentation Gala was attended by over 30 players and guests. Among them was our guest of honour Australian 8-Ball Champion Justin Sajich.
– Sylvester 2009 – New Year’s Eve 2010 Ball
Great night with over a 100 people attending. Food was excellent, Champaign aplenty, service really good and atmosphere relaxed and friendly. We had a band with three female singers, spacious dancing floor, modern dancing music and a few polish hits from the 60’s and 70’s. It was a lot of fun for old and young alike.

– Sunday 24 January – Christmas Wafer
During celebration of “Opłatek” led by Fr Karol Kulczycki from St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Greenmount all attendants shared wafer and then we all had a traditional Christmas meal. It was very nice, friendly and also uplifting family event. Thank you Fr Karol and Fr Leonard for being with us, sharing Jesus with us, singing carols and making this occasion so special. Thank you all for coming, for continuing this beautiful spiritual Polish tradition.
– Friday 12 February – Official visit of Polish Consul General
Polish Consul General from Sydney Consulate Mr Daniel Gromann visited our Club.
It was great experience for all attending. We all had a chance to meet our Consul and to learn about new passport and polish citizenship regulations.
There was also “question time” when everybody could ask questions relating to consular affairs. Details about regulations can be found on the official site: www.sydney.polemb.net
As always consular visit in our Club was very fruitful.
On behalf of our President Mr Janusz Dzidek and all Club members we would like to thank our Consul for his time and for helping to clarify some really complex issues of some members and visitors. We hope such visits will happen more often.
14 February – official internet website of the Club is opened: www.polishclubsikorski.com by Webmaster Vlodek Bilski.
– Saturday 20 February – End of Carnival
Traditional Polish Śledzik was attended by over 40 Club members and visitors. We all had a good time. Have a look at the photo gallery.
– Friday 26 of March – Premier League 2010 finished
1. Vlodek Bilski, 2. Janusz Dzidek, 3. Staszek Konczynski, 4. Irek Kaliniewicz, 5. Andrew Pietrzak, 6.  Mirek Orkiszewski
– Sunday 25 April – ANZAC Day
The President of General Sikorski Polish Club Mr Janusz Dzidek and his wife Bożena represented our Club at the ANZAC Day Commemorative Service. On behalf of the Club they laid a wreath at the War Memorial.
– Friday 2 July – Pearl Cup 2010 Presentation Gala
Winners are: Singles: 1. Vlodek Bilski, 2. Troy Boromini, 3 – Mirek Orkiszewski
Doubles: 1. Sharks, Piotr Sobczyk, Vlodek Bilski, 2.  Gentlemen, Andrew Pietrzak, Mirek Orkiszewski, 3. B-Team, Justine Bird, Troy Boromini
Teams: 1. Sharks, Vlodek Bilski, Piotr Sobczyk, 2. Gentlemen, Mirek Orkiszewski, Andrew Pietrzak, 3. B-Team, Troy Boromini, Justine Bird
Best Over-all: 1. Vlodek Bilski, 2. Mirek Orkiszewski, 3. Troy Boromini.
– Sunday 4 July – General Sikorski Memorial Day
Mass at St Anthony’s Catholic Church – celebrant was Father Adam, thank you.
Afterwards members met for dinner in Club’s Function Room. Proceedings were started by Vice President Mirek Orkiszewski, then Kazik Jackiewicz addressed the crowd reminding all about rich and beautiful history of the Club. With a minute of silence all gathered honoured the passing of Ms Weronika Czerwiec, former President and one of the most deserving, respected, and devoted members of the Club. Rest in pease!
Father Adam led the prayer for Ms Weronika and for her surviving family.
– Saturday 10 July – Our Czech and Slovak friends used our Club to organise an interesting function. We all enjoyed this unique Czech, Slovak and Polish gathering. This time Czechs and Slovaks were gracious hosts presenting some national dishes from traditional “zabijačka”. There was a cultural presentation, music, and we couldn’t miss the best Czech beers.
– Saturday 18 September – Ham on a Spit and a big Bonfire!
All of over 60 attendees enjoyed delicious ham. It was slowly cooked on a spit for more than 8 hours. Everybody had a good time around big bonfire. Weather was good and beer great.
– Saturday 27 November – Andrzejki – St Andrews Day
Like last year the ‘Oceanites Cabaret Band’ played during this beautiful night of fun and dancing.
– Friday 17 December – President’s Cup 2010 Presentation Gala
This 8-Ball pool competition was fully sponsored by the President of the General Sikorski Polish Club Mr Janusz Dzidek. Record number of players: 18. Organizer and Head referee – Vlodek Bilski.
Here are the Final Results:
Singles: 1. Vlodek Bilski, 2. Troy Boromini, 3. Janusz Dzidek
Doubles: 1. Okonie, Irek Kaliniewicz, Wiesiek Cichy, 2. Pyry ze Sledziami, Andrew Pietrzak, Piotr Sobczyk, 3. B-Team, Justine Bird, Troy Boromini
Teams: 1. Lions, Vlodek Bilski, Darek Kalinowski, 2. Pyry ze Sledziami, Andrew Pietrzak, Piotr Sobczyk, 3. B-Team, Justine Bird, Troy Boromini
Over-all: 1. Troy Boromini, 2. Vlodek Bilski, 3. Andrew Pietrzak.
– Tuesday 28 December – Busy-Bee, Day of action: where eagles dare.
Replacing an old and deteriorated wall sign “GEN. WŁ. SIKORSKI MEMORIAL HALL” made out of styrofoam with new one made of red with black outline acrylic lettering on stainless steel backing. New sign reads “GENERAL SIKORSKI CLUB”. Major sponsor of the upgrade are owners of Cadcut Pty Ltd, Mariola and Peter Sobczyk – Thank you. Cadcut provided perfect laser cutting of letters and steel plate. Site work was done by “Eagles” team: Aaron Durczak, Mirek Orkiszewski, Waldek Riedel, Peter Durczak, Irek Kaliniewicz, Peter Wolinski, Vlodek Bilski.
– Friday 31 December – Sylwester
As always excellent New Year’s Eve Ball with good music and fantastic four course dinner. There was plenty of champagne and great dancing floor. We all had a good time. Attendance 85.