WA Association of Polish Women inc.
Managment
Małgorzata
KOREPTA
PRESIDENT
Maria
PAWLUSIEWICZ
V-ce President
Danuta
PAŁYSZ
General Manager
Krystyna
JOREK
Treasurer
Iwona
Kilijanska
V-ce Treasurer
Janina
Kostrz
Member
WA Association of Polish Women
The WA Association of Polish Women was established in 1969 as a subgroup of the Polish Association in Western Australia. In 1973, it became an independent organisation and was formally incorporated under its current name.
Our Mission and Objectives
The Association is committed to:
- Advocating for the rights of disadvantaged individuals to live with dignity at home, while staying connected to their families and communities;
- Providing aged care and hardship relief services to seniors from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds through well-organised social, management, and service delivery frameworks;
- Empowering individuals to actively participate in their communities with confidence, dignity, and peace of mind by offering high-quality care and support;
- Supporting the preservation and promotion of Polish language and cultural education.
Ongoing Activities
The Executive/Board meets monthly to oversee the Association’s operations. In addition, regular weekly meetings and special events are held to provide social support, reducing isolation among members and promoting community connection.
Our Growth and Services
From its origins as a Polish-focused organisation, the WA Association of Polish Women has expanded its expertise to serve broader multicultural communities. Over the years, the Association has delivered the following key programs and services:
- 1980–1983 – Community Refugee Settlement Scheme (CRSS): Funded by the Department of Immigration, the Association sponsored over 30 Polish families from refugee camps in Austria, Italy, and Greece.
- 1981–1998 – Grant-In-Aid Worker (GIA): A social welfare worker funded by the Department of Immigration provided settlement support to the Polish community.
- 1998–2002 – Multicultural Aged Care Coordinator (MACC): Funded by the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs to support multicultural aged care initiatives.
- 1995–2024 – Community Visitors Scheme (CVS): Supported by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing, this ongoing program has proven especially meaningful, with volunteers visiting residents of Slavic background in nursing homes.
- 1996–2012 – Emergency Relief Funding: Financial assistance provided through the Lotteries Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Services.
- 1996–Present – Rainbow Home Care Packages (HCP): Delivering in-home aged care services to seniors from various ethnic backgrounds.
- 2000–2004 – Umbrella HACC (Home and Community Care Program): Provided support to elderly clients in the community.
- 2007–2012 – Community Partners Program: Supported community inclusion and service access for CALD seniors.
- 2007–2012 – Dementia Helpline: Provided culturally sensitive support and information for Macedonian and Polish-speaking individuals affected by dementia.
Charitable and Community Contributions
The Association’s charitable work includes crisis support, community fundraising, and the distribution of vital information to those in need.
Publications
The Association has published several commemorative anniversary booklets (10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 30th anniversaries), as well as:
- Songs of the Birds of Passage – a poetry collection by Polish women;
- A cultural series on Polish traditions, including Polish Easter, Christmas, Traditional Handcrafts and Regional Costumes, and Polish Feasts and Customs.
Media Presence
A regular Polish-language radio segment was produced by the Association on 6EBA FM – WORLD RADIO, a multicultural community radio station.
Continuing Legacy
The WA Association of Polish Women remains dedicated to its core mission of supporting the Polish and wider multicultural communities across Western Australia. Through its wide-ranging programs, advocacy, and community engagement, the Association continues to make a lasting and meaningful impact.
