On 29 March this year I had the honour of attending and speaking at the Polish Seniors Day. The event was hosted by the Geelong Polish Club at White Eagle House and was attended by over 700 Polish people from all over Victoria. The day was a procession of cultural performances from various Polish seniors groups. It is an extremely talented and committed community that understands the importance of keeping a culture alive through language, dance, poetry, song, recipes and unique Polish humour.
The Polish seniors community members must also be applauded for reaching out and searching for new intellectual and artistic rigours, regardless of their age. This is symbolised by the annual poetry competition. They understand that their intellectual nourishment will sustain future generations.
The community also recognises the importance of social welfare policy and has the finely tuned advocacy skills and nous for pursuing the provision of services for its own members.
I would like to thank the Polish senior citizens community for the role it continues to play in making this country more mature, more worldly, more respectful and more appreciative of what all people bring to the community table.