I was born in Germany of Polish parents and migrated to Australia in 1950 with my parents when I was 4 years old.
I completed my teacher training in Melbourne and began my career, teaching at a number of at Catholic schools in Geelong. In 1969, I was offered a teaching position at Bell Park Technical School as a Food Technology teacher. I remained at that school for 38 years.
Naturally, I am fluent in English as well as in the Polish language. From a young age, I have had an intimate involvement with the Geelong Polish community and its organisations, including the Polish Community Association in Geelong, of which I am an Honorary Life Member and a member of the Polish Ex-servicemen’s Association in Geelong.
Between 1978 and 1982, I was the Co-ordinator of the Saturday Polish Language School, which the Ex-servicemen’s Association was sponsoring.
I was heavily involved with the Children’s International Summer Village (C.I.S.V), which is a children’s peace and human rights program. The Victorian Department of Education Regional Director appointed me the Delegation Leader, in charge of co-ordinating tours to Germany, India and Denmark and organising integration programs between our children and children from these countries.
In 2004, I was responsible for organising a 10-day European Concert Tour for the Melbourne Youth Chamber String Orchestra in Krakow and Warsaw.
In the late 1990’s, I obtained Certificates in Bar Operations, Responsible Serving of Alcohol and Food Handling.
In 2000, I completed the Certificate II in Hospitality (Commercial Kitchen) and in the same year, I obtained my Aged Care Certificate.
In June 2015, I was elected to the Committee of the Polish Community Association in Geelong and am currently its Vice President.