On March 25, Andrew Krajewski will be discussing Mr Prociuk’s journey from Poland to Gerringong. 

Organiser Bobbie Miller said it will be a fascinating story. 

“(It’s about) the fascinating story of Alexander Prociuk, who came to Gerringong in 1950 and lived there for 30 years,” she said. 

“He established a tile-making business, using sand from Werri Beach.

“He had been an Officer in the Polish Army, and performed heroically during the Second World War, but under Russian occupation his family was persecuted and sent to a Siberian camp. Their reunion in 1961, after 22 years of separation, made headlines in all major Australian newspapers.” 

Mrs Miller said Andrew Krajewski, also Polish born, arrived in the Illawarra to begin delving into the heritage of the area. 

“(Mr) Krajewski was a navigator, and arrived in Australia with his wife in 1981, settling in the Wollongong area,” she said. 

“Passionate about history all his life, he has been researching the history of the Polish community in the Illawarra.

“He is the founder and curator of the Illawarra Polish Museum, as well as president of the Historical Section within the Polish Association. He is also a member of Gerringong and District Historical Society.” 

Mrs Miller said the talk co-incides with an exciting time for the Society.

“Andrew’s talk will be followed by a general meeting of the Historical Society, and visitors are welcome to stay if they wish,” she said.

“The society is at an exciting point in its history, with Kiama Council planning for the Museum to move into the renovated Gerringong School of Arts.

“(It will mean) a new library and community facilities likely to come to fruition in the next financial year.

“The project is indebted to the federal government for assistance with grant funding.” 

For more information about the event, please visit gerringonghistory.org.au.