Canberra- The Embassy of Republic of Poland in Canberra and the Australian Embassy in Warsaw have received many expressions of solidarity and offers of support from Poland and the Polish community in Australia as bushfires continue to ravage Australia.
Encouraged by both Embassies, Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) has created a dedicated donation page for the recovery of Kosciuszko National Park from bushfire devastation.
Funds raised by Poles in Australia and overseas will contribute to the long-term rehabilitation and protection of Kosciuszko National Park and its precious natural environment.
“The Kosciuszko National Park, where Mt. Kosciuszko is located, carries a special meaning for Poland, the Polish community in Australia as well as having symbolic importance in the history of Polish-Australian relations”, said a statement issued by the Embassy of Poland.
In 1840, Sir Paweł Edmund Strzelecki, a Polish explorer, geologist and philanthrope climbed the highest peak on mainland Australia and named it Mount Kosciuszko, to honour Tadeusz Kościuszko, one of the national heroes of Poland.
“In 2020 we also celebrate the 180th anniversary of the naming of Mt. Kosciuszko by Paul Strzelecki”, statement further said.
Many people have a strong attachment to Kosciuszko National Park. The local Monaro Ngarigo and Wiradjuri Wolgalu Aboriginal communities have deep cultural connections and many non-Aboriginal people have links to the land associated with previous and present uses.
The park has a rich Aboriginal and European history and in some cases, the mountains, their people and their exploits have become part of Australian folklore and helped shape our national identity.
FNPW will be working with the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service staff to identify which projects will be funded based on their priorities for bushfire recovery and restoration.
In the case of Kosciuszko National Park the focus will be on threatened species located in bushfire impacted regions, such as the Mountain Pygmy Possum or Corroboree Frog.
