Our Story
More than a venue. A home for Polish culture in South Australia for over fifty years.
Polish settlers first established a shared home in Adelaide in the late 1950s. As the community grew, that first building could no longer meet its needs. The present Dom Polski Centre was built through a major community effort and officially opened in 1973, and it has been a welcoming gathering place for generations of South Australians ever since.
For more than fifty years, Dom Polski has hosted weddings, formals, corporate events, private celebrations, and cultural functions, taking pride in making each occasion welcoming, well organised, and memorable.
Our Mission
Dom Polski is a not-for-profit organisation, and more than a function space. We exist to support culture, heritage, and multicultural exchange. We stay proudly connected to Polish culture while welcoming diverse groups, organisations, and traditions, a place where every community can feel at home.
Our Team
Leonard Nowak
Chairperson
Leonard Nowak has a broad professional background spanning aviation, journalism, corporate affairs and media production. These roles have given him considerable experience in leadership, risk management, public communication and organisational decision-making. During his time as Chairperson, Leonard has helped guide Dom Polski through a period of renewal, with a strong focus on governance, modernisation and long-term sustainability. He has also worked to strengthen relationships with government, cultural organisations, business and the wider South Australian public. Leonard is committed to ensuring Dom Polski honours its history while continuing to evolve. His focus is on maintaining a strong, well-managed organisation that remains relevant, welcoming and ready to serve future generations.
Zofi Brzezinski
Secretary
Zofia (Zofi) Brzezinski plays a key role in the administration and day-to-day coordination of Dom Polski. Her professional background includes many years in insurance and banking, where she held a number of leadership positions. Zofi now operates a small business specialising in flowers and floral arrangements. In her role as Secretary, she is closely involved in the Centre’s administration, correspondence, functions and organisational matters. She helps coordinate the practical issues that support Dom Polski’s activities and ensures communication and arrangements are handled efficiently.
Zofi has also maintained a longstanding connection with Adelaide’s Polish community, including involvement with the Polish Folklore Ensemble Tatry. Her organisational skills, corporate background and detailed knowledge of Dom Polski are important to the Centre’s effective operation.
Richard Szkup
Treasurer
From meteorology to community broadcasting, Richard Szkup has followed a varied professional and community path. A former meteorologist, Richard worked in locations across Australia and Antarctica after completing his studies at RMIT. His analytical and numerical skills are particularly valuable in overseeing the financial affairs of Dom Polski.
Richard is also closely involved in Adelaide’s Polish cultural life. He produces and presents Polish and English programs on community radio station 5EBI and has contributed to Dożynki and PolArt Adelaide. His involvement with several Polish organisations gives him a broad understanding of the community and its activities. Richard combines careful financial oversight with a longstanding commitment to Polish cultural life.
Natalia Dworniczek
Natalia Dworniczek combines creativity, education and a genuine enthusiasm for engaging people. Known professionally as Nitro Nat, she has built a successful career as a science communicator and educator. Her work involves presenting to audiences of all ages and turning complex ideas into lively, accessible experiences.
Natalia also has deep roots in Adelaide’s Polish cultural life. Her involvement in folkloric dance, singing and Dożynki has shaped a strong appreciation for tradition and the importance of passing it on. Natalia offers fresh ideas and a valuable connection with children, families and younger generations. Her skills in communication and public engagement help Dom Polski reach new audiences while remaining firmly connected to its cultural foundations.
Basia Harla
For Basia Harla, Polish culture is something to be shared, experienced and enjoyed.
Originally from Poland, Basia has become well known in South Australia through her passion for traditional cooking and her work with Basia’s Pierogi. She is also closely associated with Dom Polski’s popular Pierogi Sundays, where food, hospitality and tradition come together. Her practical approach and culinary knowledge have helped showcase Polish cuisine to a much wider audience, including through Dom Polski’s participation in major public events such as Tasting Australia. Basia adds warmth, cultural knowledge and hands-on experience to the Board. She is particularly passionate about keeping Polish traditions alive by making them accessible and relevant to established members, younger generations and the wider community.
Wanda Koplin
Community service is a constant part of Wanda Koplin’s life. Her involvement began at an early age through Polish dancing, language classes, the Polish Scouts and the Polanki choir. Over the years, that commitment has continued through a wide range of voluntary and community activities. Wanda has a particular connection with older members of Adelaide’s Polish community. Her work in seniors’ liaison helps maintain contact with people whose experiences form an important part of South Australia’s Polish story. She also assists with the share registry. Her warmth, personal knowledge and decades of involvement help Dom Polski maintain meaningful connections across generations while ensuring its history and traditions are remembered.
Adam Skuza
Adam Skuza has built a respected career in interpreting, translation and community liaison. Well known within Adelaide’s Polish community, Adam is a qualified interpreter and Polish citizenship consultant. He studied at the Warsaw School of Economics and has successfully operated his own interpreting and translating business. His professional background has included membership of NAATI, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, as well as consultancy work for the Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea on court interpreting services. Adam oversees Dom Polski’s share registry and communications database, assisted by a highly qualified team. His language skills, administrative knowledge and longstanding involvement in the Polish community support clear communication and strong relationships with shareholders.
Dr Basia Vucic
Dr Basia Vucic contributes a strong academic and professional perspective shaped by education, research and human rights. She is Museum Director and CEO of the Adelaide Holocaust Museum & Andrew Steiner Education Centre. Her scholarly work has included research at University College London and in Warsaw, with particular interests in Janusz Korczak, children’s rights and democratic education. Basia’s career has given her experience in leadership, cultural institutions, education and public engagement. She also has an international outlook and a strong interest in how history and identity are understood and communicated. Her thoughtful analysis, strategic insight and educational expertise support Dom Polski’s role as both a custodian of Polish heritage and a place for dialogue, learning and cultural connection.
Dr Rick Wiechula
Dr Rick Wiechula combines a career in health and academia with a lifelong connection to Adelaide’s Polish community. A Registered Nurse by profession, Rick has held clinical and leadership roles with SA Health, including at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. He holds a Doctor of Nursing from the University of Adelaide and has pursued an academic career in nursing and health service delivery. His research has included international projects, and has contributed to postgraduate research and doctoral supervision. Rick’s involvement in Polish cultural life began in childhood through the Polish Scouts and the Polish Folklore Ensemble Tatry. He later became a dance instructor and remains involved with Tatry. Rick applies his academic background, professional judgement and community knowledge to developing grant and gifting opportunities that support Dom Polski’s future.