Marayong is often called “a little Poland far from Poland.” This western suburb of Sydney has been a gathering place for Polish people since 1954. It’s busiest on weekends, when they flock to Sunday masses in Polish and various meetings, and the youngest to scout meetings and the Polish Saturday school. The center is also home to many permanent residents, primarily seniors who have found a home in their later years. “They come back here to feel at home,” says Sister Grace Rocławska, Mission Director at Holy Family Services in Marayong.
For Families
The Holy Family Services complex includes a daycare center, a 24-hour aged care home with over 150 places, and a retirement village with 28 houses. “We’re here for families at every stage of their lives, supporting them, no matter what their family is like,” says Sister Grace in an interview with Family News Service.
It all began with the Polish Children’s Home. Not everyone in the large post-war Polish immigrant community found it easy to adapt in Australia. Help was needed for Polish children who were often left without care due to challenging family circumstances. “This was the greatest need at the time,” explains Sister Joanna Zarzyczna. “So, the Polish community purchased land and sought someone to look after the children. Our sisters responded and came to Australia.” The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth also opened a primary school, followed by a high school for local children. “Children from the orphanage could study at this school,” says Sister Joanna. “It was a way to support families, following the mission of our congregation, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.”
Over time, the demographics of Poles in and around Sydney changed significantly. The generation of post-war immigrants and those who came during the 1980s “Solidarity” wave now faced new challenges. “After years, these children and their families began turning to us for help with sick and elderly family members,” says Sister Joanna, a longtime director of the Brother Albert Home and now in pastoral care for residents. “Each person must be treated individually. You can’t treat older adults as if they were children. These are adults, even if they have dementia or other health issues,” she adds, describing her work with seniors. “Every person is unique, and only when you see them that way can you build meaningful relationships.”
credit FNSThe Polish Eagle Has Landed
The architecture of Marayong’s Polish War Memorial Chapel is striking. Its cascading, spire-like tower recalls both the Jasna Góra Shrine and Sydney’s famous Opera House. From a bird’s eye view, the church resembles an eagle in flight, a nod to the Polish people who have settled here after life’s storms. Built by the Polish community, the church, named Our Lady of Częstochowa, Queen of Poland, was consecrated in the millennium year on December 27, 1966, and has since served Poles from Sydney and across New South Wales.
“Marayong is a place where faith is practiced, where we can connect with our roots,” says Sister Grace Rocławska. Priests from the Society of Christ serve the church, while the Nazareth Sisters run a Saturday school for Polish children from Sydney and nearby areas. “The school isn’t just a place of learning but a community where being Polish feels natural,” says Sister Agnieszka Misiak, one of the teachers. Most students were born in Australia, with at least one Polish parent. “Their parents want them to cherish Polish culture and language. They also need a sense of belonging with others who share their heritage,” she adds.
The spacious John Paul II Hall hosts Polish community gatherings, cultural events, and celebrations. In the Polish library, Zbigniew Rabantek is on duty every Sunday. “We have over 6,500 catalogued books,” he says with pride.
As Sister Grace Rocławska emphasizes, the Polish Center in Marayong continues to thrive, even as the original post-war and Solidarity-era immigrant communities shrink and fewer young people from Poland are moving to Sydney.
credit FNSNot Just for Poles
A walk around the expansive grounds – between the church, Polish community hall, scout house, senior residence, daycare, and retirement village – reveals the diverse and open community that has grown around Marayong. “Holy Family Services now employs 193 staff from 27 nationalities,” says Sister Grace. The residents represent 26 different nationalities, 77 percent of whom are Polish, followed by Australians (7 percent), Maltese (5 percent), Ukrainians (4 percent), and others. “We do everything we can to foster mutual respect and respond to people’s needs,” she stresses. “We celebrate Polish traditions, but we also observe holidays of other cultures.”
The pioneering Nazareth sisters, citizens of the United States with Polish roots, who came to help the Polish community, also recognized the needs of the local English-speaking community. Could they have imagined that this place would one day welcome so many different nationalities while remaining a “little Poland” for countless Polish families?
“Marayong is more than a place; it’s a haven where we find peace, community, and a sense of belonging,” says Sister Grace Rocławska. For many older residents, it’s the final stop on their life’s journey; for younger generations, it remains a lively reference point and a testament to Polish history in Australia.
