October 6th marked the 150th anniversary of the death of a remarkable man in Paul Edmund de Strzelecki – scientist, explorer, geographer, writer, humanist and an all-round ‘universal man’ of his time.

Readers of the Corryong Courier will have noticed a number of articles over the last few years relating to Strzelecki’s achievements and his input into the exploration of our district and bringing certain landmarks of the Upper Murray and Gippsland to public attention.

He is recognised as the first known European to ascend Mount Kosciuszko and his feat will be celebrated in Corryong this weekend.

However, many people don’t realise that before arriving on our shores he was no novice when it came to mountains. Prior to sailing to Australia he spent significant time evaluating the mineral resources of Argentina, Chile and Peru visiting many places of similar and far greater elevations than Kosciuszko in his stride. Even the Atacama Desert in north Chile and west of the Andes Cordillera, which he explored, has a higher average elevation (2408m) than Kosciuszko, so ascending the highest elevations in ancient Australia would have hardly fazed him.

From Welaregang Station in the Upper Murray – where Strzelecki, Macarthur, Charlie Tarra and party rested with John and Mary Hay during their journey – the highest point on the main range appeared to be Townsend but once he and his fellow adventurer James Macarthur climbed this peak, Strzelecki was quick to realise by use of his inclinometer that there was one still higher not far to the south.

The adventuring Pole determined he was not going to retreat from these ranges until he stood on their very apex. The details of that day – March 12th, 1840 – are clearly recorded in James Macarthur’s notes which fortunately survived.

To commemorate this event, Kosciuszko Heritage Inc. with Polish Ambassador to Australia Maciej Chmieliński in attendance, will unveil the Strzelecki Memorial this Saturday at 10am at a prominent point above the Murray River on Towong Road, Towong.

This appropriate location presents a clear view of the western fall of the Snowy Mountains where Strzelecki and Macarthur ascended to the crest of the range by way of Geehi and Hannel’s Spur.

They were guided into these mountain fastnesses by Jacky, an Aboriginal man from Welaregang, who showed them the way to the top.

The newly erected memorial, carries a commemorative plaque which fittingly contains the beautiful and evocative poem ‘Strzelecki’, penned by renowned Australian poet, David Campbell.

The unveiling will then be followed by a reception and concert at the Corryong & District Memorial Hall at 11am for officials and invited guests.

At 12 noon the doors will be thrown open to all those who wish to attend. These celebrations will be of great interest to all with a rich ensemble of Polish art and culture.

A detailed program of Polish culture, both international and local, will include:-

• The fabulous Paderewski Youth Orchestra from Chicago with 13 musicians plus directors Barbara and Voytec (pictured);
• The Lajkonik Folklore Ensemble from Sydney performing several dances and a song from the recent Strzelecki Competition;
• World renowned piano maestro Krzysztof (Chris) Malek who will play Chopin and three pieces by I.J. Paderewski, the famous Polish statesman and composer;
• A song (in English) in honour of Strzelecki by Aussie singer from Candelo, Melanie Horsnell;
• The Trio Kozek from Sydney – Kinga, Klaudia and Tadeusz;

And much more!

Also on display in the hall will be a Kosciuszko Heritage Inc. Photographic Exhibition highlighting and displaying the best Fine Art Strzelecki 2023 competition entries.

On Sunday, starting at around 10am, a series of six helicopter flights for a total of 20 passengers will be available at the Khancoban airstrip for the Polish-Aboriginal fraternity to fly over Mount Townsend and Kosciuszko. A Mass will also be celebrated by ‘Father Stan’ at the airfield.

After the flights everyone is welcome back to the Corryong & District Memorial Hall for a continuation of the artistic program with further performances by Chris Malek and the Paderewski Youth Orchestra including Kosciusko Heritage Production films screening until late!

Strzelecki is well known in Australia for his exploits in the early 1840s but not so well known for the incredible effort he later made through the British Relief Association in saving around 200,000 Irish children from death through starvation – but that’s another story!

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 16 November 2023.