Cora, you were born into the world on the 18th of December 1985 at St Margaret’s Hospital in Sydney. Although I was too young to remember much from that time, I distinctly recall how infinitely overjoyed I was to have a little sister come into the world and how dignified and important I felt as your big brother.

I have vivid memories of our childhood, playing in the backyard on the lawn, wrestling with you on the carpet, throwing snowballs at each other in the park at grandma’s place in Poland. These were some of the happiest moments of my life, and they will remain with me forever.

From an early age, you displayed wonderful artistic and creative flair. Your talent for portraying the environment as well as your imagination through your painting and textile design was inspiring, beautiful, and amazing to watch. Your innovative approach to art always blew people away. In particular, the way you combined your storytelling skills with painting and dress making in your cinderella dress was incredible and a great example of just how imaginative you were.

Your artwork showed off your perfectionist approach to everything you ever did and was as complex as you. Rather than buy a fluffy toy or a photo frame or picture as a gift or send a bought Christmas card, you’d often prefer to make it yourself completely from scratch. I don’t know another person who ever dedicated some much sweat and tears into a Christmas or birthday present as you. Not only did this add tremendous value to your gifts, but they were always well thought through and always from the heart.

Cora, you were such an intelligent human being. On the one hand, you were an exceptional academic and student: you did so very well in the HSC and then later at university – but you were also really inquisitive and you loved to learn how things worked. You were particularly keen to hear other people’s ideas and views on life. And this is perhaps why you were so good at talking to people.

You were genuinely interested in listening to what everyone had to say and always involved yourself in the conversations. Nobody could fool Cora. You would question our ideas and discuss them with us, and pry deep into the roots of our opinions until you were satisfied. And of course you were never one to shy away from a heated debate.

You had an endless thirst for adventure and had numerous outdoor pursuits, in particular scuba-diving, rock-climbing, bushwalking, waterskiing and canoeing just to name a few. You always wanted to share these exciting activities with friends; to share your passion for the outdoors with them. You were forever coercing your friends into getting outside and enjoying nature with you.

You lived life. You never wasted time doing mundane or passive activities of choice because you understood that life was too short. If there was a river to be canoed or rock face to be climbed or party to entertain or a friend to annoy, you were there.

More recently you’d decided to join the army reserve as a medic. Although you displayed the intelligence and aptitude to be an officer, you were adamant that you would take up a role where you could help people directly, using your terrific people skills and caring nature. You were always a very community minded person. Your enthusiastic and selfless involvement with the Polish community was inspiring and refreshing. I’d like to read you a message I received for you from the Polish community in Australia:

Odeszla od nas najjasniej swiecaca gwiazda naszej przyszlosci polonijnej, kochajaca Polska tradycje, muzyke , krzewiaca Polska kulture, broniaca Polskie idealy. W Jej krotkim zyciu byl czas na udzial w zespolach folklorystycznych, zabawe z dziecmi i wykreowanie najwspanialszego momentu w historii “Polish Christmas w Darling Harbour" - Kacika Sw.Mikolaja - ogromnej atrakcji dla setek dzieci tych malych i duzych, w ktory sklad wchodzil naturalnej wielkosci placyk wypelniony naturalnym sniegiem ..zegnaj Corunia ..zawsze zostaniesz w naszej pamieci pelna humoru, koloru, wdzieku, inicjatywy, nie obawiajaca sie zadnych wyzwan, lojalny i pracowity mlody przyjaciel - zegnaj…

Cora, you were famous for being an exceptionally energetic and fun loving person; you loved to be around people and had an astounding capacity to forge friendships. You were never intolerant nor judgemental and always gave people a chance. You had many friends but you were never part of a clique. Your parties always had a diverse mix of people who came from so many different places and walks of life. I guess, even though you could talk to anyone, you really chose your friends and the presence of so many friends here today is a true reflection of the kind of person you were.

I know how much you loved to entertain your friends through parties and nights out on the town. You loved costumes and dressing up. Whereas some girls would doll themselves up for a costume party, you would show up as a Christmas pudding or in an elf suit. And you made us all so happy. I’ll don’t think anyone will ever forget you in that elf suit last Christmas.

Cora, you were a person of extraordinary character and substance. You died on the 1st of April 2007 on a beautiful sunny day, in one of your favourite bushwalking spots not far from home. You died having fun, with a smile on your face, with a good friend next to you and your family close by. Although you have died young, you have left a footprint on your surroundings disproportionate to your years.

You had a happy life, surrounded by people who loved you, packed with adventure and travel and good times, and you will always be happily and lovingly remembered. Even under these tragic circumstances, know that it only takes one recollection or one story involving you and the mood is immediately uplifted and cheerful. You were an incredible human being that only brought goodness to the world and it is the highest honour to be able to call myself your brother.

The thought of you will forever make me smile. I love you. One day we’ll have another bear hug, but until that time, I’ll miss you knowing that you’ll never be too far away….

Konrad