Thank you for letting us know. One life was insufficient for Ernestyna as her life’s work was nowhere near completed. It seemed as if she had gained momentum with each project she took on. It was truly remarkable that she wanted to bestow her gifts on her adopted country. She brought to us gifts that so many of us never knew could be given. With each gift and smile she bestowed and spread the gift of goodness. At the same times as deeply sad as that such a remarkably fine spirit and inspiration has left us, I feel very privileged to have known her.

Ever since the unveiling of the Memorial here on Towong Hill Road we have been seeing a steady stream of people stopping and spending some time at the Memorial, Some mention that the Memorial has given them a new vision of the view and a sense of wanting to continue the journey to discover what is hidden away among the highest peaks in the High Country. As we know, it is the highest peak of them all, Mt Kosciuszko. We all need that higher destination in our lives. Ernestyna reminded us that Strzelecki’s gave it to us and the inspiration to find that higher place and see it for ourselves.

Dr Honor Auchinleck with Ambassador of Poland Maciej Chmieliñski and Lajkonik at the unveiling of a Strzelecki plaque in Towong 2023

The idea of having a memorial in Khancoban hasn’t died and when it happens, it should also be in memory of Ernestyna and all she did for our communities. She brought a new vision and new life into our heritage and she showed us the reflective and informative power of memorials in our communities. On Sunday we returned home from the Canberra district through the Monaro and over the Alpine Way. We stopped at in Cooma to look at memorials and there I discovered that the town has memorialised much of its unique history. The stories of those who came in the immediate post Second World War period to build the Snowy Scheme, helped us in the campaign to build a future. It reminded me that it is often those who have lost most who then give the most and teach others how to bring goodness to others. The Polish community has done that for many in our High Country communities and Ernestyna was the leading light in that gift. Her memory will live on with all of us who knew her.

Ernestyna in the Corriong Memorial Hall at the celebrations accompanying the unveiling of a Strzelecki plaque in Towong in 2023

Mark and I send you, your family and community our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. We hope that one day you will come back and visit us here in the Upper Murray.

Sincerely
Honor and Mark