About Us
Polish Business WA (PBWA) is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation dedicated to connecting, promoting and empowering Polish business and professional talent across Western Australia and beyond.
We act as a bridge between culture, business and workforce opportunity – helping our members grow locally while connecting globally through our two strategic pillars: Local Growth and Global Connection (including newcomers).
PBWA is built on integrity, collaboration and community spirit — fostering a modern network that celebrates Polish heritage while driving innovation, inclusion and success.
Committee
Meet the dedicated individuals leading PBWA and driving our vision forward.
PBWA was founded by a passionate group of Polish business leaders and professionals who saw the opportunity to unite and grow the Polish business community in Western Australia.
Kathy (Kasia) Stawarz
As incoming President of Polish Business WA, Kasia is committed to elevating the visibility, capability and influence of Polish-owned and affiliated businesses, as well as professional talent across Western Australia, through strategic partnerships, collaboration and stronger community-to-industry connections.
She brings extensive experience working across state and local government, with over 20 years in workforce capability, skills development, as well as diversity and inclusion. She has implemented Western Australia’s first Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Strategy and developed award-winning employment programs. Arriving from Poland as a child refugee, she bridges cultural and professional worlds, actively mentoring and connecting multicultural communities to opportunity.
Kasia is an alumna of the Auspire WA Multicultural Leadership Program and a recent graduate of the Office of Multicultural Interests Leadership and Governance Program through the Australian Institute of Management, strengthening her influence across civic, cultural and business platforms. Her leadership has also been recognised through appointment as a judge for the WA Chamber of Commerce & Industry Diversity & Inclusion Awards.
Her academic contribution includes lecturing in Business and Human Resources at TAFE, sharing practical industry insights with emerging professionals and strengthening capability across the vocational education and training sector.
Her community impact includes organising “A Little Bit of Poland” fundraiser, mobilising Polish-owned businesses in support of brain cancer research. She remains an active volunteer supporting organisations such as Cracovia Club Inc. and Kukuleczka Polish Dance Group, championing cultural pride, entrepreneurship and community connection.
Dagmara Kiliszewska
Dagmara is a respected business leader and community advocate with a strong background in real estate and community engagement across Western Australia. As the Vice President and Secretary, she plays an active role in fostering collaboration between Polish professionals and the broader Australian business community.
With extensive experience in property management, sales and entrepreneurship, Dagmara is the Co-Founder and Director of MK Property Partners, a locally owned and operated agency recognised for its integrity, personalised service and commitment to community values. She also serves as a member of the REIWA Property Management Committee, where she has contributed her industry knowledge and insights for over two years, helping to shape best practices and support the professional development of property managers across the state.
Beyond her business career, Dagmara has volunteered in regional areas after the bushfires, assisted communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to support local initiatives that empower women and families. Known for her empathy, determination and forward-thinking mindset, she represents the values of connection, integrity, and growth that define Polish Business WA.
Aneta Gradek
Aneta Gradek is a respected Polish–Australian leader whose work bridges business, innovation and cultural diplomacy. Passionate about community, culture and collaboration, she has built a strong reputation across Western Australia’s business and multicultural sectors.
Aneta holds a Master’s in Marketing and Management from Poland and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting from Edith Cowan University. Her professional experience spans the non-profit, construction, mining and oil & gas industries with expertise in financial management, governance and business operations. She has contributed to major organisations including Minderoo Foundation, Ramsay Health Care, Water Corporation, Subsea 7, Rema Tip Top and Tega Industries.
In 2016, Aneta founded the Polish Business Association of WA (PBAWA) to support Polish entrepreneurs, drive collaboration and strengthen community ties. She initiated key international events such as the Polish Business Expo (2016) and the European Business Expo (2017) in partnership with the European Union.
Aneta has proudly represented the Polish community nationally and internationally, including at the opening of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) office in Sydney and during a meeting with the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, in 2018. She has worked closely with the Polish Consulate in Sydney supporting community initiatives like the World of Food Festival, ZUS and passport services and WOŚP fundraisers.
Between 2018 and 2020, Aneta founded the European Business Expo Australia project and co-organised high-level European business and innovation events with Mary Jardine-Clarke and the West Australian European Business Association. These events brought together ambassadors, ministers, trade delegations and industry leaders strengthening EU–Australia collaboration in trade, science and innovation. Poland was represented for the first time in Perth in 2020 by Trade Commissioner Rafał Jarosz and PAIH Head Jakub Wilhelm.
Source: Facebook Page European Business Expo Australia
Aneta also serves on the Board of the Cracovia Club promoting Polish culture and heritage and operates an award-winning business supplying traditional Polish pierogi to gourmet stores across WA.
She continues to support international education as a Local Education Agent – Study in Perth assisting Polish students with enrolments, visas, employment and accommodation.
Since 2017, Aneta has worked in business consulting supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses with strategy, operations and market development across the education, non-profit, food production, construction and renovation sectors.
Through her professionalism, dedication and commitment to Polish culture, Aneta continues to build strong bridges between Poland, Australia and the wider European community.
Karolina Swalski
Karolina Swalski is a dedicated financial and wellbeing professional whose work bridges accounting, holistic care and community values. As Treasurer of Polish Business WA, she brings strong capability in financial management, business operations and people-focused leadership, supporting the organisation with clarity, trust and long-term stability.
Karolina is the founder of JuSTPLAy Accounting, a family-run practice built on the belief that managing finances should be clear, simple and supportive. Her approach removes confusion, focuses on plain-language guidance and creates financial pathways that clients can confidently follow. Grounded in honesty, collaboration and care, JuSTPLAy has earned a reputation for supporting families and small businesses with personalised and accessible financial services. Although the day-to-day operations are now led by her son, Karolina remains actively involved in its strategic direction and continues to uphold the family values at the heart of the business.
Alongside her financial work, Karolina has expanded her passion for wellbeing through LuLiLu Wellness, offering canine therapy inspired by her miniature dachshund, Luna. Her therapeutic practice reflects her natural empathy and commitment to helping others—both people and their beloved pets—live healthier, more balanced lives.
Karolina’s combined experience in accounting, business operations and holistic care reflects her broader philosophy: clarity, compassion and connection. Whether supporting families through their financial journey or contributing to community wellbeing, she brings a grounded, thoughtful and client-centred approach to all she does.
As Treasurer of Polish Business WA, Karolina is committed to strengthening financial governance, building community trust and contributing to a vibrant, supportive and united Polish business network in Western Australia.
Jacek Korneluk
Jacek Korneluk is a Polish-Australian entrepreneur, innovation advisor and Founder and Director of Spektrumlab Pty Ltd, based in Western Australia.
He brings extensive international experience across healthcare, business development, emerging technologies and professional networking. With a Master’s degree in Laboratory Medicine from Jagiellonian University and postgraduate qualifications in AI Strategy and Blockchain-Enabled Business from RMIT University, Jacek combines scientific thinking with entrepreneurship and practical innovation. His professional journey includes establishing and managing healthcare businesses in Poland, followed by involvement in Australia’s technology and innovation ecosystem. His interests and expertise span artificial intelligence, blockchain, Web3, digital health and real-world asset tokenisation.
Jacek’s achievements include recognition as PropTech Champion of WA in 2025 and 2026, Member Choice of the Year at the Cygnet West PropTech Awards 2026, and becoming a three-time finalist at The Blockies 2025. He is also a published contributor to the international book Decentralized Healing: Transforming Healthcare with Federated Learning and Blockchain Technologies, with a chapter exploring his LedgerMed – The Medical Lego Solution concept. Through articles published on Spektrumlab.io, he regularly shares his research, observations and perspectives on emerging technologies and their practical applications.
As Head of Growth at Polish Business WA Inc., Jacek focuses on expanding professional networks, developing partnerships, supporting membership growth and strengthening meaningful connections between Polish and Australian businesses, professionals and communities. He believes that sustainable growth begins with trust, collaboration, knowledge sharing and genuine relationships.
Kasia Kowal
Kasia brings a wealth of cultural knowledge, creativity, and community spirit to PBWA. Her deep passion for Polish cuisine, event support, and cultural promotion strengthens our mission to connect and uplift the Polish-Australian business and community landscape in Western Australia.
With a professional background in pastry and a lifelong love for Polish culinary traditions, Kasia has always been immersed in the world of food, creativity, and culture. Her early training in ballet instilled discipline, artistic expression, and a strong work ethic that continues to guide her today.
Her travels across Europe broadened her cultural perspective and deepened her appreciation for community connection. After moving to Australia, she dedicated herself to promoting Polish culture and cuisine within the wider WA community.
Kasia worked with Pierogi – Polish Dumplings, promoting and showcasing authentic Polish pierogi in local Australian shops. Her enthusiasm helped the company earn two City of Joondalup awards in 2020, and her media appearances helped introduce Polish flavours to new audiences. She is also a regular supporter of WOŚP (The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity).
She has been actively involved in the Polish Film Festival in Perth, running a Polish food stall, and proudly represented Poland at the World of Food Festival, where she shared traditional dishes with multicultural audiences.
Currently working at IGA Preston Street, Kasia continues to thrive in her passion — connecting with people, managing teams, coordinating suppliers, and supporting catering. She is known for her problem-solving skills and her ability to build positive relationships in every environment.
For Kasia, promoting Polish culture is more than a passion — it is her mission. Through food, conversation, and community engagement, she works tirelessly to keep Polish traditions alive in Western Australia, making her a valued contributor to PBWA.
Founding Members
Meet the visionary individuals whose early commitment and support helped establish PBWA and lay the foundations for its growth and impact within the Polish business community in Western Australia.
Irek Mrówka
Irek Mrówka is a respected Polish-Australian entrepreneur and a long-standing leader within the business community of Western Australia. For many years he successfully ran Rapid Print, a well-known printing and marketing company trusted by businesses across WA for its quality, reliability and personalised service.
From 2017 to 2024, Irek served as the President of the Polish Business Association in Western Australia. During his seven-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation, expanding its network, and supporting the growth of Polish-owned businesses in the state. His leadership was marked by collaboration, community-building and a strong commitment to creating opportunities for professionals, entrepreneurs and newcomers.
Although Irek is now retired, he continues to support our organisation with his experience, guidance and goodwill. In recognition of his dedication and his foundational role in shaping our business community, we proudly honour him as a Founding Member of Polish Business WA.
Andrzej Lewandowski
Polish Business WA proudly acknowledges Andrzej Lewandowski, whose lifelong dedication to Polish independence, community leadership, and cultural advocacy makes him one of the strong founding contributors shaping PBWA today.
Andrzej’s history spans from Gdańsk to West Berlin, where he became an activist and co-founder of the Solidarity Defence Committee during one of Poland’s most critical moments. He helped organise high-impact demonstrations—including actions that reached global media during the Berlin Film Festival—bringing international attention to the repression in Poland. His work later earned him the Gold Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
After emigrating to Australia, Andrzej continued supporting the Polish cause as a representative of Polish organisations, a correspondent for Polish-language media, and an author of many articles that kept the Polish community informed and connected.
In Perth, his leadership has been felt for decades:
• Secretary of the Polish Association in WA (two terms)
• Co-host of Polish radio on 6NR
• Long-serving Cracovia Club Committee member (2015–2023)
• Co-organiser of major cultural and community events
• Twice Chief of Staff for WOŚP Perth, helping unify the local Polish diaspora
• Gold medallist representing WA at the Australian Masters Games
Today, Andrzej brings this wealth of experience, history, and community spirit directly into PBWA, strengthening our foundations and helping us build a vibrant, united Polish business network in Western Australia.
Helene Drobiski
As a member of Polish Business WA (PBWA), Helene Drobiski is passionate about applying her psychology expertise to build psychologically safe and inclusive spaces for the Polish-Australian business community and broader multicultural networks. Drawing on her lived multicultural background, she fosters environments where diverse perspectives are valued, collaboration is encouraged, and individuals and teams can thrive.
A Perth-based Psychologist, Helene has extensive experience in rehabilitation and occupational mental health across private and government sectors. She supports individuals navigating neurological and mental health challenges, workplace injuries, and motor vehicle accident recovery, helping them build resilience and regain independence.
Helene combines strategic thinking with compassion, creating resilient individuals, high-performing workplaces, and communities that thrive on cultural diversity and collaboration.
Kelly Ye
Kelly Ye is the creative mind behind the official logo for Polish Business Western Australia Inc. (PBWA) — a distinctive symbol that embodies professionalism, leadership and cultural pride within the PBWA community.
Originally from sunny Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, Kelly is now based in Perth, Western Australia, where she works as a Creative Services Adviser and designer at Edith Cowan University (ECU). She is also the Creative Director of Pink Elephant Design, leading brand and design projects across higher education, government, and commercial sectors.
With more than 14 years’ experience leading multi-disciplinary teams, Kelly specialises in brand strategy, creative direction, and campaign delivery, and is passionate about helping organisations tell their story authentically and distinctively — creating work that is both strategic and imaginative.
From launching ECU’s Brand Hub to directing major rebrands and multi-platform campaigns, Kelly thrives on blending creativity with purposeful strategy to deliver outcomes that inspire, engage, and achieve meaningful impact.
VOLUNTEERS
Meet the passionate individuals whose dedication strengthen PBWA’s mission. Their hands‑on support brings our initiatives to life and helps create a vibrant, connected Polish business community in Western Australia.
Dorota Leśniak
Dorota Leśniak is an experienced business and finance professional with a strong background in banking, economic analysis, and strategic business development.
With over two decades of experience in financial institutions, including leadership and director-level roles, she has built extensive expertise in managing operations, developing business networks, and delivering results in dynamic environments. Throughout her career, Dorota has successfully led teams and managed regional networks of financial services, combining strong analytical skills with a people-focused approach. Her experience includes overseeing multi-location operations, driving sales performance, and implementing organisational improvements within large financial institutions.
Since 2018, Dorota has been running her own business, specialising in securing funding and supporting the growth of Polish enterprises. She works closely with entrepreneurs, providing consultancy in accessing EU funds, preparing grant applications, and identifying strategic development opportunities on the Polish market. Her work is grounded in a practical, solution-oriented mindset, with a strong focus on helping businesses grow sustainably. Dorota is also actively engaged in social and community initiatives, supporting inclusion, civic engagement, and equal opportunities.
As a member of Polish Business WA, Dorota is committed to sharing her expertise, building meaningful connections, and contributing to the development of a strong and collaborative Polish business community.
Kasia Bednarek-Daw
Kasia Bednarek-Daw is a highly skilled IT specialist and technology leader with over nine years of experience delivering end-to-end cloud and service management solutions.
She excels at translating complex business problems into practical, scalable, and user-friendly digital outcomes. Throughout her career at major global organizations, she has successfully bridged the gap between cross-functional technical teams and executive leadership, combining strong technical acumen with a strategic, data-driven approach.
Katarzyna holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a comprehensive suite of industry credentials, including ServiceNow Certified System Administrator, ITIL, Azure DevOps, and Azure AI Engineer certifications. Now based in Australia, she is focused on driving meaningful technical improvements, building strong stakeholder partnerships, and contributing her deep automation and cloud expertise to forward-thinking organizations.
Katarzyna actively supports the network by looking after the PBWA website, leveraging her technical expertise to manage and optimize its digital presence.
Members
Our members represent a vibrant mix of business owners, professionals, student/graduates and newcomers contributing to Western Australia’s economy and community life.
As part of PBWA, members gain access to events, mentoring, collaborations and international connections that open doors to new opportunities
Mission & Vision
Mission:
To connect and empower Polish businesses, professionals, graduates and newcomers through collaboration, mentoring and shared opportunity – creating a thriving community that celebrates culture and success in Western Australia and across the world.
Vision
Connecting Polish business and professional talent locally and globally – building pathways to opportunity, growth and belonging in Western Australia.
Goals
Grow and Support Local Business and Professionals
Facilitate collaboration, visibility and access to workforce and development opportunities.
Empower Emerging Workforce
Support students/graduates and newcomers with networking and professional pathways.
Connect the Local and Global Polish Network
Build awareness and partnerships with Polish communities, trade and education bodies abroad.
Facilitate Workforce and Migration Pathways
Promote migration and sponsorship pathways that connect Polish talent and newcomers with WA opportunities.
Values
Connect
Bringing Polish businesses, professionals, students/graduates and newcomers together locally and globally.
Grow
Supporting personal, professional and business development.
Collaborate
Networking, mentoring, sharing knowledge and building partnerships for shared success.
Celebrate
Honouring Polish culture, achievements and heritage.
Our Two Pillars
PBWA’s strategy is built on two interconnected pillars — Local Growth and Global Connection — ensuring that we build strong foundations here in Western Australia while creating global pathways for opportunity, business and belonging.
Pillar 1: Strengthening the Local Business and Professional Community
Overview: Western Australia is home to a vibrant Polish community – from established business owners and professionals to new graduates and entrepreneurs. PBWA strengthens this local ecosystem by:
Pillar 2: Expanding Connections with the International Polish Community and Newcomers
Overview: PBWA extends its network globally – linking with Poland, the UK, Ireland and other regions to attract talent, partnerships and collaboration opportunities, while also supporting newcomers to Western Australia.