Historical information

These photographs were taken by The Advocate in 1991 when the first stage of the Polish Sporting and Recreation Association (PSRA) opened in Carrington Drive, Albion.

The centre consisted of a large social club building which will be equipped with gaming machines as soon as they become legalised and a soccer pitch.

Significance

The Sunshine Polish Club, formally the Polish Community and Sporting Centre in Albion — is one of the most significant post‑war migrant institutions in Melbourne’s west. It was founded and driven almost entirely by the vision and persistence of Mieczysław Żurek, who secured land, funding, and community support to build a major Polish cultural and sporting hub in Albion.

Between 1978 and 1980, Żurek negotiated with Sunshine City Council for land to build a Polish stadium and community centre. In 1984, Sunshine City Council Administrator Alexander "Alex" Gillon offered an 8‑hectare lot on Carrington Drive, Albion, owned by Boral Company. The site was part of the former Albion Quarry.

Physical description

Digital scans of black and white negatives

Inscriptions & markings

Polish Club

6787.01 - Polish Club 19 Carrington Road Albion 1991 Photographs.JPG
L - R Mieczysław "Mike" Żurek, Ted Lezon

6787.02 - Polish Club 19 Carrington Road Albion 1991 Photographs.JPG
L - R Ted Lezon, Mieczysław "Mike" Żurek