Mr Andrew Kleeberg, founding
Director of the Institute
Mr Kleeberg, founding Director of the Institute from 1996 to
2003, decided to retire at the Institute's 2003 annual general
meeting after more than ten years service to the organisation.
At that meeting the new Executive Committee unanimously agreed
to make him an honorary life member for his outstanding services
to the Institute.
Short biography
Andrew Kleeberg, born March 1920, Warsaw. His father was Juliusz
E. Kleeberg, mother Halina Olszynska. Immediately on completing
his secondary schooling in 1939 he joined the Polish Air Force.
He was shot down over Bremen in October 1941, being injured and
incarcerated in a prisoner-of-war camp for the remainder of the
war. He was decorated with Poland's Virtuti Militari and the War
Cross medals |
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Mr Andrew Kleeberg.
Photographer: Damian McDonald.
By permission of the National Library of Australia.
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He arrived in Australia
in 1948, commenced tertiary studies in 1950, went into business
with his parents 1953-1960, became an AMP agent in Cooma 1963-1980.
In Cooma held senior executive positions on the local council,various
organisations and being instrumental in building a TAFE college
there.
Moved to Canberra in 1980 where he joined the Polish Ex-Servicemen's
Association, Canberra Branch no.5, becoming its President 1982.
Has represented this body on various organisations, congresses.
He has been active in lobbying the Commonwealth government about
equity for Polish veterans. On his retirement he has also been
involved with various charities including Meals on Wheels.
In the 1990's he saw a need to find, record and store the archival
records of prominent Poles and national Polish organisations in
Australia in order that the history of settlement in this country
was not lost. In 1996 he formed the Polish Historical Institute
in Australia Inc.
Mr Kleeberg is married to Ina Ratliff (NZ). They have three children,
daughters Alicja and Krystyna, and a son Marek.
Mr Kleeberg was honoured in the 1995 Queen's Birthday Honours
List with the Order of Australia for his work among the war veterans
including his work for the Polish community. |
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