Stasia Dąbrowska came to Australia as a Polish emigrant. She chose Canberra as her new home on the other side of the world, where she cooked soup for those in need for almost 40 years. Her admirable dedication was commemorated with the unveiling of a life-size bronze sculpture, which stands on the spot where Stasia’s soup kitchen operated every Friday evening.
Stasia Dąbrowska – a journey from Poland to Australia
Stanisława ‘Stasia’ Dąbrowska was born in 1926 in Poland. Her childhood coincided with a difficult period for Europe. Even before the Second World War, the Dąbrowskis had to leave their hometown and move to Gorlice. After 1945, Stasia became a nurse and worked as an instructor. In 1964, she emigrated to Australia with her husband, the scientist Jan Nurzyński, and their children. The family settled in Canberra, where Jan began working at the Australian National University. In Canberra, Stasia focused on helping young people struggling with addiction and homelessness. She prepared free meals for them, initially paying for the groceries out of her own pocket. From this initially small-scale initiative, one of the city’s best-known community campaigns was born.
180 kilograms of vegetables every Friday
From 1982 onwards, Stasia would turn up at Garema Place, in the centre of Canberra, every Friday evening. She would bring a mobile kitchen, large pots and food she had prepared in advance. Every Thursday, she would peel around 180 kilograms of vegetables to feed those waiting the following day. Over time, she also handed out hundreds of loaves of bread and around 100 litres of homemade soup in a single evening. By around 2005, as many as 500 people were benefiting from her help. Stasia also gave those in need clothes, blankets and, above all, her time. She would talk to people and give them a hug, never putting any distance between herself and those coming for help. Her grandson, Josh Kenworthy, supported her in running the kitchen for years. In 2018, Stasia closed down the soup kitchen.
The ‘Soup Kitchen Lady’ of Canberra
Dąbrowska quickly became a recognisable figure within the local community. Residents called her the “Soup Kitchen Lady”. In 1996, she was named Canberra Citizen of the Year, and in 1998 she was awarded the Order of Australia. A year later, she was awarded the title of ACT Senior Australian of the Year. In 2001, she received the Centenary Medal, and in 2017 she was named ACT Local Hero of the Year. Despite these numerous honours, Stasia did not like the limelight. She often said that her work was simple and aimed at helping others. She passed away in Canberra in 2020, aged 94. Following her death, the idea arose to create a lasting memorial to a woman whose work had been an integral part of the city’s life for decades. She gave her heart, on a plate, to those most in need.
Stasia Dąbrowska has returned to Garema Place
Melbourne-based artist Louise Skačej was commissioned to create the monument. The sculpture was named ‘Hello my Wonderful’, Stasia’s characteristic greeting. It is a life-size bronze figure depicting Dąbrowska with a broad smile and an outstretched hand. The statue has been erected in Garema Place, very close to the former site of the field kitchen. It was here that Stasia would appear on Friday evenings for almost 40 years. The sculpture was created as part of an ACT Government programme dedicated to important women associated with Canberra. A total of 300,000 Australian dollars was allocated to the project.
Unveiling of the ‘Soup Kitchen Lady’ monument
The sculpture was unveiled on 7 August 2026. The ceremony was attended by Louise Skačej and Stasia’s grandson, Josh Kenworthy, who had helped his grandmother run the soup kitchen for many years. The bronze figure of the Polish immigrant serves as a reminder of the less official side of the Australian capital: a city shaped not only by immigrants, but also by volunteers and people who help others. For the Polish community, it is also a special tribute to a woman who, upon her arrival from Europe, helped the residents of Canberra. Stasia Dąbrowska did not need a high-ranking position. All she needed was a pot of soup, some bread and the conviction that no one should go without food.
Source: canberradaily.com.au, library.act.gov.au, adb.anu.edu.au
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