History

The Polish community in the ACT began to grow significantly in the early to late 1940s. With the growth came
the need for a gathering place, where the Polish people could meet and socialise.

The building of a community-meeting place began in 1958 in central Canberra. This building was completed in 1960 and officially opened on 3rd December and to be known as the “House of the White Eagle”.

Over a period of time several ideas crystallised for the future character of the House of the White Eagle.
The Federal Government made a grant of land in Turner for the Polish community to build a permanent Club and building commenced in 1970.
The architectural plans were prepared by a famous Canberra-based architect Dr. Taglietti.

The official opening of the Club took place on the 16 of February 1973.
The Club was blessed by his eminency Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, who later became Pope John Paul II.
As the opening of the Club coincided with the 500th anniversary of birth of Nicolaus Copernicus the Club was named after this famous Polish astronomer.

The current club operates under the name White Eagle Club Inc.