Alyssa Fritzlaff
JOSEPH Kaczkowski celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday, February 18.
The Morwell resident and his wife Celina attended a gathering Gippsland Multicultural Services (GMS) hosted to celebrate the major milestone.
GMS pulled out all the stops to make sure Joseph’s birthday was a very special one.
There were birthday banners and streamers strung from the walls, and brightly colour balloons bobbing in the air.
In the corner of the room, Joseph and Celine sat together, enjoying cups of tea and biscuits.
The couple have been members of the Polish community group at GMS for nearly 30 years and said they have developed many good friendships with other members over the years.
One of five siblings, Joseph was born in Poland in 1922.
While he was in Poland, he met his wife Celina, and they eventually married.
Celina and Joseph met in 1948 and have been married for 73 years.
They are still seen often enjoying a laugh together today.
In 1962, Joseph migrated to Australia, and Celina followed the year after.
They ended up having four children.
Now, the pair have a very large family – 20 grandchildren and one great great grandchild
The couple got together with their family to have a party of their own on Friday.
Joseph said he was excited to be turning 100, and enjoyed his celebration with his wife by his side
Celina said her husband is doing “good for his age”, still enjoys walks and raking the leaves up at their home.
GMS chief executive officer Tania Ryan was glad to attend the important celebration.
“Joe and Celina have been really longstanding members,” she said.
“He’s very much loved… and he’s a beautiful man.”
The Polish community is very important for its members, Ms Ryan explained.
Members of the group are able to connect with other people who speak Polish and have a shared Milestone: understanding of their culture.
