Joseph Potaski

Joseph Potaski or John Potaskie (c. 1764 – 31 August 1824) was the first Pole to settle in Australia, and one of the first convicts to arrive in Van Diemen's Land on the Ocean. Joseph Potaski worked hard to establish himself as a successful farmer in colonial Hobart. This was however undone by the exploits of his family. Joseph Potaski reflects the attitudes of those convicts who never progressed beyond their criminal past. Potaski is seen as representing the auspicious beginning of the Polish community in Australia.

His daughter, Catherine, was the first European born and baptised in the new colony of Van Diemens Land.

Early life

It is estimated that Potaski was born in 1764, in Poland. Not much is known of Potaski's early life. It has been suggested that Potaski was born into the aristocratic family of Potocki. It is also known that Potaski was a member of Kosciuszko's army. During this time Potaski would have been involved in the Warsaw siege and the Praga massacre. After the war Joseph Potaski arrived in London, probably as a refugee or asylum seeker.