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Our father Michael George Krylyszyn, was born in Queen Victoria Hospital at Rose Park SA. Michael was the second oldest of four children—his sister Stephanie was the eldest, followed by Michael, then his brothers John and Steven (the youngest, now deceased). He also had another sister who passed away at a very young age. His family’s heritage is Ukrainian and Polish and their religious background is Catholic.

Michael’s parents, Stefan (Ukrainian) and Helena Krylyszyn (Polish), emigrated from Ukraine. They first traveled by ship to Germany, where they spent time in refugee camps. Afterwards, they continued to Italy by ship and then to Melbourne, before finally settling in South Australia in the late 1940s.

Michaels Mum was a homemaker and dedicated mother. Michael’s father was a factory worker. Michael’s father Stefan built his own house on their property at 28 Agnes Street in Ottoway with his own bare hands and the house stood the test of time until the property was sold in the 1990’s when Helena and Stefan passed away. Michael loved his Mum’s cooking and he learnt many of her Polish/Ukrainian dishes which he shared with his family and all were so delicious. He loved Pierogi, Holubtsi, Pickled Cabbage,Chicken noodle soup, cured meats, Sauerkraut, Roasted Capsicum, Pluski and many more.

His greatest achievements: He was lucky enough to achieve the Australian Wildlife. He built the sanctuary and considering it wasn’t possible, especially when the area to do this was non-complaint. He achieved this in 1992 that’s when he went forward to open Minya Sanctuary and started guided tours for the public and scouts who camped on his property. He didn’t want to depend on the government and to work on his property. He made a home for the animals and he really enjoyed it for many, many years. Here are the wildlife animals he had at this time: Dama, Swamp and Red-necked wallabies, Brush-tail and Ringtail Possums, Emu’s which are still here, Kangaroo Island and Red Kangaroos, Long Nose Potoroos, Squirrel Gliders, Laughing Kookaburras, Brush tailed Bettongs, Long Nosed Potoroos, Bush Stone Curlew birds, Cape Barren Geese, and Black Swans. He also planted over 2 1/2 thousand native plants on his property. My father Michael was a conservationist.