Waverley officials have voted to support in principle a memorial plaque commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, following debate over its funding source.
Proposal for Memorial Raises Questions Over Foreign Influence
Waverley Council has given in-principle support to a proposal for a memorial plaque in Waverley Park marking the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The motion, raised in a mayoral minute, aims to recognise Hungarian refugees who settled in the area and acknowledge the sacrifices made during the uprising.
The proposal came from the Hungarian consulate, which offered to fund the memorial. Waverley official Will Nemesh, who holds Hungarian citizenship, said the memorial would reflect the area’s long-standing Hungarian connections and would not cost ratepayers.
Historical Context of the Hungarian Revolution
The 1956 Hungarian Revolution was a country-wide uprising opposing the Soviet-aligned government in Hungary. Following its suppression, many Hungarians fled abroad, with a number settling in the Waverley local government area.
Former New South Wales official Nick Greiner wrote in favour of the memorial, describing the 1956 events as a significant democratic uprising in the post-war period.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Concerns Over Government Ties and Funding
The motion triggered opposition from several city officials after it was revealed that the memorial proposal was tied to the current Hungarian government. They raised concerns over the regime’s policies, citing recent laws banning LGBTQ+ pride events and allowing surveillance technology to identify protest attendees.
Local official Steven Lewis opposed the motion in its current form due to the potential influence of what he described as an authoritarian regime. He proposed changes ensuring that council retains full control over the memorial’s wording to prevent foreign influence.
Local official Paula Masselos questioned allowing any foreign government to determine content within Waverley Park, particularly near an existing ANZAC memorial.
Motion Passed Despite Division
Despite objections, the motion was passed. Local authorities Masselos, Spooner, Lewis, Fabiano, and WY Kynank voted against it, citing unease over the funding source and perceived external control. Mr Nemesh clarified that the council would have final authority over the design, funding, and wording.
City authority Michelle Stephenson supported the motion and said opposition risked dismissing the contributions of the local Hungarian community.
Next Steps and Oversight
The motion grants only in-principle support. Waverley Council will retain oversight of the project’s development, including decisions regarding funding acceptance, design approval, and inscription content.
Published 7-May-2025