Waverley Council Archives

Waverley Votes on 1956 Hungarian Uprising Plaque Proposal

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.

LGBTQ+ — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*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.

Waverley Hungarian memorial — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

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

Waverley Council Considers Roosters Deal to Boost Community Sport

Photo Credit: Sydney Roosters/Facebook

A new partnership between Waverley Council and the Sydney Roosters may deliver more sports programs and youth engagement across the eastern suburbs.

What the Deal Could Look Like

The sponsorship proposal includes financial and in-kind support from the Roosters, such as coaching clinics, outreach programs and local event support in Waverley. In return, the council may be recognised as an official community partner, with branding featured on club material and possibly at games.

*Photo Credit: Sydney Roosters/Facebook*

The Roosters’ 2024 NRLW premiership has boosted their profile, opening new chances to grow women’s and junior participation in rugby league, with council support set to play a role.

Community Focus at the Centre

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh sees the proposal as a way to strengthen the long-standing ties between the Roosters and the eastern suburbs.

The council says the partnership would focus on community development, not just elite sport. If approved, it could support school visits, cultural programs and grassroots sport, bringing the club into everyday community life beyond the footy field.

A Vote to Watch

Waverley Council will decide on the proposed partnership at an upcoming meeting, where councillors will weigh the community benefits before authorising negotiations. If supported, a formal agreement could be drafted and returned for approval by the end of May.

The proposal is already drawing local interest, with residents eager to see how it might bring player visits, special events and better access to sport across the area.

What Happens Next

If the council votes in favour, talks with the Roosters would begin straight away. The club has a track record of working with government and sponsors, with its website showing a focus on long-term partnerships.

Waverley’s own sponsorship framework also supports collaborations with community-focused organisations. While no funding details have been released, the focus appears to be on mutual value, growing local sport and strengthening the Roosters’ ties to the area.

Published 25-April-2025

Council Acquires Bondi Unit Block for Affordable Housing Program

Photo Credit: Highland

Waverley Council has purchased a block of six flats in Bondi Beach for $8.55 million to expand its affordable housing program, paying $1.45 million over the reserve price at a competitive auction last month.

The 1940s apartment block at 49 Mitchell Street, located within walking distance of Bondi Beach, consists of six two-bedroom apartments without off-street parking. The property last changed hands in 2020 for $5.75 million, representing a nearly 49% increase in value over five years.

Thursday’s auction at the Damien Cooley auction rooms saw four bidders compete for the property, which had been listed with a guide price of $7 million. Sources present at the auction reported that the Council representative opened bidding at $6.9 million and nearly secured the property at $7.8 million before another bidder intervened, resulting in a two-way contest that pushed the final price to $8.55 million.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @highlanddoublebay

The purchase price equates to approximately $1.45 million per apartment, which remains below PropTrack’s median price of $1.52 million for two-bedroom apartments in Bondi.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh described the acquisition as “the most significant expansion of its affordable housing portfolio in over a decade” and “a momentous win for the community.” The Council confirmed the purchase was funded through developer contributions via its affordable housing reserve.

The Waverley Council Affordable Housing program provides discounted rentals to qualifying working people on low-to-moderate incomes, typically offering 20-25% below market rates for terms up to five years. Eligibility requires applicants to demonstrate they have lived or worked in Waverley for at least three years, with the Council currently reviewing its policies to include specific provisions for essential workers.

Paul Grasso of Highland Commercial, who handled the sale alongside Steffan Ippolito of IB Property, noted that two-bedroom apartment blocks in this part of Bondi rarely come to market.

“They’re very tightly held,” Grasso said. “We had 200 inquiries, 30 inspections and 18 contracts out on this one.”

Four of the six apartments have been renovated by the previous owner, featuring new kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and fresh paint. Despite lacking off-street parking, the units would command between $900 and $950 per week on the open rental market, according to agent estimates.

The Council stated the Mitchell Street property was “ideal for affordable housing” due to its proximity to Bondi shopping, essential services, and public transportation.

Published 28-March-2025

Waverley Council: Nocturnal Animals Now At Risk, Community Must Dim Lights

In order to protect nocturnal animals from light pollution and make the night sky significantly clearer, the Waverley Council has taken action by encouraging the dimming of lights during the evening.

In February, the Waverley Council passed a resolution to cut down on light pollution. There are currently plans in the works by the Northern Beaches Council to establish an Urban Night Sky Place at Palm Beach Headland, as well as Dark Sky Reserves — vital facilities that restrict artificial light pollution — along the coast.

Waverley mayor Paula Masselos has commented that the council supports the creation of dark spaces for the benefit of nocturnal fauna, and for a better view of the night sky.

Artificial light throughout the suburb is in excess, creating artificial skyglow which is what happens when light escapes into the sky. This makes the stars, the moon, and the night sky more difficult to see; a problem for humans and the local fauna.

Nocturnal creatures in particular need to be able to see the night sky to hunt and find mates, however light pollution is steadily making that more difficult. Other animals like turtles rely on natural light horizons to tell where the ocean is.

Photo credit: CC-BY/Jolene Thompson/Flickr

Light pollution has caused complications for wildlife before, with artificial lights disrupting the behavioural patterns in animals such as turtles, birds, and insects. Baby turtles would find themselves scurrying towards the city, drawn to the light, and move further and further away from the ocean. Insects such as moths also find themselves drawn to light, making them easy targets for predators.

Despite the important role artificial lights play in terms of public safety, it is essential to develop alternative safety measures as light pollution is an indicator of energy being wasted. Such examples could potentially include motion sensors for street lights to make sure they only activate when people or vehicles are nearby.

Sydney residents can also take matters into their own hands and fight light pollution locally by replacing high-energy bulbs with cheaper and less power-consuming CFL and LED floodlights. Minimising light usage at home is also an efficient way at combating light pollution, making sure to use them only when they’re necessary.

Waverley Art Prize 2019 Submissions Still Open Until May

Photo Credit: Waverley Woolahra Art School/Facebook

Submissions for the Waverley Art Prize 2019 is still open, according to the Waverley Council. This yearly event gives artists a chance to win $12,000 in prizes.

Creatives who are talented in drawing, painting or mixed media may enter the contest and submit up to five artworks for consideration until the 17th of May 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

Winners will be announced on the 11th of July during the launch of the event and the opening of the exhibit.

Participants to the Waverley Art Prize 2019, which the Council has mounted in collaboration with the Waverley Woollahra Art School, may stand to win the following prizes:

Waverley Art Prize of $6,000 in cash
Mayor’s Prize of $2,000 in cash
People’s Choice Prize of $1000 in kind
Oil Painting Prize from Art Spectrum for $1000 worth of oil paints
Acrylic Painting Prize from Matisse Derivan for $500 worth of acrylic paints
Mixed Media Prize from Matisse Derivan for $500 worth of acrylic paints
Drawing Prize from Waverley Woollahra Art School for $500 worth of art materials
Printmaking Prize from Waverley Woollahra Art School for $500 worth of art materials

Artists Mitch Cairns, Phil James, and Fiona Lowry are going to judge the submission.

*Photo Credit:* *Waverley Council/Facebook*

In 2018, Zhana Yussof bested 594 for the Mayor’s Prize for her ink pen drawing of an insect. Peter Rush walked away with the Waverley Art Prize for his pencil and pen creation depiction of North Bondi.

To see last year’s entries, visit the winners’ page on the official site.

Entry submissions are $45 per artwork.