Hungarian Club of SA

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J.S. Lee:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the Hungarian Club of SA in achieving a significant milestone in celebrating their 50^th anniversary in 2015;

2. Acknowledges the excellent work that this club has done over the last five decades and also other related associations in the promotion of Hungarian culture, food, language and support of Australian Hungarians and the broader community; and

3. Recognises the long-standing commitment by community leaders, business leaders and volunteers of the Australian Hungarian community for making important economic, social and cultural contributions to South Australia.

(Continued from 28 October 2015.)

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (21:50): I rise to speak in support of this motion. This year, the Hungarian Club of South Australia celebrates the 50^th anniversary of its incorporation on 5 August 1965. Regrettably, I have not visited the club, but I certainly hope to in 2016. For five decades, generations of migrants from Hungary have gathered at the Hungarian Club in Norwood. The club has truly been a home away from home. Since the turmoil of the Second World War and the 1956 uprising, South Australia has welcomed thousands of Hungarian migrants.

For many centuries, the Hungarian Magyar people have struggled against the odds to keep their distinct culture and language thriving despite persistent and forceful foreign domination. Their gritty determination to perpetuate their traditions continues here in South Australia, even for those generations born in South Australia. This is reflected in the regular activities and the fine art and craft proudly produced in South Australia and on display at the Hungarian Club.

Our thriving state has benefited enormously from the contribution those migrants have made to our economic prosperity and cultural fabric. South Australian Hungarians have been remarkably successful in many fields—academia, the arts, science and sports, producing soccer, boxing and basketball stars. The Hungarian community can also be justly proud of the success of many Hungarian businessmen across several industries.

On 2 August 2015, the club celebrated its 50^th anniversary at its marvellous clubrooms at 82 Osmond Terrace, Norwood. Those clubrooms hold many memories for almost all members of the South Australian Hungarian community—dances, feast day celebrations, goulash nights and regular lunches for the elderly. The club has been the venue for hundreds of major cultural events. The club can be especially proud of the five Australia and New Zealand Hungarian cultural conventions that it has staged over the years. The success of these great events, dedicated to teaching, promoting and celebrating Hungarian culture, can be attributed to the efforts of the club and the wider community here.

It is pleasing that past club presidents, Mrs Magdalena Kezes and Mr Sandor Farkas, were present at the 50^th anniversary celebration. I understand that it is not possible to talk about the Hungarian Club of South Australia without recognising the colossal contribution of the club president, Mr Lazlo Lado. Mr Lado has been at the helm of the club for 15 years and over that time, I am told and I do not dispute it, he has done a fabulous job. Over the past half century, the Hungarian Club of South Australia has been a place for the community to come together, and ultimately a place for Hungarian culture to shine. The government therefore supports this motion.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (21:53): I would like to thank the Hon. John Gazzola for his great contribution. He and I come from multicultural backgrounds, and I think we have a deep appreciation of what migrants can bring to South Australia in terms of their contributions and the fact that South Australia is such a vibrant community because of the sharing of knowledge and wisdom as well as food and culture. With those remarks, I commend the motion.

Motion carried.