15th Australia - New Zealand Hungarian Convention
Adelaide, December 29 (2013) - January 6 (2014)

** The Birth of the Hungarian Convention **

The idea of the Hungarian Convention was born in the heart of a Hungarian mother. The Convention can be symbolically interpreted as the “Great Mother” - representing the Hungarian nation - which calls all her sons together every few years for a huge family reunion.

When the idea of the convention emerged in 1969, the scattered groups of Hungarian national immigrants had already lived in Australia for 20 years. Through these 20 long years, they had managed to nurture their national heritage, as well as keep the flames of their Hungarian self-identity burning strong.

Enthusiastic Hungarian hands reached out from all corners of Australia to shake hands with their compatriots in Melbourne. These groups answered the call of the Federal Council of Hungarian Association: Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Geelong, and Wodonga. The Hungarian leaders assembled, and on their first discussion unanimously accepted the idea of a convention, and trusted it’s organisation to the Council of Hungarian Associations in Victoria.

For eight months, dozens of devoted men and women spent tireless hours organising and planning, and as a result of their work, the idea of the convention had become a reality. The wide range and quality of the programme that manifested from that hard work, showed that not only did they preserve their cultural and spiritual treasures - which they had brought with them from their captive homeland - but it gave them new meaning, new life.

The participation of the youth, born already here in Australia, was especially elevating: the fiery, stormy dances; beautiful folk songs; and the reciting of poems, created a small Hungary on the red Australian soil.

When, after the great event, the Hungarian leaders reassembled in order to evaluate what they had achieved, they decided that the convention should be repeated on a three-yearly basis, in different capital cities in Australia.

Dr. Anthony Endrey QC Federal Council of Hungarian Associations President (1969)

** A Prayer for the Convention **

"Dear God, please help us, the organisers of the 15th Australian and New Zealand Hungarian Cultural Convention, so that in serving others we will find the virtuous road of life. In the history of our Nation You provided many examples leading the way to love and peace. Give us courage to recognise and follow them with perseverance for Your glory. We ask for Your blessings on all Hungarians, so that the news of the Convention will inspire them and their involvement provide an example to next generations."

** Special thanks to Stephen Dobozy for preparing this prayer for us.