Success Story - Refugees Remember Hungary 50 Years on
The 50th anniversary of the 1956 uprising against communist rule in Hungary in October 2006 reunited former refugees with the immigration officers who helped them flee to Australia.
More than 200 000 people fled Hungary after Soviet tanks crushed the uprising which grew from universities into the streets around Hungary in October 1956.
Elizabeth, one of about 14 000 of these refugees who came to Australia, recounts her story:
'I fled Hungary as an 18
'I am grateful for the kindness and decency shown by the Australian officials who helped me migrate to Australia. We were fortunate to have an interpreter. The officials were patient, decent, but most of all understood our situation and had compassion.
'I settled in Adelaide in 1957 after about two weeks in Bonegilla Migrant Reception Centre.
'It's hard to believe that it will be nearly 50 years since I fled my beloved homeland Hungary, in devastating, brutal circumstances.
'Thousands of young people, including my 14-year-old brother, were sent to work, and perished, in the harsh Siberian labour camps.
'My brother came home alive, although stick thin, and was recently knighted by the Hungarian Government.'
'Being in Australia as a teenager I was introduced to the fabulous music of The Beatles, Elvis, Cliff Richard, Gene Pitney and The Seekers - opportunities that would not have been available to me in communist Hungary.
'I met my future husband very soon after arriving in Adelaide, and although we didn't have any relatives here in Australia, we were able to raise our children well.
'Australia gave me many opportunities and I, along with my husband, Bill, worked hard over many decades to make a better and safe life for our family.
'I have had many happy years in Australia and feel more "Aussie" than Hungarian – although I love a Vili's pastry.'
Mr Vili Milisits, a successful South Australian of Vili's cakes and pastries fame, is also a former migrant of Hungary.
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