Cabonne Council recently welcomed Michael Carroll, who came with a generous donation: four paintings by the late Alex Ambrus, a respected engineer and talented local artist. These artworks were gifted to the Council for permanent public display, where they'll be enjoyed by the community for years to come.
The paintings had an interesting journey. Noel Burgess had purchased ten of Ambrus' works at a clearing sale, and after recognising their significance, he chose to donate four of them to Council. One of Ambrus' paintings had already found its way into the community; it was donated in 2024 and now hangs in the greenroom at the Cabonne Community Centre.
Thanks to the efforts of Michael Carroll and Noel Burgess, these pieces were recovered and preserved, ensuring that Ambrus' legacy continues to be shared.
Alex Ambrus led a remarkable life. Born in Hungary, he was imprisoned during the Russian occupation before escaping to Australia around 1956. He eventually settled in Molong, where he made his home and became deeply involved in the community. From 1959 to 1984, he served as Cabonne Council's Deputy Engineer, contributing to important infrastructure projects like Norah Creek Road.
Outside of his engineering work, Ambrus was a committed community member. He helped found Molong Rotary and was a life member of the State Emergency Service. He also had a deep love for painting, and his artworks, many of which were exhibited locally, captured the landscapes and history of Molong and Cabonne during the mid-20th century.
This donation brought together two sides of Cabonne's story: its development and its culture. With Council's care, these paintings will be preserved and made accessible to the public, helping future generations connect with the area's past.
Alex Ambrus
(B.1919, Zebegeny, Hungary - D. 2004, Orange, Australia)
Escape
Date unknown
Oil on board
Alex Ambrus led two remarkable lives—first in Hungary, where he studied civil engineering, survived imprisonment and escape during wartime, and then in Australia as a refugee. After working on the Snowy River Scheme, he settled in Molong in 1959, marrying fellow refugee Margaret Rosalie Martinek and serving as a civil engineer with the Shire Council. A passionate outdoorsman, reader, and community leader, Alex was a founding member of the Molong Rotary Club and a life member of the SES.
In the right-hand corner of this work, the three figures run from the turmoil and threat on the rest of the painting. This depiction parallels the artist's life experiences prior to escaping to Australia and living a productive life. He endured torture and brutality under the Russians during and after the Second World War and the Cold War.
Alex Ambrus
(B.1919, Zebegeny, Hungary - D. 2004, Orange, Australia)
Redcoats
Date unknown
Oil on board
Briefly in early NSW history, 'redcoats' – British soldiers who wore red tunics and white trousers – were a direct implant of British governance. This work is the artist's interpretation of the moment legendary Australian outlaw, Ned Kelly, is arrested.
Alex Ambrus
(B.1919, Zebegeny, Hungary - D. 2004, Orange, Australia)
Don Quixote
Date unknown
Pen and gouache on paper
This work depicts Don Quixote, knight and the perfect gentleman, who dedicates himself to chivalrous causes, blind to reality. Pictured with him is his squire, Sancho Panza and the love interest Dulcinea del Toboso.
The tale of Don Quixote was written by Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, who died the same year as William Shakespear in1616.
Alex Ambrus
(B.1919, Zebegeny, Hungary - D. 2004, Orange, Australia)
Storm
Date unknown
Gouache on paper
This conventional, dramatic painting demonstrates the Alex Ambrus's imaginative pictorial capacity.
