Fremantle's Basilica of St Patrick has been saved for future generations following the completion of a three-year, $2million restoration project.
Heritage Minister John Castrilli said the State Government provided $600,000 towards the cost of restoring the 109-year-old State heritage-listed church, which has played an important role in the multi-cultural diversity of Fremantle.
"St Patrick's was often the first familiar institution for new migrants who arrived in the port during the gold boom and following the two world wars," Mr Castrilli said.
"Today, the Basilica of St Patrick continues that tradition with the parishioners from Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Croatia, the United Kingdom as well as local Fremantle residents.
"In 1994, the Vatican bestowed upon St Patrick's the honour of being named a minor Basilica in recognition of its role in the Fremantle migrant community. It was the third church in Australia to receive the title and the only one in Western Australia.
"Many locals also know St Patrick's as the starting point for the annual Blessing of the Fleet, a major spiritual and social event for the fishing communities in Fremantle."
St Patrick's Basilica was included permanently on the State Register of Heritage Places in 1996.
The Minister said the rusticated limestone church had been in a bad state of repair and earlier attempts to protect the stonework with cement render, acrylic paint and sealer had made the situation worse.
"These products not only hid the extent of the problem but trapped moisture within the limestone causing it to further deteriorate. Without this restoration and the skilled work of a team of craftsmen, the Basilica may not have survived past the next few decades," he said.
Mr Castrilli said the conservation work was funded by the State Government; Lotterywest; the Federal Government; and the Parishioners and Friends of St Patrick's Fremantle Parish. The church remained opened throughout the restoration.
The Minister said the State Government also assisted private owners of State heritage-listed properties through the Heritage Council of WA's Heritage Grants Program.
Private owners have until April 24 to apply for $20,000 or more for conservation works and grants of $3,000 or more for conservation plans in the 2009-10 Heritage Grants Program.
Minister's office - 9213 6800
