4/6/07
In the past, a convict ancestor was considered a skeleton to be kept locked tightly in the family closet, but now Western Australians are proud to celebrate relatives who were transported from England to Fremantle more than 150 years ago.
Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts today presented official certificates to more than 80 recipients proud of their family links to the 19th century convict system.
The Fremantle Prison ceremony, now in its 15th year, recognises descendants of British convicts, guards and warders transported to WA from 1850 to 1868.
"Descendants Day was launched to recognise the importance of the convict system in WA, which commenced with the arrival of the first convicts on June 1, 1850," Mrs Roberts said.
"The convicts and their keepers were crucial to the development of the fledgling Swan River colony, which may not have survived without the convict labour that constructed public buildings, bridges, roads and supported the developing agricultural industry.
"Recognising the descendants of the convicts, guards and warders of the transportation era helps us remember the legacy of the convict system.
"Whilst most of today's descendants are from Perth and regional WA, this event in the past has attracted people from as far away as England - a testament to the increasing interest in our rich cultural heritage.
"We may have kept our ancestry a closely guarded secret in the past, but today's event shows that we now choose to embrace and celebrate our shared cultural heritage."
The Minister said Fremantle Prison was a valuable link to the State's past and of great importance to the future.
"In august 2005 Fremantle prison was formally recognised on the National Heritage List," she said.
"It was just the 13th place listed nationally and remains the only Western Australian built heritage site on the national register."
Mrs Roberts said the State Government supported the proposed nomination of Fremantle Prison for inscription on the World Heritage List.
Minister's office - 9213 6600
