Launch of State-wide millennium project for students - 'Sign In 2000'

25/8/99

Every Western Australian school student in 1999 will have the opportunity to sign their names into history as part of a State-wide millennium project launched today by Premier Richard Court.
Announcing the 'Sign In 2000' project at Winthrop Primary School this morning with Youth Minister Mike Board, Mr Court said the signatures would be a feature of the Barrack Square Redevelopment - currently being developed as one of Perth's prime tourism precincts.
Almost 371,000 students from throughout Western Australia will be invited to participate in the project which will see the signature of each student transferred to a paving tile that will be used in the landscaping around the Barrack Square Redevelopment.
"The signatures will serve as an enduring link to the past and the project provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of our young people as we enter the new millennium, " the Premier said.
"Young people represent our hopes for the future and it is fitting that their place in history be recorded as part of celebrations to mark such a significant occasion."
Mr Board said the Sign In 2000 project was part of a State Government millennium program that will seek to proclaim, foster and celebrate Western Australia's community spirit.

"It is understood this project is the first of its kind in the world, and that fact alone reflects the State's progressive and forward thinking approach," the Minister said.
"Students who take part in Sign In 2000 will contribute to a symbolic landmark which they and their families will be able to visit and one which will also be preserved for future generations."
As part of the launch, Winthrop Primary School students became the first in the State to sign their names on stencils provided in the Sign In 2000 information pack being sent to every school in WA this week.
Parents will be asked to give consent for their child to participate in the project and the majority of signatures will be collected as part of 'Sign In Week' from September 13 to 17.

Special arrangements are being made to collect the signatures of children in hospital, those taking part in distance education and children who are home-tutored.
Mr Court said work on the Barrack Square Redevelopment was under way and the project would be completed by mid to late 2000.
"At that time students will be able to visit the site and locate their signature, just as their descendants will be able to in years to come," the Premier said.
"This is an exciting project which will be a key part of the State's millennium celebrations and I urge parents to support their child's involvement in Sign In 2000."
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