Official launch of Fremantle Sardine Festival

17/1/99

Arts Minister Peter Foss officially launches the Fremantle Sardine Festival today. The festival, in its ninth year, attracts more than 80,000 people and is a registered charity event, with profits going to the Fremantle Hospital Research Foundation.

"We have much to celebrate in Fremantle from the superb seafood that we are blessed with to the strong multicultural strands which enrich our society," Mr Foss said.

"Fremantle has a long history as a fishing port and the colour, sounds foods and traditions on show here today are testimony to the wonderful multicultural society that has developed in the area.

"Our fishing people have helped build a fishing sector which is valuable to Western Australia and to the nation and is worth half a billion dollars each year.

"At the State level, our fisheries industry is the third largest export sector behind minerals and agriculture and has developed a sound reputation for being sustainable and one with an exciting future.

"This year the festival organisers have endeavoured to capture the essence of Fremantle through the choice of entertainment, which features people representing countries from all around the world performing traditional dance and music."

The Fremantle Sardine Festival is on at the Esplanade Park in Fremantle, gates opening at 10am today.

Media contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222