New migrant monument marks listing of Fremantle Harbour as 175th icon

28/2/04
Western Australia's landmark port - the Fremantle Harbour - has been named as the State's second heritage icon.
The Premier marked the harbour's icon listing by also announcing plans to celebrate migrants' contribution to Western Australia - through a Migrant Welcome Wall at the new Maritime Museum in Victoria Quay.
Dr Gallop said the harbour had been selected in recognition of its important economic, historical and social significance to the State. The harbour had been nominated as an icon by the National Trust.
"There is no doubt that the harbour is a State landmark - forming the heart and soul of Fremantle," the Premier said.
"The first major public works project of CY O'Connor, the harbour was a key engineering feat of its time - and a massive undertaking for such a small colony.
"Its construction proved crucial to WA's economic prosperity, opening the State to new trade opportunities and development, and fuelling population growth.
"Its value to our State's economy continues to be important, with an economic output of more than $700million each year and employing more than 5,000 Western Australians."
Dr Gallop said the harbour was also important to the State's social history, including its important role in the Second World War, as one of the largest submarine bases in the world. Fremantle Harbour played a major role in the defeat of Imperial Japan.
"The harbour also had a key role in the rich multicultural society that we are today, as a primary gateway for thousands of migrants entering WA," he said.
"It is this particular history that the new Migrant Welcome Wall will recognise - by featuring the names of individual migrants and families who have come to WA through the port.
"It will become a lasting monument to the significant contribution that migrants have made to our State."
Similar to projects in other States, migrants will be able to register their names and details for a small fee. Members of the public will also be able to register the names of family, friends and ancestors of migrants who arrived through the Fremantle port.
Dr Gallop said the project would also include the development of a database of information relating to those persons included on the wall.
Details such as date of birth, date of arrival, occupation on arrival and place of settlement would be included and be accessible in the Maritime Museum's foyer and website.
The WA icons project is a 175th anniversary initiative that asked the wider community to nominate the State's defining features which are meaningful to them and unique to the State. Twelve icons, one for each month, will be selected.
The Swan River was the first icon to be named, in conjunction with a $15million injection to restore the health of our river system as well as create a new Swan River Park.
Premier's office: 9222 9475