Premier marks Foundation Day with launch of commemorative coin

1/6/04
Every kindergarten, pre-primary and primary school child in the State will receive a special commemorative coin as part of Western Australia's 175th Anniversary year.
Premier Geoff Gallop launched the coin at Wilson Primary School in Wilson - presenting the first set of coins to a class of year seven students.
"While today marks the foundation of the Swan River colony - the anniversary year commemorations provide a unique opportunity to reflect on the history, heritage and achievement of all Western Australians," Dr Gallop said.
"Aboriginal people have lived here for more than 50,000 years. However, it is during the past 175 years that we have all taken part in a shared journey.
"The coin has been created as a special memento of this journey - with more than 230,000 coins to be issued to school children across the State."
The Premier said the design of the commemorative coin captured two important images of WA.
"The first is the majestic black swan, now recognised internationally as the symbol of our State," he said.
"The second is the children of WA - whose hopes and dreams form the foundation of our State's future."
The coin follows the issuing of commemorative birth certificates to babies born this year - with already more than 9,000 certificates mailed to WA parents. The coin will be presented to school children over the next three months.
Over the next two weeks, schools across the State will participate in Foundation Day and 175th Anniversary events.
The main anniversary celebrations will coincide with the opening of the new Perth Convention Exhibition Centre in late August, with a week-long exhibition organised - WA on Show - presenting the best of WA on offer.
For further information on community events being held throughout the year, please see the events calendar at the anniversary website on http://www.175anniversary.wa.gov.au
Premier's office: 9222 9475