Rottnest Island named 175th Anniversary Icon

30/05/04
Western Australia's much loved holiday destination, Rottnest Island, has been named as the fifth heritage icon as part of the State's 175th Anniversary celebrations.
Dr Gallop said the icon listing, which was recommended by the National Trust, was in recognition of its key social and historical importance to the State.
"Rottnest is a place that has special significance for Western Australians," he said.
"It is treasured by the community as an accessible holiday destination - and a memorable place for family gatherings and day trips.

"For many people, Rottnest Island embodies the best of what our State has to offer - the sunshine, beaches and relaxing days that come with living near the coast.
"However, it must not be forgotten that the island also holds key historical value - a past spanning back many thousands of years."
The first records of human occupation can be dated back to 6,500 years ago, when the island was still attached to the mainland and Aboriginal people inhabited the area.
Known as Wadjemup to the local Aboriginal people, the island is significant to indigenous heritage, with at least 17 sites registered under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.
Following the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829, the island was used for multiple purposes - which were far removed from its use today.
"In the first years of the colony, the island was settled for fishing, salt harvesting and farming," the Premier said.
"However from 1839, the island was reclaimed as a penal establishment for Aboriginal people.
"For the next 100 years Rottnest would be used as a prison for Aboriginal people, who were used to construct light houses, the sea wall and other heritage buildings on the island.
"An Aboriginal cemetery, located within the Thomson Bay settlement on the island, is a permanent reminder of this sad time - which saw an estimated 369 Aboriginal people die."
From 1881 to 1901, a Boy's Reformatory was also established on the island, which was used to accommodate boys who broke the law.
Similarly, during World War I, the island was used as an outpost to hold prisoners of war.
The island also played a significant role in the preparations leading up to, and during World War II, due its strategic location and closeness to Fremantle Port.
The island was viewed critical to the defence of Fremantle, as guns there could engage hostile ships well before they approached the range that would allow bombardment of Fremantle Port.

In the years following the war, the Army continued to carry out military training on the island, before ending all operations in 1984.
The listing of Rottnest Island follows four previous icons - the Swan River, Fremantle, Kings Park and Albany Anzac Dawn Service.
Premier's office: 9222 9475