14/4/03
Senator Edward Kennedy has given his support to the State Government's plans for an exhibition next year to commemorate the 1876 rescue of six Irish political prisoners from Fremantle Prison.
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens has received a letter from Senator Kennedy expressing his support for the 'From Fremantle to Freedom' exhibition, saying it will be of interest to many in the United States.
Mr Stephens said the Government planned a major exhibition of artefacts from the Fenian prisoners and the American whaling ship which rescued them, the Catalpa.
The exhibition would be held at Fremantle Prison and would go on tour, with interest already expressed from museums in other States, including the Port Arthur Historical Precinct.
"Senator Kennedy's letter is an excellent indication that the exhibition will attract national and international interest," the Minister said.
"This will be beneficial for the State in increased tourism, and well as giving Western Australians an opportunity to learn more about our history."
Mr Stephens said he was confident the exhibition would bring many more visitors to Fremantle Prison, with tourism benefits to Fremantle and Perth, as well as Bunbury and Rockingham, which featured in the story.
The Minister is looking for corporate sponsorship for the exhibition, giving business the opportunity of partnerships with the Government to give this international story its correct place in Western Australian history.
"The support of someone as influential as Senator Kennedy shows already the interest we can expect from people in the United States, Ireland and England," he said.
Mr Stephens said as a precursor to the event, there would be Catalpa commemorations at Fremantle this Easter Monday.
There would be a re-enactment of the escape at Port Beach at 7.30am, with the STS Leeuwin taking the part of the Catalpa, special Fenian tours of the prison during the day, and the opening night of a play in Fremantle Prison's theatre - Brendan Woods' 'The Catalpa Escape', which would run for a week.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
