Swan River is the first official nomination for the WA Heritage Icons 2004 project

4/11/03
Premier Geoff Gallop has chosen the Swan River as the first official nomination for the Western Australian Heritage Icons 2004 project.
Launching the project tonight at the Constitutional Centre, Dr Gallop said he had chosen the Swan River because it was such a magnificent geographic icon which linked the past with the present.
"The Swan River played a vital role not only in the settlement of the Swan River Colony but also in Aboriginal life and culture," the Premier said.
"And still today it is a major source of WA's identity.
"It defines the Perth cityscape and is one of the most popular places of leisure for many Western Australians."
Dr Gallop said the Western Australian Heritage Icons 2004 project would play a prominent role in WA's 175th anniversary celebrations planned for next year.
"The project is one way our community can celebrate our common sense of identity, our shared experiences and what this means for the future," he said.
"Heritage is not just about recording and preserving the past - it also includes those things that we value enough today to want to share with future generations.
"The things that we regard as distinctly Western Australian are those which represent our values, ideals, ingenuity and compassion.
"Taken collectively, these icons will display the rich tapestry that is the WA community."
Individuals, groups, families and schools across the State are encouraged to nominate things from everyday life, or our recent past, that they would like to see recognised as WA heritage icons.
Things eligible for nomination include natural and built landscapes, phenomena, events, ceremonies, inventions, folklore and objects - anything that can be considered typically Western Australian.
The launch will provide the first opportunity to view the Western Australia Heritage Icon brand. Based on the Southern Cross it alludes to the connections that exist between all individuals across the State, and the shining lights within that community that we choose to admire and celebrate together.
The Western Australian Heritage Icons project is presented by the WA Government and the National Trust of Australia (WA).
Nomination forms can be filled in on-line or downloaded from the National Trust of Australia's (WA) website, http://www.ntwa.com.au, or by contacting the National Trust on 9321 6088 for a Western Australian Heritage Icons kit.
Premier's office: 9222 9475