On November 9, the National Monument to Migration, also known as the Welcome Wall, unveiled 449 new inscriptions in a ceremony held at the Australian National Maritime Museum in celebration of Australia’s multicultural identity.
The Australian National Maritime Museum is home to the National Monument to Migration and its digital hub, Faces of Migration, which shares the migration stories behind some of the people whose names have been inscribed on the Wall, adding new stories each year, as the Monument continues to grow.
This latest inscription honours those who have migrated from over 60 different countries and territories to make Australia their new home. The first names were unveiled on the Welcome Wall in January 1999 and the latest additions join almost 34,000 names that have been added since.
The ceremony held at the Museum was attended by hundreds of families, friends and community members, and featured guest speakers The Hon. Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, and speakers from families whose names were going on the monument - Kari Svensen (Norway), Thi Ngoc Lan Nguyen and Nguyet de Mello (Vietnam), and Stefani Falcone (Italy).
Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, The Hon Julian Hill MP has said, ‘Every town, every suburb, every sporting club in our nation charts the success stories of migrants who have worked hard to build their lives in Australia. The miracle of modern multicultural Australia has been built over generations; every Australian story has been touched by migration. The 25th anniversary of the National Monument to Migration is a chance to reflect on and celebrate these contributions and honour the stories of the 34,000 migrants whose names grace the monument’s walls.’
Ms Daryl Karp AM, Director and CEO of the Museum said, ‘We continue to celebrate the Monument’s 25th anniversary in 2024 and this unveiling reminds us to celebrate what connects this multicultural nation. There are many events and voices all around the world that have the potential to divide us –but we must always look to, and focus on, things that can unite us. We celebrate the many stories that come from many people from many nations – we can unite with the genuine desire to continue to learn more about each other and hear each other’s stories. It is what has shaped modern Australia.’
The museum is now accepting names for the next panel on the Monument, with registrations open until 22 December for the next unveiling ceremony.
For further information go to www.sea.museum/support/national-monument
ABOUT THE NATIONAL MONUMENT TO MIGRATION
The National Monument to Migration (also known as the Welcome Wall) at the Australian National Maritime Museum commemorates those who have migrated from countries around the world to make Australia their new home. The name of any person who was born overseas and settled in Australia may be registered on the Monument. Registration opens during limited periods each year and a donation applies for each inscription. The Monument is situated on the northern promenade of the museum, facing Pyrmont Bay which is historically a place where many migrants first arrived in Sydney.
The first names were unveiled on the Welcome Wall on January 24, 1999, by the Governor General Sir William Deane AC KBE KStJ KC. On March 21, 2021, Governor General, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC elevated the status of the Welcome Wall to become Australia’s National Monument to Migration.
ENDS
For images: 2024 November Monument Media Selects, credit Marinco Kojdanovski
For further information or interviews please contact:
Alex Gonzalez m: 0401 545 778 e: alex.gonzalez@sea.museum
