On May 9, the Australian National Maritime Museum will host a ceremony to unveil a new panel on the National Monument to Migration, also known as the Welcome Wall, honouring 431 migrant families from 59 countries.
Migration is a core pillar of the Australian National Maritime Museum, with the National Monument to Migration serving as the heart of its work in this space. Through the monument’s digital hub, the museum preserves the diverse stories that have shaped Australia, adding new entries each year as the monument grows.
Since the first names were unveiled in January 1999, the Welcome Wall has grown to commemorate over 36,000 migrants. Each inscription tells a story of an individual or a family that has helped shape Australia, and we remain dedicated to honouring all those who have chosen this country as their home, further strengthening our multicultural community.
The ceremony will be attended by over a thousand people people representing the names of families on the monument, including guest speakers Silvia Colloca from Italy, Simon Chan AM from Hong Kong, and Nisa Alam whose family is from Pakistan.
Ms Daryl Karp AM, Director and CEO of the Museum said, ‘It is a privilege to recognise these new names and the 59 countries they represent. This latest unveiling continues the museum's tradition of honouring those from around the globe who have chosen to make Australia their new home.’
The museum is now accepting names for the next panel on the Monument, with registrations open until 30 June 2026 for the next unveiling ceremony.
For further information go to National Monument to Migration | Australian National Maritime Museum
ABOUT THE NATIONAL MONUMENT TO MIGRATION
The Welcome Wall, Australia’s National Monument to Migration 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 for 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 of past ceremonies: Monument to Migration images - credit Marinco Kojdanovski
For further information or interviews please contact:
Alex Gonzalez m: 0401 545 778 e: [email protected]
