Media Statements - Minister urges communities to help celebrate Centenary of Federation

16/2/00

Communities throughout Western Australia are being urged to think about ways to celebrate the Centenary of Federation.

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Rob Johnson said the fourth round of WA 2001 Community Centenary project funding opened on February 25.

“The State Government has committed $3.5 million to a community grants program to help celebrate this important part of Australia’s history,” Mr Johnson said.

“This year we are working with a number of excellent Centenary projects throughout the State.

“The financial assistance to projects in WA, as well as various Commonwealth Centenary of Federation funding programs, will help to ensure a great result.”

Mr Johnson said a significant project was the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame in Kalgoorlie, which is due to open in October next year.

The hall is being built with the aid of combined funding of $5 million from the Commonwealth and $2.5 million from the State, along with corporate sponsorship obtained through the mining industry.

“It will be a world class facility and will recognise the vital role that Kalgoorlie and its people have played in the lead up to WA joining the Federation,” the Minister said.

The Commonwealth of Australia, formed when six colonies came together in a Federation, will be 100 years old on January 1, 2001.

Since then Australia has forged its own identity in the world and the anniversary is seen as an occasion to reflect on the past, to appreciate our democratic way of life, to acknowledge our history, to take pride in our achievements and to look with confidence to the future.

“The State Government has established the Centenary of Federation State Committee, chaired by Mr Ron Birmingham QC,” Mr Johnson said.

“Community representatives from across the State sit on this committee and co-ordinate WA’s involvement in the Centenary of Federation celebrations.

“I’d like to encourage all WA communities to think about ways to celebrate the Centenary and to look at ways in which the WA 2001 Community Centenary Project can help.”

The fourth round of WA 2001 Community Centenary project funding opens on February 25 and closes on March 29.

Projects funded so far include:

the Albany Whaleboat Association was awarded a grant of $24,000 for materials to build one of two fully rigged whaleboats. A regatta is planned to celebrate the Centenary of Federation;

the City of Subiaco has received a grant of $8,000 toward the Cliff Sadleir Park Revitalisation Project. The grant will be used to design and create “art seating’ and a native garden; and -

the Anglican Parish of York was awarded a grant of $3,000 toward the cost of making 100 commemorative kneelers for the Holy Trinity Church in York. The project will reflect a history of the work of women in the community before and after Federation.

Further information on the grants process may be obtained by contacting the Centenary of Federation Office on 1800 653 357.

Media Contact: Fran Hodge 9481 3244