Media Statements - Albany to host major festival celebrating the Centenary of Federation.

15/8/00

Albany will be transformed on Anzac Day, 2001, with a major festival to celebrate the Centenary of Federation.

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Rob Johnson said the Centenary of Federation State Committee had approved a $100,000 contribution to the festival.

“Albany played a pivotal role in the formation of Australia as a nation,” Mr Johnson said.

“This money will help Albany celebrate its past, as well as look to the future.

“The festival is expected to attract more than 40,000 active participants and will include a Federation concert, parade, citizenship ceremonies, street theatre performances and Anzac Day commemorations, including a trench breakfast and exhibitions.”

Mr Johnson said the Albany Federation Festival was one of four major events to be funded in the fifth and final round of Centenary grants committed by the State Government.

The final allocation of funds takes to 201 the number of community projects that have shared in $3.5 million set aside by the State Government to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Federation.

Communities have pledged a further $14.5 million to realise local Centenary of Federation projects.

“The WA 2001 Community Centenary Project has benefited a wide range of communities right across our vast State,” Mr Johnson said.

“The projects will enhance the lives of remote communities like Gascoyne Junction and Laverton, as well as the regional centres of Albany and Carnarvon - and the heart of Perth itself.

“Successful projects will culminate in 2001 and form lasting reminders of the Centenary of Federation as well as provide valuable facilities and attractions that will benefit the wider community.”

Mr Johnson said the final round of Centenary grants had seen other ‘icon’ projects receive major allocations. These include:

$390,000 towards the construction of an elevated walkway through the canopy of trees in King’s Park;

$200,000 toward the construction of the Centenary of Federation Southern Cross Cosmos Centre at Gingin; and -

$66,000 to restore three historic railway carriages, whose origins date back to the start of the Trans-Australian railway.

“These major projects, along with the many smaller allocations which have gone to communities right across the State, will ensure that the Centenary of Federation is widely celebrated,” Mr Johnson said.

Media contact: Fran Hodge (08) 9215 4800