- Anzac Bell commemorates the Centenary of Anzac 2014-2018
- The 6.5 tonne bell is the largest and heaviest of its kind ever made in Australia
- First public ringing will be on Remembrance Day - November 11, 2018
The largest bell cast in the Southern Hemisphere has been unveiled at a dedication ceremony in front of the Bell Tower in Perth.
The Anzac Bell commemorates the Centenary of Anzac 2014-2018, marking 100 years since Australia's involvement in the First World War.
Weighing in at 6.5 tonnes, the bell is the heaviest of its kind ever to be cast in Australia.
It will be installed within the Bell Tower in time for its first public ringing on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2018.
The bell was designed by Whitechapel Bell Foundry, one of the oldest and most well-known bell manufacturers in the world that was also responsible for the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and Big Ben in London.
The bell was cast in Western Australia with a number of local WA businesses contributing to the manufacture of the bell including Juice Creative, VEEM Ltd and Willis Engineering.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"It's important to remember the sacrifices made by Western Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
"The First World War killed and maimed more Australians than any other conflict. About 61,000 Australians died, including 7,000 Western Australians.
"The Anzac Bell is a fitting memorial for the Anzac centenary - I encourage all Western Australians to visit and pay their respects."
Comments attributed to Heritage and Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"The bell has been designed with considerable attention to detail. The frieze depicts people from all cultures and conflicts, set together in a landscape with a setting sun. As a bourdon, it is the heaviest type of bell and produces the lowest tone.
"The bell is a piece of art, symbolising the spirit of the Anzacs and recognising their enormous contribution to our culture."
Comments attributed to Veterans Issues Minister Peter Tinley:
"The Anzac Bell will serve as a lasting reminder of our wartime history, heard for years to come by future generations.
"I encourage all Western Australians to witness the first ringing of the bell this Remembrance Day."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Heritage and Culture and the Arts Minister's office - 6552 5400
Veterans Issues Minister's office - 6552 5300
