Each name tells its own unique story, but each story is one of hope.
Ceremonies to be held at 10am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm
Another 1,281 names have been added to the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Monument to Migration at the Australian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Maritime Museum at the latest unveiling over three ceremonies on Sunday March 20, the eve of Harmony Day.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Monument to Migration honours the thousands of migrants who have travelled across the world to call Australia home. Each year, more names are inscribed on the bronze-panelled wall which faces Darling Harbour and Pyrmont Bay – historically the site where many migrants first arrived.
The Monument features over 30,000 names from over 200 countries and for the first time names from Afghanistan, Gabon, Sierra Leone and Somalia have been inscribed.
‘The arrival of waves of migrants on Australian shores is a key story in our national maritime history. The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Monument to Migration honours the migrants who have helped shape our nation and, collectively, their stories speak to who we are as a nation. It is a celebration of multicultural Australia,’ said Tanya Bush, museum Interim Director.
‘The experiences of the names inscribed on the Monument speak to universal themes such as love, adventure, family, safety and striving for a better life. Some are journeys of loss and sadness some of triumph but, ultimately, all speak of hope.’
‘We are grateful to our donors to the Migration Heritage Fund, which supports the museum’s ongoing commitment to telling the nation’s migration story.’
Donors are invited to contribute a brief story about the person being honoured and a brief biographical note is published on the museum website. The museum is amassing a selection of stories from these names; stories that, in turn, tell the story of modern Australia.
The museum is now accepting names for the next panel on the monument before the next closing date of June 30, 2022.
