Australian National Maritime Museum celebrates 876 new names on Monument to Migration

·

Another 876 names have been added to the National Monument to Migration at the Australian National Maritime Museum, at the latest unveiling ceremony in Pyrmont on Tuesday.

The National 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 currently features over 31,000 names from over 200 countries.

The museum has worked closely with the Greek community over the past year in a special fundraiser to
commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence
and to honour the contribution of Greek Australians in building our nation.

On Tuesday, 244 new inscriptions were added, honouring people from both Greece and Cyprus – amongst these, the first ten Greek migrants to Australia.

Photos by Marinco Kojdanovski #seamuseum.

Museum Director, Daryl Karp, said, “The story of migration to Australian shores is a foundational one in our maritime history.”

“The National Monument to Migration honours the many people whose stories and contributions have shaped our nation. It is both a recognition and celebration of this wonderfully diverse nation,” he continued.

“The experiences of the people whose names are inscribed on the Monument celebrate our commonality: love of family, community and striving for a better life. Some of their stories tell of loss and sadness, some of triumph, but ultimately, all are about hope.

“We are grateful to our many donors to the Migration Heritage Fund, which underpins the museum’s
ongoing commitment to telling the nation’s migration stories.”

Three speakers, whose names were among those newly-added to the Monument, shared their migration
stories at the event, including Eugenia Mirakas from Greece, Nick Lewocki of Polish heritage, Richard J.
Arculus of Indian heritage and Stephen Nguyen, whose parents travelled in extreme circumstances from Vietnam.

Photo by Marinco Kojdanovski #seamuseum.

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 22 December, 2022. For further information, visit: www.sea.museum/support/national-monument.

READ MORE: ‘I did it straight away’: Why Bessie Dounis wanted her parents’ name on the National Monument to Migration

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

A virtual tour of the permanent Greek Revolution exhibition at the Athens War Museum

The years of the Revolution of 1821 have been revived through a permanent collection of rare artifacts at the War Museum in Athens.

Disability advocate Christina Vithoulkas featured in SA government’s New State of Mind campaign

Disability advocate Christina Vithoulkas is one of 26 women featured in the South Australian government's New State of Mind campaign

Zoi Tsardoulias honours her late husband’s legacy as new Inner West Councillor

Zoi Tsardoulias will honour her late husband Emanuel Tsardoulias' legacy as a new Inner West Councillor this week.