A Monument to Local Italian Immigrants

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Posted 2013-03-29 by John F ⇒ follow

We often marvel at the recipients of national and international awards. However, what can compare to the personal certificate a small child brings home from school. It may not win the Pulitzer Prize or Walkley Award , but it is relevant and personal.

Kings Park

The great monuments to various people and events while impressive and touch our hearts often have no personal meaning. We have our Great War Memorial in Kings Park to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, my uncle among them. Nevertheless, who is not affected by seeing those same (and other) names on your local memorial? They were often a large proportion of the young men, their loss personally affecting the local community for many years.

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A Safe Haven for Armadale Centenary of Federation Tribute **

No less important are those immigrants who settled our land and contributed to building our communities. One such group (among many) is remembered by a personal memorial in a local park in the small foothills city of Armadale, in Western Australia.

To celebrate the Centenary of Federation, the Italo-Australian Community Foundation Inc., used a grant from the WA 2001 Community Centenary Project to develop this memorial. The memorial was officially unveiled on 9 December 2001 by Italian Ambassador, Dino Volpicelli in the presence of Government, City and Community officials.

Sanctuary Lake, Sculpture and Water Feature

Backed by a row of Olive trees, sitting in a small park appropriately called 08 54 116 01 05 Sanctuary Lake is a personal tribute to the achievements and contribution of Italian settlers to this small foothills community.

In the guise of a life-size bronze sculpture by Andrew Kay of an Italian immigrant couple (circa 1940's) and three children placed within a fountain, surrounded by lawn, landscaped gardens, trees, a water feature and plenty of seating to relax.

Five Years - Up Close and Personal

I have a personal connection (though I am not Italian) as the father of a good friend immigrated to Australia after World War 2. Arriving in 1950, he worked five years alone to be able to afford to bring his wife out, settling in the Armadale area and raising seven children together.

Family Plaques – Who's Who

After the Second World War (though some arrived earlier), many Italians arrived in Australia, making major contributions and becoming an integral part of our community. It is fascinating to read the many family name plaques (just a few pictured) that surround the sculpture. Come and see for yourself.

Take a Walk in The Park or Just Sit

Sanctuary Lake is a fenced waterway with an island bird sanctuary not open to the public and small children should be supervised. However, the waterway is surrounded by lawn, walking paths and benches allowing enjoyment of the protected wildlife.

This delightful park (entry at 116%2001%2005 Fountains Court ) and memorial, bounded by Armadale Road, South Western and Albany Highways, is one of the most picturesque intersections in Perth.

Drop into the Information Centre in Jull Street, grab a map, enjoy the walking paths and discover the memorials and monuments around the City of Armadale.

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P.S. Nigella Lawson says Yes to Vegemite and Pasta**

"I have recently turned traitor and shifted to the Vegemite side of the world, and this (recipe) works as well, unsurprisingly, with the antipodean ointment."

Check out this recipe by Nigella Lawson for Spaghetti and Marmite in which Vegemite can easily be substituted. The above quote, attributed to Nigella gives Vegemite the thumbs up. The recipe originally appeared in Nigella's book, Kitchen .