9 May
2006 - The Australian Government will help protect
three churches in Western Australia, Tasmania
and Queensland with grants totaling $5 million,
the Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell announced.
"Churches and cathedrals
have long been an important focus for Australian
communities, as centres of worship and community
institutions," Senator Campbell said.
"St Patrick's Basilica
in Fremantle will receive $1 million to support
important restoration projects. St Patrick's has
long been a part of Fremantle's vibrant multicultural
community, as it was the principal place of worship
for Irish migrants settling in Fremantle during
the gold rush days of the 19th and 20th centuries
and later for Italian and Portuguese migrants
who came to Australia after World War II.
"Designed by the noted
architect Michael Cavanagh and opened in 1900,
St Patrick's Basilica is an excellent example
of the Federation Gothic style of architecture.
It was the fifth Basilica to be built in Australia
and is the only one in Western Australia.
"The Australian Government is also very pleased
to provide $2 million toward the major renovation
and restoration works currently underway at St
Mary's Cathedral in Hobart, Tasmania," Senator
Campbell said.
"St Mary's has a long and
intriguing history. It was first designed by William
Wardell, regarded as one of Australia's finest
19th century architects, yet the building was
never fully completed to his specifications, including
the spire detailed in the original designs. This
funding will help the diocese restore and conserve
aspects of the Cathedral."
This funding complements the
Prime Minister's April announcement of a further
$2 million to assist with the completion of St
John's Cathedral in Brisbane.
In addition to grants to protect
and conserve Australia's historic Churches, heritage
funding will also help commemorate the 400th anniversary
of the first European contact with Australia.
More than $490,000 has been provided to the Duykfen
voyage, of which $245,000 is new funding through
the 2006-07 Budget.
The intrepid ship, a replica
of the original Duyfken, or 'Little Dove', will
stop in 25 ports around Australia while on its
nine month voyage, providing opportunities for
all Australians to learn more about Australia's
coastal and maritime heritage and experience first
hand life on board a sixteenth century sailing
vessel.
Why is this important?
• Funding to St Mary's Cathedral, Hobart, St Patrick's
Basilica, Fremantle, and St John's Cathedral,
Brisbane, will help protect and restore these
important historic churches.
Who will benefit?
• The dioceses and communities of Hobart, Fremantle
and Brisbane.
What funding is the Government committing to the
initiative?
• $5 million for the cathedrals ($1 million to
St Patrick's Basilica; $2 million to St Mary's
Cathedral; and $2 million to St John's Cathedral).
• $245,000 for the Duyfken.
What have we done in the past?
• In the 2005-06 Budget, the Australian Government
announced $3 million for St Mary's Cathedral in
Perth and $2 million for the Church of St Mary's
Star of the Sea in Melbourne to support restoration
projects. In April 2006 the Prime Minister announced
a further $2 million to assist with the completion
of St John's Cathedral in Brisbane, bringing the
overall Commonwealth contribution to St John's
to $6 million.
When will the initiative conclude?
• Grants for these cathedrals will be expended
in 2005-06, however, the funding for the Duyfken
will be provided in 2006-07.
