Proposed Immigration Place

Tuesday, 01 May 2012 23:00

Thank you to everyone who joined the discussion regarding the proposed Immigration Place monument between 2 May and 14 June 2012. The consultation report is now available at the bottom of this page.

Celebrate the contribution of immigrants to Australia’s past, present and future. Immigrants have played a central role in the political, social and economic life of Australia since 1788, and we want to celebrate the ways they have enriched our community and culture.

Immigration Place Australia (IPA) is an incorporated not-for-profit organisation. Click here for more information on IPA. [External Link]

The consultation is now closed. Further information on the consultation, including the Have Your Say comments on proposed site, design and commemorative intent can be found below.

Previous Approvals

The Canberra National Memorials Committee (CNMC) has approved a site adjacent to East Block (National Archives of Australia) in the Parliamentary Zone for the development of an Immigration Monument.

Caption: The approved site of Immigration Place

Current Proposal

IPA's vision is to create a significant national monument, called Immigration Place, within Canberra’s Parliamentary Zone, close to the other landmark sites and buildings which speak of Australia’s past and future.

Immigration Place will become a place for all Australians to meet and reflect on our immigrant past and the contribution migrants have made to the diversity, significance, culture and changing values of Australia. It will also actively engage visitors, encouraging them to search for, and locate their names, those of family and friends and read the many stories of migration.

The NCA has already advised IPA that the design of Immigration Place must:

respect and complement the existing landscape, built environment and context of the area; and
take careful account of all heritage values of the area. These include, but are not limited to, those set out in the Parliament House Vista Heritage Management Plan.

Community Comment

IPA are required to obtain CNMC approval of their design brief before conducting a design competition.

IPA are asking the community to help identify important issues to be considered and addressed in preparing the design brief.

Comments are now closed.

Next steps

The NCA will prepare a report on the public consultation. The report will be provided to IPA to guide the development of a design brief for use in a future design competition. The consultation report will also be published on this website and will be provided to the CNMC as part of any advice from the NCA.

The CNMC will be asked to approve the design brief and the conduct of a design competition. IPA expects to seek this approval in the second half of 2012.

At completion of the design competition, the NCA will:

undertake or commission an assessment of the heritage impact of the winning design. The assessment will consider all known heritage values associated with the site. This will include, but not be limited to, assessment against the formal heritage values of the Parliament House Vista (included on the Commonwealth Heritage List). The heritage assessment will be provided to the CNMC as part of any advice from the NCA; and
undertake or commission an assessment of the feasibility and cost of constructing Immigration Place and provide that assessment to the CNMC as part of any advice from the NCA.

The CNMC will make the final decision about the design/character of Immigration Place. The timing of any such consideration is dependent on the completion of the above assessments. It is likely that the CNMC would be asked to consider this matter early in 2013. The NCA is not currently represented in the membership of the CNMC. The NCA will serve the CNMC in a secretariat and advisory capacity only.

Attachments:
Consultation Report on the proposed Immigration Place Monument	[Consultation Report on the proposed Immigration Place Monument ]	107 Kb	14-Sep-2012
Consultation Report on the proposed Immigration Place Monument	[Consultation Report on the proposed Immigration Place Monument ]	219 Kb	14-Sep-2012
Consultation Report on the proposed Immigration Place Monument	[Consultation Report on the proposed Immigration Place Monument ]	459 Kb	14-Sep-2012

Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 September 2012 15:52

Comments

+4 # Laurie ODonnell - IPA 2012-05-02 17:21

I am the Chair of Immigration Place Australia.

I’d like to see Immigration Place develop as a place where children can learn about their migrant heritage. The range of new technology available is immense and there may be opportunities to incorporate some innovative and exciting options within this landscape project.

It would also be great to have an area suitable for small-scale citizenship ceremonies.

+8 # Migrant Bosch 2012-05-03 17:58

Laurie,
As the Chair I would greatly appreciate contact from you to me as I am feeling rather sidelined.
After sending monies initially to Immigration bridge - I sent further message re needing to re phrase my wording Never received a response.
In the end I thought I had done my money.
Have received several notifications since but was never able to respond as address not given and no email reply was provided for.

Or am I mistaken and is this a different project from the Immigration Bridge??

Thanks
Willi Carney ( Ms)

+6 # Vilma 2012-05-04 01:05

I would like to review what i have written as well

-1 # Joel 2012-05-05 13:47

I am very disappointed at the misplaced aesthetism and revisionarey thinking that has sidetracked this once significant idea. A Bridge is a powerful symbol that cannot be replaced with an out of the way empty space. And as for citizenship ceremonies in Canberra; they should be at the old or new Parliament House. Bureaucracy has triumphed over vision.
Too late to get my 1960 ten-Pounds back!
Joel

+5 # mapperley 2012-05-03 19:17

I would like to see Immigration Place started - you have taken our money now get on with it please.

+5 # Graham French - IPA 2012-05-02 17:23

I am Deputy Chair of Immigration Place Australia.

Immigration Place should symbolise the spirit and benefits of migration to this nation.

It should also be a place for people to reunite, either physically or through the sharing of stories of migration.

I think it is important to complement and support the role of the National Archives of Australia as the official repository of so many migrant records.

-1 # John Blount 2012-05-03 16:22

The design & functionality needs to be complementary to National Archives. It should be simple. It might incorporate names as does the Welcome Wall in Sydney. But there is an issue as to whetehr only those who pay get their names listed (as with WW) which I think is an issue which needs to be squarely faced. All elements need to be robust and not such as to look weathered or tatty after a few years. That consideration, as well as complementarity, sugests that technology elements (eg access to a data base) should be located within the entrance area of Archives ratehr than within the Immigration Place. A key consideration in design should be simplicity - "less is more".

-2 # Vilma 2012-05-04 01:04

I thought that is what we paid for to have our names listed.

+4 # Migrant Bosch 2012-05-03 17:53

When I sent my $100+ for Immigration Bridge I was led to believe all was organized. Follow up with the only email address I had was never responded to. Left a very bad taste. Appears the site has been altered from the original information I received.
My hope is, that area now selected is NOT HARD TO FIND.
Immigration is what Australia is all about. It should be very visual and accorded the recognition it so richly deserves.

MUST be careful not to get caught up in architectural design that defeats the purpose of what the IMMIGRATION STORY is all about.

Like those going to ANZAC cove - this area should be just as meaningful - VISITATION MUST BE EASILY ACCESSED, NAMES EASY TO READ, AND LONGLASTING AND WEATHER PROOF MATERIALS used.
An excellent interpretive/information centre should be alongside with access to family histories.
The whole Immigration story should be accessible on the ONE SITE.
Should be a fantastic educational facility.

+6 # Keith Collier 2012-05-03 19:13

I am pleased the monument will be placed near The National Archives for these reasons: (A) Historical books & documents are held in the archives which tie in with immigration (B) Should the National Library be close by, this will tie in with family history
(C) After reading about the immigrants & their stories, I think this will give the public good incentive to trace their family histories.
On another note: I too, like other commentators, was beginning to wonder when my monies & my family stories would be actioned to a physical construction date by email updates becoming frequent
I feel when this project is finalised & on show for all to view. This will be great benefit to our future generations & something we all should be proud of, which includes & acknowledges the "First Indigenous Australians" with their contributions.

+5 # mapperley 2012-05-03 19:19

Please get on with the job of putting this important monument in place - I would like my mother to see it in her lifetime.

+2 # pamandkeith 2012-05-03 19:57

The proposed location and basic concept is supported. Of course the monument must be constructed in a way that all elements are QUITYE PERMANENT - a challenge! The information/educational elements should broadly identify/describe sociological and cultural contributions as well as other developmental contributions of immigrant populations, and needs to at least identify the connects AND disconnects with the Original Australians.It is critical that visitors to Immigration Place are able to obtain at several points in the monument known details and story information of all registered immigrants - the technology used must be far more permanent than, e.g. the audio equipment between the High Court and Reconciliation Place which is already almost non-functional! These information booths should be capable of being updated as more data becomes available, and there should be enough to enable all individuals of a visiting schools class to each briefly interact during their visit.

+3 # Jed Johnson 2012-05-03 21:58

I support the location and concept and so here's an idea. Imagine the area is like a seascape which you walk across. Not a bridge (goodness!) but let's say a boardwalk or platform that meanders across. In the "seabed" you see the colony of Australia. I guess it won't be real water but technology is amazing these days.
As you walk you pass through decades of time however you start the walk on the bank of centuries of indigenous lands.
Now the fun bit. Lets say a culture = a colour. English are blue, Italian red, dutch orange etc.
There are enough hues of colour to represent all the cultures that have come to Australia. Lots of blues (English) and green (Irish), and several other colours for other cultures. Blue dominates from 1788 to 1930, but much is 'infused'. Then more colours infuse. You can watch for a colour and study it and see real names and hidden stories. By the end (2013) many colours have intertwined and some remain distinct and some are even new.

-1 # terrybull5 2012-05-04 20:08

jed excellent idea ! At the timeline the year/date/name could be place signifying when and how immigrants arrived.The meandering "Boardwalk " could provide small activities (including stories) for school groups and visitors to understand what role immigration played in the makeup of Australia.

+3 # baperloo 2012-05-04 06:30

I am also disappointed that it has taken so long to get this of the ground. I can only hope that my contribution has been accumulating interest in the bank and will be put towards erecting the monument, not used for countless concept drawings and feasability studies.
I would like to see some physical evidence of my contribution so that in years to come my children and grand children will be able to trace my migration journey.

# EWilliams 2012-05-04 08:38

I too thought that the immigration bridge was ready to go when I contributed for my parents and myself. Sadly my parents are no longer alive to witness this but I sincerely hope that it'll come to fruition in my lifetime. I also consider that, having paid for our names to be placed on the bridge - along with many, many others - there should be no recognition without a contribution. Just do what we have paid for please.

# Trish23 2012-05-04 10:12

It's wonderful that the Immigration memorial is finally happening and that the site chosen is outside the NAA, which contains many of Australia's immigration archives. However, the NCA has not given this site due consideration. It is far too close to a busy main thoroughfare (children have easy access to the road), it's small in size, and far too tight for bus parking. Nearby parking is limited to 2 hours, and it's generally full on weekdays. The large car park behind the NAA is nearly always full - a place where workers park their cars all day during the week. They are fairly empty at weekends. Parking, including disabled and bus parking, will need to be taken into account. Not much good visiting a memorial if you can't park there.

-1 # dwood1 2012-05-04 19:13

Nice to see that the bridge will go ahead look forwar to seeing the completed bridge

# Steve B. 2012-05-05 10:32

Initially looking at the concept, I think the location is very appropriate (so near to the National Archives). I always have a bit of a problem with the perceived need to inscribe names, names, names on everything though. All the names and details are to be found a short walk away in the Archives. Monies that would have to be spent in the future in attempting to ensure that any inscribed names remain readable would be better spent on keeping the actual archives themselves continually available with the latest evolving archival technologoy.
In a similar vein, it was concerning to hear of the proposal to add more Memorials outside the magnificient War Memorial when the tretreat ceremony was at one time under threat due to a lack of funds. The same would be true with the Archives ... it would be terrible to see a too elaborate and expensive (to maintain) memorial erected outside the Archives, and then have the ongoing budget for the Archives itself later come under pressure.

# jsaxon 2012-05-06 08:16

Canberra has what seems to be hundreds of 'Monuments' already - unfortunately most usually rate a passing glance at best.
An accessable building with displays, and interactive database access would be far more practical, and provide a great resource for schools and visitors as well as relatives keen to check their ancestor's stories.
A name on a wall does not provide a huge experience.
It should complement what is in the Archives next door but also access their databases.

+1 # Richard Thwaites 2012-05-06 09:16

A location for general commemoration of immigration is a good idea, and the Archives site is appropriate.

However, we are ALL immigrants here - not just those most recently arrived. Even aboriginal peoples were immigrants in prehistoric times.

The listing of names on a paid basis is inappropriate and divisive - the site should commemorate all immigrants of all generations, not just the few subscribers.

A discreet panel somewhere listing the original few subscribers to the bridge project should close the door on that regrettable misfire.

Immigrants are not automatically heroes. We all came here for our own benefit and most of us owe more to the country than we have given to it. This should be a monument of gratitude for the rare opportunities this land has offered us, not a claim to some fake heroic status that can be bought by a subscription.

-5 # Wally 2012-05-06 21:41

The Immigration Bridge Memorial should fit into the Canberra landscape. It could
be in the shape of a number of maze like rotundas, inside each other ,
in order to accommodate the countless countries from which migrants arrived. Countries should be featured in alphabetical order , with a background mural depicting e.g. national attire or a significant landmark identifying the individual country . All migrants who arrived down under should be listed alphabetically as from a certain cut-off date on an electronic data base and access to the data should be by way of individual computer terminals under each country. The Immigration Bridge memorial as a monument to migrants will then also serve as a most useful research repository.
Engraving all migrant names on a wall or bridge railing would be a physical impossibility and also discriminatory, if open only to those of us who registered originally,.

Dr. W. Frick, Thornlie, WA 6108

+6 # JoHutch 2012-05-07 07:34

I contributed to the project as a tribute to my deceased grandparents and a gift for my mother. I appreciated the symbol of a bridge connecting Australians to the lands where our ancestors came from. I'm disappointed that the project has taken so long. If I'm to feel that the project has not been misrepresented to the public, I need to see the bridge concept adopted and have my mother see it before she too is gone.
I approve of the site near the National Archives. I trust that the migrant stories that have been contributed will be available at the archives building if not incorporated into the monument design.

+6 # james@dominguez.com.au 2012-05-07 22:44

I am a strong believer of our nation acknowlwdging the contribution made over the centuries by migrants.
There can be no better place for a tangible and conspicuous symbol to be placed than in Canberra, our national capital.

Jim D

-1 # Frank Long 2012-05-08 21:01

The idea of an Immigration Memorial is excellent and necessary as we must show appreciation of those who left everything, endured the traumas of starting a new life in a strange country and made Australia what it is today. A site in the Parliamentary Area is most appropriate. The architectural design is a matter for experts but there is no shortage of them and there are many other appropriate memorials. The project could easily go ahead were it not for some unexplained and surprising antagonism, not to the design problems, but to the whole idea.

It will also be a resource for historical research since it will contain the records of many "ordinary" people whose stories will not be available elsewhere. As an example, the Jugiong Catholic Church was celebrating its 100th or 150th anniversary a few years ago and was able to invite me because the records of the Memorial showed that the first burial in the Catholic section of the Jugiong Ceremetery was my great-great-grandfather.

+5 # paulkinghorne 2012-05-10 14:57

I have paid for two plaques on the bridge 'now' monument. The monument will not have the same impact as the bridge but that is life. All I want to say is please keep it simple and dont lose the money to the architects and engineers.

-3 # EWilliams 2012-05-10 15:17

I so agree paulkinghorne. A bridge with names inscribed would be a much, much better memorial. I want someone who will walk along the bridge (memorial, whatever) and see the names of my parents and myself. When I die there will be no-one left in Australia who will know my maiden name, no-one will be able to go to a computer and type in the names of my parents but inscriptions will be seen by anyone walking along a bridge. I am most disappointed in what is happening to this memorial and, quite frankly, am glad that my parents are no longer able to see the debacle this has become.

+3 # Joan Moore 2012-05-14 12:42

I support respondents M Bosch, Mapperley, J Johnson.
Remember $100 was paid in good faith for 'names on a bridge'. These names MUST be displayed clearly, permanently and easily accessible. e.g a rail if not a bridge.
Lawn cemeteries have enduring plaques - ask them.
All immigrant names are available at Archive. Therefore no discrimination
Technology can provide a continuous, rolling display of the contributed stories. ( how wonderful they all are)
Please hurry up Lottie is 93

# Richard Lawson 2012-05-15 13:33

The change of concept from a Bridge to a Place was necessary to allow the recognition of those who came across the sea to make Australia their home and contribute to its development and well being as a nation. Therefore, let it be a Place that fits into its surroundings, provides space for ceremonies, a coduit to the stories of immigration and has a design that attracts visitors for its excellence as well as for the purpose of recognition of immigrants' contributions.

Richard Lawson, Nimmitabel NSW 2631

+2 # james.myi 2012-06-08 18:25

I would have preferred the symbolism of crossing the water (the bridge), after all we all did this to qualify for migrant status. However get on with it - I will soon be dead at this rate and obviously unable to attend another Canberra paperweight ceremony. This is still a brilliant idea.
James Robertson
Motherwell, Scotland for ever!

# UTCreek 2012-06-12 10:33

Like paulkinghorne I too, have paid for two plaques on the bridge 'now' monument. So excited at this idea/concept ( which I still am ) I was one of the earliest contributors. And yes...the monument ( a dime a dozen in Canberra ) will not have the same impact as the bridge but that is bureaucratic life. I'm 63 and my parents 89 and 84. I hope my grandsons are interested. And paid up names on the monument .... their very presence will often stimulate interest in one's own heritage. Provision could be made for additional names added say every 2 years and contributions used for maintenance/upkeep. In summary...the Immigration Place ( formerly Bridge ) could/can/ hopefully will be a great cultural addition to our societry for centuries to come. Still a wonderful concept ( somewhat compromised )...let's get to the construction phase as soon as possible. The Immigration stories have been amazing.... Immigration Place can be too!

-1 # Rebikoff 2012-06-13 12:23

I strongly support an Immigration Place in the National Capital and sited within Canberra's Parliamentary Triangle . It is suggested that the monument comprise a number of circular colonnades (in metal and no more than 6 feet high) which could incorporate the inscription of names of people from diverse cultural backgrounds as well as innovative technology that will allow people to learn of the Australia's successful migration history through the numerous migration stories already submitted (e.g National Museum of Australia). In this way Australia's Immigration Place will symbolise the central role that migrants and refugees have played in the economic, political and social life of Australia but also celebrate their enormous contribution to Australia's past, present and future.
Victor Rebikoff OAM

# ginalox 2012-06-13 14:33

Please, please just get this wonderful idea on its way and not bogged down in bureaucracy, yet again. My family has invested several spots and would dearly love to see our name there before we drop off the perch.
One assumes it will be done with taste, respect and in keeping with all monuments in the Capital, so why is there more delay by being open to community consultation?
One cannot be blamed for being a touch cynical after all this while.
Please note, this is first opportunity of communicating I have been afforded.

-2 # National Trust ACT 2012-06-14 11:59

At these initial stages of the 'new' project we would like to ensure that the heritage values of the area are taken into account with full reports and assessments taking place before any work commences and as the design process etc continues. It is a worthwhile and important monument so the whole process needs to be transperant and include community conculstion throughout to ensure the final monument reflects the views of the nation but also complies with relevant heritage policies.