Published on Friday, 28 February 2025 at 9:03:33 AM
A permanent memorial dedicated to the memory of the HMAS Perth (I) and USS Houston, which were lost in the Battle of Sundra Strait in 1942, was officially opened in East Fremantle on Saturday 1 March.
HMAS Perth (I) Memorial was opened by Western Australia Governor His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM along with Commander Dylan White RAN, Commanding Officer HMAS Perth (III), in front of 200 people.
The $1.5m project, which spanned over seven years, saw the design and construction of a memorial commemorating the loss of HMAS Perth (I), the crew that lost their lives, and those who survived.
A dramatic glass-walled ‘ship’s prow’ shaped space is the central, symbolic focus and monumental manifestation of HMAS Perth (I), along with walls of honour and landscaping.
The Town of East Fremantle supported the project via a $13,261 contribution for flag poles plus construction and installation of the granite wall and significant ‘in-house work’ undertaken by Planning and Operations staff.
The Town also upgraded the car park area next to the memorial, including resurfacing the asphalt and assisting with kerbing costs, along with in-kind works such as landscaping, vegetation and line marking.
President of HMAS Perth Memorial Foundation Michael Bailey said it was a proud moment to witness completion of a long overdue memorial.
“The HMAS Perth Memorial Foundation is grateful for the grants and donations from the Town,” he said.
“The grants have been very useful, particularly at important times in the project and have been put to good use in enhancing the whole perspective of the memorial.”
Mayor Jim O’Neill said the Town was proud to have such a significant memorial within East Fremantle, enhancing the maritime history of Western Australia and the story of the HMAS Perth (I).
“Staff, Councillors and members of the East Fremantle community have worked tirelessly to support the construction of the HMAS Perth (I) Memorial,” he said.
“It’s a story which must be told of the tragic loss of the HMAS Perth (I) and the triumph, bravery and endurance of those on board.
“Congratulations to the Navy League of Australia and the HMAS Perth (I) Memorial Foundation Inc. on their dedication to this project over the years,” he said.
“This is a significant milestone and fantastic achievement for the foundation. The addition of the museum enhances our foreshore area and highlights our connection to the river and ocean as well as honouring those that served on the HMAS Perth (I).
Mayor O’Neill said the river foreshore along Riverside Drive had long been a naval historic precinct from East Fremantle to Fremantle.
“I encourage all Australians and international visitors to come and visit this great memorial which has also preserved some of Western Australia’s maritime artifacts,” he said.
“As Mayor of East Fremantle, we are honoured, privileged and proud the have the HMAS Perth (I) Memorial in our Town. Again, what a great achievement, and on behalf of the Town of East Fremantle, I thank all those involved in realising this memorial.”
For more information, please visit the HMAS Memorial website.
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