Published on Monday, 21 September 2020 at 1:03:49 PM
A lasting reminder of the importance of ‘shaping peace’ was created last weekend when members of the local BaháΚΌí faith gathered with local families, children and others to celebrate the installation of a ‘peace pole’ in a riverside park in East Fremantle, marking International Day of Peace 2020, which is observed each year on 21 September.
A group of forty people came together at Merv Cowan Park to celebrate the installation of the peace pole, which was unveiled, with help from local children, by local Member for Bicton Ms Lisa O'Malley MLA, with support from former Federal MP for Fremantle, Ms Melissa Parke, who now works for the United Nations, having worked in many strife-torn regions of the world including Kosovo, Gaza and Yemen.
Event organiser, Wendy Wasniewski said: “the pole was planted thanks to the support and encouragement of the Town of East Fremantle, and it will stand as a reminder that each one of us has the potential to speak, act and think in the spirit of peace and harmony.”.
Mayor Jim O’Neill referred to the Town’s commitment to reconciliation, explaining that: “we are mindful of the origins of this land and how it came to us. without truth, without respect, equality and reconciliation, there can be no peace.”
He told the gathering that the Town has commenced its journey of reconciliation with its first peoples that will reflect our history, but also guide future priorities and decisions in the context of shared stories and mutual love for East Fremantle.
He said the pole would be a “constant visual reminder” of the importance of fostering peace, and he challenged the crowd to ponder how all present could bring peace; “ how to bring peace to our homes, our workplaces, our families and our community, so that every day is a day of peace.”
The peace pole is installed at Merv Cowan Park, in a quiet, beautiful place with river views which is ideal as a place for reflection and contemplation. All residents of and visitors to East Fremantle are invited to visit the peace pole and to reflect upon the importance of peace in our contemporary world.
Mayor O'Neill addresses the crowd who gathered to celebrate the installation of the peace pole in Merv Cowan Park
Back to All News