Perth Voice Interactive

FREMANTLE council has voted to support a proposed sea organ memorial. 

The WA Fisher’s Lost at Sea Memorial Association (‘Fisher’s Association’) seek to build the memorial in recognition of hundreds of people who died in the development and operation of commercial fishing in WA. 

Fisher’s Association President James Paratore said a tight knit group of volunteers have spent thousands of hours researching the lives lost and archiving their discoveries.

The stories of over 220 people can be found in a website memorial which includes an interactive map of the locations of the incidents. 

Mr Paratore said it’s time to turn their attention to a physical memorial.

“We want to create an experience, rather than just a statue, a place where community can come together, really understand mother nature and reflect,” Mr Paratore said.

Mr Paratore said the proposed sea organ is intended to do just that. 

Inspired by the sea organ in Zadar, Croatia, the memorial would be built by the ocean, the waves ‘playing’ the mighty instrument.

Fremantle councillor Fedele Camarda brought a motion last week, requesting the council to support the project and consider contributing $10,000 to finance a feasibility study into the project as part of the annual budget process.

“It is a privilege for me to be able to bring the project forward,” Mr Camarda said. 

“It has touched a lot of people, even generations down the track. They feel the pain of losing loved ones and are aware of the dangers and sacrifices that were made.”

After a moving presentation from members of the Fisher’s Association, the council passed the motion unanimously.

Mr Paratore told the Herald the project is set to be both sustainable and renewable, being completely operated by wind and solar power.

A report to council suggested a location with existing seawalls and deeper water, as Croatia’s sometimes gets a bit rowdy in stormy weather.

Mr Paratore said the Fremantle inner harbour area near the Maritime Museum would be a desirable location.

Interest in the project is broadening and other regional areas including Geraldton are being considered. 

Fremantle mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge​​ said the council has made a “pledge to advocate for the project” regardless of where it finds a home.

Mr Paratore said the choice of location would be sensitive and involve significant cultural considerations.

“We also intend to recognise the loss of life of First Nations people, there is a truth telling aspect to that as well,” Mr Paratore said. 

Though receiving formal council support is an important step forward, the project will require significant financial contributions.

Mr Camarda said the memorial would need support from higher levels of government, and from the commercial sector. 

Mr Paratore sees the project as an opportunity to bring the community together. 

“We think this would bring a lot of people together, especially the arts and heritage sectors.”

He said although the task was substantial, the Fisher’s Association team was determined to see the memorial built.

“We are very passionate about this, we are a bit like a dog with a bone, we are not going to let this go.”

To read about individual stories collected by the WA Fisher’s Lost at Sea Memorial Association visit www.flatsea.org

by ELOISE BUDIMLICH