The International Wall of Friendship was conceived as a lasting memorial to the bonds of friendship and goodwill of the people of many nations who have made Tasmania their home for their contribution and commitment to the progress and well being of the State.

The concept of the Wall of Friendship was originated by the late Mr Basil Rait, MBE, (1913-1993) a noted Tasmanian historian. It has the official support of the Tasmanian Government.

The Wall is located in the sunken garden, 188 Collins Street, Hobart. It is believed to be the first project of its kind in the world. It was officially declared open in October 1992 by Senator Nick Bolkus, the then Minister for Administrative Services.

The Wall of Friendship features plaques donated by multicultural groups living in Tasmania that symbolise the ties between Tasmania and other nations. Community groups have been requested to provide a plaque made of stone or other building material of a type popular in their own country.

Every plaque is inscribed in the national language of the contributing group with the following message:

Presented by the People of 
(name of country) 
as a symbol of friendship and goodwill 

If the contributing group so desires, the plaque may embody the national emblem of their country of origin.

In addition, the name of the community group arranging the preparation of their plaque may include the following inscription, but in the English language:

Through the 
(name of organisation)

The contributing groups are also requested to donate their national or community flags (size 180cm by 90cm/6ft by 3ft) to be flown at the Wall of Friendship on appropriate occasions.

The first plaque for the Wall of Friendship was presented on behalf of the People of China through the Chinese Community Association of Tasmania in July 1984.

The wall now features 52 plaques, some reflecting distinctive archaeological and historical connections with their countries of origin. For example, the plaque from Greece came from the same quarry which supplied stones to build the Parthenon, the Israeli plaque from the Ancient Walls and the original bricks from Abel Tasman’s Cottage form the Dutch plaque.

‘In the name of friendship and goodwill’ 

It is hoped that every one of over 85 multicultural groups present in Tasmania will choose to contribute.

The Wall of Friendship has become a shrine for those communities which it represents. Each year, communities gather there to celebrate days of national and international significance flying the Australian flag and the flags of their countries of origin.

The Wall of Friendship has generated a great deal of interest around the world. It has now emerged as a major tourist attraction in the State and a splendid venue for civic receptions.

The project is administered by a Development Committee comprising representatives of multicultural communities, the owners of the site and the State office of Multicultural Tasmania.

The International Wall of Friendship features plaques from the following ethnic communities/countries:

Albania	Austria	Belgium	Bosnia and Hertzegovina
Bulgaria	Canada	China	Croatia
Cyprus	Czech Republic / Slovakia	Denmark	England
Estonia	Fiji	Finland	France
Germany	Greece	Hmong Community	Hungary
India	Indonesia	Iran	Ireland
Isle of Man	Israel	Italy	Jordan
Latvia	Lithuania	Myanmar	Netherlands
New Zealand	Norway	Pakistan	Phillipines
Poland	Romania	Russia	Scotland
Serbia	Slovenia	Sri Lanka	Sweden
Switzerland	Syria	Thailand	Turkey
Ukraine	United Nations	United States of America	Wales

 

If you wish to assist your multicultural group to participate in this unique and exciting development, please record your interest at the address below, where further information and guidance is readily available.

International Wall of Friendship Development Committee
C/O Bellala PTY LTD
188 Collins Street
Hobart  TAS  7001
Website: www.walloffriendship.com.au

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