Welcome Wall Recognises Vietnamese Migration at Australia’s Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum is working with the Vietnamese community to honour Vietnamese migration through dedicated panels on the Welcome Wall, Australia’s National Monument to Migration. Established in 1999, the Welcome Wall includes over 35,000 names from 117 countries and serves as a major public recognition of Australia’s migration history.

In November 2025, 347 inscriptions were added to the first Vietnamese panels, marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and acknowledging the contributions of Vietnamese migrants to Australian society.

Individuals can be included on the second Vietnamese panel by making a tax-deductible contribution of $500. This allows a name—of a family member, relative, co-worker, or friend of Vietnamese heritage—to be permanently etched in bronze on the Monument, recognising their journey to Australia. Registrations close on 2 March to be part of the next unveiling.

Funds from this initiative also support the conservation and permanent display of Tự do, a Vietnamese refugee vessel currently in temporary storage, which is part of the Museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve migration stories.

Further information on Tự do and the Vietnamese panels is available on the Museum’s website.