Perth Council makes its own contribution to historic city building.
It was a happy moment for Monsignor Michael Keating when Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi presented him with a $275,000 cheque last Friday, 23 April.
The Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral said he felt “very proud” of the Cathedral; and added that the pride that Perth city has “such a beautiful Cathedral” was a sentiment shared by all who were present at the handover.
Witnesses to the presentation by the Lord Mayor included Deputy Lord Mayor John Tognolini; City of Perth councillors Janet Davidson and James Limnios; Chief of Staff to the Lord Mayor, Jennifer Lazberger and Director of Planning and Development, Peter Monks. Perth Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, members of the Cathedral’s fundraising committee and representatives from Tim Davies Landscaping, the company responsible for the landscaping of the new Cathedral grounds, were also present.
The significant donation honoured a 2008 pledge from the City of Perth towards the completion of the Cathedral, one of the historic buildings of Perth, payable on completion of the work. The money had been pledged to landscaping of the prominent city site.
The Council’s contribution assisted with the works which include plantings, a water feature and ceremonial drive.
“That has now been done and the pleasing results are there for all to see,” the Lord Mayor said.
After the presentation of the cheque, Mgr Keating, accompanied by Cathedral architect Peter Quinn, gave those present a tour of the Cathedral and its crypt.
Mayor Scaffidi said the Catholic Church had been influential in city life since the early days of the Swan River Colony, with the foundation stone for the Cathedral having been laid in 1863.
“The Cathedral grounds have been a popular meeting place over the years and are an attractive part of the city’s landscape,” she said.
“The Council believes that the recently completed works place this historic site in a more contemporary setting which can be appreciated by generations to come.”
She also said that she used to come in and light a candle in the Cathedral and say prayers when she was a young person.
Monsignor Keating told The Record “the grounds which are beautifully landscaped have become a place of rest for many people”.