The memorial, erected in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray, is a boat design meant to honor the so-called boat people, many of whom died while braving perilous sea voyages to arrive in Australia, The Australia Broadcasting Corp. reported Saturday.

"It's a monument that's really a symbol that will continue to preserve and promote the Vietnamese boat people's heritage and culture for generations to come," Acting Victoria Premier Rob Hulls told the network.

"It's a boat design, it's very clever and emotional really` and the message is simple: As human beings we are all in the same boat," Hulls said.