In memory of those who lost their lives during the construction of the West Gate Bridge in 1970, and as a result of the Spotswood Yarra Sewer Tunnel collapse in 1895.
This Association has come together to increase awareness in the community of workplace accidents. It will encourage debate and action with government, industry, and the trade union movement to promote safe work environments.
The Association, through the design and construction of a memorial park embracing the sites of existing memorials, will contribute a major statement to the commemoration of the tragic loss of lives in workplace accidents.
This memorial area, to be named West Gate Bridge Memorial Park , will embrace the existing West Gate Bridge Memorial and Sculpture, the Spotswood Sewer Tunnel Memorial, and will complement the IDSA Workers' Memorial erected at Victorian Trades Hall Council.
The integrated art and landscape design of the Memorial Park will not detract from the existing memorials, which will not be moved or altered in any way.
Located on the actual site of the Bridge's collapse, the design of the Memorial Park will establish links to the West Gate Bridge , West Gate Park , Scienceworks Museum , and the Yarra River and its jetties. Particular regard will be given to preserving the natural environment of the Stony Creek Backwash Precinct.
The design of the Memorial Park will be evocative of the tragedy of workplace accidents while honouring the notion of work, and will create a deep sense of commemoration in the visitor.
The West Gate Bridge Memorial Park will inspire:
As the site of Australia 's worst industrial accident, it provides the most appropriate setting for such a memorial area.