2000 – 30th Anniversary

On the 30th anniversary of the collapse, survivors, relatives, friends and distinguished guests, including the Premier and Member of Parliament for Williamstown, Mr Steve Bracks, Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor and ACTU President, Sharon Burrows and Jim O’Neill, although very ill, gathered below the bridge to commemorate the disaster. Danny Gardiner addressed the crowd.

‘For me the West Gate Bridge will always represent a place where 35 construction workers lost their lives. It remains one of the worst industrial accidents in Australia.

‘The memorial plaque has provided for these workers’ families and friends a special place where we can meet at least every 15th of October, reflect and remember their sacrifices and ensure we do not forget them or the need for us to be forever vigilant about maintaining safe workplaces.

‘The plaque is the result of the commitment of construction workers to remember our comrades and remind us of what can happen if we take safety for granted. Construction workers on the West Gate Bridge donated a day’s pay to make this plaque a reality.

‘We thank them, I thank them and the 35 workers who were killed 30 years ago will never be forgotten.

‘I am very proud to be a part of this important tribute.’