The Allan Labor Government is backing workers and their families with a memorial honouring those killed at work.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll today revealed the artist drawings for the memorial's centrepiece - a sculpture by international award-winning artist Jill Anholt which will be a dedicated place to grieve, reflect, and keep the spotlight on worker safety.
The sculpture will act as a living, inhabitable solar device that captures time and light through a typical eight-hour workday. Taking the form of an incomplete ring, the shape represents the void left by those lost, while also creating a space in which to be enveloped.
The stories of bereaved families will also influence the design, with a poem to be etched into the stone.
The memorial will be located on the corner of Victoria and Russell streets in Melbourne beside the Eight Hour Monument - built in 1903 to mark Victoria's place as the first in the world to mandate the 8-hour workday.
The government's $2.5 million investment is being delivered in partnership with WorkSafe, Victorian Trades Hall and the City of Melbourne with construction expected to be completed in late 2026.
As stated by Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll
"Every worker deserves to return home safe every day, and the memory of those killed will live on through this memorial while also serving as a crucial reminder of why we strive to keep workers safe."
As stated by Victorian Trades Hall Secretary Luke Hilakari
"We're very pleased with the significant progress made toward a monument where all Victorians can come to grieve, remember, and reflect on the importance of every worker being able to come home safe at the end of the day."
As stated by WorkSafe CEO Cathy Henderson
"When someone dies or is seriously injured because of a work-related incident or illness it sends a ripple of grief and shock across our communities and workplaces. As we remember those lost, we are reminded that every workplace death is preventable and renew our purpose and commitment to reducing workplace harm across Victoria."
As stated by Lord Mayor Nick Reece
"This memorial will serve as a poignant, lasting reminder that we will never forget, and we will always fight for the rights of every worker."
As stated by artist Jill Anholt
"Being the selected artist to create this memorial for workers is both a profound honour and a deeply meaningful responsibility. Through a weaving of shared stories and experiences, along with a revealing of the site's local rhythms, my approach to this commission is to not only craft a beautiful and compelling physical work, but also to create an immersive and enveloping place for gathering that encourages personal reflection and collective remembrance."
