Work has begun on a new memorial on Geelong's waterfront, which will give people who have experienced road trauma a place to reflect and remember.
Ocean Grove artist Don Walters' concept Solace will be an enduring memorial for people to contemplate the impacts of road trauma and to remember people who have lost their lives on Victorian roads.
Cr Pat Murnane and Member for Geelong Christine Couzens joined Mr Walters to announce the start of works on the memorial.
The sculpture will have a permanent home along the picturesque eastern Geelong waterfront, off Hearne Parade, where the views will provide a peaceful place for remembering.
The City has partnered with the TAC to deliver the road trauma memorial project, with support from Road Trauma Support Services Victoria (RTSSV) and Uniting Church of Australia (UCAVT).
Representatives from the City and TAC and City, along with TAC clients and community members affected by road trauma, were all involved in the selection process of the successful artwork.
The City is undertaking landscaping works around the memorial site to create a welcoming space with all-abilities access.
The memorial and its design will create a place for all people affected by road trauma to visit and remember their loved ones, as well as raise awareness for RTSSV and UCAVT, who offer support services for people impacted by road trauma.
The project is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.
Councillor Pat Murnane, Chair, Community Health, Wellbeing and Safety portfolio
We are pleased to see work begin on the public art memorial, which will be a significant addition to Geelong's waterfront. The compelling art piece provides an emotional focal point for those seeking a peaceful place of reflection.
We have also committed extra funding to help create a comfortable and scenic space that provides access for all people to reflect on, and remember, their loved ones.
TAC Senior Manager Towards Zero Engagement, Megan Jacobs
This memorial will also highlight the important work of Victoria's road safety support networks, raising awareness of Road Trauma Support Services Victoria who are often people's first call when they're looking for support following a death or serious injury on our roads.
The TAC is proud to be working with the City of Greater Geelong, RTSSV, Uniting Church of Victoria, clients and community to deliver this important memorial on the Geelong waterfront.
Artist Don Walters
I hope Solace will be an engaging visual experience and a place for contemplation and reflection for all those in the Victorian community who have been impacted by road trauma.
