The Allan Labor Government is creating a dedicated space for the community to gather and pay tribute to Victorians who have lost their lives at work - while continuing to improve workplace safety and keep more families together.
A new permanent workers' memorial, commissioned through a partnership between WorkSafe, Victorian Trades Hall and the City of Melbourne, will provide a focal point for future events and other significant occasions throughout the year.
It will create a meaningful space where families, friends and colleagues of workers who have died due to a work-related incident or illness can gather, reflect and commemorate their lives.
The Labor Government is continuing to work closely with those affected by serious workplace incidents to strengthen the workplace safety framework and make sure workers and their loved ones are given the support they need.
International award-winning Canadian artist Jill Anholt has been appointed to design and produce the memorial following a two-stage selection process.
Anholt has a background in sculpture and architecture, together with extensive experience creating large scale works that integrate into public spaces.
The memorial will be installed at the Eight Hour Monument Reserve on the corner of Victoria and Russell streets in central Melbourne - across from the Victorian Trades Hall Council building.
Since 2018 more than 500 workers have sadly lost their lives in Victoria due to work-related injury or illness.
The reserve features the existing Eight Hour Monument, completed in 1903, which celebrates those who fought to make Victoria the first place in the world to mandate the eight hour working Day.
Design of the $2.5 million project is underway, with construction and installation expected to be completed in late 2026.
For more information visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/memorial-to-workers-commission
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll
"Today marks International Workers' Memorial Day - No one should ever lose their life as a result of simply doing their job."
"Every workplace death represents not only a life cut short, but ongoing heartbreak for families whose lives will never be the same."
"This memorial will create a place for families, loved ones and the community to honour workers who have lost their lives and serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of keeping our workers safe every day."
As stated by Victorian Trades Hall Secretary Luke Hilakari
"On 28 April every year we remember the dead and commit to fighting like hell for the living."
"The workers' memorial will provide a place of remembrance for Victorians who have lost loved ones to workplace injury and illness and serve as a permanent reminder of the human cost of negligence and greed at work."
As stated by Lord Mayor Nick Reece
"Jill Anholt is a visionary artist who will approach this important task with the utmost sensitivity and creativity - creating a heartfelt space where families can reflect, remember and honour their loved ones."
As stated by artist Jill Anholt
"It is both a profound honour and deeply meaningful responsibility to create this work - one that will weave shared experiences and the site's rhythms into a beautiful and compelling piece."
"More than just a physical work, I aim to create an immersive and enveloping place for gathering that encourages personal reflection and collective remembrance."
