Construction of Tasmania’s first memorial dedicated to deceased workers is officially underway, with Elizabeth Gardens at Invermay set to be transformed.
The commemorative park will operate as a space of reflection and commemoration for the families whose loved ones died at work, and will also serve as a permanent reminder to the community of what can happen when safety is not front of mind.
The design is unique and sensitive, with over 20 arbours to line the commemorative walkway – with the project to also include the installation of a sitting area, lighting and barbecue facilities, and a range of memorials.
“Our workers are the backbone of our communities, our state, and the nation,” said Tasmanian Minister for Housing, Planning and Consumer Affairs, Felix Ellis.
“When Tasmanians head to work, there should be no doubt that they’ll be coming home safely.
“We are proud to support this important memorial. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mr Hudson and his family for their vital advocacy for this park.”
The $526,750 redevelopment is supported by $290,000 from the Albanese Government, $150,000 from the Tasmanian Government, $50,000 from the City of Launceston Council, and $36,750 from Unions Tasmania.
The project is the result of long-term campaigning by Guy Hudson, who lost his son to a workplace accident 20 years ago, along with Unions Tasmania.
“Having a dedicated place of recognition and memory for Tasmanians who have lost their lives at work is something that Guy Hudson, Unions Tasmania and the broader community have long called for – and I’m proud to be delivering it,” said Federal Labor Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley.
“Elizabeth Gardens will honour Tasmanian workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice – with this redevelopment another example of the Albanese Labor Government working in partnership to deliver the projects that matter to our state.”
Local Tasmanian firm, GLB Constructions will undertake the work, with the commemorative park to completed by April 2025.
“The Albanese Labor Government is serious about delivering safer workplaces for all workers – because people should be able to go to work knowing they’ll come home safely,” said Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt.
“This is an incredibly important memorial to commemorate Tasmanians who lost their lives at work – but any death in a workplace is one too many, which is why we’re protecting workers’ rights and their safety, including criminalising industrial manslaughter.”
Unions Tasmania Secretary, Jessica Munday said she was pleased that after many years of campaigning, the Workers Memorial Park will finally be completed.
“We pay tribute to all the people who advocated for this project with us but particularly to Karen and Guy Hudson, who conceived the idea of the Park after their son Matthew’s tragic death at work.”
“Every death at work is avoidable. No worker deserves to lose their life because of their job. The Park will stand not only as a memorial to those workers who didn’t make it home, but as an important reminder of the importance of putting safety at work above all else,” said Ms Munday.
