The National Workers Memorial in the national capital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, is Australia's place for honouring workers who have died as a result of work-related accidents, incidents and disease.
Purpose
In May 2011, the Australian Government provided funding for the design and construction of a memorial "to honour and pay tribute to working Australians who have died as a result of work-related accidents, incidents and disease".[1] The other stated purposes are:
To serve "as a poignant reminder of the importance of work health and safety and the need for a determined and continued effort by all to prevent work-related accidents and disease. It is also a place to reflect on the evolving values, ideas and aspirations of the Australian community in relation to work health and safety."[1]
To provide "a place for visitors to lay a tribute for a loved one, a location to pause and reflect within earshot of the National Carillon’s bells, as well as allowing a space for congregation, interaction and ceremony."[1]
To provide "an important focal point for the national commemoration of Workers Memorial Day, recognised internationally on 28 April each year."[1]
Workplace deaths amount to around 300 per year in Australia.[2]
The memorial consists of eight tall stone poles, symbolically sighted across a stylised map of Australia in the places of the state and territory capital cities. Architectural firm Johnson Pilton Walker[5] has placed concentric circles around the poles with words representing the intended outcome of knowledge and application of good practices of work health and safety.
The lead-in path has two inscriptions along its edge, saying:
every worker has the right to return home
every workplace death diminishes us as a nation
Construction is reported to have cost A$3 million.[2][6]
Inauguration ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was held on Sunday 28 April 2013.[2]
"every worker has the right to return home"
"every workplace death diminishes us as a nation" and "I think about her every day"
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