National Site of Recognition for Thalidomide Survivors
and their Families Wins Top Award
The National Site of Recognition for Thalidomide Survivors and their Families has won the Award for Excellence in the Small Projects Category at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects 2024 ACT Awards.
The National Site of Recognition is an initiative of the Australian Government, delivered by PLACE Laboratory, to acknowledge the thalidomide tragedy in Australia.
It serves as a lasting reminder to all Australians that the lessons of that tragedy must never be forgotten, and honours the pain and suffering experienced by survivors, the memory of those who died prematurely, as well as the impact on their loved ones.
Thalidomide, a medication introduced in Australia in the 1960s, tragically left a lasting impact on babies, causing severe birth defects and developmental issues when taken by pregnant women, highlighting the devastating consequences of insufficient drug testing and regulation.
The Site of Recognition provides a contemplative space for empathy, reflection and education. A symbolic glass brick gateway acknowledges the pervasive and enduing impact of thalidomide and a surrounding concrete pavement includes an etched timeline to highlight key historical milestones.
The Awards Jury applauded the PLACE Laboratory design team for the care, thought, sensitivity and excellence of the project.
'Every aspect of the design of this memorial has been carefully curated to reflect and impart the story of those people who are thalidomide survivors, who have been affected and who continue to be affected by [thalidomide],' the Awards Jury said.
ACT Award winners will participate in the National Landscape Architecture Awards later this year.
The design and construction of the National Site of Recognition involved a collaboration between PLACE Laboratory, the Department of Health and Aged Care and the National Capital Authority. The Site of Recognition was dedicated by The Honourable Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, along with thalidomide survivors and their families, on 30 November 2023.
The National Site of Recognition for Thalidomide Survivors and their Families is located on Wendouree Drive, Kings Park, Parkes, near the National Carillon.
