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.
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, and $36,750 from Unions Tasmania.
This 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.
Local Tasmanian firm, GLB Constructions will undertake the work, with the commemorative park to completed by April 2025.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain:
"People go to work to build a life for themselves and their family, and that work should never take away a life - as it did for Matthew Hudson 20 years ago.
"It was a real honour to meet Matthew's father, Guy - because this commemorative park at Elizabeth Garden is something that he and his family have long campaigned for.
"It shouldn't have taken this long to deliver, but work is now underway thanks to $290,000 from the Albanese Government - an investment that will have a lasting impact in Tasmania."
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Housing, Planning and Consumer Affairs, Felix Ellis:
"Our workers are the backbone of our communities, our state, and the nation.
"When Tasmanians head to work, there should be no doubt that they'll be coming home safely.
"Our Government is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Tasmanian workers every day through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:
"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.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt:
"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.
"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."
Quotes attributable to City of Launceston Mayor Mathew Garwood:
"There is no other memorial dedicated to deceased workers in Tasmania.
"The project will facilitate the construction of a commemorative walk, created by the combination of a series of arbours, seating and a path, using materials selected due to their relevance to a range of employment sectors.
"The project scope will also include refurbishing existing walkways with new surface treatments, a new pavilion, provision for individual memorials to be installed in the future, both area and decorative lighting and associated infrastructure such as stormwater drainage, water and electrical services."
Quotes attributable to Unions Tasmania Secretary, Jessica Munday:
"Unions Tasmania is pleased that after our 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."
