Road trauma memorial gets underway

Published date: 31 Jan 2020

The Victorian State Government has begun work has begun on a new memorial at Geelong’s waterfront to give people who have experienced road trauma a place to reflect and remember.

Ocean Grove’s Don Walters’ concept ‘Solace’ will be an enduring memorial for people to contemplate the impacts of road trauma and to remember people who have lost their lives on Victorian roads.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens recently joined Mr Walters to announce the start of works on the memorial.

The sculpture will have a permanent home along the picturesque eastern Geelong waterfront, off Hearne Parade, where the views will provide a peaceful place for remembering.

The memorial and its design will create a place for all people affected by road trauma to visit and remember their loved ones, as well as raise awareness for Road Trauma Support Services Victoria (RTSSV) and Uniting Church of Australia (UCAVT), who offer support services for people impacted by road trauma.

The TAC has partnered with the City of Greater Geelong to deliver the road trauma memorial project with support from RTSSV and UCAVT.

Representatives from the TAC and City of Greater Geelong, along with TAC clients and community members affected by road trauma, were all involved in the selection process of the successful artwork.

The City of Greater Geelong is undertaking landscaping works around the memorial site to create a welcoming space with all-abilities access.

The project is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.

Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“After a tragic 2019 on our roads, and local roads in Geelong, I’m pleased to be able to provide a place for the community to visit, reflect and remember people who have been impacted by road trauma.”

“Already this year we have seen an unacceptable number of people lose their lives on Victorian roads – we hope this memorial provides people with a comfortable place to reflect.”

Quote attributable to artist Don Walters

“I hope Solace will be an engaging visual experience and a place for contemplation and reflection for all those in the Victorian community who have been impacted by road trauma.”

Quotes attributable to Manager Towards Zero Engagement Meg Jacobs

This memorial will also highlight the important work of Victoria’s road safety support networks, raising awareness of Road Trauma Support Services Victoria who are often people’s first call when they’re looking for support following a death or serious injury on our roads.

The TAC is proud to be working with the City of Greater Geelong, RTSSV, Uniting Church of Victoria, clients and community to deliver this important memorial on the Geelong waterfront."

Quote attributable to City of Greater Geelong Councillor Pat Murnane, Chair, Community Health, Wellbeing and Safety portfolio

"We are pleased to see work begin on the public art memorial, which will be a significant addition to Geelong’s waterfront. We have also committed extra funding to help create a comfortable and scenic space that provides access for all people to reflect on, and remember, their loved ones."

Caption: Pictured (from left), artist Don Walters, Manager Towards Zero Engagement Meg Jacobs, City of Greater Geelong councillor Pat Murnane, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Kylie Grzybek.