State’s dedicated road trauma memorial complete

Published date: 31 Aug 2020

Victorians now have access to an enduring memorial to remember people who have lost their lives or been injured on Victorian roads, with the first state-wide road trauma memorial now open on the Geelong waterfront.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said that Ocean Grove’s Don Walters’ sculpture ‘Solace’ will be an important place for all people affected by road trauma to visit and remember their loved ones.

The steel and stone sculpture has a permanent home along the picturesque waterfront off Hearne Parade, where the views will provide a peaceful place for remembering.

Mr Walters’ design uses the moon as a metaphor ‘for the constantly changing range of emotions that all who experience loss through road trauma progress through.’

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.

Having been recognised as a need and instigated by the Road Trauma Support Services Victoria, the memorial will also raise awareness for support networks such that Victorians can access.

The Victorian Government partnered with the TAC and the City of Greater Geelong to deliver the road trauma memorial project with support from RTSSV and Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“This poignant design will help create a space for people to stop and remember loved ones who have lost their lives on the roads.”

“No one healing from road trauma needs to go through it alone – this memorial provides a permanent reminder that support is available.”

Quote attributable to TAC Senior Manager Engagement Meg Jacobs

“It is important that, through this project, we create a memorial that is a peaceful and comforting space for people to reflect on those killed and seriously injured on the roads.”

Quote attributable to Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher

“Solace is a compelling and thoughtful artwork that provides an emotional focal point for those seeking a quiet and reflective space – we’ve carried out further landscaping works to provide all-abilities access to the area.”

Quote attributable to artist Don Walters

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