A memorial honouring those who have lost their lives or been injured on Victorian roads has been unveiled in Geelong.
The memorial, which sits on the Geelong waterfront, provides people a space for quiet reflection.
Synod’s Disability Inclusion Advocate Andy Calder, who served as project manager, had a personal connection to the cause, having been hit by a truck in 1986.
Fortunately Andy made a full recovery and later joined the Road Trauma Support Services Victoria Board.
“Through those networks and talking with bereaved and survivors, it became apparent that there needed to be a state-wide memorial for road trauma victims,” Andy says.
Andy was part of the selection committee that chose Ocean Grove artist Don Walter’s sculpture, titled “Solace”, as the winning design.
Don says the sculpture uses the moon as a metaphor “for the constantly changing range of emotions that all who experience loss through road trauma progress through”.
Road Safety minister Ben Carroll says the “poignant design will help create a space for people to stop and remember loved ones”.
“Road trauma has a widespread and permanent impact on the loved ones and communities left behind by death or impacted by serious injury to someone they know,” he says.
The memorial project is also supported by the Transport Accident Commission, City of Greater Geelong and Road Trauma Support Services Victoria.
A great achievement Andy. Honoring the years you have committed to the road Trauma issues. Thanks. There is a major shift in places of grieving with the number of roadside memorials however they are only relevant to actual deaths. This memorial will serve the wider traumas.