This year marks the 40th anniversary since a section of the Westgate Bridge collapsed, killing 35 workers.
Hundreds of former workers and their families gathered at the foot of the Westgate Bridge on Friday October 15, to remember Australia’s most deadly industrial accident.
AMWU members were among the former and current Westgate Bridge workers who attended the memorial.
As the crowd gathered at the foot of the pylon atop which the disaster occurred, Westgate Memorial Committee spokesperson, Danny Gardiner said that the events of that day had changed many lives.
“Forty years have seemed to have gone in the blink of an eye, for some. But not for the families and loved ones of the men who lost their lives. The pain and the tragedy have been with them ever since.
“As for the workers, and rescue teams who helped save the dying and the injured, it has been a constant in their lives and the bridge is a daily reminder.”
Mr Gardiner said that the tragedy had not been for nothing.
“If there has been a positive that’s come out of this tragedy, it has been the Occupational Health and Safety legislation since 1970. And some of the ex-Bridge activists played a key role in planning and implementation of these Acts.
“A legacy of the 35 that lost their lives has been safer workplaces. This bridge is a monument to them all, and a reminder to all workers, that we all must work safe,” he said.
Mr Gardiner also read out two emails from relatives of workers who died when the bridge collapsed.
For a full version of his speech, click here.
AMWU member, Billy Copeland, who worked on the bridge that day and is now working there again on the current upgrade, said the occasion was still an emotional one.
“We come every year, and it gets to you. I think it’s a pleasing thing to see so many people here to show respect. It’s a sad day, but it’s always with you,” he said.
He also had high praise for the workers who had formed the memorial committee.
“The memorial committee was set up shortly after the bridge fell. Danny Gardiner has been tremendous keeping people together, organising the reception that we’re having today for the families and survivors.
Ian Edwards, a boilermaker also currently working on the site, said that $40 000 had been raised for the memorial committee this year.
He was proud as a current worker on the bridge, to play a part in remembering the day.
“It should never happen again. My father’s friend was working on it when it went down and I’m hoping to catch up with him today.”
The Westgate Bridge Memorial Committee has been set up to honour the memory and support the family members of those killed and injured in the Westgate Bridge collapse. For more information, visit the website www.westgatebridge.org.