Ocean Grove sculptor Don Walters has unveiled his permanent road trauma memorial at Geelong waterfront.
Mr Walters’ sculpture ‘Solace’ will be an important place for all people affected by road trauma to visit and remember their loved ones, Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said.
The permanent memorial to remember people who have lost their lives or been injured on Victorian roads is the first of its kind in the state.
“This poignant design will help create a space for people to stop and remember loved ones who have lost their lives on the road,” Mr Carroll said.
“No one healing from road trauma needs to go through it alone – this memorial provides a permanent reminder that support is available.”
The steel and stone sculpture has a permanent home along the waterfront off Hearne Parade, where the views will provide a peaceful place for remembering.
“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,” Mr Walters said.
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 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 Australia.
