National Workers Memorial (Australia) facts for kids

The National Workers Memorial is a special place in Canberra, Australia's capital city. It's built to remember and honor all the workers who have sadly died because of accidents, incidents, or illnesses related to their jobs.

Why This Memorial Was Built

In May 2011, the Australian Government decided to create this memorial. They wanted a place to honor Australians who lost their lives while working.

The memorial also serves other important purposes:

• It's an important reminder about how vital work health and safety is. It shows we all need to keep working hard to prevent accidents and diseases at work. It also helps us think about how Australia's ideas about workplace safety have changed over time.
• It's a place where visitors can leave a tribute for someone they loved. You can pause and reflect here, often hearing the bells of the National Carillon nearby. It's also a space for people to gather and hold ceremonies.
• It's a key spot for the national celebration of Workers Memorial Day. This day is recognized around the world every year on April 28.

Sadly, about 300 people die each year in Australia because of workplace incidents.

Where to Find the Memorial

The memorial is located in Canberra, within Kings Park, Canberra. It's right next to Lake Burley Griffin and you can hear the bells of the National Carillon.

Other memorials close by include:

• The National Police Memorial (Australia)
• The memorial for HMAS Canberra (D33)

The National Capital Authority approved the memorial. This is because it is located inside the Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra area of Canberra.

What the Memorial Looks Like

The memorial has eight tall stone poles. These poles are placed in a way that looks like a map of Australia, marking where the state and territory capital cities are.

The architects, Johnson Pilton Walker, designed circles around these poles. These circles have words written on them. The words represent what should happen when people know about and use good work health and safety practices.

The path leading to the memorial has two important messages carved along its edge:

• "every worker has the right to return home"
• "every workplace death diminishes us as a nation"

Building the memorial cost about A$3 million.

Opening Ceremony

The memorial was officially opened on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Images for kids

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  "every worker has the right to return home"

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  "every workplace death diminishes us as a nation" and "I think about her every day"

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  Plaque