A PERMANENT memorial to workers killed on the job is likely to be erected near the site where two men were killed in a trench collapse at Winter Valley in March 2018.
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Ballarat Trades Hall has confirmed it is seeking expressions of interest from artists to work with the families of Jack Brownlee and Charlie Howkins in creating a lasting legacy to both men and other people who have died while at work.
The memorial is set to be located in a green wedge section of the new Winter Valley estate with the developers setting aside a 2m x 2m patch of land which would be surrounded by an open area for reflection.
Secretary of Ballarat Trades Hall Brett Edgington said it was known that the temporary memorial would one day be moved.
"There has been ongoing consultation with the families, Dave and Janine (Brownlee) and Lana (Cormie), they've always had a plan that they'd like to see a permanent memorial," Mr Edgington said. "We've been consulting with the developer. They will set aside a spot which, when handed over, will be administered by the City of Ballarat."
What form the memorial takes, and what it will be made from, will be determined by conversations between the chosen artist and the families.
"Whether it's a sculpture, statue, piece of public art, stone, metal, that's the process we're going through. We'll be sitting down with the families and going through concepts," Mr Edgington said.
Jack's mother Janine Brownlee said it was important that the memorial not only remembered the lives "of the boys", but all workers who have died at work.
"We've noticed with memorials we've attended, it's a very emotional time but when the service is done and dusted, everyone goes their own way," she said.
"So we've talked about having a space, where you can not only reflect, but potentially have a barbecue as well, somewhere where people can hang around and talk.
"Also, we think it's important that it's somewhere where people, such as Lana, or anyone who has children can take their children and teach about what has happened."
Dave Brownlee said the memorial plans were in the early process, but heaped praise on developer of the Winterfield Estate, Goldfields Group, who he described as being "outstanding" in its support.
"Initially it was the developer who offered to put something in there," Mr Brownlee said.
"Trades Hall is working through the negotiations, but we are absolutely honoured they would think of us in this way."
Dr Cormie said she hoped the space could become a "happy place where people could go and spend time with their loved ones".
"We'd love it to be a lovely space for the community to have in a broader sense," she said.
"While It's about honouring Jack and Charlie and all those lost at work, it's also about the awareness these types of incidents have occurred and continue to occur."
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