West Gate Bridge Memorial | West Gate Bridge Memorial

The Error

by admin | Jun 3, 2005 | West Gate Bridge Memorial

What seemed like a small issue at the time, a 114mm gap would cost 35 men their lives. At the time, the decision was made to close the gap using concrete ballast, also known as kentledge. A quick fix, it was believed, with no one anticipating the fatal consequences of...

The Collapse

by admin | May 3, 2005 | West Gate Bridge Memorial

Moments after hanging up the phone, Gerit Hardenberg heard a low rumbling sound that grew into an earth-shaking roar, only to fade into an eerie silence. What he couldn’t hear was the unsettling pinging as rust flakes tore off weathered steel or the grinding screech...

The Stories

by admin | Apr 3, 2005 | West Gate Bridge Memorial

The rescue teams discovered 32 bodies that tragic day, each one tied to a life that was full of promise and dreams now lost. Among them was 23-year-old Jouzaf Ozelis from North Altona, who had been planning to marry 19-year-old Regina Buzinkas; 19-year-old Cyril...

The Error

The Collapse

The Stories

Voices of Remembrance.

The West Gate Bridge Memorial honours the sacrifice of 35 men who gave their lives, so that we could work in safer conditions. Their loss led to change that ensures we can go to work and return home safely to our families. Their memory will never be forgotten.

Working on the West Gate Bridge changed the lives of many, including mine. It was a wake-up call for all of us, seeing the dangers we faced and the need to fight for safety. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Being on the West Gate Bridge that day, so close to the collapse, was a moment I’ll never forget. The tragedy became the turning point for the entire construction industry.