Personal Tributes

Each worker lost during the construction of the West Gate Bridge was a loved husband, father, brother or mate. All who lost someone in the tragedy will remember them in their own special way.

The West Gate Bridge Memorial Committee encourages anyone with a personal memory or reflection of one of our fallen comrades to share their memories here.

If you would like to share your memories of a bridge worker, please contact us. We are happy to consider any submissions for publication on this site.

Paddy Donnelly’s tribute to his mate Joe Owens – the last man killed during the bridge construction in December 1972.

Personal tributes

Each worker lost during the construction of the West Gate Bridge was a loved husband, father, brother or mate. All who lost someone in the tragedy will remember them in their own special way.

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.