Elizabeth Gardens Workers Memorial Re-Development

Since 2009, Elizabeth Gardens in Invermay has been the location of the annual memorial service to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day annually on 28 April. The site has since been formally acknowledged through approval by the City of Launceston as a dedicated place for commemoration and recognition of those who have lost their lives at work.

Elizabeth Gardens provides vast opportunities for development to further enhance the experience of park users given the park's landscape, space for contemplation and location. The park is also very easily accessible and in close proximity to the Inveresk Precinct and University of Tasmania Stadium.

Following Elizabeth Gardens’ formal acknowledgement as a workers memorial park, design for the park development commenced. With initial funding provided by Unions Tasmania, the State Government, what was then Workplace Standards (now WorkSafe Tasmania), and a number of in-kind donations from local businesses, the construction of the first stage of the park was completed and officially opened in 2011.

This project now aims to complete the remaining stages of the park development to achieve the desired functionality and full intent of the commemorative park design.

The park’s design is unique and sensitive, intended to operate as a space of reflection and commemoration for the families whose loved ones died at work while also serving as a permanent reminder to the community of what can happen when safety is not front of mind and workers lose their lives. There is no other memorial dedicated to deceased workers in Tasmania.

The project will facilitate the construction of a commemorative walk, created by the combination of an arbour, seating and a path, using materials selected due to their relevance to a range of employment sectors. The project scope will also include refurbishing existing walkways with new surface treatments, a new pavilion, provision for individual memorials to be installed in the future, both area and decorative lighting and associated infrastructure such as stormwater drainage, water and electrical services.

The project design is currently complete, with a public tender advertised to find a suitable contractor for the works. Following the Tender period, Council will award a contract for the construction of the works.

The current construction period for the project is anticipated to begin in September 2024.

During the construction period, the Elizabeth Gardens will be closed. However, all pedestrian footpaths will be open as usual.

Location

Elizabeth Gardens, Invermay 7248  View Map

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Contact details

Customer Service
(03) 6323 3000
contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au
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