Honouring those who have lost their lives through workplace issues

A service was held at the Ourimbah Wall of Remembrance on Monday, April 28, to mark International Workers Memorial Day.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the annual event was well attended, with family and friends pausing to reflect on the loved ones lost due to workplace death or occupational illness whilst at work.

“The service provides an opportunity for our community to remember those we have lost, but also reminds us to recognise the importance of work, health and safety conditions in our workplaces and that we can always do better,” Mehan said.

Also attending the service were Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley, who is Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism and Minister for the Hunter, and representatives from SafeWork NSW, Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia and various trade unions.

Local singer-songwriter Asha delivered heartfelt tunes to accompany the service.

“The International Workers Memorial Day Service on the Central Coast has become etched in our community,” Mehan said.

“Hosting this event is a privilege … and allows our community to remember the dead and fight for the living.

“It’s also a poignant reminder that we can lose a loved one due to workplace incident or illness quite suddenly and without warning.

“Conversations around workplace safety should always be front of mind as every death is preventable.

“Central Coast residents who have lost a loved one because of work are welcome to have that person’s name recorded on this wall, to honour their work and remind us of the loss to our community and can contact my office for this to be arranged,” Mehan said.