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 Timber industry remembers fallen 

Timber industry remembers fallen

5/06/2008 11:47:00 AM
Over 400 people were expected to gather in Eden's Welling's Park this Saturday at 12.30pm for the official opening of the National Timber Workers Memorial.

Timber workers and their families will hear speeches from key dignitaries and witness the unveiling of the names of 83 workers who lost their lives in the industry from as early as the 1800s to earlier this year.

The Axeman's Association began the emotional project after Geoffrey Munday, a husband and father of three, lost his life in 2001 in a tree felling accident.

The huge collaborative effort included the time and efforts of the Eden Killer Whale Museum (EKWM), Eden Services and Social Club Inc. (ESSCI), the Eden Access Centre, along with the steering group, which was formed back in 2002.

The seven members of the steering group are Geoffrey's parents Gill and Bob Munday, Frank Whitelaw, John Aveyard, Barry Rolfe, Marie Slater and Mark Boller.

They put the finishing touches on the circular memorial this week.

"To us personally it will be good to see it all completed," Geoffrey's sister Kathy Munday said.

"It's going to be a big and emotional day for everyone."

Her father, Bob Munday said that families of lost men were deeply touched by the project.

"It's something they have looked forward to and it's a bit of recognition for their loved ones."

Much has been done by the committee and its supporters since the centrepiece sculpture, by Delegate sculptor Rix Wright, was put in place in early March.

The sculpture depicts a fallen timber worker being helped by a mate.

Other works included the construction of the curved, brick wall, landscaping, a footpath and most recently timber from the old Tarraganda Bridge at Bega and another from Lakes Entrance was sourced for the entrance, pergola and seven bollards.

Six of the bollards depict a pictorial history and one at the entrance to the memorial bears a poem written by Gill Munday.

The memorial also features four tiles crafted by Mr Wright which are based on historical photographs which depict technological changes within the industry.

A barbecue will follow the official opening on Saturday and to compliment the event, the Eden Killer Whale Museum has an exhibition of the timber industry on display until August.

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National Timber Memorial committee members Bob Munday, daughter Kath Munday and Frank Whitlaw put up the memorial plaques on Monday morning.
National Timber Memorial committee members Bob Munday, daughter Kath Munday and Frank Whitlaw put up the memorial plaques on Monday morning.

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