A step closer to survivors’ memorial

DESIGN progress has been made on the sexual violence survivors memorial to be established in Victoria Park beside Lake Two.

City of Ballarat launched a nationwide competition late last year, encouraging professional creatives to develop concept illustrations for what the Continuous Voices Memorial could look like.

Three art and design groups have been shortlisted and given $5000 to finish planning over the coming month, with advice from a grassroots reference group of survivors, advocates, and First Nations people.

In May, applicants will present to a selection panel chaired by City of Melbourne’s Creative Urban Places Program lead David Fitzsimmons.

“It is a great achievement to be down to the final three designers, to develop a memorial that will not only be a space to remember victims of abuse that are no longer with us but also a place to recognise the lasting impact this has on the wider community,” Continuous Voices reference group member, Blake Curran said.

Mr Curran was young when he lost his father, Peter, to depression. Peter was abused throughout his childhood as a student at Ballarat catholic schools.

“I’m very proud of the collaborative and trauma-informed approach that the City of Ballarat has had with victim-survivors, advocates, LOUD Fence and so many more to get to this very important stage,” Mr Curran said.

The purpose of the memorial

will be to highlight and remember the trauma experienced by victims and survivors of sexual abuse,

both in Ballarat, and across the nation.

The reference group would also like the memorial to be a place for survivors, their families and friends to visit to reflect and heal, and a space that starts conversations.

The Continuous Voices Memorial has received $520,000 worth of backing from the City of Ballarat and $500,000 from the State Government.

Further funding is being sought to complete the project, which is expected to cost $1.5 million.

If you or someone you know is dealing with issues resulting from sexual or physical abuse, help is available from CASA on 1800 806 292 or casacv.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au, and 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.