Concept designs sought for survivors’ memorial

A NATIONWIDE competition encouraging creatives to develop designs for a planned Continuous Voices Memorial has been launched.

The memorial would be the first in Australia for survivors of sexual violence and is planned for Victoria Park beside Lake Two.

Continuous Voices Community Reference Group member Blake Curran said the space could be a place for survivors, their families, and friends to visit to reflect and heal, as well as something that starts conversations.

Mr Curran lost his father Peter to depression after he had been abused as a child at Catholic institutions in Ballarat.

“This memorial will not only be a space to remember our victims of abuse that are no longer with us but will be a place to recognise the lasting impact that abuse of this nature has on the wider community,” Mr Curran said.

“The serenity of the space is not lost on us who visit the site. The calm nature of the waterways and the abundance of natural life allow all visitors to feel a sense of belonging to something much larger than themselves.

“I’m the father of a seven and nine-year-old who don’t have a grandfather anymore, and I’m hoping to take them to this space once it’s complete.

“The survivor community in Ballarat is opening up conversations with the next generation.”

As part of the design competition, three successful creatives will be given $5000 to continue to develop their idea alongside the Continuous Voices Community Reference Group, before a final design is selected in May.

City of Melbourne’s Creative Urban Places Program lead David Fitzsimmons is panel chair of the competition.

“The selection of a prominent and peaceful site in Victoria Park provides for creation of a place, of national significance, offering sanctuary and solace for all those affected,” he said.

“The expert panel for the selection of the design for the memorial is committed to offering all their support to assist in the establishment of a place which not only recognises the gravity of individual experience but also a sense of collective love and hope.”

The first part of the competition will close on Friday 2 February, with the three shortlisted options announced before 1 March.

The memorial currently has $520,000 worth of funding from the City of Ballarat, $500,000 from the State Government, but needs a further $500,000 to be finished.

The plan is to see it complete by some time in 2026.

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.