There will be a number of events and publications to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the West Gate disaster on Thursday 15 October 2020. We will add information to this list as we hear about them.

Memorial — The in person memorial will now happen on 15 October 2021, next year, due to the pandemic. The West Gate Memorial Committee and the Victorian Trades Hall Council will be putting online some materials to mark this year’s anniversary. Read more on the Memorial Committee’s website.

TV documentary — A new doco about the West Gate Bridge will air on 15 October at 7:30pm on the NINE network (in Victoria only, unfortunately). This documentary has been made by actor and producer Shane Jacobson. The doco will be available on 9Now (the catch up service) immediately after it airs for those living elsewhere. Sarah has been interviewed for the documentary, and we provided our research to the production team.

3CR radio broadcast — Melbourne based station 3CR is making historical content available on its website, and will have a special commemorative broadcast on 15 October 2020 from 2pm. You can listen live on their website.

WorkSafe Victoria has interviewed bridge workers Pat Preston and Tommy Watson, which will be screened on its website and YouTube Channel.

Sarah and Elizabeth are working with artist Sam Wallman and editor Jacinda Woodhead on a cartoon story about the disaster and our research, and we’ll post the link to it on the anniversary.