Permanent memorial for victims of road tragedy announced

By Gabriel Garcia

May 26, 2023

Makeshift memorial: Flowers and tributes at the Strathmerton crash site. The council will build a permanent memorial for all road users located at Federation Park. Photo by Gabriel Garcia

Moira Shire Council’s Wednesday, May 24 meeting saw the announcement of a permanent memorial to all those who have died on the shire’s roads.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The catalyst for the memorial was the April 20 Strathmerton crash in which four foreign workers and a local woman, 60-year-old Debbie Markey, lost their lives.

The collision also killed Ms Markey’s dog Miss Sofie.

The memorial will be located at Federation Park and the council’s independent administrator John Tanner said the memorial was also a fitting recognition of the strength of the Moira community who banded together to support bereaved loved ones.

The memorial will comprise of a symbolic tree and plaque.

“It (the Strathmerton crash) was the worst accident the shire has experienced in its history, but it bought to the fore our unique community spirit,” Mr Tanner said.

United in grief: Independent administrator John Tanner at the Strathmerton crash vigil on Wednesday, April 26. Photo by Gabriel Garcia

More than 300 people gathered at an emotional candlelight vigil on Wednesday, April 26 following the Strathmerton crash, including council workers, emergency service personnel and those who knew the victims.

Mr Tanner has appealed again to road users to show caution when using local roads.

“One death on our roads is one too many. I encourage everyone to be vigilant when driving and keep everyone safe.”

His request has been echoed by emergency service personnel who are frustrated with road users breaking the road rules and ignoring warning signs.

There have been 70 deaths on rural Victorian roads this year.