This site is dedicated for the "Men and Women of Steel'' and their families for 84 Years in Newcastle, you are invited to leave your "Comments and Thoughts and Photos"
When we were a Steel City. Thousands worked there and sadly some gave their Lives, lets not forget them
https://www.facebook.com/muster.point.31
The figures
The number of the figures represents the eight decades that the BHP site was functioning and also the many different groups and skills needed to keep such a large operation running.
The abstraction of the figures is in relation to the fact that many of the people who died are unknown.
These figures are bowed slightly inward to symbolise showing respect for the men and women who died.
They will be forged from large solid steel sections using industrial forging techniques. This method is appropriate because of the industrial nature of BHP and will also give character and a human touch to the figures as they will show marks from the power hammers used to forge them and will also differ slightly in height and dimensions indicating the individuality of the workers who died.
They will have a low maintenance weathered galvanised finish.
The pillar
This central pillar symbolises the steel making nature of BHP in representing a large billet of steel. Around the top of this billet will be a brass ring with a simple remembrance message deeply carved into it. The brass being a more expensive metal and with its similarity in colour to gold represents the preciousness of those that died to their families and friends.
The pillar will be fabricated from weathering steel plate and the brass ring will be hand chiselled with beautifully carved lettering.
All the parts will be bolted down to cement foundations just below ground level with room to easily mow the grass around them.
Newcastle Industrial Heritage Association
http://www.niha.org.au/article.php/2014040308241098