Workers Memorial Quilt: A powerful reminder of the importance of OHS

admin • November 9, 2026

BeSafe recently had the privilege of attending the unveiling of the Memorial Quilt at Melbourne Trades Hall; a deeply moving tribute to those who have lost their lives at work.

Handcrafted by grieving families, the quilt features 45 individual squares. Each square was carefully sewn by hand to honour a loved one who never came home due to a preventable workplace fatality. Behind every stitch is a personal story, a family forever changed, and a stark reminder that workplace health and safety is about far more than compliance and checklists: it is about protecting human lives.

The unveiling ceremony featured powerful addresses from four speakers who shared their personal experiences and insights into the ongoing impact of workplace tragedy. Attendees heard from Bette Phillips-Campbell, the founder of GriefWork, alongside Victorian Trades Hall Council Assistant Secretary Wil Stracke, Workplace Safety Advocate Dr Lana Cormie, and Alannah McGregor, founder of the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network (SPAN), who spoke courageously about the devastating loss of her children. Their words underscored the vital need for both preventative safety measures and ongoing support for families left behind.

The Memorial Quilt project originally began through the Uniting Church’s Work-Related Grief Support Program. This vital program was one of the earliest initiatives of what is now known as GriefWork, currently the only specialist bereavement support service in Australia dedicated exclusively to families affected by work-related fatalities. Before finding its home at Melbourne Trades Hall, the quilt travelled across Australia to raise public awareness about workplace injuries and deaths, sparking important conversations about safety.

Today, the Memorial Quilt hangs proudly in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training room at Melbourne Trades Hall. Its' placement could not be more fitting. Every time workers, health and safety representatives, and trainees attend this room, the quilt will stand as a powerful visual reminder of why safe workplaces matter, and the true human cost when workplace safety falls short.

At BeSafe, we remain committed to helping Victorians build safer working environments so that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.

Conference success

By admin • November 6, 2026

The VTHC HSR Conference 2026 was a resounding success - bringing Health and Safety Representatives together to learn, to network and to strengthen safety leadership across Victorian workplaces. The 2026 Theme was “Extreme Weather, Extreme Risk”, with HSRs learning about the OHS challenges posed by extreme and changing weather. This year’s statewide conference focused on how extreme weather is reshaping workplace health and safety, the new risks workers face, and how HSRs can use their powers to prevent harm. Over one thousand HSRs attended the conference, both at the central location in Melbourne and at satellite sites around the state - hosted in Ballarat, Wangaratta, Bendigo and Morwell. For regional HSRs, the satellite events were more than a convenience - they allowed for equitable access to safety training. Travelling to Melbourne can be costly and time‑consuming, and satellite conferences ensure geography is no barrier to participation. The opportunity to attend a more local event also supported strong regional networking, helping HSRs connect with peers facing similar local industry challenges. At BeSafe Victoria, we were thrilled to receive 76 registrations for the Ballarat event. The hall was full - with all the attendees bringing their passion and commitment to safety. There were HSRs from across all types of workplaces, with the following industries represented: Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Mining, Manufacturing, Electricity, gas, water and waste services, Construction, Wholesale trade and retail trade, Accommodation and food services, Transport, postal and warehousing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Administrative and support services, Public administration and safety, Education and training, Healthcare and social assistance, Arts and recreation services. We loved seeing many familiar faces, as well as meeting many new HSRs and safety advocates. We were also pleased to welcome representatives from WorkSafe Victoria, including those who gave a presentation and answered questions from the HSRs. Highlights From the 2026 Program The statewide program featured a strong lineup of speakers and expert-led sessions, which were streamed to satellite locations: Uncle Bill Nicholson, Wurundjeri Elder Danae Bosler, Assistant Secretary, Victorian Trades Hall Council The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for WorkSafe Cathy Henderson, CEO, WorkSafe Victoria Combined presentations with Dr Andrew Ireland and HSRs Chloe and Jake Alex Bourjaili, General Manager Service Incolink Dr Andrew Watkins, exploring climate science and workplace risk and HSRs Mary and Dimity Following the presentations, HSRs had the opportunity to discuss extreme weather and the ramifications in their own workplaces through local breakout sessions. This year’s topic was certainly relevant to all workplaces, but had particular issues pertaining to regional workers, with unique challenged faced due tot eh location of workplaces and also their homes. This year’s topic was broadly applicable across all workplaces, yet it raised several issues that were particularly significant for regional workers, who face unique challenges due to the location of their workplaces and homes. Many HSRs left with OHS issues to discuss back at their workplaces – empowered with the knowledge to do what HSRs do best – represent their workmates and be safety champions in their workplace. Thank you to all who supported the regional satellite conference locations! We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Refresher courses available

By admin • October 19, 2026

At BeSafe Victoria, we offer four different HSR Refresher OHS Training Courses. All of them are WorkSafe approved courses. Here is what you can expect from the 4 topics… These WorkSafe-approved HSR refresher OHS training courses aim to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to raise, and contribute to the resolution of, health and safety issues arising from exposure to 4 different groups of hazards: Plant During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: The legislative framework and the role of HSRs Designated work groups and HSR powers Risk Management How to apply the risk management cycle to risks associated with Plant Issue resolution procedures Provisional Improvement Notices Psychological Health During this program you will refresh and update your knowledge by: Understanding psychological health Identifying psychosocial hazards Knowing legal duties Understanding HSR roles and powers Applying risk management processes Assessing psychosocial risks Controlling and reducing risks Resolving workplace issues Using prevention plans and supports Gendered violence During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: HSR rights and powers under the OHS Act Gendered violence definitions and workplace examples How to identify these hazards and risks in the workplace How to address work-related gendered violence as a health and safety issue Aggression or Violence During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: The risks associated with work-related aggression and violence How to identify, prevent and control these hazards The legislative framework, legal duties and requirements Understand HSR roles and powers Risk Management Incident Investigations Audience: Although HSRs are the primary audience, managers, supervisors, health and safety committee members and anyone with an interest in health and safety may also benefit from attending this course. NB: Under the OHS Act 2004 (section 67), all elected HSRs and deputy HSRs, after completing an initial course of training, have an entitlement for each year they hold office to attend a WorkSafe-approved HSR refresher OHS training course. An employer, if requested, must allow the HSR/Deputy HSR to attend on paid time, pay the cost of the course and any other associated costs. Section 67 also allows HSRs to choose the course, in consultation with their employer. Fees: $370pp + GST Enquiries: At BeSafe, we deliver training throughout Victoria. We so list our courses on our website, but we can also book in courses on demand in any location and we can even come and deliver a course on-site at your workplace. Just get in touch: 0467 002 060 info@besafevictoria.com.au www.besafevictoria.com.au HSR Training Courses | BeSafe | Regional Victoria