Every year during National Asbestos Awareness Week AVA holds its Annual Memorial Service at Pitman Park, Salisbury with the support of the Council of the City of Salisbury. The Council established a memorial stone in Pitman Park in 2005 with a plaque to acknowledge all asbestos victims, including the many local people who worked at the James Hardie asbestos factory at Elizabeth West. Many of those people were subsequently diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and sadly lost their lives as a result.
The service is attended by many who have lost a loved one to an asbestos related disease as well as dignitaries who support AVA. After an acknowledgment of country and a brief service there are speakers with messages of support and people affected by asbestos tell their stories. Following this there is a one-minute silence of remembrance. The Pipes & Drums of the Royal Caledonian Society of SA then play Amazing Grace – it is a very affecting experience.
Floral Tributes are laid, and attendees have the opportunity to leave flowers by the cross of their loved ones. The pipers play again to close the ceremony.
