Steve Irwin death anniversary sparks idea for a memorial
Memorial Concept
A proposal to honour Australian legend “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin in Port Douglas has been floated by fan Patrick Bergmann to “keep his legacy alive” in the place he lost his life in a tragic accident doing what he loved.
The German national, now living in Cairns, has appealed on social media to start the conversation about the erection of a memorial plaque in Port Douglas for Irwin after he could find no place in town to pay respects to him on the 20th anniversary of his death, at Batt Reef.
“There are a few reasons why I feel quite strongly about this,’’ Patrick says of the proposal, which he adds has been well received.
“Firstly, as I mentioned in my post, I think we are increasingly lacking positive male role models across the Western world. Many people grow up without a strong father figure, and I think someone like Steve Irwin represents qualities that are worth keeping alive - courage, enthusiasm, curiosity, a love for nature, and a genuine desire to educate and inspire others.
“And how do you keep the legacy of someone like that alive? By continuing to talk about them, telling their story and keeping their name in people’s minds. That’s why I think a memorial in the Port Douglas area would be meaningful.’’
Patrick added that such a memorial could be positive for tourism.
“Steve Irwin is known around the world, and a well-designed memorial could become another reason for visitors to stop in Port Douglas,’’ he said.
“That would ultimately benefit the wider Port Douglas and Far North Queensland community. I’ve actually spoken to quite a few locals who didn’t even realise that Steve’s fatal accident happened off the coast near Port Douglas.
“I also think there’s a cultural aspect to it. Across many Western countries there’s a growing feeling that parts of national identity and culture are being lost, and I believe preserving the memory of iconic Australians like Steve is one small way of preserving Australian culture and passing it on to future generations.’’
An educational and safety aspect also could come from a memorial, Patrick says, adding that Irwin was one of the most experienced wildlife experts in the world, yet he still lost his life in an encounter with a wild animal in these waters.
“A memorial could remind visitors that the ocean and wildlife of Far North Queensland deserve respect. If that message makes even one person a little more cautious around the water or wildlife, it could potentially prevent another tragedy.’’
Patrick considered any memorial didn’t need to be “unrealistic or enormously expensive’’.
“Fundraising platforms make community projects much easier today. A friend of mine has already offered to help set up a fundraising page, and Australia Zoo could also be approached to see whether they would be interested in supporting or participating in the idea.
“A simple memorial plaque would probably be relatively inexpensive and straightforward. Personally, though, if there was enough community support and funding, I think a statue or sculpture would be much more powerful. A plaque can sometimes feel like it marks the end of someone’s story, whereas a figure of Steve could represent his continuing presence and legacy.’’
