Kelly was using a significant riveting gun when he slipped and missing his footing, plunging 55 metres towards the harbour down below. Other staff looked on, impressed, as Kelly, a qualified diver, turned a somersault and steadied his overall body to enter the water toes very first, before surfacing and swimming to basic safety.
On the gantry staying decreased down, Killen saw the fall. He jumped in and supported Kelly until eventually a rescue boat arrived.
Kenneth was picked through the Melbourne Herald newsreel group to climb to the top of the fresh construction. His daring feat showcased the bridge’s accessibility and sparked a sense of experience in youthful generations.
This ongoing maintenance guarantees the longevity and structural integrity of the iconic bit of infrastructure.
"I could picture which was some thing Grandad might have finished since he just did the matter that was essential to do."
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons must be mindful this Web site contains visuals, voices and names of Individuals who have died.
Given that its completion in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge has stood as a testomony for the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its builders. At first intended to final for a hundred a long time, the bridge is now 86 several years old and proceeds to serve as a significant transportation artery as well as a image of nationwide pleasure. Ongoing upkeep and regular repainting assure its longevity for generations to come.
The Killen family members would really like a plaque to get mounted on or close to the bridge to commemorate George Killen's steps.
2023 marks the 85th anniversary in the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a testament to its enduring legacy and importance in Australian heritage.
Normal repainting with the Sydney Harbour Bridge is vital for its routine maintenance and preservation. The lead-absolutely free paint applied to the bridge’s steelwork shields it from the harsh coastal features and limitations the development of rust.
On account of protection issues and to guard the bridge’s integrity, cruise ship operators ought to carefully think about the peak in their vessels right before attempting to pass beneath the bridge.
Nevertheless, yearly summer vacations as a boy while in the sixties put in viewing his grandparents at Soldiers Place in northern New South Wales were many of the happiest times in his daily life.
eight vincent kelly sydney harbour bridge meters broad. The metal arch of your bridge steps an impressive 134 meters through the top for the h2o below. This iconic moniker displays the bridge’s one of a kind shape and is becoming synonymous Along with the bridge itself.
Killen's actions are not in the record textbooks or perhaps the museums — most certainly for the reason that he under no circumstances spoke of it — not even mentioning The bizarre change his workday took to his wife, Margaret, when he bought property that day.
In all, 16 Adult males died because of incidents that occurred through construction on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Many Other folks suffered extended-time period health issues, for example Listening to harm due to continuous sound and not enough ear protection.
George Killen stored a number of pictures taken throughout construction, but it's not known if he is without doubt one of the Adult men pictured below. (Provided: Liz Killen)