Focus on The Muster Point and discuss the Design.
The Muster Point is designed as a "walk-through" steel and bronze sculpture with gates that are locked but can be opened to allow access. The sculptor described the Muster Point work "as a visual analogy to reflect the real life experiences of the employees of the Newcastle Steelworks, prior to the closure of the plant".Items associated with work at the steelworks are included in the design. For example, there is a whistle and a clock as well as a locomotive driver to represent the rail that moved all the steel. The images of four men on the gates represent friendship and the four walls create a skyline profile that references the one seen when looking at the plant. The cats are in recognition that the animals were dumped in the area.The relevant trade unions associated with steel manufacture are acknowledged by their initials, incorporated into one wall. Among them are the Federated Ironworkers' Association of Australia, the Maritime Union of Australia, the Transport Workers Union of Australia, the Electrical Trades Union of Australia, the Building Workers Industrial Union, the Operative Painters and Decorators Union, the Federated Clerks Union of Australia, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.
A cross is incorporated into the design to honour the people who lost their lives doing dangerous work for BHP.
Maritime Union of Australia BHP bronze Building Workers Industrial Union Newcastle Steelworks sculpture locomotive Australian Manufacturing Workers Union Electrical Trades Union of Australia Steel Federated Ironworkers' Association of Australia Transport Workers Union of Australia Newcastle