Memorial honours Aaron Knott one year after fatal M1 worksite incident

newy.com.au – A memorial has been unveiled in honour of Aaron Knott, marking one year since the worker lost his life while helping build the M1 extension at Tarro.

Mr Knott, 45, was a father of two from Kearsley, formerly of Gosford, and was known to family and friends as “Swamp”.

NSW Roads Minister and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison attended the unveiling on Friday afternoon, saying the ceremony followed a convoy and provided an opportunity to reflect on Mr Knott’s life and the lasting impact he had on those who knew him.

“I am incredibly proud of this road and the benefits it is delivering for our community. But every time I drive past, I think of Aaron, his family and his work mates,” Ms Aitchison said.

She said Mr Knott had been looking forward to travelling along the completed motorway and telling people he had helped build it.

“Aaron was excited to one day drive along the new road and proudly tell people he helped build it,” she said.

“It is heartbreaking that he never got that opportunity.”

Photographs show a memorial featuring a polished truck wheel between two upright exhaust stacks, set in a gravel bed bearing the Kenworth name. Flowers were placed at its base.

Emergency services were called to the construction site on the New England Highway at Tarro about 11.50pm on Thursday 6 November 2025.

Police said at the time that the worker had been standing behind a parked truck when he was allegedly struck by a material transfer vehicle travelling towards it. He died at the scene.

Work on the project stopped following the fatality. The John Holland and Gamuda joint venture said staff and contractors were offered counselling and support, and that it was assisting police and workplace safety regulators with their investigations.

The 15-kilometre M1 extension between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace opened to traffic in September.

Ms Aitchison said her thoughts were with his loved ones as they marked the anniversary, and encouraged motorists to remember his contribution when travelling through the area.

“Next time you drive through this area, I hope you think of Aaron and the contribution he made to our community,” she said.

Her tribute also included the message printed on a shirt: “Strength at work. Love at home. Safety in between.”