Memorials and Plaques Fact Sheet

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The Sunshine Coast Council recognises the importance of memorials in celebrating our region’s history, culture, environment, people, organisations and events.

In order to manage the high number of requests received every year, council assesses requests based on the significance of the person, group or event to the community in which the memorial is proposed to be located.

This fact sheet is intended to assist prospective applicants determine if they should proceed with an application to seek approval for a memorial in a public space.

Please note that applications will need to satisfy the following criteria to be are successful.

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Criteria

Memorials which may be allowed commemorate:

  • A person or group that has made a highly significant contribution to the cultural, political or social development of a community or communities of the Sunshine Coast.
  • An important anniversary or an event which is recognised by the community or communities ofthe Sunshine Coast as being highly significant to the history and development of the Sunshine Coast; and
  • An historical or other culturally significant event recognised by acommunity as being significantand contributes to the cultural heritage of a particular site or area.

Note:Approval of the memorial application is dependent on the person/group/event (the subject of the memorial) demonstrating a significant contribution to the history, culture or social development of a community or communities of the Sunshine Coast.Applications must include evidence of significance (e.g.proof of community support, press clippings, accolades, awards).

Types of Memorials

Please refer to Guidelines for full explanation of Memorial types.

  • Standard Memorial Items – items that are designed costed and installed according to conditions determined by council.
  • Plaques – installed onto the existing concrete base of a bench or similar item of furniture, established in memory of any person, organisation or event.
  • Park Furniture – established in memory of any person, organisation or event; and taking the form of a bench, table or similar, and may be accompanied by a plaque.
  • Commemorative Trees – planted in honour or memory of person/s, organisation or event. Commemorative trees will not have plaques associated with them.
  • Non-standard Memorial Items–any memorial item that falls outside the scope of the standard memorial items will be deemed non-standard and includes objects, sculptures or structures that can be identified as a memorial in form, have a designer/artist in the development of the work, and are located on land whether owned or managed by council.

Application

If you feel your memorial fits Council’s criteria, you can submit an application form to be assessed for approval. Application forms are available to download on council’s website at: and search under “memorials”.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed against the criteria established from the Guiding Principles of the Memorials and Plaques Policy.

Two criteria are essential:

  • That the person, group or event is demonstrated to besignificant to the community, and
  • The design and placement of the memorial is appropriate and does not pose a safety risk

Please refer to the Guidelines for full details regarding the assessment and approval process.

Fees and Charges

If the application is approved, the applicant will be responsible for the full cost of the Memorial or Plaque, and for the ongoing maintenance, depending upon the type of memorial. Please refer to the Guidelines or website for indicative costs. Fees are subject to change due to site requirements (e.g. matching current park furniture).

Payment

On approval of a memorial and plaque application, applicants will be sent a letter outlining the next steps in the process and invoice for the approved products and services.

Payment of the invoice is required before any memorial items will be ordered or installation scheduled. Payment can be made online, over the phone, or in person at any council Customer Service Centre and via Post Billpay at Australia Post Offices.

Timeframes and Notification

Standard and Non-standard Memorial applications are assessed by a panel. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by phone/in writing, generally within six weeks of submitting an application.

Alternative Options

If your application for a Memorial or Plaque is not supported by council, there are several alternatives you may wish to consider:

  • Plant a tree on private land and hold a dedication ceremony
  • Sponsor a perpetual trophy for an event that is significant for your loved one. Have the trophy named appropriately as his or her ‘memorial event’
  • Create a garden or planting. Liaise with a local community group – check out the CommunityHub for environment groups which may be able to work with you
  • Think about other types of memorials – find out more from Council’s Cemetery staffon 5459 2300 or email .

Contact us

For further information please refer to Council’s website and search under ‘memorials’.

Call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 5475 7272

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