Memorials and Plaques Fact Sheet
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.
Criteria

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.
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 of the 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 a community as being
significant and contributes to the cultural
heritage of a particular site or area.
Note: Approval of the memorial application is
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.
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).
Application
Types of Memorials
Assessment Process
Please refer to Guidelines for full explanation of
Memorial types.
Applications are assessed against the criteria
established from the Guiding Principles of the
Memorials and Plaques Policy.

Standard Memorial Items – items that are
designed costed and installed according to
conditions determined by council.

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Plaques – installed onto the existing
concrete base of a bench or similar item
of furniture, established in memory of
any person, organisation or event.
Memorials and Plaques Factsheet – 2013 - 14
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:
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search
under “memorials”.
Two criteria are essential:

That the person, group or event is
demonstrated to be significant 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).
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 staff on
5459 2300 or email
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.
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Memorials and Plaques Factsheet – 2013 -14
cemeteries@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Contact us
For further information please refer to Council’s
website www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and
search under ‘memorials’.
Call Council’s Customer Service Centre on
5475 7272