Plaques and Memorials Policy endorsed

Council has endorsed its new Plaques and Memorials Policy, providing direction on requests for new memorials in public spaces throughout the region.

The new policy sets out when Council will consider a plaque or public memorial, to provide clarity for those wanting to commemorate an anniversary or a significant person.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov, said the policy would help Council balance the environmental values, aesthetic and purpose of public spaces and these requests.

“We have a great many plaques and memorials throughout Yarra Ranges, paying tribute to people who have made a significant impact on their communities and the wider region, or significant milestones that have passed,” Cr Todorov said.

“Previously, Council has not had a policy, process or governance regulating decisions on requests for plaques, memorials or scattering of cremation ashes on public infrastructure or in open space, which has created uncertainty about when we will and won’t consider a memorial.

“This policy will help us respect and honour significant community members, make permanent stories of incredible people and pass information on to those who come after us.

“This new policy will also make our criteria clear for when plaques or memorials can be established in public, it will give community members clarity on our decision making and assist with informing how the community can organise a tribute for someone who has made a tremendous public impact.”

Following the endorsement of the policy, Council will now create a Plaques and Memorials Panel to assess public applications, with representatives from Council’s Governance, Parks Trees & Trails, Indigenous Development and Heritage teams, as well as a senior officer appointed by the CEO.

An application form will also be created for Council’s website to accompany the policy and its criteria.