Plaque and memorial requests

Requests for plaques and memorials will be considered based on the following:

• An individual or community organisation that has contributed significantly to the cultural, political, environmental or social aspects of the development of the Yarra Ranges for a minimum of 25 years or have been recognised for a significant achievement or event

• An individual or community organisation strongly linked to the Yarra Ranges municipality and its history
• An individual or community organisation that has made an enduring contribution to the Yarra Ranges over and above what might be reasonably expected through paid employment or voluntary contribution
• Consideration of other awards the individual may have received. e.g., Australia Day Honours
• A significant anniversary of an event unique to the history and development of the township or location
• Historical or other information relevant to the proposed site/location of the plaque or memorial
• Plaques recognising the donation of park furniture from recognised community organisations

Applications for public memorials will generally not be considered within 12 months following the death of a person to allow for the development of historical perspective and for consideration of the criteria for significance. Exceptions may be made in unique circumstances.

If the application is unlikely to meet the criteria outlined above, the following alternative commemorative options may be available:

• Attend a community planting day
  Each year schools, community groups, environmental volunteers and the public help plant at various sites across the Council. These planting days help to build personal and community connections with the land. If you'd like to find out how to get involved contact Yarra Ranges Council's Bushland team via mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
  
  
• Contribute towards Yarra Ranges Council's tree planting program
  Trees are the heart of the Yarra Ranges, deeply intertwined with our culture, values, and communities. They shape our landscapes and provide essential benefits to our health, wellbeing, environment, ecology, and economy.
  
  You can make a lasting tribute to a person or organisation by supporting the Council's tree planting program.
  
  Contributions of any amount are appreciated, and every contribution makes a difference. To give you an idea, the cost to supply, plant, and maintain a tree for the vital first two years is approximately $400.00 (as of February 2025).
  
  Your generosity will help fund the Council's ambitious tree planting initiative, which focuses on expanding and sustaining our tree canopy.
  
  Yarra Ranges Council's Tree Management team will carefully select the most suitable tree species and planting locations, ensuring every tree thrives in its new environment. Planting will occur seasonally to give each tree the best chance to grow.
  
  To help us nurture a greener, more vibrant future, contribute here.

Any application must demonstrate broad community awareness and support for the individual or community organisation and include any evidence supporting the application.
Include as much supporting information in your application as you can gather.

Things to note

The Plaques & Memorial Panel meets quarterly to assess applications, therefore notification of the result of your application may take up to 3-months to be received.

• Design or selection shall be completed in conjunction with Council's Parks, Trees & Trails and Design & Place teams.
• Open Space assets donated from community organisations should be reflective of Councils asset suite.
• Full payment is required after approval of the application and prior to the ordering of the plaque, memorial or memorial asset.
• Proposed sites for plaques or memorials must meet the requirements of Council planning documents and regulations, not create community safety risk, and not impede the function of Council asset or service.
• As the purchase, installation and on-going maintenance of plaques, memorials or memorial assets require significant resourcing, the applicant will be required to meet all costs associated with the design, manufacture, purchase and installation, as well as maintenance costs for a period of two years following installation.

To give you an idea, the cost to supply, install and maintain assets for 2 years (as of February 2025) is:

• Park bench - approximately $1,700.00-$2,500.00 depending on location
• Picnic table setting - approximately $2,300.00-$5,200.00 depending on size and location
• Premium drinking fountain - approximately $12,000.00
• Plaque - approximately $400.00-$600.00 depending on size and material

Enter your contact details, the type of memorial requested, supporting information and documents into the application form. Include as much supporting information as you can gather.

We will be in contact within 3 months to advise the outcome of your application.