Cemeteries

The project was developed to provide a consistent and formal approach to public memorials across the Central Coast. The trees provide an option with minimal maintenance, low environmental impact and are a respectful, modern option to traditional memorials. It also provides a perpetual record for future generations as we record each plaque in Council’s cemeteries register.

Unauthorised (though well meaning) plaques were being installed in public locations which were a safety or maintenance risk or in inappropriate locations.    

In general memorial seats require significant maintenance resources and are relatively high cost.  Council sought to find a solution that meant anyone was able to purchase a ‘leaf’ plaque and have it installed, meaning Council was able to offer plaques/memorialisation to more people in the community. 

Council aims to ensure that the locations are spread across the Local Government Area so they reach the community as widely as possible.

Council teams select Memorial Tree locations by assessing where requests for seats and plaques predominantly come from, and where there are concerns about illegal plaques being installed.  

Council also needs to assess locations for land type, usage, zoning and appropriateness.  It is also important that the Memorial Trees are not the focus/purpose of the park or reserve - providing a level of privacy for people to visit and reflect.  

Community consultation has also included Council having a presence at various events, such as Senior events and other activities, to gather information and input.  Additional consultation will continue as the program rolls out further.
 

Each tree is constructed of marine grade stainless steel and has 348 temporary, recyclable leaves which are replaced with inscribed bronze plaques as they are purchased.

The trees provide an option with minimal maintenance, low environmental impact and are a respectful, modern option to traditional memorials. It also provides a perpetual record for future generations as we record each plaque in Council’s cemeteries register.  
 

Each memorial leaf costs $940.  The cost includes the space on the tree, the bronze inscribed plaque and installation. The cost also includes all administration, future maintenance and all project costs (footings, installation etc).   

While there was the initial investment in the project – the purchase of leaves ensures that costs are recovered. The cost also helps pay for some seating or landscaping as needed at some locations.

To date the concept has been very popular with the community and we have received a lot of positive feedback, with no vandalism apparent.  Part of the process to select locations is to make sure there is some visibility of the tree from a public perspective to try and circumvent vandalism issues.

Central Coast Council is the first Council to deliver the Community Memorial Tree concept. Central Coast Council was also a Finalist in the Local Government Excellence Awards 2024 for this project.