Northern Beaches Council has adopted an updated Memorials and Naming Honours Policy that ensures a consistent and respectful approach to honouring significant community members and events.

The new policy supports a flexible approach. In addition to allowing memorial benches with Council’s approval in locations where a seat is required like sportsfields, Council will also support the planting of memorial trees in suitable locations as part of a sustainable living memorial with the additional option of including plaques if approved.

In addition, in line with the NSW Geographical Names Board, rather than using individuals names for areas like parks, the preference will be for community, cultural, and environmental themes—such as using Aboriginal words, local flora and fauna and geographical features.

Mayor Sue Heins said that the people of the Northern Beaches care deeply about honouring those who make a difference to our community. 

“Council received strong support for improving clarity, consistency and sensitivity in how naming honours and memorials are managed across the Northern Beaches while still providing a degree of flexibility.

“This Policy ensures loved ones stories are remembered with respect, and that future memorials provide places for reflection, healing and connection,” Mayor Heins said. 

“Much of the community feedback supported the focus on celebrating our natural environment and diverse heritage, and we’ve responded by making sure the Policy is inclusive of all voices, honours the past and remains sensitive to the needs and expectations of today’s Northern Beaches community.

“The community’s feedback has been invaluable in refining the Policy. Our aim is always to be transparent and fair, creating a process that supports meaningful remembrance for families while keeping public spaces welcoming and well-managed.”