• Trees at Dee Why Lagoon
  • An elderly person with a blurred face sits on a wooden bench in a park, wearing a black and white patterned top, black pants, and black shoes. A black bag rests on the left side of the bench. The background features trees, bushes, and large rocks, with gravel or sand covering the ground.
  • Sign for Irene Crump Reserve at Freshwater Beach, mounted on two metal posts. The sign displays symbols for no dogs, no smoking, and no littering. In the background, ocean waves crash onto the shore, framed by greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.
  • Scenic lookout named Gugganagiva Kookaburra Lookout, featuring an informational sign with a kookaburra image, surrounded by lush green foliage. In the background, a panoramic view of a coastal city with buildings, water bodies, and hills under a clear blue sky.
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Memorials and naming honours are a meaningful way to recognise and celebrate people, events and places of significance to our community. They provide a way to acknowledge our shared history while supporting the many purposes of public spaces. Memorial types include a memorial tree (Council's preference) and a memorial seat.

How to apply

  1. Read through the options below and check your eligibility.
  2. Once you have chosen your option and location, fill in our application form.
  3. We will then be in contact to discuss and confirm details.

Memorial trees and seats

Eligibility 

  • Individual is deceased and was a resident of the Northern Beaches and
  • Is proposed for a Council approved location on council land. View memorial tree and seat locations >
    Locations shown may change or become unavailable from time to time. However, Council will endeavour to assist applicants in identifying a suitable approved location while balancing broader community needs and public space use.
  • Applications are assessed in accordance with the Memorials and Naming Honours Policy.

Memorial tree application process

  • Submit your application at least 6 weeks before your preferred planting window
  • Trees are planted during Council’s 2 designated planting windows, the first week of March and September (subject to conditions).
  • Tree species are selected in consultation with Council and must be suitable and endemic to the proposed location.
  • Memorial Trees with an accompanying physical plaque will only be approved in locations where the plaque and post do not pose a hazard.

Memorial seat application process

  • Memorial seats are approved at locations where Council identifies a demonstrated need by the community for a seat.
  • Please allow up to 3 months for your memorial seat application to be assessed.

What happens after approval

  • Applicants receive written approval outlining the location, fees, conditions and, for memorial tree applications, confirmation of the tree species.
  • Where approval is granted for a memorial seat, or for a physical plaque with a memorial tree, the applicant must supply an engraved plaque in accordance with Council’s specifications. 
  • Once fees are paid:
    - Council will plant the memorial tree and install any approved plaque within the next planting window, or
    - Council will supply and install the memorial seat and plaque
    - All plaques are to be provided by the applicant to council specifications.
  • All memorial trees will include a digital plaque published on Council's digital memorial plaque platform.
  • Council will maintain the memorial tree or seat and any associated plaque. Replacement of plaques, if required, is at the applicant's cost.

Fees 2026/2027

  • $1,700 each – memorial tree with digital plaque
  • $2,500 each – memorial tree with physical plaque (incl. digital plaque)
  • $3,402 each – new memorial seat and installation of plaque
  • $5,608 each – new seat, concrete slab and installation of plaque (most new seats will require a concrete slab)

The 2027/2028 fees for memorials will be posted on this webpage in July 2027. Council adopts its fees and charges every year in June when the budget is approved. 

Naming honours

Naming honours acknowledge the people, places and events significant to our community.

Eligibility

An application for naming honours will be considered if the naming proposal is for:

  • historical names, Aboriginal words or the names of indigenous species of plants, birds and animals
  • individuals who fulfil one or more of the following:
    • twenty or more years of association with a local community group or service club
    • the individual contributed to protecting, restoring, enhancing or maintaining an area that produces substantial long-term improvements for the community
    • local resident of note

Application Process

  • All applications are assessed against Council policy and, where required, NSW Geographical Names Board guidelines.
  • Eligible proposals are publicly exhibited for community feedback.
  • Council considers community feedback and determines the outcome at a Council meeting.
  • Applicants are advised in writing of the outcome.
  • Where required, approved names are forwarded to the Geographical Names Board for final endorsement.

Useful documents

Useful Links

Memorials and naming honours application form

Fill in your application for a memorial or naming honour.