• 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. 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

Applications for memorial trees can be made from 1 July 2026.

Memorial seat and plaque

Eligibility and Process

An application for a memorial seat with a plaque will be considered if the memorial is:

  • for an individual who is deceased and was a resident of the Northern Beaches and
  • proposed to be located on Council land at a location approved by Council (there are some locations where a new memorial seat won't be considered, including ocean headlands and clifftop reserves).

An overview of the memorial seat application process is set out below:

  • Complete the online application form.
  • Applications are assessed in accordance with the Memorials and Naming Honours Policy.
  • All applicants will be sent a written response about the outcome of their application. 
  • Approved applicants will receive an approval letter that includes:
    • the approved location.
    • the fees and an invoice (approved applicants are to pay for the memorial seat and installation).
    • the applicant is responsible to purchase and supply an engraved plaque to Council (the plaque specifications such as the size will be included in the letter).
    • Council will purchase and install the seat and the plaque (supplied by the applicant) once the fees are paid.
    • Council will maintain the seat and the plaque. Should the plaque require replacing this will be at the applicant's cost.

Fees 2025/2026

  • $809 each - installation of plaque on existing seat
  • $3,299 each- installation of plaque and new seat
  • $5,439 each - installation of plaque, new seat and concrete slab
  • The 2026/27 fees for seats and plaques will be posted on this webpage in July 2026. 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 and Application Process

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

An overview of the naming honours application process is set out below:

  • Complete the online application form.
  • Applications received are assessed by Council in accordance with the Memorials and Naming Honours Policy and where applicable the NSW Geographical Names Board (GNB) naming policy.
  • If an application is deemed to be ineligible the applicant will be informed in writing.
  • If an application is deemed to be eligible the applicant will be informed in writing and then the naming proposal will be publicly exhibited by Council for community feedback.
  • Findings and feedback from the public exhibition will be reported to Council along with a recommendation about the naming proposal. This report will be made public when the agenda for the Council meeting is published on Council's website.
  • Should Council not approve the naming proposal the applicant will be informed in writing.
  • Should Council approve the naming proposal, and it does not require approval by the GNB, the new name will be implemented as resolved by Council and the applicant will be informed in writing.
  • Should Council approve the naming proposal and it requires approval by the GNB, the naming proposal will be submitted to the GNB for their approval. If approved by the GNB the new name will be implemented. If not approved by the GNB the new name will not be implemented. The applicant will be informed in writing.

Useful Documents

Useful Links

Memorials and naming honours application form

Fill in your application for a memorial or naming honour.