The City of Newcastle provides the opportunity for family and / or friends to remember their loved ones by way of a memorial bench or tree planting in Council parks and open spaces.

The following options enable you to provide an appropriate memorial in a suitable location.

Tree planting

A tree may be planted in a Council park in memory of a loved one. The preferred park, location within the park, and species of tree to be planted is determined in consultation with Council Officers. This is to ensure consistency with landscape design and existing or future use of the area.

Council will purchase the tree, undertake the planting, and assist with the short-term establishment of the tree. A level of service consistent with the existing maintenance level of the park will be provided. Should the tree need replacement within the short term due to vandalism or lack of establishment, Council will replace it at no cost to the client.

The minimum cost of a memorial tree is $720.32 plus $72.03 GST, totalling $792.35. This includes materials and planting. In some instances a tree guard will be required to ensure consistency with landscape design and to minimise the risk of vandalism. In this instance the cost will be $1020.32 plus $102.03 GST, totalling $1122.35 These costs are reviewed periodically and are subject to change, costs may also vary depending on the species and/or location etc.

Council will undertake all works associated with the planting. Please note that no memorial plaques are to accompany the planting of a tree. Council reserves the right to remove the tree and plant a replacement tree in an alternative location should the need arise. In this instance every effort will be made to liaise with the client to determine a satisfactory course of action, however this may not always be possible depending on the time lapse since the original planting.

Memorial seating

A park bench may be installed in a Council park in memory of a loved one. The preferred park and location within the park is to be determined in consultation with Council Officers. The style of seating must be consistent with existing seating in the park. A small memorial plaque can be provided by the client for attachment to the seat, with materials and dimension requirements for the plaque to be provided by Council Officers.

There are three types of seating available. Details and costs are as follows:-

1. Standard seat: $1436.05 plus GST $143.60 = $1579.65

2. Intermediate seat: $2321.79 plus GST $232.18 = $2553.97

The above costs include purchase and installation of the seat and attachment of the plaque to the seat, all of which must be undertaken by Council.

3. Design seats:

The City of Newcastle's Public Art and Placemaking Program provides the opportunity to select from a range of custom designed seating. This seating has been designed to reflect the character or theme of a particular area, and the seating, as depicted, is available to be installed at the relevant location. The locations and designs are appropriate to the parks as listed and are not interchangeable. Prices are available on application.

• Civic Park
• King Edward Park
• Jesmond Park

The estimated lifespan for park seating is approximately 10 years. Council will undertake general maintenance in line with the level of service provided at the relevant park. If the seat is vandalised during the 10 year period, it will be repaired or, if necessary, replaced by Council at no cost to the client. If, during this time, a plaque is stolen or damaged beyond repair, the client may provide a replacement plaque for installation by Council. Following the 10 year period application can be made to Council to consider a new memorial seat at full cost to the client.

Council reserves the right to relocate the seat, however in this instance every effort will be made to liaise with the client to determine a satisfactory course of action.

Download an application form for a memorial bench or tree planting.