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Memorials

 
There are rules and guidelines about erecting a memorial on a grave site – all intended to give you creativity and freedom, while also maintaining the dignity of the cemetery, and the safety of staff and visitors.

Grave settlement

As explained on the grave care page, it is important to allow eleven months for a new grave to settle before placing a memorial on it.

Designing and creating a memorial

You are free to create a memorial to suit your needs, as long as it meets with some basic guidelines.

  • No glass, wood, metal, concrete, or soft, artificial, or reconstructed stone may be used.
  • No plastic, wire, or wooden fencing may be put up.
  • Memorials must be within size limits of 122cm height, 75cm width and 15cm depth (48x30x6 inches).
  • No offensive inscriptions may be used.
    • We also recommend that you use a mason who specialises in memorials. Members of the National Association of Memorial Masons are bound by a code of ethics intended to ensure quality and professionalism.

    Getting permission to place a memorial

    The grave owner must authorise any memorial or any work to be done on their grave site, as well as paying the memorial fee.

    NOTE: Non-residents requesting a new or replacement memorial will be charged four times as much as residents.

    Find out more:

    If the grave owner has died, ownership must be transferred before work can take place, as outlined on the grave ownership transfer page.

    You will also need permission from the Council. For this, you have to submit details of the planned memorial, including size, inscription, type of stone to be used, and the proposed method of fixing. Once everything is approved, a permit will be issued and the memorial mason can start work.

    Erecting the memorial

    Your memorial mason will take care of the details. Memorials can only be constructed on weekdays, and only during the normal opening hours of the cemetery. No disruption to other funerals can take place.

    Access to graves

    From time to time, memorials may need to be moved to allow access to surrounding grave sites. When this is done, cemetery staff will take care to protect your memorial and ensure it is replaced as soon as possible.

    Maintaining the memorial

    The grave owner is responsible for maintaining the memorial. All memorials must be kept safe, and any broken or damaged memorials that have become unsafe may be laid flat by cemetery staff.

    Insurance

    It is a good idea to insure a memorial against damage and vandalism. Ensure that your policy covers the memorial from the moment it is erected. Information about insurers is available from the National Association of Memorial Masons.

    Where to get forms and make applications

    You can get copies of any necessary forms and make applications with Cemetery Services

    A to Z of Services

    Contact information

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