Plaques, Monuments, and Memorial Guidelines

Memorials, including plaques and monuments, can benefit our community in many ways. They can teach us about our history and those who shaped our city. They help us to remember the ones we have lost and connect the present to the past.

Memorials in public spaces should connect with as many people as possible and keep our spaces open. They should withstand the test of time, in both form and message.

Because of the increasing number of applications for memorials that the City of Greater Bendigo is receiving, we have created a set of guidelines for all new memorials. If you would like to submit an application for a new memorial, it must meet the requirements below.

Memorials must be at least one of the following:

1. For a deceased individual or an association that has significantly contributed to the cultural, political or social aspects of Greater Bendigo's development; and/or
2. For a significant anniversary of an event unique to Greater Bendigo's history and development; and/or
3. Have historical or other information relevant to interpretation of the site or location.

Proposed memorials, plaques, and monuments must meet the following guidelines before submitting an application:

They must:

• be connected to the proposed site in some way
• contribute to the setting from a function or design standpoint
• conserve the natural and cultural character and environment of any open space it is to be located in.

Memorial must not:

• commemorate a person, event or occasion already memorialised in Greater Bendigo unless there are exceptional circumstances
• interfere with the underlying purpose of the area or obstruct existing and proposed circulation and use patterns
• adversely affect the known heritage significance of the place
• be attached to any living thing (such as vegetation).

The City of Greater Bendigo would encourage the restoration of an existing memorial or the creation or enhancement of an existing landscape or urban design setting instead of commissioning a new construction. Examples of enhancements include a tree / garden bed planting, paving, or seating.

If you have questions regarding a proposed memorial, you are highly encouraged to contact us before extensively designing your memorial or deciding on its location, as further guidelines and policies will be involved in the decision making process.

Please note that these guidelines also do not pertain to private property, which is subject to the planning scheme and building regulations.

If you would like to submit an application for a memorial, please download the application form and submit it to

Aaron Lindsay
Coordinator, Landscape and Open Space Planning
City of Greater Bendigo
PO Box 733
Bendigo VIC 3552
5434 6390