Exhibition Item

Maitland City Council has developed a new Cemeteries Monument and Memento Policy to provide clear guidelines for the installation, maintenance, and management of monuments, memorials, headstones, and mementos within Council-managed cemeteries.

The policy aims to ensure cemetery memorials remain safe, respectful, and well maintained, while recognising the cultural and personal significance they hold for families and the community.

The proposed policy introduces:

• Clear requirements for monument design, construction, materials, and installation.
• Improved approval processes for new monuments and memorial works.
• Safety standards aligned with current legislation and Australian Standards.
• Requirements for engineering certification for larger or more complex monuments where necessary.
• Site-specific assessments to ensure monuments are suitable for local conditions.
• Clear responsibilities for families and monument owners regarding ongoing maintenance.
• Requirements for contractors and monumental masons working in Council cemeteries.
• Inspection, compliance, and enforcement processes to help manage unsafe or damaged memorials.

Council is responsible for managing and maintaining cemeteries in a safe and respectful manner. The new policy provides a dedicated framework for monuments and memorials, ensuring they meet modern safety standards, comply with relevant legislation, and continue to preserve the dignity and character of cemetery environments.

The policy will also provide greater consistency, transparency, and guidance for families, monumental masons, contractors, and the broader community.

Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed policy before it is considered for final adoption.