In a quiet suburb, a couple's tribute to history has stirred unexpected controversy. Wanting to honour the past, they created a personal memorial in their backyard, only to find themselves facing opposition from local authorities.

What began as a heartfelt remembrance has now sparked a debate over personal expression and community regulations.

The memorial, a three-meter-tall sculpture symbolising an eternal flame, was meant to be a peaceful and beautiful reminder of the past.

'You'll see four ribbons flowing up...they could maybe be construed as seaweed, but to us, they're eternal flames,' Sharon explained.

A Holocaust memorial in a Sydney backyard was ordered for removal by Willoughby Council. Credit: YouTube

However, Willoughby Council did not share the couple's sentiment. The council deemed the silver sculpture unapproved and non-compliant with planning controls, stating that it 'may hurt the landscape amenity and natural foreshore setting.'

This decision has left the couple bewildered and frustrated.

'I didn't think I would need DA approval on my own land to put something that's like landscaping, really,' Norbert said.

The couple is now facing the harsh reality of dismantling their tribute, but they are unwilling to do so without a fight.

'I will not back down over something as trivial as a memorial in my own back garden,' Sharon declared, her words echoing the determination of a community that has overcome great adversity.

The council's statement reveals that the issue arose after an inspection confirmed the works were unauthorised.

While a vehicular turntable on the property was allowed to remain, the council is still assessing a car stacker, and the Holocaust memorial was outright refused due to its location within the Foreshore Building Line (FBL)—a planning control designed to protect the foreshore environment.

In an attempt to find a resolution, the council's General Manager plans to meet with Sharon and Norbert.

The council has expressed recognition of the memorial's importance and the role such tributes play in educating future generations about the Holocaust.

Mayor Tanya Taylor has also emphasised the community's commitment to unity and understanding, condemning the rise in anti-Semitic attacks and violence against racial and faith-based communities.

This situation raised important questions about the balance between preserving local environments and respecting personal expressions of heritage and remembrance.

In older news, a bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II in Northern Ireland has faced backlash for its poor likeness, with locals likening it to Mrs Doubtfire.

The criticism adds to a growing list of controversial sculptures, including the infamous bust of Cristiano Ronaldo, which went viral for its unflattering appearance. You can read more about it here.

Credit: YouTube​

Key Takeaways

• Sydney grandparents have been ordered by Willoughby Council to remove a three-metre-tall Holocaust memorial from their backyard.
• The memorial, a sculpture representing an eternal flame, was put up to honour their heritage but was deemed unapproved and non-compliant with planning controls.
• The council refuses to regularise the memorial as it is erected within the Foreshore Building Line, an area meant to protect the foreshore environment.
• Despite the order, the couple plans to fight the council's request, valuing the importance of the memorial for educational purposes and as a tribute to Holocaust victims.

How do you feel about the council's decision? Should there be more flexibility in planning controls for memorials of significant cultural importance? Let's discuss the importance of preserving our history and the ways in which we choose to remember it.

 

[Luckyus]

Civil Servant = OxyMoron?

 

[willywop]

tell them to f/o go and look at the mayors house and complain if you think there is something wrong with anything

 

[Victoria56]

The Council should be bloody ashamed of themselves. It's on private property and not Councils business. Leave the homeowners alone. Councils get too bigheaded like saying you can't cut down a dangerous tree in your own yard.

 

[Mindygirl12022]

It doesn't look ugly to me, it's on their own land. A mistake was made when it was built

 

[Mindygirl12022]

It is not unsightly for me. It is on their own property. They did make a mistake not applying to Council at the time of building. This sounds to me like someone with the Council's ear with a lot of power who has got the Council to do this. Find out who.

 

[MariaG]

I saw that on ACA.
Only one complaint does not make for immediate action.
Another incident for Council to pull it's head in.

 

[Wombat2u2004]

I feel that this has become an issue since the Israel Gaza War.
I also feel that council has no problem with approving mosques to be built in our suburbs.
This is all starting to get out of hand. Those council beaurocrats need a swift kick in the behind, they have become little gods.

 

[StarTrekker]

I think it is lovely and what a fitting tribute. Council can go F/O

 

[gamiry]

typical of small minded Councils particularly in high income areas looking for other stuff to line their own pockets. Tell 'em to take a long walk off a short pier and go drown themselves.

 

[Jennylolo]

A sculpture isn't a structure that requires permission other than in public places. This is way over the top.
Then let them address the overhanging plants/trees, poor fencing, .........the cameras into others''s backyards and windows.

 

[bombadier]

Willoughby council,just the perfect example of real, way to well to do, privileged white trash..

 

[Catherines]

I feel that this has become an issue since the Israel Gaza War.
I also feel that council has no problem with approving mosques to be built in our suburbs.
This is all starting to get out of hand. Those council beaurocrats need a swift kick in the behind, they have become little gods.

Nice looking monument in their own yard but quite large. I don’t know anything about needing council approval to build it though because it is not a house and there could be rules. We didn’t get permission to erect a small shed in our backyard for mower etc in Brisbane but needed permission to ATTACH PERGOLAS on both sides of our house. Perhaps they should have first checked with council before going ahead. Whoever erected it should also have known the council’s rules.

And your comment “ Those council beaurocrats need a swift kick in the behind, they have become little gods.” I don’t think they have ‘become little gods’ - THEY THINK they are little gods.

 

[Kinchar]

Idiot council.

 

[Kman]

Fight the bastards, tell them to f%$# off. You own the property, they don't. A bunch of woke wankers, self opinionated, pen pushing desk jockey, petty bureaucratic government officials who believe they know everything
Once again attempting to control. March on the council with as many people.as you can muster.

 

[magpie1]

as someone famously wrote........MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING......f/off Council.

 

[Robbo3006]

Again the councils forget, they work for Us.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Mayor Tanya Taylor....

The Willoughby Council states on their website that Councillors are not paid for the job that they do; many Councillors have a full-time job on top of being an elected member.

Total bullshit! The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal of NSW states that council mayors are paid a maximum of $247,390 per annum and councillors $45,070 per annum.

Lies, lies and more lies!

 

[marni]

I am sure they could erect a memorial which is much lower. But of overkill me thinks

 

[Veggiepatch]

Put up a mosque and Mohamed's your uncle....