Cairns’ Tony Gibbs told to remove cross from wife’s grave

A 74-year-old man says Cairns Regional Council has threatened to remove the aluminium cross he built for his wife’s grave.

Gordonvale man Tony Gibbs installed a metal cross at the head of his wife's grave in the Gordonvale cemetery on Saturday, August 26, only to be sent a letter from the Cairns Regional Council ordering him to remove it by September 29. Picture: Brendan Radke

A 74-year-old man says Cairns Regional Council has threatened to remove the aluminium cross he built for his wife’s grave.

Tony Gibbs replaced a wooden cross at Donna Gibbs gravesite at Gordonvale Cemetery on August 29, but says he has since received a letter saying he must remove it by September 29.

He says it feels like there’s “constant cloud over his head”.

A wooden cross on a gravesite at the Gordonvale Cemetery which has rotted and decayed in the harsh FNQ weather. Picture: Brendan Radke

“It’s important me to do this for her, I took the time to replace her wooden cross with one that will last next to mine and I don’t want her peace disturbed now just to take that out,” Mr Gibbs said.

“It’s a constant cloud hanging over my head, it feels like the rules aren’t the same for everyone in this cemetery.”

Mr Gibbs said there was an aluminium cross at another grave in the same row and his wife’s grave was being unfairly targeted.

“It’s a cross in a cemetery full of crosses, and some just as permanent as mine. I don’t understand why Donna’s must go … I was planning to have mine next to hers,” Mr Gibbs said.

Gordonvale man Tony Gibbs installed a metal cross at the head of his wife's grave in the Gordonvale cemetery on Saturday, August 26, only to be sent a letter from the Cairns Regional Council ordering him to remove it by September 29. Council has ordered the metal cross on Donna Gibb’s grave be replaced with a wooden or stone version, even though other grave sites in the cemetery already have metal crosses. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I want us to rest beside each other and for everything to be in place.”

The letter from council said the cross was “unapproved”.

“We regret to inform you that council prohibits the installation of permanent memorials without approval and all permanent memorials must meet relevant specifications,” the letter read.

“Please remove the permanent memorial by September 29, 2023.

“If the permanent memorial is not removed by the above mentioned date, Council Officers will attend to the removal and the memorial will be held for collection.”

In a statement, a council spokesman said approval was needed before installation.

“We understand that memorials are a sensitive and important part of the grieving process and we aim to work with loved ones to ensure that memorials are fitting tributes,” the spokesman said.

A photo of Tony Gibbs and his late wife Donna Gibbs in front of Mrs Gibbs’ gravesite. Picture: Brendan Radke

“With this in mind council has policies and procedures in place to ensure that cemeteries are a safe, well-maintained, inclusive, and respectful place for everyone.

“(An approval) ensures that permanent memorials comply to Australian (AS4204-2019 Headstone and cemetery monuments) and Council standards.”

He said the memorial in question did not have approval, was not installed by a monumental mason, and does not comply to the required standards.

“Council is happy to work with and provide advice on the correct installation of memorials so that loved ones can be remembered and honoured in a manner that complies with all relevant standards,” the spokesman said.

“To help facilitate this process, council this week adopted a Cairns Cemetery Strategy and Policy, which sets out guiding principles for council-operated cemeteries, and is committed to implementing these changes with the utmost respect and consideration for the affected families.

“Council removes them if they are unsafe or become unsightly, in consultation with the family.”

Originally published as Cairns’ Tony Gibbs told to remove cross from wife’s grave