My name is Chris, and I am raising funds to replace 45 memorial plaques stolen from Gordon Williams Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Aberdare, NSW. 

 Between the afternoon of 5 October 2026 and the morning of 6 October 2026, 45 memorial plaques were stolen from the cemetery. This heartbreaking theft has left families without the memorials of their loved ones, taking away the places where they go to remember, reflect and pay their respects. 

These plaques are far more than just metal. They are lasting tributes to people who have passed away and hold precious memories for the families and friends left behind. No family should have to experience the heartbreak of discovering that a memorial to someone they love has been stolen, let alone face the unexpected financial burden of replacing it. 

Importantly, these plaques belong to the families of the people being remembered, not Cessnock City Council. This means the responsibility and cost of replacing them cannot simply be placed on the council, leaving affected families facing an expense they never expected to have to bear. 

Thankfully, the company that manufactures the plaques has generously offered a 30% discount to help reduce the replacement costs. Before this discount, the estimated cost of replacing all 45 plaques is between $50,000 and $55,000. 

Individual plaques may cost more or less depending on their specific requirements. 

My goal: Replace all 45 plaques I am aiming to raise $55,000 to cover the replacement of all 45 stolen memorial plaques. 

The objective of this fundraiser is simple: to have every stolen plaque replaced and restore these important memorials without leaving the affected families to pay the replacement costs themselves. 

My intention is for the funds raised to be paid to Cessnock City Council, subject to confirming the appropriate arrangements, so the money can be allocated fairly across all 45 affected memorials and used towards their replacement. 

If the full fundraising target is reached, the aim is to cover the cost of replacing all 45 plaques, taking into account the manufacturer’s 30% discount. 

This would provide relief to the affected families and allow them to remember and honour their loved ones without the added financial burden. If we raise less than the target, every dollar will still make a difference. 

The funds available will be used towards the replacement costs, helping restore as many of these memorials as possible. If more than the target is raised, any additional funds will be distributed evenly across the 45 affected memorials to further assist with replacement costs and help cover any differences in individual plaque prices. 

This fundraiser is about more than replacing stolen plaques. It is about showing compassion for the families affected, respecting the memories of those who have passed away and bringing our community together to help put something right after a deeply upsetting and distressing act. 

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to restoring these 45 memorials. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family and the wider community would be greatly appreciated. Spreading the word will help us reach more people and give us the best possible chance of achieving our goal. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your generosity and for helping our community restore these memorials so that families can continue to honour and remember their loved ones.  

Together, we can help bring these 45 memorials back where they belong. Read the 

ABC News article about the theft here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-08/45-plaques-stolen-from-aberdare-cemetery-nsw/107241528