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The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has approved the installation of a memorial bench at Arkles Bay Beach Reserve in memory of Tyler Porter, following a decision made at its June meeting. The decision follows a lengthy process that began after Tyler’s family applied for permission to install a memorial seat near the location where his body was found in July 2025. The request was initially declined under the Hibiscus and Bays Local Parks Management Plan, which generally does not allow personal memorials in public parks.
The matter returned to the board after Tyler’s mother, Shara-Lee Porter, presented a petition signed by more than 3000 supporters, asking the board to reconsider the request. Board members subsequently sought further advice on whether the application could be assessed under existing policy provisions that allow exceptions in special circumstances.
In the report presented to the board, Chair Alexis Poppelbaum said the circumstances surrounding Tyler’s disappearance and the 11-day community search that followed were exceptional. Hundreds of local residents took part in the search effort, and a spontaneous memorial developed at what became known as “Tyler’s tree”, attracting tributes from family, friends and members of the wider community.
The report concluded that the bench would recognise not only Tyler’s connection to the area, but also the significant community response that brought people together during the search. It also noted the memorial site had become an ongoing place of reflection and remembrance for many local residents.The board emphasised that the decision was made on the specific circumstances of this case and does not change its general policy on memorial structures in parks.
The Porter family will cover the costs of the bench, installation and associated works, subject to council approval of the final design and location, and it will be installed near “Tyler’s tree” at Arkles Bay Beach Reserve.
