Planning has begun for the 20th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre.
While 19 years will be marked on Tuesday with a simple wreath-laying and a minute's silence, Tasman Council mayor Roseanne Heyward said a more significant event might be appropriate in 2016.
"We realise that is going to be a challenge," she told ABC Radio of trying to balance the wishes of those who would rather forget the tragedy, with others who want to be part of an event.
Thirty-five people were killed and 23 others injured on April 28, 1996 at the small historic township in southeast Tasmania.
It was one of the world's deadliest shootings by a single person.
Hobart man Martin Bryant is serving 35 life sentences for the events which stretched over two days and ended with a siege.
"Every year on this day at (the) Port Arthur historic site a wreath is laid ... it's not a service, there is a wreath laying, a minute's silence and that is all, no speeches, no formal event," Ms Heyward said.
But discussions have already started about how the anniversary should be recognised in 2016.
"We know that people will be thinking about it again and want something more formal," Ms Heyward added.
The decision will come after "long discussions" and include whether the event should be "low-key", the mayor said.
