PLAWA x AILA Kings Park Field Day
Thursday 15 October 2026 | 9:00am – 4:30pm
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Presented by Parks & Leisure Australia WA in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
Explore. Learn. Connect.
Join Parks & Leisure Australia WA (PLAWA), in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), for a full day of practical learning, professional development and industry connection in the spectacular surrounds of Kings Park.
The PLAWA x AILA Kings Park Field Day will bring together parks, landscape architecture, horticulture, environment and recreation professionals for an immersive program of expert-led learning, practical workshops and behind-the-scenes experiences.
With four concurrent streams in the morning and four specialist tours in the afternoon, delegates can shape their day around the topics most relevant to their work and interests.
Event Details
📅 Thursday, 15 October 2026
⏰ 9:00am – 4:30pm
📍 Kings Park and Botanic Garden
👥 Limited to 60 participants
Tickets:
PLAWA Members – $125
Non-Members – $175
Morning tea, lunch and networking drinks are included.
Program
The day begins at 9:00am at Kaarta Gar-up with a Smoking Ceremony, followed by a presentation from Jason Stevens, Director WA Botanic Garden, at the Biodiversity Conservation Centre.
Following morning tea, participants will break into four groups for a choice of specialist sessions.
🌿 Crisis or Opportunity?
Bel Foster and Amy Stewart
Using design thinking to address critical environmental issues, including a site tour of recent BGPA projects and the Ngooninup (Mt Eliza Scarp Stability) works.
🌳 Managing Tree Health in Amenity Landscapes
Emily Tudor / Wolfe Lewandrowski and Chelsea Payne
A presentation on recent work in tree physiology by Kings Park Science, followed by a site tour covering sentinel sites, biosecurity response areas and treatment trials including Armillaria, PSHB, Phytophthora and root-compaction-impacted areas.
🛝 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Peta Lewis and Charlotte Vaughan
Explore the benefits, management and considerations associated with high-amenity educational play spaces, including a tour of Naturescape with BGPA specialist staff.
🔥 Fire Science and Weed Ecology
Russell and Ryan Glowacki
A presentation and site tour examining Kings Park trial sites and the relationship between fire regimes, weed management and biodiversity.
Afternoon Tours
Following lunch, participants will take part in two afternoon rotations, commencing at 1:00pm and 2:15pm.
Choose from:
🌱 Plant Development / Nursery Tour
Amanda Shade and Digby Growns
🌾 Kings Park Seed Science / Seedbank Tour
Matt Stray and Dave Merritt
🌿 Resilient Landscapes Tour
Jaimee Rulyancich and Peta Lewis
🌳 Small Eucalypts Tour
Chelsea Payne and Ali Smith
Each group is limited to 15 participants, creating an interactive experience with Kings Park specialists.
Finish the Day Together
🥂 3:30pm – 4:30pm | Networking Drinks
After a full day of learning and exploration, attendees will come back together for networking drinks at Ngoolaark Pavilion, with the Biodiversity Conservation Centre available as the backup venue.
Important Information
The Crisis or Opportunity? session includes a site tour of the Ngooninup/Mt Eliza Scarp Stability works and requires a good level of fitness and appropriate footwear.
With specialist access, multiple session choices and only 60 places available, early registration is recommended.
Arrive early. Choose your group. Explore Kings Park. Learn from the experts.