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Join us for the 2026 Parks and Leisure Australia Queensland Awards of Excellence, the premier celebration of innovation, leadership, and outstanding achievement across the parks, leisure, and recreation industry. The event will take place on Friday, 31 July from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at The Precinct, 315 Brunswick St Mall, Fortitude Valley
As part of this exciting event, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in our special workshop, Planning for Your Olympic and Paralympic Legacy, hosted by Phil Wishart, General Manager Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at Paralympics Australia.
Hear from an outstanding lineup of presenters, including representatives from Paralympics Australia, Skate Australia, Health and Wellbeing QLD and Logan City Council, who will share insights on creating lasting community impact through sport, recreation, and major event legacies.
Connect with industry leaders, celebrate excellence, and gain valuable knowledge to help shape the future of our sector.
Proudly brought to you by GLG Greenlife Group
GreenLife Group is a national leader in property services and open space management. GLG delivers a wide range of integrated commercial landscape, horticultural and environmental services that include property and ground maintenance, sports turf, arboriculture, and development of sustainable solutions.
With more than 30 years of industry experience, GLG is a dedicated open space specialist.
Speakers and panel members
OUR HOST | Phil Wishart | General Manager Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement | Paralympics Australia
Phil commenced at Paralympics Australia in 2024, having worked across the sport, major events and tourism sectors in local and state government over the past 20 years. As the peak body for Para sport and the National Paralympic Committee responsible for the Australian Paralympic Team, Phil is heavily engaged in planning for Brisbane 2032. Phil works with stakeholders to ensure Universal Design principles are embedded in all elements of Games planning and advocates for Para sport, inclusion and accessibility legacy outcomes.
Alex Anasson | Chief Executive Officer | Skate Australia
Alex Anasson is a dynamic sport leader and executive with a strong track record in driving participation, innovation and community-centred strategy within the Australian sport sector. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Skate Australia, leading the organisation through a pivotal phase of transformation and growth, championing grassroots engagement, inclusive sport pathways, and strengthened stakeholder partnerships across skate sports and skateboarding nationwide.
Adam Page | Sport and Recreation Planning Coordinator | Logan City Council
Adam is a highly experienced Senior Officer with a strong background in government administration and community resilience. With expertise spanning government operations, event management, community engagement, data analysis, and emergency preparedness, Adam brings a practical, people-focused perspective to every conversation. A graduate of Southern Cross University, he is passionate about strengthening communities through collaboration, strategic planning, and informed decision-making. Adam’s extensive experience and engaging approach make him a valuable voice on the challenges and opportunities facing the public sector today.
Sophie Head | Major Economic Development Initiatives Lead | Logan City Council
Sophie has more than 30 years of experience in economic development and inward investment across the UK and Australia. She is excited to be at the forefront of implementing Logan’s 2032 Legacy Roadmap, working with partners across government, industry and the community to identify opportunities that will enable Logan’s businesses and residents to benefit from the Olympic and Paralympic Games, while helping prepare the city to host a sport in 2032. Her work focuses on creating long-term economic and social outcomes that leave a positive legacy for the city.
Peter McCue | Principal Lead - Physical Activity| Health and Wellbeing QLD
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Each year, PLA acknowledges excellence in our industry through its prestigious Awards of Excellence. These annual awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts of ‘The People Behind the Places,’ which promote the wise use of leisure time for a multitude of social, environmental, and economic benefits to the community. It’s a celebration of those who contribute to creating vibrant, healthy, and inclusive spaces for all.
As a regional award winner, you become a National finalist and are invited to attend the National Awards of Excellence gala dinner.
Please visit the dedicated Awards of Excellence webpage for further details.
View the QLD Nominees
Submissions across all categories can be viewed here.
- Community Based Initiative of the Year
- Environment and Sustainability Initiative
- Strategic Planning
- Community Facility of the Year
- Park of the Year
- Play space (over) $1m
- Play space (under) $1m
- Regional Industry Initiative
- David Aldous Emerging Leader Award
- Innovation in Parks, Sport and Recreation
