Parks and Leisure Australia VIC/TAS Announces 2026 Annual Region Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner
Parks and Leisure Australia VIC/TAS is excited to announce that their prestigious Annual Region Awards of Excellence Dinner will take place on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at the stunning Promenade Docklands, Melbourne.
Arrivals from 6pm. Dinner and awards commencing at 7pm.
With our favourite host, live music and of course a dance floor – we invite you for a night of dinner, drinks and dancing. All while celebrating and acknowledging those who have contributed greatly to our industry.
The Awards of Excellence Dinner is the highlight of the regional calendar, celebrating outstanding achievements and innovation across parks, leisure, and recreation sectors. This elegant evening brings together industry professionals, local councils, and community leaders to honour excellence and inspire future advancements in the field.
Dress Code: Cocktail – Dress to Impress!
Please note ticket sales will CLOSE 11th June.
Tables of 10 or 12 can be purchased – proceed with all tickets in one order and click pay on invoice, then email victas@parksleisure.com.au
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.
Meet your host
Brett Phillips is a leading tennis commentator and long time supporter of PLA. Host of SEN’s The First Serve, a dedicated two hour weekly radio show, covering the world of tennis from the elite to the grass roots here in Australia and abroad.
Brett is also a host of Channel 9’s French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Brisbane International and Adelaide International TV coverage as well as being the big screens host for Tennis Australia at the Australian Open.
View the nominees
With over 60 nominations for 11 categories this year is not to be forgotten. 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
- Research Impact
- David Aldous Emerging Leader Award
- Innovation in Parks, Sport and Recreation
We are delighted to welcome back Green Life Group as Platinum Sponsor for the 2026 PLA Vic/Tas Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner.
Our partnership with GLG spans more than 15 years, built on trust, shared values, and a genuine commitment to the role open spaces play in strengthening communities. What began as a professional relationship has grown into a valued collaboration that continues to support and shape our sector.
Thank you to GLG for your continued support, and for being part of this milestone year with us.
