What a night! On Thursday 25 June, Parks and Leisure VIC/TAS hosted the 2026 Awards of Excellence celebration at The Promenade, Docklands. It was a memorable evening of connection and recognition, bringing together more than 200 industry professionals from across the region.
With over 60 outstanding submissions showcasing innovation, leadership and the positive impact of parks, leisure and recreation initiatives, the event highlighted the passion and dedication of the people behind the places that enrich our communities.
Thank you to Brett Phillips, our captivating MC, and Blaire Band for keeping everyone dancing throughout the evening.
The winners (noted below) proceed to the National Awards of Excellence for their respective category, to be announced at the 2026 Parks and Leisure Australia National Conference – held in Melbourne in December.
Thank you to everyone who attended, submitted an entry and helped make the evening such a success, and to our Platinum event partner, GLG, for their valued support.
We would also like to thank Nursery and Gardens Industry Victoria for the generous donation of flora that made the room come together, honouring the value of Victoria and Tasmania’s vibrant horticultural community.
A huge thank you to our category sponsors:
GLG GreenLife Group – Park of the Year
Christie Barbecues – Innovation in Parks, Sport and Recreation
InsideEDGE – Community Facility of the Year
Coolabah Turf – Community Based Initiative of the Year
Willplay – David Aldous Emerging Leader Award
Brand Architects – Environment and Sustainability Initiative
Ground Science Pty Ltd – Play Space > $1m
VIC/TAS Awards of Excellence Winners
Community Based Initiative of the Year. Swim Unity, City of Maribyrnong.
The Multicultural Women’s Swimming (Swim Unity) initiative addresses barriers and drowning risks for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse women in Maribyrnong. This free, eight-week program combines culturally safe women-only swimming lessons with behaviour-change strategies to build water safety, confidence, and social connection.
Our judges liked this initiative for its inclusivity and delivery, creating an incredible program with a range of physical and mental health benefits to positively impact the community.
Environment and Sustainability Award. South Gippsland Shire Council and South Gippsland Landcare Network MOU.
The South Gippsland Landcare–Council Partnership delivers strategic, community led environmental action across the Shire. The partnership enhances habitat, strengthens sustainability, and builds long term environmental resilience.
Judges were happy to see such a strong partnership that has exceeded environmental protection objectives by establishing a co-ordinated, strategic and community approach to biodiversity conservation.
Strategic Planning Award. Geelong Waterfront Master Plan, City of Greater Geelong
Geelong Waterfront Master Plan Adopted by the City of Greater Geelong in December 2025, this comprehensive update replaces the 2011 plan and maps a clear, resilient future for the Corio Bay foreshore, from Rippleside Beach to Limburners Point.
Community Facility Award. Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre, City of Melbourne.
The Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre redevelopment delivers a modern, inclusive and environmentally sustainable recreation centre that puts the community first. Through the provision of purpose-built stadium, aquatic and fitness facilities as well as flexible, multi-purpose community spaces, the new centre delivers on the City of Melbourne’s strategic priorities around supporting everyone in our community to live active, healthy and socially connected lives.
Park of the Year. The Greenline Project – Birrarung Marr Site 1, City of Melbourne.
The Birrarung Marr Site 1 project revitalises Melbourne’s iconic riverbend, launching the city shaping Greenline vision. New promenades, boardwalks, lawns and gathering spaces reconnect people with the Yarra River Birrarung, enhancing access, biodiversity and cultural recognition.
Playspace < $1M. Cobblestone Green Reserve, Melton City Council.
Cobblestone Green Reserve demonstrates how thoughtful design can revitalise an ageing local park into a vibrant community playspace. Through community engagement, custom-designed play elements and inclusive design, the project delivers diverse play opportunities while creating a welcoming space for families, carers and residents.
Playspace > $1M. Rippleside Inclusive Playspace – A Livvi’s Place, City of Greater Geelong & Jeavons Landscape Architects.
Rippleside Inclusive Playspace, A Livvi’s Place is a regionally significant destination playspace where inclusion is designed into every detail. Created through extensive community engagement and specialist inclusive design, it removes physical, sensory and social barriers so people of all ages and abilities can play together.
Regional Industry Initiative. The Serendip Sensory Garden, Parks Victoria.
The Serendip Sensory Garden is an exceptional example of community-led regional initiative that has transformed Serendip Sanctuary into an inclusive nature experience for the greater Geelong region. The project addresses regional gaps in accessible outdoor spaces while promoting cultural storytelling, environmental restoration and community education.
Regional Impact. Innovation Through Activation: Unlocking the Value of Age Friendly Recreational Spaces – the ENJOY IMP-ACT Project, National Ageing Research Institute.
The ENJOY IMP-ACT project evaluated a structured, community-based implementation framework to increase physical activity among older adults through the activation of Seniors Exercise Parks across six sites in Victoria. The project demonstrated how the establishment of age-friendly active spaces, combined with community activation, can support healthy ageing and deliver broader social and economic benefits.
Innovation in Parks, Sport and Recreation. Truemans Road Reserve Netball, iDwala & Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Truemans Road Reserve sets a bold new benchmark for sustainable community sport infrastructure. In delivering this first-of-its-kind Australian netball court resurfacing project for Mornington Peninsula Shire. This project showed how environmental innovation can be achieved without compromising court performance, safety or playability.
David Aldous Young Professional of the Year. Ben Lehman.
Ben is a humble and modest community leader. He is quick to volunteer his time and energy towards projects that are focussed on improving community connection and enhancing engagement with our natural world.
Ben has moved through various roles within the Open Space and Environment department. From a fun and friendly gardener to a Biodiversity Supervisor, to a leadership role in Open Space Asset Management. Ben’s career development is a result of his passion for learning, as well as others recognising his natural leadership talents.
