Awards Of Excellence Nominations 2026

James Catterall is an early career profession making outstanding contributions to the parks and leisure industry. He demonstrates that passion, preparedness to listen and dedication to follow through, is appreciated by his peers and leisure community he works with.

Town of Port Hedland

Kurlu Kurlu Wirri - Spoilbank Marina Playground is the largest destination playground in the Pilbara, transforming Port Hedland’s maritime and industrial identity into a large-scale adventure landscape on the water’s edge of the world’s largest bulk export port. Spanning 1,200 square metres and delivering 78 play activities with capacity for 136 users, the playspace is designed for children aged 0–15 of all abilities. Co-named in the Kariyarra language, it celebrates local identity while creating a vibrant place where children play, families gather and the community connects.

Town of Port Hedland

The Town of Port Hedland’s Public Open Space and Street Tree Strategy 2025–2035 responds to the challenges of extreme heat, limited shade and uneven access to parks in a mining and resource-driven regional community. The Strategy introduces Hedland’s Green Network, linking parks, streets and waterways in a connected system of greener public spaces, to create a cooler and more liveable town. By improving park quality, planting more trees and establishing green corridors, it provides a coordinated approach to shade, biodiversity, recreation and climate resilience.

Woollahra Municipal Council

The new Lyne Park Inclusive Playground and Activity Trail perfectly demonstrates Council’s commitment to designing all new play spaces in line with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines. The design includes 15 accessible play hubs, unique inclusive play elements and imaginative water play and nature play zones for children of all abilities. The intergenerational activity trail includes scooter and bike loops, eight distinct exercise stations with challenges for all ages and abilities, including rehabilitation, and two new disabled parking spaces linked to an accessible path.

Northern Beaches Council

Northern Beaches Council’s Mona Vale Beach (southern end) Plan of Management (PoM) supports best practice coastal stewardship while balancing a long-term community need to enable a dog off-leash trial on part of the beach. The PoM is a critical document providing strategic and legislative foundation within a complex framework of necessary assessments, approvals and policy requirements. The PoM aligns with Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2040, including goals that support healthy & active living, recreation opportunities, engaging our community in decision making & environmental protection.

Tract

Cardinia Shire Council

The Officer Central Play space sets a new benchmark for community recreation, where planting is play. An immersive Australian native jungle‑themed environment is enriched with thriving planting, accessible pathways and diverse play opportunities for all ages. With its striking timber‑inspired tower, layered nature‑based discovery zones, shaded social areas and youth‑focused sports elements, the play space evolves as the landscape matures, becoming a vibrant, welcoming and enduring heart of the Officer community and a cherished destination for imagination, activity and connection.

City of Casey

Lochard Terrace District Park Renewal turns a flood prone and constrained site into a resilient, nature rich community space. Swales and raised play islands protect the creek, reduce maintenance and keep the park open after rain. Nature trails invite unstructured exploration alongside selected equipment. Smart sensors show strong use, and steady engagement in nature play, confirming that valued play is not always delivered by equipment alone.

City of Casey

Playce P/L

Ackland Park Reserve Playspace is a community co designed district level destination that transforms a once flood prone reserve into an accessible year-round park. With upgraded drainage, junior play, a pump track, parkour, ball sports and social spaces, it now supports tweens, teens and younger children through active, inclusive and intergenerational play.

City of Casey

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation

Winsor Kerr

Designing with Country: Principles for Planning, Design and Engagement is the first municipal guide created with and for Bunurong Country. Developed through deep collaboration with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, it translates cultural values into practical planning and design principles, clear engagement protocols and ICIP protections. On Country learning and extensive internal and external workshops has shaped this culturally grounded, measurable framework for everyday projects.

Leakes Road Rockbank Pty Ltd (Woodlea)

Melton City Council

Hazelwood Park in Woodlea Estate, Aintree sets a new benchmark for community playgrounds. Unlike any other playground in Melbourne’s west, it blends imaginative play with nature-based design to create a landscape of wonder. Sculptural nest-like towers, towering billy button flowers, and hidden discoveries invite exploration and storytelling. With inclusive play spaces, water features and natural elements that spark curiosity, Hazelwood Park offers something for all ages and abilities.

Leakes Road Rockbank Pty Ltd (Woodlea)

Melton City Council

Hazelwood Park in Woodlea Estate sets a new benchmark for community parks. Unlike any other park in Melbourne’s west, it blends imaginative play with nature-based design to create a landscape of wonder. Sculptural nest-like towers, towering billy button flowers, natural habitats and hidden discoveries invite exploration and storytelling. With inclusive play spaces, water features and natural elements that spark curiosity, Hazelwood Park offers something for all ages and abilities while reconnecting families with nature.

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. High‑quality play, supporting amenities and landscape design have created a welcoming, universally accessible space embraced by the community and setting a new benchmark for inclusive play.

Frankston City Council

Sandfield Reserve exemplifies contemporary open space renewal, transforming an underused and unsafe reserve into a vibrant and resilient community destination. A comprehensive masterplan and strong community engagement supported advocacy and State and Federal Government partnerships to deliver on the vision. The project shows how visionary planning, authentic engagement and technical excellence create a resilient, inclusive and valued asset, setting a new benchmark for suburban open space design.

Marilyn Oliver is an emerging leader demonstrating leadership in major facility projects, stakeholder collaboration and sector advocacy. With a strong commitment to professional development, leadership and industry engagement, she champions equitable access, participation and sustainable service delivery, contributing positively to community wellbeing and the future of the parks/leisure sector.

Greater Shepparton City Council

Greater Shepparton City Council newly upgraded Shepparton BMX Track and Cycling Precinct, marks a significant milestone for community sport and regional event capability. At the heart of the upgrade is the Shepparton BMX Club’s impressive new multi use events pavilion—a modern, two storey facility designed to enhance both participation and the spectator experience. The pavilion provides elevated viewpoints across the BMX track, ensuring a premium vantage point for fans and visiting officials. Thoughtfully designed to support inclusive and accessible sport, the building includes accessible and

City of Marion

The City of Marion developed the Bush Garden Playground at Hessing Crescent Reserve, Trott Park in 2024. The site is more than a recreational space, it is a vibrant community heart, shaped by local knowledge and cultural storytelling. The site surrounds the Trott Park Community Centre and had collaborations with several community groups including the Southern Nunga Men’s Group. Key elements of the design include a multi-station with slides, 3 swings, giant chess, nature play, a sensory garden with musical flowers, barbeque, drink fountain, path connections, new trees, picnic space and seating.

Belgravia Leisure

Belgravia Leisure’s Green Road Program is a data-driven sustainability initiative that improves the environmental performance of aquatic and recreation facilities. By measuring and benchmarking energy, water, waste and building performance, the program aims to reduce environmental impact, lower operating costs and guide continuous improvement across facilities and the wider leisure industry.

Brimbank City Council

Brimbank City Council’s Fair Access initiative advances gender equity in community sport by embedding the Victorian Government’s Fair Access principles into Council policy and club governance. Through workshops, practical resources and sector partnerships, over 60 clubs are implementing action plans to improve participation, leadership opportunities and access for women and girls, helping create more inclusive, healthy and connected sporting communities.

City of Casey

LatStudios

Casey’s Activity Centre Audit and Improvement Plan creates a rigorous, repeatable way to lift safety, access, vibrancy and climate resilience across seventeen Council managed centres. Using a seven principle, sixty criteria audit, Councillors endorsed a five-year priority program now in delivery. Early projects pair centre upgrades with parks and play, add shade, trees, water sensitive design and safer crossings, directing investment to the right places at the right time.

Redland City Council

The RPAC Forecourt Redevelopment delivers a revitalised, accessible and culturally vibrant civic space where the show begins at the forecourt. The project strengthens community connection, enhances inclusivity and supports diverse cultural expression. Measurable increases in activation and participation highlight the impact of thoughtful design on wellbeing and long‑term livability for the Redlands Coast community.

Dr Zinan Chen, Tract Consultants

Transforming to an Age-Friendly World is a Citizen Design Science innovation led by Dr Zinan Chen’s practice-based PhD project that helps councils deliver more inclusive parks using the Triple Lens™ toolkit, combining citizen science with 2D/VR/AR co-design. Over 12 months, 30 older residents completed 351 geo-coded audits across 51 parks, then co-designed practical upgrades that strengthen access, comfort, safety, shade, wayfinding and belonging. The scalable workflow builds council and community capability, improves decision quality, reduces delivery risk, and supports healthier, more connec

City of Stirling

City of Stirling’s Schools Bushcare Program connects nearby schools with local bushland for regular, hands‑on conservation activities. Over two years, 1,211 students across four schools contributed more than 1,400 volunteer hours, established and cared for 3,500 native plants, and removed 1,159 kg of weeds—building youth stewardship, strengthening biodiversity, improving liveability, and embedding ongoing, teacher‑led environmental care within school communities.

City of Mitcham

CC Hood Reserve has been transformed into the City of Mitcham’s most ambitious open space, featuring its largest playground, a new pump track, small dog park, 3-on-3 basketball court and soccer goals. A tree lined path with solar lighting and new trees, a new BBQ and shelter enhance access and community use. This innovative, inclusive upgrade sets a new benchmark for healthy, active, sustainable public spaces, delivering lasting benefits for all.

Shey Gornitsky is a dedicated parks planner with strong expertise in strategic open space planning, policy development and GIS analysis. She has contributed significantly to Brisbane’s LGIP, City Plan Improvements and Parks Use Guidelines, represents the sector through PLA membership and events, and actively advocates for sustainable, equitable park networks.

City of Moreton Bay

Greenshank Crescent Park acknowledges the importance of equitable investment in older established communities. The upgrade delivers inclusive play, enhanced shade, accessible pathways, and a strong connection to existing trees, creating a vibrant local destination which will be the new standard for further investment and consolidation of ageing infrastructure.

JF Studio Pty Ltd

Baanh ba Djila Splash Park and Playground brings Eildon’s history, culture, and landscapes to life. Custom water play and playground with animal sculptures celebrate local heritage and wildlife, inviting children of all ages and abilities to explore and imagine. Designed with accessibility, innovation, and sustainability, the park is a vibrant community hub, fostering family fun, learning, social connection, and pride in the region’s stories and identity.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council

The Forestwood Drive Pump Track is an award‑worthy, community‑designed recreation facility that has transformed Buderim’s outdoor activity opportunities by delivering an inclusive, high‑impact space shaped through extensive local engagement and embraced by riders of all ages.

Golf Australia

The Dysart Golf Club has become a welcoming hub for the whole community, tackling isolation and giving families a reason to stay in town. Upgrades like a playground, covered gathering areas, and safe, inclusive spaces have grown memberships and brought people together. Families host parties, mining crews connect during RNR, and local groups use the space creating a friendly, vibrant spot that’s helping Dysart stay connected and thrive.

Campbelltown City Council

The Unity Park Reflection Space, a community-led project by LAVA (Lions Against Violence Adelaide) in partnership with Campbelltown City Council provides a permanent, accessible space to raise awareness about, and a place of reflection for those impacted by, domestic and family violence.

City of Canning

Maniana Park’s redevelopment transformed a former community oval into a vibrant hub with play spaces, pump track, basketball, cricket, new oval, toilets and extensive bushland. The park now supports active and passive recreation, strengthens biodiversity, and serves as a key gathering place for a growing Queens Park community. It enhances liveability, encourages healthy lifestyles, and supports the City’s broader revitalisation goals.