PLA Regional Awards Submissions 2025

City of Port Phillip

The City of Port Phillip has developed Dog Off-Leash Guidelines to create a framework for planning for dog off-leash areas. The delivery of the Dog Off-Leash Guidelines demonstrates a significant change and improvement in Council's strategic planning and delivery of dog off-leash areas. It is a key initiative towards delivering Council's strategic objective to provide a City that is a great place to live, where our community has access to high quality public spaces, development and growth are well managed, and it is safer and easy to connect and travel within.

City of Greater Geelong

The Lara Multi-Sport Facility enhances local sports infrastructure, providing modern and complaint facilities for AFL, baseball, and cricket, with a focus on women’s sport and accessibility. Designed with sustainability in mind, it features energy-efficient systems and inclusive design principles. Managed by the City of Greater Geelong, the project involved extensive community consultation and implementation of the Lara Recreation Reserve Master Plan (2019). It strengthens Lara’s community identity and offers a long-term asset for local growth and active participation. Live Lara, Play Lara.

Jacinta is a dedicated and multi-skilled leader at the City of Whittlesea with a passion for the role sport can play in people's physical and mental wellbeing and in developing an inclusive society. Jacinta has excellent relationship skills with both internal and external partners. Jacinta has seamlessly switched from operational roles to strategic roles and is continuously looking to develop her professional skills. Jacinta's leadership skills and passion have also been on display as a Facilitator at SALT (Sport and Life Training) and in the Change our Game Program for Next Generation Leaders

Manningham Council

In 3 years Council has made significant progress in realising the goals and objectives of the Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan. Enhancements to the infrastructure, recreation opportunities and environment ensures it remains Manningham’s premier park. This is a 10-15 year plan to improve the facilities and environment for the many visitors.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Kendall Recreation Reserve has been transformed into a vibrant community hub, delivering one of the region’s largest skate parks, an inclusive play space, and inviting green areas. Designed with sustainability and accessibility in mind, the park promotes active lifestyles, social connection, and environmental resilience. Extensive community consultation shaped its development, ensuring it meets local needs while fostering pride and engagement. This project sets a benchmark for inclusive, safe, and multi-functional public spaces, enhancing liveability for Kendall and the wider region.

City of Launceston (Council)

Launceston's Road Safety Centre. Bringing an icon back to life.

Queensland Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games

Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance

The 2024-2034 Active Industry Workforce Plan provides an outstanding example of the fitness, sport and recreation industry in Queensland investing in workforce planning as a strategic priority. The development of the Plan was funded under the Queensland Government’s ‘Active Industry Project Fund’ which aimed to encourage collaboration across the active industry to support operational efficiency and upskilling of the workforce including volunteers to improve the capability and capacity of industry organisations. The Plan aims to ensure that the right people are in the right roles at the right t

South Australian Cricket Association

The SACA Places to Play funding program identifies school and council ovals on which cricket is not currently being played, then fully funds the installation of a cricket pitch on the proviso that a local community cricket club can play junior cricket on the pitch during the evening or on a weekend. This then offers the local community and school students access to a hard wicket. We have spent $1.4 million on the program to date and have developed countless positive relationships between schools, councils and local community cricket clubs.

City of Busselton

The Busselton War Memorial project was a collaborative initiative between the City of Busselton and the Busselton Returned Services League (RSL) to create a new war memorial at Rotary Park of Remembrance. The project aimed to provide a peaceful space for remembering fallen service men and women, with adequate accessibility, parking, and space for memorial services. The project cost $635,000 and was aligned with the City of Busselton Strategic Community Plan 2021 – 2031. The project was delivered on time and officially opened to the public on the 21st of April 2024 in time for ANZAC day.

City of Charles Sturt

Spad Street Reserve, Albert Park integrates inclusive play, nature-based recreation, and sustainability, addressing a local shortage of accessible open space. The play space features wheelchair-friendly equipment, sensory play, communication boards, and a custom sculptural play piece. A nature trail and climate-resilient landscaping enhance biodiversity. Extensive community consultation shaped the reserve, fostering ownership and social connection. Spad Street Reserve sets a benchmark for future public open space developments through strategic planning, innovative design and sustainability.

City of Stonnington

The Stonnington Sports Centre is a state-of-the-art, community-driven facility designed to promote inclusivity, sustainability, and active living. With multi-sport indoor courts, upgraded outdoor fields, and cutting-edge sustainability features—including solar power, water retention systems, and gas-free operations—it sets a new benchmark for sports infrastructure. Developed through extensive community consultation, the centre fosters social connection, increases female sports participation, and enhances local well-being, making it a vital asset for current and future generations.

Northern Beaches Council

The Northern Beaches Council has introduced a groundbreaking smart irrigation water control system, which optimises irrigation water usage in terms of both water quantity and water quality. This system efficiently manages multiple water sources, including rainwater, bore water, and potable water, to ensure that water is used where and when it is most needed. As a result, the system has significantly improved turf conditions and sportsground resilience, making it a sustainable solution for local sportsfields.

Ashley Dean is a transformational leader in the parks and leisure sector, driving strategic change, innovation, and inclusion. As an active member of Parks & Leisure Australia (PLA), he is shaping the future of sport and recreation through policy development, infrastructure planning, and digital transformation. A strong advocate for equity and diversity, Ashley has led major initiatives promoting fair access, community engagement, and industry collaboration. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to progress make him a driving force in the sector.

Colac Otway Shire

The redeveloped Memorial Square toilets, services Colac’s main shopping precinct, local bus and taxi interchange, local events held at Memorial Square, and the many tourists and tourist buses which drive through Colac to travel to the 12 Apostles and Great Ocean Road. The redeveloped toilet block provides a clean, safe and modern toilet facility for locals and visitors alike.

City of Canning

The Shelley Beach Park playground, located on the Canning River Foreshore, was designed by the City of Canning as its first district, multi-generational play space. Featuring three inclusive play zones, it promotes learning through play while catering to various age groups. An innovative, community-led engagement approach created a space that reflects local identity, encourages active play, and fosters connection for people of all ages and abilities.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council

ArtWalk has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events on the NSW mid north coast transforming the Port Macquarie CBD into a vibrant, open-air festival of light, music and colour. What started as a small, creative endeavour nine years ago attracting 3000 visitors, has evolved into an immersive creative arts experience that attracted 25,000 attendees in 2024. Streets, laneways, and public spaces come alive with stunning art installations, interactive exhibits, live music, and digital projections, offering an unforgettable experience as a community-based initiative.

KINGSTON CITY COUNCIL

The Beauty Spot Memorial Park redevelopment in Carrum honours local wartime history while creating an inviting, sustainable community space. Guided by extensive community engagement, including input from the RSL and local residents, the project enhanced accessibility, added seating and shade, and protected native habitats. Featuring a new walking path, sensory garden, and public art, the park blends heritage with modern design. Using durable, eco-friendly materials, it ensures long-term sustainability, making it a vibrant, reflective space for future generations.

Colac Otway Shire

The Changing Place Facility in Memorial Square is the first such facility within Colac Otway Shire and part of the larger Memorial Square Public Toilet Redevelopment completed in June 2024. The purpose of this project was to fill a gap in lack of Changing Places facilities in Colac Otway Shire by providing such a facility which could be used by people with disability, their families and carers. Formerly, the nearest Changing Places facilities were in neighbouring Shires.

Brand Architects

Moorabool Shire Council

The Bacchus Marsh All-Abilities Adventure Playground is a vital community asset, fostering inclusivity, active play, and social connection. Designed for all ages and abilities, it integrates natural materials, sensory-rich play, and diverse gathering spaces. As part of a major infrastructure investment, it transforms the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Reserve into a vibrant precinct, linking key community sporting and recreational facilities to a central gathering space. Developed through expert input and strong community engagement, it provides a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment.

Cessnock City Council

Carmichael Park has been elevated to a regionally significant facility with multiple infrastructure upgrades including lighting upgrades, a multipurpose court, hit up wall, cricket nets, and a new BMX pump track, the first of its kind in the LGA. Through these upgrades, Council has reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality co-located recreational facilities, which contribute to substantial positive social, health, environmental and economic outcomes for the community.

Maribyrnong City Council

The Empower Her Ride program exemplifies the Council's vision of a safe, sustainable, vibrant Community by enhancing social inclusion while promoting health and wellbeing. By providing multicultural women the opportunity to learn to ride a bike in a supportive environment, it fosters belonging and eliminates barriers related to cultural expectations. In partnership with the Community Bike Hub and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, it empowers women to gain confidence and independence. Empower Her Ride reflects Council's commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive community where all can thrive

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Council transformed its disused waste facility site at Gipps Street into an exciting recreation precinct. The site presented a unique opportunity to address Penrith’s need for more sport and recreation facilities to support the growing population. It’s a dynamic facility that responds to community requests for a variety of recreation opportunities with sports fields, playspaces, youth zone, dog park, and more. The precinct welcomes thousands of visitors weekly, supports an active and vibrant city, and enhances Penrith’s reputation as the most liveable place in Western Sydney.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council

The Tacking Point Lighthouse Accessible Walkway project transformed an iconic heritage site in Port Macquarie into an inclusive, accessible destination. Guided by the Tacking Point Lighthouse Reserve Master Plan, the project introduced a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk using sustainable Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP). Community engagement, including input from the Aboriginal Advisory Group and disability advocates, shaped the design.

CITY OF PORT PHILLIP

The Moubray Street Community Park has undergone an incredible transformation, evolving from a road into a unique, vibrant, permanent, public open space. The fully fenced park now includes a climbing wall, netball ring, four square court, seating, shelter, extensive planting and raised community garden beds. The Moubray Street Community Park was supported by the Victorian Government through the Suburban Parks Program, creating a new legacy for the Albert Park community.

Monash City Council

Development of the Glen Waverley Sports Hub, a unique regional multi-sport facility catering for golf and tennis, home of the Monash Tennis Centre (18 tennis courts including 2 show courts) and the Glen Waverley Golf Course (18-holes). Other facilities include double storey multi-use pavilion with pro-shop and café, expanded car parking and supporting infrastructure including tennis hit up wall, putting green, golf practice cages, barbecue area, table tennis table, golf buggy storage, tournament office, and upstairs viewing decks.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Friends Of Mrs York's Garden

In the heart of Port Macquarie, Mrs York’s Garden is more than just a garden - it's a thriving community hub. What started as a personal project to clear weeds and plant flowers has grown into a beloved community garden, thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Mrs York's Garden. This transformation from a personal passion to a community treasure and a model for environmental stewardship has recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary of nurturing this space, creating a beautiful area for everyone to enjoy.

Nature Based Play

The Princess May Park Nature Playground is a dynamic fusion of history, culture, and play. Initiated by Clancy’s Fish Pub and brought to life by Nature Based Play in collaboration with the City of Fremantle, this vibrant space reimagines a public park into an inclusive adventure. Opened in November 2023, it weaves First Nations and colonial heritage into nature-inspired design. With hidden stories, a historic limestone wall, natural play elements, and accessible pathways, it’s a place for discovery, connection, and community, enriching Fremantle’s heart.

City of Perth

The Thomas Street Biodiversity Corridor project transformed a degraded road median into a thriving ecological corridor, enhancing urban cooling, biodiversity, and community connection. Spanning 3.32 km, it introduced over 28,000 native plants, guided by Indigenous knowledge and incorporating culturally significant bush tucker species. Developed with Kings Park specialists, it follows best-practice sustainability principles. Strong community involvement shaped the design, fostering stewardship and inspiring native landscaping in urban spaces.

City of Parramatta

Arthur Phillip Park Playground in Northmead, NSW, is part of dynamic community space blending nature and play. The project is the realisation of a community-led master planning process which has stayed true to course from inception to completion. The inclusive playground promotes active and imaginative play for all ages groups and backgrounds. Thoughtfully integrated with the natural landscape, the playground exemplifies excellence in sustainable and inclusive design on a budget.

Frankston City Council

The Frankston Play Strategy and Let’s Play Implementation brings our community together with engaging, accessible and inclusive experiences. The play needs of our community are diverse with access to play profoundly impacting on mental and physical health and wellbeing. The Strategy celebrates the importance of play, supports advocacy and balances investment to address provision, equity and quality shortfalls. It sets a new integrated landscape approach for Council in the planning, design and delivery responding to our community’s diverse play needs.