PLA Regional Awards Submissions 2025

Golf Australia

Whitehorse City Council

The Morack Public Golf redevelopment is a transformative project that delivers a modern, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable golf facility for the Whitehorse community. Led by Whitehorse City Council, and working closely with Swing Factory the redevelopment enhances the golfing experience, broadens community access, and ensures long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Golf Australia

Rippit Golf reimagines golf for the modern era, transforming small urban spaces into technology-driven entertainment hubs. Located in Newcastle, NSW, Rippit combines short-flight driving ranges, golf simulators, and mini golf into a vibrant, accessible venue that attracts almost 50% female participation. Built on repurposed tennis courts, it demonstrates land-efficient, socially inclusive, and economically sustainable innovation, setting a new standard for golf in the parks and leisure industry.

Merri-bek City Council

Delivery of the Fawkner Leisure Centre Redevelopment was both within budget and on time. Has truly meet the expectations and objectives of the project and the community, resulting in a more accessible, and environmentally friendly centre. Which provides for increased options for all ages and abilities to participate in a healthy, active and more connected lifestyle.

Swinburne University of Technology

RMIT University

The Activating Social Connection project aims to fill gaps in evidence, resources and guidance for local social connection activation. Based on research evidence, our project is committed to developing practical resources and guidance that are useable by community workers, planners and community members. The focus is to understand the complex mechanics of fostering positive social connections and to translate this into resources that help to activate change.

Brisbane Sustainability Agency

An initiative of Brisbane Sustainability Agency’s Oxley Creek Transformation project, the Archerfield Wetlands District Park playspaces exemplify innovative adaptive reuse and design, transforming a former industrial site into vibrant, multifunctional areas for play. Key features include an industrial-themed playground hosting a 13-metre-long super slide, interactive water play elements and a youth hub area. Offering a diverse array of both active and reflective play options, these playspaces provide a unique, engaging and inclusive environment for all visitors.

Tract

The Bell to Preston Level Crossing Removal Project transforms the community with a dynamic 2km linear park along the elevated rail corridor. More than just a park, it functions as a connector and community hub. It serves as a meeting place, a play space, an outdoor gym, an event lawn, an outdoor classroom, and a habitat corridor. Featuring new green spaces, active transport links, and public amenities, it enhances the urban landscape while honouring Wurundjeri heritage through storytelling, art, and ecological restoration, fostering a connected and inclusive community.

Campbelltown City Council

Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is a four-hectare iconic gateway to the Campbelltown CBD. The Billabong is a regionally-significant parkland and aquatic oasis where community can gather, relax, play and make memories.Inspired by the Dharawal National Park, the Billabong embraces local Aboriginal cultural heritage and brings access to water for local residents and visitors. The design reflects the natural environment of the nearby Georges River system, its tributaries, and O’Hares Creek with a series of interlinked and flexible spaces in a riverine-like parkland setting.

Campbelltown City Council

Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is a four-hectare iconic gateway to the Campbelltown CBD. The Billabong is a regionally-significant parkland and aquatic oasis where community can gather, relax, play and make memories. Inspired by the Dharawal National Park, the Billabong embraces local Aboriginal cultural heritage and brings access to water for local residents and visitors. The design reflects the natural environment of the nearby Georges River system, its tributaries, and O’Hares Creek with a series of interlinked and flexible spaces in a riverine-like parkland setting.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Convic

The Rathmines Park Youth Hub is a destination recreation space incorporating a 1000sqm skate park, pump track, basketball court, bouldering wall, car park, public amenities, passive recreation areas integrated within the broader regional park. The youth hub encourages active lifestyles and provides a dedicated and engaging environment for social interactions. It plays a crucial role in promoting well-being, social cohesion, outdoor recreation and exemplifies collaboration between local and state authorities to create a recreational space that benefits youth and the wider community.

Playscape Creations

Nestled in the heart of Logan Reserve, Flindersia Riverside Park is a groundbreaking recreational space that redefines community engagement, environmental sustainability, and innovative play design. Developed as part of Logan City Council’s "Future Open Space" program, this five-hectare park stands as a testament to visionary urban planning and community collaboration. Opened in May 2024, the park was meticulously designed to meet the diverse needs of residents of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of place and belonging.

SPORTENG

The upgrade of the Mile End SA Athletics Stadium enhances the State's sporting infrastructure, delivering world-class facilities for both elite and grassroots athletes. The project includes new FIVB-standard beach volleyball courts, upgraded athletics warm-up tracks, and redeveloped throwing event areas. Led by SPORTENG, this transformation integrates modern design, sustainability, and accessibility to create a high-performance venue that strengthens the region's sporting landscape.

City of Casey

Clyde Recreation Reserve underwent a $21.5 million redevelopment to address the needs of its rapidly growing community. This project has expanded and modernized the facility and also garnered significant recognition for its excellence in community sports infrastructure. Project Overview Clyde Recreation Reserve was redeveloped to meet the increasing demands of local sporting clubs and residents. The comprehensive upgrade includes: • Sports Facilities: Three Australian Rules football/cricket ovals equipped with relocatable rugby union goalposts, two netball courts, eight tennis courts, and four

City of Moreton Bay

The Morayfield Skate Park upgrade transforms a community space into a top tier facility for adventure enthusiasts. It boosts Moreton Bay’s status as a hub for action sports, supports Olympic-readiness and promotes active lifestyles. The design features flood-resistant materials, improved safety, expanded skate areas and a memorial for Trent RIley that meaningfully honours skate culture at a local and city level. The park fosters youth engagement, social connection and cultural expression. It’s record-breaking opening signals strong community support and future investment in youth facilities.

Logan City Council

Otium Planning

Logan City Council aligns with the motto of 'A failure to plan, is a plan to fail' and the introduction of the Infrastructure Network Plan - Sports, which outline sporting supply, demand and assessment of sporting facilities in the city of Logan Local Government Area until 2041, demonstrates Council as a leader in Strategic Planning within Queensland and in fact Australia and the World.

Brisbane City Council

Brisbane City Council’s vision, in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, was to create a world-class, sustainable cycling facility that sets the standard for excellence. This premier destination boasts a road cycling course, international standard criterium track, inline skating track, multi-purpose clubhouse, upgraded car park, recreational pathways and viewing mounds. Designed to serve the community’s sporting and recreation needs, it supports active cycling and skating groups while also empowering youth through social enterprise cycling-focused programs.

Ipswich City Council

Richardson Park Playground Upgrade delivers a vibrant, inclusive, and flood-resilient playspace, transforming an outdated park into a district-level hub. Featuring culturally significant Indigenous play elements, accessible equipment, and nature-based experiences, it enhances pedestrian safety and connectivity through an integrated road upgrade. Retained mature trees, Brisbane River connections, and community-driven design ensure environmental sustainability, making it a vital space for recreation, inclusivity, and cultural connection in Ipswich.

Ipswich City Council

The Nerima Gardens Preliminary Concept Plan is a landmark strategy ensuring the long-term preservation, accessibility, and sustainability of one of Ipswich’s most treasured parks. Through bilingual engagement, cutting-edge planning, and deep international collaboration, Ipswich City Council is strengthening cultural ties while creating a future-proofed, climate-resilient public space for generations to enjoy.

Lynxight

Drowning happens in seconds. Lynxight's AI sees what humans might miss. Our technology works alongside lifeguards, detecting swimmers in distress and alerting Lifeguards before emergencies develop. No distractions. No fatigue. Just constant, reliable vigilance that spots subtle distress signals, provides real-time alerts, reduces response time, and creates measurably safer facilities. Lynxight doesn't replace lifeguards—it supercharges them.

City of Moreton Bay and Cred Consulting

City of Moreton Bay and Cred Consulting

The Moreton Bay Changing Places Network Plan encapsulates Council’s commitment to inclusivity by ensuring people with high-support needs can fully participate in community life. The plan was developed through consultation with people with lived experience, industry representatives and staff from across Council and national and international research and benchmarking. It is Australia’s first local government-endorsed strategy for Changing Places and provides a visionary, strategic and scalable approach to the planning, design and delivery these facilities to ensure that public spaces and places

Golf Australia

Minnippi Golf & Range is redefining the future of golf - where community, inclusivity, and innovation come together. As a vibrant hub where golf is played and connections are made, Minnippi breaks down barriers with accessible programs, welcoming spaces, and a fresh, community-first approach to the game. Designed for all ages and abilities, Minnippi fosters social connection, wellbeing, and lifelong participation. With sustainability at its core and a vision for a more inclusive golf culture, Minnippi is setting a new benchmark for public golf facilities across Australia

Golf Australia

As Australia’s most remote golf series, players take on some of the unique golf courses in Australia. This is a one-of-a-kind tournament that features a mix of traditional and sand greens, where your game is set to be tested. In Outback Queensland the greens aren’t always green, water hazards are extremely rare and don’t be surprised to find an abundance of kangaroos, emus or brolgas to tip your Akubra to while playing. For taking on the challenge, there is a whole swag of prizes up for grabs along the journey including the Million-Dollar Hole in One.

Ipswich City Council

Department of Sport, Racing Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Ash Barty Playground at Opossum Creek Parklands celebrates the legacy of one of Australia’s greatest sporting icons through inclusive, nature-based, and sport-inspired play. Co-designed with Ash Barty and the Queensland Government, the playground features a rebound wall, nature play elements, Indigenous storytelling, and accessible design—creating an inspiring, community-focused space for all ages to play, connect, and be active.

Zone Landscape Architecture

The St Andrews Lutheran College Junior Playground was designed to create a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate space for young learners. Strong leadership and collaboration ensured alignment with the school’s vision, resulting in a dynamic, future-proofed space. The playground now serves as a hub for social interaction and outdoor learning, with overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighting its inclusivity, accessibility, and enhancement of the school’s environment.

Redland City Council

The creation of Vassi Concord Park offers new social interaction opportunities and enhanced local play experiences through vibrant, multifunctional areas. It promotes outdoor activities and a place for local connection to be made for a stronger sense of community fostering the continued health and wellbeing for all.

Zone Landscape Architecture

City of Gold Coast

The Tallebudgera Creek Park Upgrade is a benchmark coastal facility featuring a Changing Places Facility, DDA-compliant pathways, and nature-based amenity. Designed and led by ZLA, the project balances accessibility, environmental resilience, and community identity. Through integrated design and meaningful public engagement, it delivers long-term social and environmental value and sets a new standard for inclusive, landscape-led park upgrades.

Kinetica

South Australian Cricket Association

Aura is a game changer for sport, recreation, and wellbeing planning and decision-making, delivering powerful localized data intelligence designed specifically for planners and decision-makers. It gives you the resources to make informed and timely decisions with confidence, empowering Government, Community, and Sports organizations to grow and helping governments achieve better outcomes in sport and recreation. By providing an in-depth understanding of communities, Aura supports the development of sustainable strategies that drive lasting impact.