Awards of Excellence across Australia: Chapter & Category

As a significant prelude to its National Awards in October, the 2025 edition of the Chapter programme of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards concluded with a total of 35 Awards of Excellence.

Between 30 May to 27 June, judging panel results from the first phase of the two-phased Awards process rolled out around Australia, Chapter by Chapter: Western Australia (WA), Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), New South Wales (NSW) and Tasmania (TAS) - with ACT and Northern Territory not appearing as they follow the cycle every second year, as does Tasmania.

Winners of the Chapter awards programmes will be proceeding to the National Awards programme, which includes an International category.

The full swathe of 120+ National Nominees will be judged by a National Jury of eight members: Kate Luckraft as Jury Chair, Simon Kilbane, Dr Danièle Hromek, Watkin McLennan, Anne-Marie Pisani, Candy Rosmarin, Assoc. Prof. Sally Waller and Travis Wright.

The winners of these National Awards will be presented on the last day of the 2025 Festival of Landscape Architecture - DARK - in Nipaluna/Hobart from 19-21 October.

CHAPTER PROGRAMME: Awards STRUCTURE

The first and highest Award in each Category is the Award of Excellence. The Award is given to the work judged to be the most significant for the advancement of landscape architecture in a particular Category, without the Jury being obligated to select an awardee.

The second tier is the Landscape Architecture Award. This is a work of excellence demonstrating consummate skill that contributes to the advancement of landscape architecture. Projects given an Award are the best projects in each Category that have not won the 'Award of Excellence'. More than one Award may be given in a Category.

There are three cross category Awards:

Three People’s Choice Awards were awarded to:

Two President’s Awards were made in June; one by AILA’s Victoria Chapter to Andrew Laidlaw for championing inclusive design, climate-responsive strategies, and public education as Landscape Architect at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, and one by the South Australia Chapter to Green Adelaide - the State’s first legislated and government urban environmental organisation.

In addition six graduates and two students received recognition via Future Leaders Awards: Owen Café - QLD Graduate; Ziyan Qi - SA Graduate; Tara Bogam - NT Graduate; Harrison Baxter VIC Graduate; Toby McCarney - VIC Graduate; Bianca Sorensen - WA Graduate; Sofie Nielsen WA Graduate; Sarah Hill - WA Student; Priscilla Hubbard - WA Student.

Awards of Excellence

Award categories in which Awards of Excellence were made by AILA Chapters were:

Supplied photo: Archerfield Wetlands Land Management

  • Land Management. constructed projects or strategies for the restoration, conservation or management of significant landscapes that demonstrate a tangible physical outcome. 

    Five Awards of Excellence:

    • NSW Land Management – Wagonga Inlet Living Foreshore (& Climate Positive Design Award & Minister for Planning’s Award
      The Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline was an initiative undertaken by the Eurobodalla Shire Council, in Narooma, South Coast, NSW. Designed to transform the foreshore into a resilient and ecologically resilient ‘living shoreline’, the project safeguards and enhances the estuary for long-term environmental and community benefit. It showcases the value of cross-government/cross disciplinary collaboration (in both planning and funding) to achieve an innovative demonstration shoreline restoration and habitat revitalisation. The project integrates multiple restoration strategies—living shorelines, bank stabilisation, saltmarsh rehabilitation, oyster reef restoration—creating an adaptive, resilient coastal ecosystem, in readiness for changing coastal conditions.

    • QLD Land Management – Archerfield Wetlands Land Management
      An initiative of Brisbane Sustainability Agency’s (BSA) Oxley Creek Transformation project, the Archerfield Wetlands Land Management project is transforming a 150-hectare degraded green space and one of Brisbane’s largest floodplain ecosystems, into a unique recreational and environmental asset for Brisbane. This project exemplifies best-practice ecological restoration, community-driven conservation, and resilient parkland design. Through innovative land management strategies, ecosystem improvements, cultural engagement, and sustainable infrastructure development, BSA is creating an enduring asset that supports biodiversity, creates valuable habitat, fosters community connection, and strengthens the resilience of Brisbane’s urban landscapes.

    • SA Land Management – Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari Stage 3
      Breakout Creek Stage 3 successfully demonstrates the ecological, visual and recreational benefits of a well-functioning Blue/Green Infrastructure. Great biodiversity of landscapes, aquatic ecologies, wildlife habitats, and the enhancement of water quality, have vastly strengthened public community amenity, while maintaining the historical levee banks for flood management and allowing the ongoing use of a portion of the site for horse agistment. The project includes over 6.2km of walking trails and shared paths, 11,400m2 of permanently vegetated wetlands, five viewing decks, new river crossing and accessible boardwalk. Extensive Kaurna cultural interpretation has been carefully sited amongst the existing trees and sensitive ecosystems.

    • VIC Land Management – Stonehill Gully and Escarpment Regeneration
      The Stonehill gully and escarpment sits on a challenging site with steep slopes, erosion risks, and nutrient-deficient soils, including a significant infestation of noxious weeds. Our brief was to manage stormwater runoff, protect against erosion while preserving remnant indigenous vegetation and establishing new planting. A tailored approach for different zones included selecting appropriate plant species and erosion control methods. The project focused on long-term sustainability, with years of pre-planting weed and pest management. Collaboration with various stakeholders led to a self-regenerating landscape, now thriving with indigenous species, no need for irrigation, and successfully reducing sediment runoff into the Werribee River.

    • WA Land Management – Karunjie Homestead Visioning Plan
      The Karunjie Homestead Visioning Plan provides a clear supported pathway for the Nyaliga Aboriginal Corporation’s aspirations for returning to and managing country. MudMap/Conservation Management worked to realise Nyaliga’s vision comprising three key priorities: Cultural land management; Enterprise/tourism development; Community living and returning to country. ‘We seek to build a sustainable Ngarinyin Society where our ancient values and knowledge systems are used to preserve, protect and restore our cultural domains. We dream of a time when Ngarinyin people are restored to our lands, rivers, and places of significance, so that we continue to be the people of the Wandjina.’ Ngarinyin Elders

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution @jackie.gzc

  • Parks and Open Space. For constructed public parks and open space, or strategic open space projects that balance the demand for recreation, culture and the environment.

    Five Awards of Excellence:

    • NSW Parks and Open Space – Wimbo Park Surry Hills
      The delivery of Sydney’s South-East Light Rail, set in place the preconditions for the extension of Wimbo Park, from the eastern end of Devonshire Street to the regional parklands of Centennial and Moore Parks. This new openspace a community park, as well as a critical urban ecology and city green link. The Light Rail continues the trajectory of Devonshire Street, an urban threshold binding the city edge at Bourke. On the southern boundary, Parkham Lane is revitalized as a shared zone, connecting to Moore Park via a shared path. Circulation, orbiting and protecting the park interior.

    • QLD Parks and Open Space – Archerfield Wetlands District Park
      The Archerfield Wetlands District Park, is a vibrant, multi-functional green space that embodies sustainability and community engagement. Located south of the Ipswich Motorway and adjacent to Archerfield Airport, the park repurposes old wastewater treatment infrastructure and integrates cultural heritage elements. With 67,000 new plants, flood-resilient design, and facilities for all ages, the District Park promotes outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. The park also houses new facilities for the Oxley Creek Catchment Association (OCCA), enhancing conservation efforts and environmental education. This project sets a benchmark for future urban spaces, fostering community connections and sustainable living.

    • SA Parks and Open Space – Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari Stage 3 (& Climate Positive Design Award & Healthy Parks Healthy People Commendation)
      Breakout Creek Stage 3 successfully demonstrates the ecological, visual and recreational benefits of a well-functioning Blue/Green Infrastructure. Great biodiversity of landscapes, aquatic ecologies, wildlife habitats, and the enhancement of water quality, have vastly strengthened public community amenity, while maintaining the historical levee banks for flood management and allowing the ongoing use of a portion of the site for horse agistment. The project includes over 6.2km of walking trails and shared paths, 11,400m2 of permanently vegetated wetlands, five viewing decks, new river crossing and accessible boardwalk. Extensive Kaurna cultural interpretation has been carefully sited amongst the existing trees and sensitive ecosystems.

    • VIC Parks and Open Space – Messara Park (& Climate Positive Design Award)
      Messara Park in Taylors Lake is a bold public space where nature, energy, and people intersect. Designed for sustainability, it minimises embodied energy through material reuse, recycling, and renewable power, with wind turbines driving its future. The retarding basin was reimagined as a dry creek, regenerating existing site soil without imported topsoil. A responsive design process transformed constraints into opportunities, aligning with council goals, engineering needs, and community aspirations. Honouring the Traditional Custodians, Messara Park presents a new model of public space, creating an experiential environment where Landscape Architects inspire exploration, forge connections, and harness the power of nature.

    • WA Parks and Open Space – Maidens Reserve (& WA Medal Winner)
      The Maidens Reserve in Kalgulup Regional Park presented an opportunity for accessible visitor facilities amongst vegetated dunes punctuated by two striking formations named ‘The Maidens’. Together with the city’s Co-Design Acccess Panel and local contractors, DBCA’s landscape architects envisioned new facilities complementing an existing trails. A network of accessible paths and crafted robust stairs now provides Bunbury locals and visitors an array of experiences climbing the slopes. This network culminates in two lookouts woven between peppermints offering 360 views across Bunbury and beyond.

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution Tom Roe

  • Civic Landscape. For constructed urban landscape projects that are public in nature and capture and contribute to the culture and amenity of the urban environment around them. 

    Three Awards of Excellence:

    • NSW Civic Landscape – Parramatta Square
      The public domain design for the new Parramatta Square by the JMDd led team came first and set a framework for the ensuing buildings. The project delivered a new identity to the public realm through a human focused, inclusive approach that reflects the rich history and diverse population of Parramatta. The now completed (2023) square is generously vegetated, detailed in quality materials designed for the long term and seamlessly delivers diverse user needs whilst integrating and co-ordinating a complex array of technical, programmatic and operational requirements.

    • VIC Civic Landscape – Bridge Mall Redevelopment
      The Bridge Mall Redevelopment project revitalizes Ballarat’s historic retail precinct, transforming it into a vibrant civic hub. By reconfiguring traffic movement, the project prioritizes pedestrianization and connectivity; delivering an accessible public space that responds to the needs of the local community. Grounded in Ballarat’s rich history and cultural landscape, the project is the result of a highly collaborative design process, celebrating country, First Nations knowledge systems and local ecologies. The Bridge Mall Redevelopment project transforms a once declining economic precinct into an authentic, resilient and activated civic meeting space – a place for people.

    • WA Civic Landscape – Middleton Beach Foreshore Stage 1
      Middleton Beach Foreshore is one of Albany’s most cherished coastal destinations, valued for its community, cultural, and environmental significance. The renewal enhances public access, coastal protection, and ecological resilience while preserving its role as a gathering place.The design responds to natural coastal dynamics, integrating sweeping forms, native landscaping, and functional infrastructure. A buried seawall protects against erosion while maintaining the beach’s character. Upgraded pathways, seating, and gathering spaces enhance connectivity and year-round activity. Recognising its cultural significance to the Menang Noongar people, the project respects its deep history while supporting Middleton Beach as a shared and enduring public space.

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution Rory Gardiner

  • Gardens. For constructed private and public gardens that contribute to the role and understanding of the garden in contemporary society and culture.

    Three Awards of Excellence:

    • NSW Gardens – NINE
      NINE by Mirvac demonstrates how Landscape led master planning creates prosperity in Australian communities. The former Channel 9 site, gated for over 60 years, has been transformed into a residential development offering 6,500 square meters of public space. McGregor Coxall collaborated with CHROFI Architects and Mirvac to create a design that connects community, ecology, and history. The development integrates with the natural landscape by incorporating native bushland, showcasing Sydney sandstone, and framing city skyline views. Nine sets a new benchmark for Sydney residential developments by placing public space at its core while balancing the transition between high and low-density housing.

    • SA Gardens – Gumnut Garden
      The Gum Nut garden bucks a streetscape of manicured couch lawns and trimmed box hedges to celebrate the emerging style of contemporary Australian garden design – one that displays the exuberance of a deep appreciation of the Australian landscape and its native vegetation by exclusively using native species, locally-won materials, and year-long outdoor living. This garden is also an important trial for species suited to gardening in our inner suburban gardens that will educate by example.

    • VIC Gardens – Hedge House
      The garden of Hedge House extends a neighbouring reserve’s bushland, incorporating regenerative biodiverse planting and habitat features that contribute to the ecological restoration of the parklands. Working collaboratively with a client who actively volunteers in bushland regeneration of the reserve, the garden is a place of observation and learning, where gardening is practiced in step with community participation in environmental stewardship. The garden includes space for experimentation and harvest, vegetation towards the reserve reflects the site’s local ecological vegetation communities in species selection, and arrangement. Objectives of restoration and habitat value prioritise provenance and diversity over instantaneous outcomes.

Photo supplied | Photographer Attribution Pier Carthew

  • Health and Education Landscape. For constructed landscape projects in and surrounding institutional spaces including educational, health or aged care facilities.

    Three Awards of Excellence:

    • NSW Health and Education Landscape – Resilience – Karuah Primary School
      A listening exercise led by the leadership of Karua Primary School and local Elders. The school community had a long and painful history of exclusion for Indigenous students. The design that emerged from this collaboration aimed to acknowledge the past and move forward together. Key outcomes to achieve this include removing fences, opening the front of the school to the street, and presenting the school as a safe meeting place. The final result is a vibrant space that highlights the significance of the land, language, native vegetation, Karuah River, and, most importantly, the First Nations’ connection to the site.

    • QLD Health and Education Landscape – The University of Queensland Amphitheatre
      Nestled at the heart of The University of Queensland, the Amphitheatre redefines an underutilized green space, transforming it into a dynamic hub for students, staff, and the community. Blending cultural activities, learning, and recreation, this thoughtfully designed space establishes a highly relevant student-focused environment that amplifies nature, connection, and campus life.

    • VIC Health and Education Landscape – Richmond High School
      In 1992, a picket line of Richmond Secondary College supporters stared down a baton charge by Victoria Police. Dubbed “Bloody Monday” the day was a violent aberration amongst 360 days of peaceful protests against the school’s closure.The school’s activism is now channelled into environmental causes. SBLA Studio repurposed the school’s existing concrete surfaces rather than sending it to landfill, cutting it into blocks for garden edging and permeable paving houses acacia and blackwood seedlings. Juxtaposed by soft coir logs made from coconut husks that will slowly break down and allow the garden to find its form over time.

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution Ameer Al Attar

  • Infrastructure. For constructed landscape infrastructure projects, landscape strategies or works associated with civil infrastructure that demonstrates the successful integration of landscape values and which contribute to a future sustainability.

    Three Awards of Excellence.

    • NSW Infrastructure – Parramatta Light Rail (Stage 1)
      Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is an iconic landscape architecture project delivering a contiguous, 12km green line of revitalised public domain, transport and green infrastructure in Western Sydney. A catalytic project true to place and meeting community needs. Landscape architects within a multi-disciplinary team proudly contributed to the delivery of transport infrastructure together with a new 5 .7km walking and cycling path, well designed public spaces, greener streets, pedestrianised dining precinct, 5000 new trees and a revitalised city centre. Parramatta Light Rail sends a clear signal for urban renewal in Sydney’s geographic centre and the transformative legacy of landscape architecture.

    • QLD Infrastructure – Northshore Brisbane Street Renewal Program
      Northshore Brisbane, led by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), is transforming a key riverfront precinct into Queensland’s largest waterfront urban renewal project. Prioritising sustainability, innovation, and high-quality urban design, Northshore is evolving into a dynamic, mixed-use community. As part of this transformation, the Northshore Brisbane Street Renewal Program is creating a greener, walkable environment. Winner of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award, the project integrates stormwater innovations, extensive tree canopy cover, and active transport solutions, promoting climate resilience and Indigenous engagement. Setting a new benchmark for urban renewal, the program will enhance liveability, sustainability, and community well-being.

    • VIC Infrastructure – Mt Derrimut Road, Deer Park Station
      The Mt Derrimut Rd level crossing removal was completed in 2024 by the Western Program Alliance. The design team worked closely with local community and rail authorities to provide a sensitive, site-specific design response to protected grassland habitat that celebrates Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Culture and connection to place as a central design narrative – reflected and coordinated in both the Architecture and Landscape. The new station was awarded for its sustainability achievements as the first green roof on a station building in Victoria, thermal reflective coatings to road surfaces, and protection and expansion of Golden Sun Moth grassland habitat.

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution Dan Etheridge

  • Community Contribution. For constructed projects or strategies delivered either: As a pro bono service (or significantly reduced fee) to the community OR have positively impacted a disadvantaged individual or group of users who wouldn’t normally have access to design expertise.

    Two Awards of Excellence:

    • NSW Community Contribution – Living Lab Northern Rivers (LLNR)
      Established in Lismore on Bundjalung Country in the aftermath of the 2022 floods, the Living Lab Northern Rivers (LLNR) is a unique community-based undertaking that reinforces the primacy of place-based landscape-oriented adaptations. Founded by landscape architects, designers, environmentalscientists and geographers, and supported by UTS, Southern Cross University, the NSW Reconstruction Authority and local organisations, the Lab advocates and promotes community agency in landscape stewardship by generating and coordinating a range of collaborative research-based landscape architectural and urban co-design projects. The output creates sustainable and resilient opportunities for the community and the landscape of the Northern Rivers.

    • TAS Community Contribution – 24 Carrots
      Since 2018, Inspiring Place has supported the 24 Carrot Garden program with design and documentation on a pro bono or at cost basis as part of its social sustainability commitments. 24 Carrot Gardens act as living classrooms where students are immersed in the cycles of growth through hands-on gardening and food production. Our plans have assisted the client in achieving development approval and provided detailed documentation to support construction. Central to the success of our work has been close engagement with students and staff, empowering the participants and highlighting to them the role of landscape architects in the design process.

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution Simon Wood Photography

  • Cultural Heritage. For constructed projects or strategies that demonstrate the restoration, conservation, enhancement, maintenance, or adaptive reuse of culturally significant sites.

    Two Awards of Excellence:

    • NSW Cultural Heritage – The Meandering Pathway of Tranquillity
      The Chinese Garden of Friendship is state as traditionally designed, Southern Chinese ‘ling nam’ style cultural landscape situated in the southern extent of Darling Harbour.The original 1988 design and artist’s impression of the Chinese Garden of Friendship, shows the north-western edge of the Chinese Garden of Friendship (the Garden) as undeveloped. The concept was to create a unique experience of bamboo and riverside walks not well represented in the Garden, to improve connectivity and the experience of the Garden by extending the Seven Sages Walk to the closed landscape west of the Brook.

    • WA Cultural Heritage – The Oval at Subi East
      The Oval at Subi East is the first stage of a 35ha revitalisation, transforming Subiaco Oval and its surrounds into a landscape-led urban precinct. The resulting parkland is a green armature that anchors future residential connections. The Bidi – an immersive art trail led by the Subi East Elder Group and Karrda – integrates Noongar knowledge and culture and stitches the site into its neighbourhood. Throughout, community-oriented public spaces including a reimagined oval and a large-scale pavilion are set among refurbished heritage gates, repurposed stadium elements, and an open-air museum celebrating the oval’s historic role in WA football.

Supplied photo | Tract

  • Landscape Planning. For constructed or strategic projects and include strategic design and guiding policy documents and visual assessments for urban development, residential and planned communities, local community and rural or regional planning.

    Two Awards of Excellence:

    • QLD Landscape Planning - Washpool Creek Catchment Master Plan (& Climate Positive Award & Shadesmart Award)
      The Washpool Creek Master Plan sets a clear vision for transforming the catchment over the next 30 years. It champions exemplary landscape and urban design outcomes, underpinned by technical stormwater engineering. Guided by the voices of community, stakeholders and Traditional Custodians that contributed to it, the project fosters a generational shift in public perception for how waterway corridors can be valued as more than “just a drain”, to incorporate broader environmental and cultural benefits. As our climate changes, the Master Plan provides Bundaberg Regional Council with a clear path forward to mitigate flooding and extreme weather events within the catchment.

    • SA Landscape Planning – Murray Coorong Trail
      The Murray Coorong Trail is a scenic, 450-kilometer trail in South Australia that follows the iconic Murray River, lower lakes, and the Coorong. The trail spans diverse landscapes, from wetlands and saltwater lagoons to historic sites and bushland. It provides an immersive experience for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts, highlighting the region’s unique biodiversity and Indigenous cultural heritage. Oxigen spent three years working closely with the three Council’s to determine a final route that is suitable for implementation.

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution Pier Carthew

  • Play Spaces. For constructed play spaces or strategies which promote the notion of active play and embraces the temporal elements of the active play space.

    Two Awards of Excellence

    • NNSW Play Spaces – Parks for People – Beaumont Hills
      The Beaumont Hills adventurous space is a best practice transit-oriented public open space that has transformed state-owned land under the Northwest Metro viaduct. It features youth-focussed skate plaza, pump track, and informal courts to foster social equity, inclusivity, and intergenerational interaction through innovative design and community engagement. Delivered as part of DPHI’s Parks for People program and created in partnership with the local council and community, the design is biodiversity positive, has solar lighting, and artwork by a celebrated local artist while providing a diverse and accessible mix of active play spaces to the Caddies Creek complex.

    • VIC Play Spaces – Central Park All-Abilities Playground
      SBLA Studio in collaboration with City of Stonnington have created a playspace that feels like you have arrived in an alternate world. A narrative that honours the layers of the site’s stories centre around a large lemon-scented gum to create an all-abilities play area.Paths navigate acacia trees, native grasslands and a sensory garden. layful water misters, a wobble path for children who don’t necessarily get to experience the feeling of movement are located adjected to signs created by SBLA Studio’s children to provide the hard hitting questions of how we respect or truly listen to what nature is telling us.

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution Sean Fennessy

  • Research, Policy and Communications. For published works in research and or practice that extend the knowledge base and advocacy of landscape architecture.

    Two Awards of Excellence:

    • NSW Research, Policy and Communications – Food | Landscapes Australia
      Food | Landscapes Australia (https://www.foodlandscapes.com.au/) is an immersive online exhibition linking the foods we eat with the landscapes producing them. The interactive website visually documents the state of Australia’s agricultural landscapes via 881 cinematographic drone videos, 360-degree aerial photography, an interactive map and thematic 3D food elements. As a research endeavour it systematically challenges romantic portrayals of agriculture and food production landscapes, seeking improved sustainability outcomes. Its rigour spans all states and territories, all commodities and major industries, and all scales of commercial farming. Highly accessible and comprehensible, it has been accessed by users in 110 countries.

    • VIC Research, Policy and Communications – Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070
      Looking fifty years into the future, Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 is a website that presents a series of design provocations for the lands and waters of the Birrarung (Yarra River). Focusing on advocacy for ecological regeneration, public access and connectivity across the catchment, the exhibition asks what it might mean to acknowledge a river as a living and integrated natural entity. The exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria revealed a collective goal: to awaken the public consciousness to futures for the Birrarung, which are both within our grasp and yet to be imagined.

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution Brimbank City Council and WW+P Architects

  • Urban Design. Constructed or strategic projects that demonstrate how the design, construction management and built outcome of the landscape, contributes to the wellbeing of the urban setting.

    Two Awards of Excellence:

    • QLD Urban Design – Future South Bank Master Plan
      The Future South Bank Master Plan delivers a community-led, place-specific road map for the long-term evolution of one of Queensland’s most successful and loved precincts. The plan protects and builds on South Bank’s iconic legacy as the green heart of Brisbane, ensuring future generations can enjoy and cherish the precinct. The plan sets out the vision, rationale and strategies to foster a precinct that is greener, livelier and more inclusive.

    • VIC Urban Design – Sunshine Energy Park Vision Plan
      Sunshine CBD is planned to accommodate an additional 70,000 residents and 45,000 workers by 2050. The Sunshine Energy Park Vision Plan aims to transform a 74-hectare unused site, including a closed landfill, into a vibrant ‘Central Park’ for Sunshine CBD. This Vision seeks to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. It will be a hub for events, recreation, sustainability, and education. Guided by Caring for Country, Sustainable Innovation, and Inclusive Wellbeing, the plan was developed with Traditional Custodians, local community, and experts. It sets the foundation for sustainable growth, connectivity, and revitalisation in the Sunshine Priority Precinct and Melbourne’s west.

Supplied photo | Photographer Attribution Duncan McKenzie

  • Small projects. Projects are recognised that have been constrained by size or budget restrictions but have achieved a level of invention and creativity beyond these constraints.

    One Award of Excellence:

    • SA Small Projects – Nightingale Bowden
      Nightingale Bowden sets a new benchmark for sustainable, affordable housing in Adelaide. This project proves exceptional design is possible on a modest budget when a shared vision unites the team. Clients, designers, builders, and contractors collaborated to achieve a common goal – to create a greener, more thoughtful, and cost-effective built environment. The landscape seamlessly integrates with the architecture, blurring boundaries between built and green spaces. Gardens and green pockets form a cohesive design that enhances community and resident experience. This holistic approach fosters belonging and well-being, showcasing how thoughtful landscaping amplifies the impact of sustainable urban living.

A thank you to the AILA

The AILA Awards Platform has a mother lode of accessible information on all its Awards. As well as comprehensive image galleries, the format for each Award page includes sections for information on:

  • Award Citation

  • Entrant practice/company name/s for publication

  • Project State + Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Country

  • Cultural Collaborators: Traditional Custodians and First Nations

  • Project team/collaborators

  • Project overview

  • Instagram / social media username

  • Client organisation/company name

Editor’s note: See the Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards page for details of the equivalent biannual awards cycle in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as the Showcase section at www.nzila.co.nz

Awards, Australia, #Around-the-worldStephen Olsen