PLA AWARDS NOW OPEN

Nominations for the “Oscars of the leisure industry”, the prestigious Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Awards of Excellence are now open.

PLA is the peak national industry association representing parks and leisure professionals and the awards recognise the outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts of “the people behind the places”. Members work in a variety of disciplines such as community and urban planning, landscape design, parks and gardens, cemeteries, state and national parks, health and sports development, tourism and the arts and research and academia

The PLA Awards have undergone a major review for 2015. “PLA is proud to announce a revamped and improved awards of excellence programme,” said National President Mark Casserly.

“The awards showcase the excellent work of the parks and leisure professionals who deliver enormous benefit to our communities and recognise outstanding performance by both organisations and individuals contributing to the sector.”

There are nine Organisational Awards including:

• Events
• Inclusive and Connected Communities
• Leisure and/or Open Space: Planning
• Leisure Facilities: Development
• Parks and Open Space Development
• Playspace major ($0.5+)
• Playspace minor (<$0.5m)
• Research Project
• Use of Technology

There are also three Individual Awards. PLA’s major Individual Award is the prestigious Frank Stewart Distinguished Service Award. First awarded in 1985, it recognises the significant contribution an individual has made to the development, promotion and advocacy of the parks and leisure industry through their personal and professional endeavors.

Other individual awards include the commemorative David Aldous Student of the Year, named after a long-time member of PLA – a prolific researcher, educator and author who passed away suddenly in 2013 – as well as the Emerging Leader of the Year which were both introduced and presented for the first time in 2014.

“Our awards have traditionally highlighted the innovative parks and leisure infrastructure developments and programmes delivered by our members and their organisations. The addition of the Emerging Leader and Student of the Year awards now shines a spotlight on the younger members of the profession who will shape our future. The quality of the applicants and the ultimate winners of the 2014 awards were an inspiration to all. We look forward to an outstanding crop of candidates in 2015,” said Mark.

PLA’s Regional Awards will close on March 16, 2015 and winners will be announced in their respective states between April and June, earning the opportunity to present as National Finalists at next year’s annual National Conference in Sydney from October 25 - 28.

For more information visit: www.parksleisure.com.au