Representing Landscape Solutions at the 2024 Parks & Leisure Australia National Conference
Members from our NSW & QLD maintenance teams recently attended the prestigious 2024 Parks & Leisure Australia (PLA) Conference and Awards of Excellence. Hosted this year in the dynamic city of Brisbane, the event brought together leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the parks and leisure industry to share insights, celebrate achievements, and inspire progress in the sector.
The Parks & Leisure National Conference serves as a critical platform for connecting with experts across various fields, from urban planning to environmental sustainability, creating an opportunity for professionals to exchange best practices and spark new ideas. This year’s theme, Cities at Play, celebrated the importance of integrating playful, vibrant, and community-focused spaces within urban landscapes, a concept that aligns perfectly with our commitment to enhancing public spaces and promoting sustainable, dynamic environments.
Images courtesy of Parks & Leisure Australia
Keynote address by Australia’s first Winter Olympics gold medallist Steven Bradbury
A highlight of the conference was the inspiring keynote address by Steven Bradbury, Australia’s first Winter Olympics Gold Medalist. He captivated the audience with his powerful message on resilience, emphasising the importance of grit and determination in the face of challenges. He spoke about how capturing and channelling adrenaline can push us beyond our perceived limits. His words struck a chord with the Landscape Solutions team, reinforcing the values we champion every day — persistence, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to excellence. This keynote served as a reminder that resilience and dedication are often the keys to success, both individually and collectively.
Sustainability a key theme at Parks & Leisure Conference
Team members Shane and Keiran attended a range of insightful presentations at the Parks & Leisure Conference on sustainability, open space management, and leadership that directly align with our core values and goals. These presentations offered valuable knowledge on innovative sustainable practices, modern strategies for managing open spaces, and effective leadership approaches in dynamic environments.
We were able to gain valuable insights into industry advancements, including cutting-edge techniques and sustainable approaches that enhance the quality and functionality of outdoor spaces. It was great to hear many different perspectives and actionable ideas that will not only benefit our clients but also drive our commitment to environmentally conscious practices and effective landscape management.
Parks & Leisure Awards of Excellence showcase parks and community open spaces
In addition to the conference, the Parks & Leisure Awards of Excellence provided an inspiring look at the exceptional projects and individuals driving positive change in parks and leisure spaces across Australia. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients, whose dedication and accomplishments serve as a beacon for our industry.
It was fantastic to see work by our NSW construction division recognised through the project Wadanggari Park receiving the Park of the Year Award NSW/ACT, an entry by landscape architects Arcadia Landscape Architecture and Lane Cove Council.
These outstanding achievements continuously set benchmarks for quality, innovation, and sustainability, and we are truly inspired by their commitment to enhancing Australia’s parks and recreational spaces.
Thank you to Parks and Leisure Australia for hosting such an impactful event. We look forward to participating in future conferences and continuing to elevate the standards of excellence in our industry.
About Parks & Leisure Australia
Parks & Leisure are the leading industry association for professionals in the open space sector. They aim to build, serve and develop a strong and united parks and leisure industry in Australia. As the national peak body for the ‘people behind the places’ they support members through the provision of training, professional development, research, advocacy and provide a range of products and services to support the industry.
You can find out more about them by clicking here.
