If you are a decision-maker and enthusiast from a community organisation or government department that's interested in partnerships to manage green spaces, then you need to book your place today. Jen is a "pracademic" and did this research at Curtin University between 2013-2018. Jen runs a Strategic Research Consultancy called Comcorp and is an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University, Sydney. Don't miss out book your place today! Explore Parks WA Department of Biodeversity, Conservation and Attractions FACET Parks and Leisure Australia Outdoors WA Inc WALGA Perth NRM

We are deeply concerned regarding the recent Sporting Grant allocation as a manifestly unfair process that betrayed the communities trust in government and cast a dark cloud over one of the founding stones of our national identity – community sport... https://www.parksleisure.com.au/news/latest/sports-rorts-inquiry

Congratulations Ben, we look forward working with you.


// CEO UPDATE // AILA is pleased to announce the appointment of a new CEO, Ben Stockwin. Ben is an experienced CEO and leader within government, education and not-for-profit sectors. Ben was most recently CEO of the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) for nine years. This role saw him lead a national membership network to transform the primary industries education landscape. Through previous roles, Ben has gained a tremendous skill set in managing a diverse national organisation and gained an appreciation of the intersect between the natural, managed and constructed environments. Issues around sustainability, nature deficit disorder, increasing population and climate change were at the forefront of Ben’s work and he looks forward to integrating these into his new role as CEO of AILA. Ben was appointed following an open recruitment process with five candidates being interviewed. He was appointed on the strengths of his experience as a CEO, his proven ability to lead an organisation with members across Australia, his education background as well as his common cultural values, dynamic energy and emotional intelligence expressed in successive interviews. Ben will officially commence his role as CEO of AILA on the 6 April 2020, however has already started the transition process. He will be travelling across Australia in the next six weeks with his current work and will endeavour to touch base with state chapter executives and members, where his schedule allows. We are delighted that Ben will be joining us in the next chapter of AILA’s progression. Our cities and regions are facing unprecedented social, cultural and environmental challenges. We firmly believe Ben’s extensive experience will help provide leadership to the Institute to continue to raise our membership profile, our engagement with allied organisations and partners and our advocacy to all levels of government.

Welcome Ursula Gleeson our new NSW/ACT Executive Officer to the PLA team. Ursula comes with extensive experience in both state and local government. "It is wonderful to be back working with a group of like-minded passionate people...." https://lnkd.in/fUTBfDM

A massive thanks to everyone who came out to the launch of The Design Series last week. You blew us away selling out our very first event, and the vibe was electric with a community of creative minds ⚡️ Tickets for the next event coming up in April will be on-sale next week - Stay tuned as it's one you won't want to miss! Thanks to all of our event partners for helping bright this first event to life Parks and Leisure Australia, Qld Chapter - Australian Institute of Architects, Engineers Australia, AILA Qld - Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Planning Institute of Australia SCCA: Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance Inc.

If you are in QLD, don't miss the Child Friendly Cities Forum hosted by Nature Play QLD, Otium Planning Group and Cairns Regional Council Thursday 27 February!


Some exciting news from Parks and Leisure Australia (Qld). This will be great opportunity for planners, landscape architects, architects and parks and leisure professionals to learn from international examples, discuss home grown strategies, develop your understanding of the importance of play and explore how we can re-think urban planning and design. Nature Play QLD Otium Planning Group Cairns Regional Council

Don't forget nominations for the 2020 Awards of Excellence close Friday 27th March. This is your chance to recognise the achievements and outstanding work of individuals and teams in your workplace. Categories • Frank Stewart Distinguished Service Award • David Aldous Young Professional of the Year Award • Major Event of the Year Award • Community Based Initiative of the Year Award • Strategic Planning Award • Community Facility of the Year Award • Park of the Year Award • Playspace (<$500k) Award • Playspace (> $500k) Award • Best Regional / Rural Industry Contribution Award • Research Award • Best Use of Technology Award Nominate: https://lnkd.in/fXR5fR7 #parks #leisure #australia #awards

Don’t miss a Green Pavlova 2020!


Did you know that Green Pavlova 2020 is biggest parks conference in the southern hemisphere? Incorporating the Asia-Pacific World Urban Parks Congress, delegates and speakers will be coming from all over the world. The conference is an excellent opportunity for our parks and open spaces to learn, share and connect with the local industry and our counterparts around the globe! We hope to see you there #GP2020 Green Pavlova 2020, 4 - 7 May Rotorua Energy Events Centre, Rotorua, New Zealand Register now: greenpavlova.com

Our CEO Erik Fyrwald has joined 75+ business leaders in support of #ParisAgreeement for greater, more accelerated #ClimateAction as we commit to reducing the carbon intensity of our operations & supply chain by 50% by 2030: https://www.unitedforparisagreement.com/

Important Notice to Members from the CEO – We do not dispute the climate change. Some members have expressed their concern regarding my January e-Newsletter and the recent bush fires across the nation. I wish to confirm that at no point do I or PLA question the legitimacy of climate change and its link with the recent bushfire crisis, and our position is and will be driven by scientific research supporting the human effect on climate change....keep reading: January eNews: https://www.parksleisure.com.au/news/latest/bushfire-response-task-force

Just another month in Australia. 📸 Sophie Louise Davies, Emma Sewell, Jen Browning, and David Foote of Auspic

Move over mud pools, forget the luge - and look up - because the best family fun in Rotorua is in the trees.

PARKS WEEK 2020 [7 - 15 March] is about organisations across Australia and New Zealand holding events to celebrate the vital role parks play in creating liveable cities and thriving communities. Checkout some of the events near you! 🏖Summertime Sessions in the Village - QLD 🌝Campbelltown Moonlight Markets - SA 🏖Beach Volleyball Schools Cup - QLD ⭐️Movies under the Stars - QLD 🌲Unwind in the Park - QLD 🏙106 + NGV - Transforming Everyday Public Spaces Into Thriving Third Places - VIC 🎧ElectraFest - QLD #PARKSWEEK2020 http://www.parks-week.org/

Registrations are open for Green Pavlova 2020 - the biggest parks conference in the southern hemisphere. Taking place from 4 to 7 May 2020 in Rotorua, New Zealand, Green Pavlova is incorporating the World Urban Parks Asia -Pacific Congress and will be bringing together the Asia-Pacific parks and open spaces industry to learn new things, discuss best practice and network with colleagues. Find out more and register https://web.cvent.com/event/4aaf58cd-ee56-47c6-b5fc-d953aa5b7183/summary?previewToken=1e9647d01331772a54772cbc688fd30d

This is very obviously not a time to debate the views on climate change, nor point the finger at politicians or land managers, but to collectively rally in support of the many victims whose lives and livelihoods have been destroyed by the fires, as well as the devastating loss to our native flora and fauna....https://www.parksleisure.com.au/news/latest/2020-welcome-back