IMAGE: 2016 Playspace Major Award Winner Monash City Council and Playce Pty Ltd
ABOUT
Parks and Leisure Australia was founded in 1926 as the Victorian Tree Planters' Association. It was established for local government park curators as a means of drawing attention to the importance of parks and recreation facilities. In 1962 the organisation became a national body and regional divisions were founded across the country and was renamed The Royal Australian Institute of Parks and Recreation. 1998 saw more change as the national body merged with another national organisation the Australian Leisure Institute to form Parks and Leisure Australia.
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The Awards of Excellence have been in existence for many years. Each year Parks and Leisure Australia acknowledges excellence in our industry through its prestigious Awards of Excellence. These annual awards recognise outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts of ‘the people behind the places’ which promote and enhance opportunities for the good use of leisure time for a number of social, environmental and economic benefits to the community.
The Frank Stewart Distinguished Service award is the longest standing award and introduced by the Australian Leisure Institute. Laurie Boyd was the first recipient. Named after a formal Federal Minister for Tourism and Recreation, this is the most prestigious individual award bestowed by Parks and Leisure Australia. The award salutes the significant contribution an individual has made to the development, promotion and advocacy of the parks and leisure industry through their personal and professional endeavours over a substantial period.
The Frank Stewart Distinguished Service Award winner receives an Honorary Life Membership to Parks and Leisure Australia.
