Former PLA President wins Frank Stewart Distinguished Service Award

Bruce Fordham, Manager of Leisure and Events at the Hume City Council and a former Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) President has been presented with the 2013 Frank Stewart Award, the PLA's highest individual honour.

The award recognises an individual's significant contribution to the development, promotion, and advocacy of the parks and recreation industry through personal and professional endeavours.

Fordham received the award having been involved in the industry for more than 30 years as an industry leader, mentor and facilitator of change.

His career in recreation and management commenced in the City of Essendon as a Recreation Officer and has included stints at Brimbank Council and the Spastic Society, and has spent the past 14 years in various roles within the Hume City Council.

The award was presented by media personality Sam Kekovich at the PLA Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner held at The Pullman, Albert Park - attended by more than 400 parks and recreation professionals.

PLA is the peak body representing community and recreation planning; parks, gardens and open space; sport development; horticulture and arboriculture; grounds maintenance and cemeteries; facility management; play and play spaces; tourism and events; health and physical activity; and environment and biodiversity.

The importance of parks and leisure activities in creating and maintaining healthy communities was at the heart of the PLA national conference in Melbourne this week.

One of the biggest industry events of the year, the conference highlights the important role that PLA plays in protecting the Australian way of life and the wellbeing of all Australians through good policy, planning and provision.

Image: Bruce Fordham receives the 2013 Frank Stewart Award. Courtesy of Parks and Leisure Australia.

9th September 2010 - SHEPPARD ANTAGONISES PARKS GROUP