Parks and Leisure Australia invites entries for national awards

Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) has announced details of its 2014 National Awards of Excellence.

The Awards recognise the outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts of "the people behind the places" promoting and enhancing opportunities for the good use of leisure time and delivering social, environmental and economic benefits to the community.

This year PLA will present awards to outstanding entrants in the categories of:

• Events;

• Inclusive and Connected Communities, Leisure Facilities;

• Open Space Planning;

• Parks and Open Space Development;

• Playspace;

• Research Project;

• Sustainable Initiatives and Use of Technology.

Individual awards will include:

• The David Aldous Student of the Year Award;

• The Emerging Leader of the Year Award and

• The Frank Stewart Distinguished Service Award.

Four new honours have been added this year, including the commemorative David Aldous Student of the Year Award, named long-time PLA member of PLA Dr David Aldous, who passed away suddenly last year.

Dr Aldous was a prolific researcher, educator and author, who contributed tirelessly to the education of students, particularly through his work at the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland.

The David Aldous Student of the Year Award celebrates the outstanding contributions made by students in a course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification in the sector throughout Australia.

Also new this year is the Research Project Award, which will recognise the outstanding achievement of a professional, student or academic who has made a significant contribution to the parks and leisure industry through research-based projects that enhance or promote the benefits or importance of the parks and leisure sector in Australian society.

The Use of Technology Award will showcase industry leadership and best practice in creating long-term outcomes for the community via the use of technology, while the Emerging Leader of the Year Award will recognise outstanding achievement by a young or emerging professional who has made a significant contribution to the sector.

The 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 endeavours. The winner receives an honorary life membership and a commemorative plaque acknowledging the honour.

Deadlines for the awards are approaching fast with Organisational Awards closing on Friday 28th February in ACT/NSW Friday 14th March in all other states.

Entries for Individual Awards close on Monday 31st March 2014.

Regional finalists will be presented at the PLA annual conference in Cairns, being held from 24th to 27th August with national winners to be announced at the PLA Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner on 27th August.

The PLA national conference is one of the biggest industry events of the year and attracts industry leaders and decision makers in the parks and leisure sector from around Australia. The event highlights the role the sector plays in protecting the Australian way of life and the wellbeing of all Australians through good policy, planning and provision.

For further information on Parks and Leisure Australia's National Awards of Excellence go to www.parksleisure.com.au