Several of the City of Mandurah's Waterfront projects have been recognised at the prestigious Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) WA State Awards 2024, announced on May 31.
The awards night celebrated excellence in landscape architecture, and the City of Mandurah was honoured with multiple awards for its City Centre Waterfront Projects including Kwillena Gabi Pool, the Western Foreshore, and Koolaanga Waabiny Playground.
Among 35 entries across 11 categories, the AILA jury recognised 23 winners, highlighting projects that deliver outstanding community, ecological, and environmental outcomes. Jury chair Bel Foster praised this year's winners for creating beautiful and engaging places that are successful in their community, ecological and environmental outcomes.
The City proudly received three awards, along with the esteemed WA Medal for the Waterfront Project, a distinguished accolade awarded only when the judges believe a project is notable.
The City of Mandurah was awarded:
Tourism Award of Excellence: Kwillena Gabi Pool
The Kwillena Gabi Pool, a distinctive feature of Mandurah’s City Centre redevelopment, earned the Award of Excellence in the Tourism category. This unique swimming area, featuring a curved floating walkway, embraces the Djilba (estuary) and forms a circular pool with an access ramp.
“This nuanced and inclusive project works as an iconic attraction for tourists, but also adds significant local benefits. The design response to the tidal environment and minimal below-water infrastructure is coupled with the incorporation of Indigenous culture, attention to safety and accessibility, and preservation of the site’s public use through creative, inclusive and thoughtful planning,” the jury said.
Landscape Architecture Award:
- Play and Open Spaces: Didaalamaap – Western Foreshore
The Didaalamaap project on the Western Foreshore was celebrated for its contribution to park and open spaces, providing a serene and functional area for community enjoyment. - Play Spaces Landscape Architecture Award: Koolaanga Waabiny Playground
In collaboration with PLAN E, the Koolaanga Waabiny Playground was honored for its innovative and inclusive design. This project demonstrates a proactive approach to community engagement and a commitment to cultural inclusivity, offering a meaningful and accessible environment for all.
"Both the Koolaanga Waabiny Playground and Didaalamaap – Western Foreshore projects were recognised for demonstrating a proactive approach to community engagement and a commitment to cultural inclusivity and knowledge sharing. By catering to diverse skill levels and interests in its experiences and activities, the design brings a meaningful and accessible environment for all. Early engagement with First Nations people set a positive precedent for local government involvement, bolstered by ample resources and successful funding acquisitions. The integration with waterline themes further enhances the project’s appeal, making it a compelling and engaging space for both local and regional families."
WA Medal: Mandurah Foreshore Redevelopment Projects
The Mandurah Foreshore Redevelopment Projects were awarded the WA Medal, a prestigious recognition of the transformative impact these projects have had on the community.
"The WA Jury has chosen to award the significant body of work undertaken by the City of Mandurah in revitalising their foreshore. While each of the three submitted works - Didaalamaap, Koolaanga Waabiny Playground, and Kwillena Gabi Pool are award winning in their own right, as a collective body, the leadership, process and execution by the City is exemplary.
"Underpinned by a robust First Nations, community and stakeholder engagement process, the projects offer locals and visitors a destination for the creation of lasting memories and connection. Local government leadership shines in this complex coastal revitalisation project, creating beautiful, inclusive spaces with diversity of scale and experience.
"The result is an outcome which considers not just the place itself and the physical elements that make up the projects, but also delves into the stories and interwoven histories that add value to the fabric of the location. The outcome is reflective of a deep landscape connection and inclusive values that coalesce to inform cohesive and direct human connection to the place.
"The City of Mandurah’s commitment to the revitalisation from its inception through to its considered and inclusive delivery demonstrates the leadership, robust process and exemplary outcome that is aspirational for the development of landscape projects."
All winners at the State Awards level will proceed to the National Landscape Architecture Awards to be held later this year.
These achievements affirm the City's commitment to creating spaces that enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of Mandurah’s waterfront and bring people together.
Congratulations and thanks to the community and local businesses involved in Mandurah's transformation.
