Cumberland City Council is proud to celebrate an outstanding achievement at the 2026 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW Landscape Architecture Awards, receiving recognition across three distinct categories for projects that showcase innovation, community benefit, cultural recognition and climate resilience.

Cumberland City Council Mayor Joseph Rahme said the awards reflect Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality public spaces that strengthen community connections, celebrate local identity and create lasting benefits for residents.

“These awards are a reflection of our vision for Cumberland, one where public spaces bring people together, celebrate our diverse stories and create meaningful opportunities for recreation, connection and wellbeing,”.

“To be recognised across play, cultural heritage and climate resilience is an incredible achievement. These awards demonstrate the impact that thoughtful design and strong partnerships can have in creating a more connected, sustainable and inclusive Cumberland for current and future generations,” Mayor Rahme said.

The Laurie Ferguson Water Playground received the prestigious AILA NSW Award of Excellence for Play Spaces. Delivered in collaboration with landscape architecture and urban design consulting firm CONTEXT, the project transformed a closed and ageing facility into a vibrant, inclusive and free recreational destination for local families.

The renewed playground incorporates water and dry play experiences, improved amenities, increased accessibility and Design with Country principles, creating a valued community destination that encourages year-round recreation and social connection.

“The Laurie Ferguson Water Playground has quickly become a much-loved destination for families across Cumberland and beyond. This award recognises the importance of investing in accessible, inclusive and welcoming community spaces where people of all ages can connect, play and create lasting memories,” Mayor Rahme said.

The Prospect Hill and Related Places Integrated Heritage Interpretation Plan received the AILA NSW Landscape Architecture Award for Cultural Heritage. Developed in partnership with Extent Heritage, Darug Custodians and Elders, Deerubbin and Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Councils, and Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee, the Plan provides a unified framework for recognising and interpreting one of Western Sydney’s most significant cultural landscapes.

Through extensive collaboration and community engagement, the Plan ensures Aboriginal cultural heritage and shared historical narratives are embedded within future planning, placemaking and visitor experiences.

“Prospect Hill holds immense cultural and historical significance. This recognition is a testament to the power of genuine collaboration and our shared commitment to ensuring these stories are preserved, respected and celebrated for future generations,” Mayor Rahme said.

Council’s Cumberland Cool Carparks Project at Holroyd Gardens was recognised with the AILA Shade Smart Award. Delivered in collaboration with Western Sydney University and Tensile, the innovative project transforms a traditional asphalt carpark into a cooler, greener public space through a vine-covered shade structure.

The project demonstrates how landscape-led solutions can reduce urban heat, improve community comfort and support climate resilience across Western Sydney.

“As our city continues to grow, it is essential that we create public spaces that are not only functional, but also resilient to the challenges of a changing climate. Projects such as Cool Carparks show how innovation can directly improve comfort, wellbeing and liveability for our community,” Mayor Rahme said.

Receiving recognition across three award categories reinforces Cumberland City Council’s vision of creating a city where people, culture and place thrive together. Council remains dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable public spaces that honour local heritage, support community wellbeing and provide lasting value for generations to come.