Event RSVP Update: Cumberland City Council x AILA NSW x LGLDF ShadeSmart Urban Heat Initiative
Please note that due to recent organisational changes within AILA, the Institute is no longer in a position to manage registrations for this event.
The event itself is still proceeding as planned, with Cumberland City Council and the Local Government Landscape Design Forum (LGLDF) continuing to coordinate delivery.
RSVPs are now being managed directly by the LGLDF.
If you wish to attend, please email your RSVP to: Meredith Paterson at mpaterson@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Please include:
- Full name
- Organisation
- Email address
- Dietary requirements (if applicable)
- Whether you intend to travel on the event bus or use your own private vehicle
We appreciate that this update comes very soon after the original event invite, and apologise for any confusion. More information regarding the event will be provided in the new year.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you in February 2026.
Cumberland City Council x AILA NSW x LGLDF ShadeSmart Urban Heat Initiative
Cumberland City Council, in partnership with AILA NSW and the LGLDF, invites you to attend a half-day site tour showcasing award-winning public domain projects focused on urban heat mitigation and climate-responsive design. This guided bus tour will explore several of Cumberland City Council’s recent projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to cooling, shade, water, planting and inclusive public space design – all contributing to more resilient, green and liveable communities.
Event Details
Theme: Community Cohesion Through Resilient, Inclusive, Green and Cool Places
Date: Thursday, 19 February 2026
Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm (meet at 9:00am at Merrylands Civic Square for a 9:30am start)
Finish: Lunch provided at Civic Park, Pendle Hill
Location: Multiple sites across Merrylands, Holroyd, Granville and Pendle Hill
Cost: Free
Who can attend: Open to both AILA members and non-members
Highlights
- Guided tour of Cumberland City Council’s award-winning public domain projects
- Focus on urban heat, shade and cooling strategies in civic spaces
- Presentations from leading landscape architecture practices, council staff and academics
Registration & More Info RSVPs are being managed by AILA NSW. Please visit AILA’s website for full event details and to register: 👉 [AILA EVENT LINK HERE]
Important registration note:
- When you click the “REGISTER NOW” button, you will be prompted to log in.
- If you are not an AILA member, please select “CREATE A NON MEMBER ACCOUNT” to complete your registration.
Bus capacity is limited to 50 people, so early registration is recommended.
Assistance
If you experience any issues with registration, please contact:
- Meredith Paterson at mpaterson@hornsby.nsw.gov.au, or
- AILA NSW at nsw@aila.org.au
Thank you to AILA NSW Partner Andreasen’s Green and Scully Outdoor Designs for supporting this event.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey — See You in 2026!
After year that has saw us reconnect with our academic brethren at UNSW and be inspired by award winning projects in Horsby Council, we recently wrapped up 2025 with a fantastic event hosted by Mosman Council and Taronga Zoo. Thank you to everyone for contributing to the schedule of events this year.
The Forum has continued to grow over the past few years thanks to the contributions of many, and I’m grateful to everyone who’s helped keep it thriving. Special thanks to, Andreasens Green and Scully Outdoor Designs for their continued support, and all the practitioners who’ve contributed their time over the past few years.
Looking ahead, Meredith Paterson (Hornsby Council) will be stepping into the role of Chair from 2026. Meredith will be supported by Lingling and Sasa (Camden Council), with a strong program already in development for next year. We’re also welcoming Jonny Nguyen (Georges River Council) and Leigh Trevitt (Transport for NSW) to the team in 2026.
The LGLDF remains a valuable space for local and state government landscape professionals to connect, share knowledge, and support one another. Its strength lies in the generosity of its members and a shared commitment to public realm excellence.
If you’re interested in presenting a project, lending a hand, or getting involved in future events, please reach out to Meredith and the team.
Thanks again for the opportunity to be part of this community and I look forward to seeing you at events in 2026.

Tim with LGLDF Team
2025
Thank You for a Fantastic End to 2025!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our final Local Government Landscape Design Forum event of the year, hosted in collaboration with Mosman Council and Taronga Zoo.
It was a brilliant day of learning, connection, and inspiration – and a wonderful way to wrap up 2025!
Our appreciation goes to the speakers, Mosman Council, and the Taronga Zoo team for their thoughtful hosting and organisation of such an insightful day.
We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors, Andreasens Green and Scully’s Outdoor Designs, for their continued support of the forum and our shared mission to champion great public space landscapes.
We’re already planning several exciting events for 2026, so stay tuned for updates early in the new year.
(Photos from the day below with special attendees 👇 – by Meredith & Sasa)
We look forward to staying connected at our future networking events!
Warm regards,
LGLDF Team 2025
Seeking Advice: Engaging Consultants for Pump Track Design and Construction
Bayside Council is looking to engage a specialist design and construct (D&C) company to design and build a pump track.
We’d appreciate hearing from anyone on the forum who can share information/experience from a recent similar project.
Our questions are :
- Was a design and construct company engaged or was it 2 separate engagements for design and construction?
- What procurement method and platform were used ?
- Was the budget included in the request for quote/tender and were anything additional materials requested (eg. concept plan, design/construct strategy etc) ?
- Which company was engaged and was it a positive experience interms of program, quality, working with Council, and happy community ?
Happy for anyone to respond directly to Julie by email or phone. Julie.Gee@bayside.nsw.gov.au 0430 106 550
Thank you in advance ~
LGLDF Team posted on behalf Bayside Council
RSVP now – LGLDF 2025’s Final Event : Wild Finale ! ~ Mosman x Taronga Zoo 🐾x LGLDF
Don’t Miss Out !
📅 Thursday 23 October, 2025 10am-3pm
📍 Allan Border Pavilion + Taronga Zoo, Mosman
🥪 Lunch & talks included
Why Attend ?
🌿 Join a guided walking tour of Mosman Council’s award-winning public domain upgrades
Hear presentations from leading councils and design studios on sustainable urban design🌿
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Taronga Zoo’s landscape-led projects and conservation initiatives🌿
Connect & networking with peers from councils across NSW 🌿
💡 Kind reminder: Please RSVP by Wednesday, 15 October → Click here (This helps our generous sponsors prepare catering.)
Don’t miss this inspiring, innovative, and collaborative day – the perfect way to wrap up 2025!
Hope to see you there ! 👍
— The LGLDF Team 🌿
Mosman Council invites you to the: Local Government Landscape Design Forum NSW

Hosted by Mosman Council
Thursday 23 October, 10am
Allan Border Oval Pavilion + Taronga Zoo
Join us for a day of inspiration, innovation, and collaboration at the 2025 Local Government Landscape Design Forum, where landscape architects, urban designers, and public domain professionals from across NSW come together to share ideas and showcase excellence in civic design.
Date: Thursday 23 October, 10am
Location: Allan Border Oval Pavilion + Taronga Zoo,
Mosman Theme: Designing for Place, People & Planet
Highlights
- A guided walking tour of Mosman Council’s award-winning public domain upgrades
- Presentations from leading councils and design studios on sustainable urban design
- A behind-the-scenes look at Taronga Zoo’s landscape-led projects and conservation initiatives
- Networking opportunities with peers other NSW councils.
This forum is proudly supported by Mosman Council and reflects our commitment to design excellence, community engagement, and environmental leadership.

Schedule
- Meet at Allan Border Pavilion
- Intro and talks
- Walking tour of the civic precinct and Mosman Square
- Return to Alan Border Pavilion for lunch
- Travel to Taronga Zoo for talk and tour.
Arrive
Allan Border Pavilion – 10am
Mosman Park, 29 Myahgah Rd, Mosman
Depart
Taronga Zoo – 3pm
Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, NSW 2088
Please RSVP by 15 October https://forms.office.com/r/C9P1PNeZ6S

Getting there
Public Transport
Public bus services provide frequent connections to Mosman from Sydney’s CBD (Wynyard and Town Hall – 100, 173, B1), North Sydney (230), St Leonards (114) Chatswood (144) and the Northern Beaches (173, B1). The yellow double-decker B-Line (B1) provides an express access from the City and Northern Beaches. Passengers should alight at Spit Junction.
Ferry services to Mosman operate from Circular Quay to three public wharves, Mosman Bay Wharf, South Mosman Wharf and Taronga Zoo Wharf. Regular buses from each wharf service passengers travelling to Spit Junction and Mosman Council.
Private Car
Timed off street parking is available in Vista Street, Bridgepoint Shopping Centre and Marque parking stations, while parking is also available close to Alan Border Oval Pavilion at Mosman Square Car Park. Timed and untimed on street parking is also available in adjacent local residential streets.
Parking at Taronga Zoo may be a preferred option with a regular bus service operating between the Zoo and Mosman Council via the 100 service. As the event concludes at the Zoo this may be more convenient to attendees.

LGLDF Team
Save the Date: Mosman Council x Taronga Zoo – A Wild Finale! 🐾
Join us for the final LGLDF event of 2025, hosted by Mosman Council in partnership with Taronga Zoo.
📅 Thursday, 23rd October 2025
📍 Mosman Civic Area & Taronga Zoo
🕙 TBC
To finish the year with a bang, we’ll start by exploring the revitalised Mosman Civic Area, including the newly upgraded Mosman Square and Village Green, the interactive play space, and the state-of-the-art Allan Border Oval Pavilion.
Then we’ll head to Taronga Zoo for a unique behind-the-scenes look at their latest projects and initiatives – a rare opportunity to see innovation in action outside the usual Council setting.
Stay tuned for the full agenda and RSVP details – we hope to see you there!
The LGLDF Team
Upcoming Talent – Experienced Landscape Architects Available Early 2026

Message from the City of Parramatta
We’ve been contacted by the City of Parramatta regarding three highly skilled Landscape Architects whose 3-year contracts will be concluding early next year, coinciding with the completion of the WestInvest program.
These professionals bring 5–10 years of experience in public space and urban landscape projects, demonstrating strong design, project delivery, and collaborative skills. They are looking for new opportunities within Local Government from early 2026.
If your Council or organisation is seeking talented Landscape Architects with experience in managing and delivering quality public space projects, please get in touch to learn more.
Note: Interested parties should contact John Graham jgraham@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au / 02 9806 8223 directly for further details.
Thank you : LGLDF x UNSW – A Unique Day of Insight, Innovation and Connection
On Friday 22 August, we hosted the LGLDF x UNSW event, bringing together Local and State Government Landscape Architects with UNSW staff and students.
It was a fantastic day of discussion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, and we’re excited to share a glimpse with you.
📸 Event Highlights
The day featured presentations from every studio – from first-year undergraduates to final-year Masters students – showcasing creativity, rigour, and thoughtful design thinking. Guests were particularly impressed by the beautifully constructed physical models and students’ confident, engaging presentations.
The afternoon also included a rich session led by Program staff, sharing insights into pedagogical approaches and research directions, and a presentation by Emeritus Professor Linda Corkery on the inspiring work of the Landscape Foundation of Australia Ltd.
Feedback from UNSW staff was fantastic – they welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the LGLDF, and look forward to working more with Local Councils in the future.
Here are a few photos from the day capturing the energy, collaboration, and creativity on display across industry and academia.
🎯 Looking Ahead
We’re now working on the final LGLDF event for 2025, which we’re aiming to hold in late October. More details will be shared soon, but for now just pencil in 23rd October 😊
Thank you for your ongoing support of the LGLDF network. Together we’re strengthening connections and growing opportunities across the profession!
Kind Regards,
The LGLDF Team















