Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo was the setting for the 2025 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) South Australia Awards, held on Friday, 20 June.
The event brought together leading practitioners and celebrated more than 20 projects spanning civic landscapes, health and education, parks and open space, gardens, and more.
This year’s awards were chaired by AILA SA Jury Chair Warwick Keates, who led a panel of jurors in recognising the profession’s achievements.
“What emerges clearly from this year’s awards is a profession that is a champion of the environment, people, culture and place,” Keates said.
“We continue to demonstrate that landscape architects are respectful, inclusive and incredibly innovative.”
Among the standout winners, Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari Stage 3, a major component of the River Torrens redevelopment, swept the pool with two Awards of Excellence in Land Management and Parks and Open Space.
Designed by TCL in partnership with Green Adelaide, the City of Charles Sturt, and the City of West Torrens, the project features over 6.2 kilometres of walking trails and shared paths, 11,400 square metres of permanently vegetated wetlands, five viewing decks, a new river crossing, and an accessible boardwalk.
The Jury described the project as “an exemplary demonstration of landscape architectural leadership in the design and delivery of complex blue/green infrastructure” and noted: “It marks the conclusion of a 30-year vision to connect Karrawirra Pari’s freshwater and saltwater systems.
“Importantly, it reconnects people to place — through meaningful and enduring design.” Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari Stage 3 also secured a Climate Positive Design award and a Water for Life Commendation.
The residential Gumnut Garden, designed by Oxigen, was another highlight, receiving the coveted Garden Award of Excellence and the Water for Life Award.
The Jury praised the project, stating: “Unusually brave within both front and rear yards, the garden showcases an array of local and nearby native plant species that support biodiversity.
“Additionally, it provides habitat whilst simultaneously creating a series of spaces for the occupants — and views from within indoor spaces.”
In the play spaces category, the Dunstan Adventure Playground in St Peters, designed by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and CLOVER Green Space, was recognised with a Play Spaces’ Landscape Architecture Award.
The Jury remarked: “the playground design is brave and also encourages children and parents to be brave — just as it did in the seventies”.
Elizabeth Vale’s Mofflin Reserve was another multiple award-winner, taking home the Healthy Parks, Healthy People SA Award (the highest accolade in its category), the Minister for Planning’s Award, and a Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award.
Designed by Landskap and Outside Ideas for the City of Playford, Mofflin Reserve has transformed a dryland grass paddock into a vibrant open space for play, social connection, and wellbeing.
The Jury described the design as providing “quality, accessible, nature-based and green spaces for South Australia” and celebrated the “positive outcomes that Mofflin Reserve showcases”.
They further noted: “It is a place for local families and healthcare workers, and is a cohesive mix of bespoke play elements and recreation — transforming a once neglected site.
“The reserve is now an activity hub and inclusive space where biodiversity is increased with thousands of native plants.”
The Jury concluded: “The project brings long-term aspirations and makes them a reality for the community. Shifting the theme from a passive green space, Mofflin Reserve strengthens the role of design for parks and open space — showing leadership in enhancing social connection and wellbeing.”
All AILA SA Award winners will now proceed to the National Landscape Architecture Awards, set to be announced in October in Hobart/Nipaluna.
AILA, as the peak body for landscape architecture in Australia, champions quality design for public open spaces, stronger communities, and greater environmental stewardship.
Landscape architecture plays a vital role in shaping parks, open spaces, wetlands, streets, and public places that foster community and connection.
Beyond attracting visitors and creating jobs, well-designed landscapes cool cities, restore ecosystems, support well-being, and care for Country.
The 2025 AILA South Australia Awards celebrate the projects and practitioners reimagining how we live with landscape and each other.
