2020 Jury Chair Report

We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia as the traditional custodians of our lands, waters and seas. We recognize their ability to care for Country and their deep spiritual connection with Country. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom ensure the continuation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. (Constitution of the AILA, 2020)

In periods of significant societal disturbance, such as the current pandemic, the continuation of organizational rituals and traditions, like the annual AILA awards, are more important than ever, to maintain peer support through times of emotional need. The 2020 AILA State Chapter and National Landscape Architecture Award programs are a testimony to the devotion of our members to landscape architecture, and to each other in difficult times. The entire program has been delivered under a totally different operating framework this year and I would like to thank all the Chapter and National jury members and AILA staff who have endured hours of Zoom meetings in the careful discussion and evaluation of entries and granting of awards to the appropriate standard. I also thank the AILA staff and members who have worked tirelessly to deliver each award ceremony, in its new online format, across Australia.

In terms of this year’s national jury and the assessment of entries, the themes of diversity and equity were consistent. Our jury proudly comprised diverse representation across our industry and society, and 2020’s entries – from different sectors, scales and modes of practice across Australia and internationally – were amazingly diverse. We think the decisions that comprise this year’s National Awards truly reflect the inherent quality of the design work presented, rather than just its budget or a profile location. We were particularly delighted in the strong presence of work that involved true Indigenous engagement and outcomes, work that catered for the disadvantaged or less able in society, and with the strong representation of small spaces and gardens. The awards program categories, which have been refined in recent years, really do help us celebrate and reward the vast spectrum of work being created by talented landscape architects across Australia – and this annual celebration of exemplary work makes our clients proud of their investment in the better world created by landscape architects!

Shaun Walsh

AILA National Jury Chair