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Paul Jane, Manager of Recreation and Open Space for Maribyrnong City Council  and Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) President from 2018 to 2022, has been honoured by for his services with the receipt of Frank Stuart Distinguished Service Award.

PLA’s highest individual honour, the award itself recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development, promotion and advocacy of the parks and recreation industry through their personal and professional endeavours.

It is named after Frank Stuart, a federal politician who, among a range of achievements, established the Australian Institute of Sport.

Thanking a range of people for the contributions to his career achievements, Jane noted “working in the parks and leisure Industry is a privilege. Your work affects so many people in different ways and fundamentally brings joy. I never forget this and feel I regularly get more out than I give.”

Having received the award from current PLA President Kristin Davies, on social media Jane later acknowledged  “I would not have been able to achieve what I have without the support and opportunities afforded me by some very special individuals”, adding “it was especially significant to receive the award from the PLA current president Kristin Davies who is one of those extraordinary human’s I’ve worked with.”

Other winners in the 2024 PLA National Award of Excellence, presented during a gala dinner during the PLA National Conference in Brisbane last week, were:

Environmental Stewardship Award
Monina Gilbey, Golf Australia

Community Based Initiative of the Year Award
'Olgeta Deadly' Sport and Recreation Program, Queensland Government

Strategic and Master Planning Award
Cloverton Regional Community and Recreation Needs Assessment, City of Whittlesea

Community Facility of the Year Award
Concord Oval Community and Sports Precinct, City of Canada Bay Council

Park of the Year Award
Paradise Recreation Plaza, Campbelltown City Council and JPE Design Studio

Playspace Award (less than $500,000)
Yirran Muru Aboriginal Interpretative Playspace, Fiona Robbe Landscape Architects

Playspace Award (more than $500,000)
Bradbury Park Playspace, Brisbane City Council

Research Award
Katie McDonald, Victoria University

Best Use of Technology Award
Digital Revolution with Auditing, Softball Testing Pty Ltd

Best Regional/Rural Industry Contribution Award
Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, Rural City of Wangaratta

Held in Brisbane from 13th to 16th October, the theme of this year’s PLA national conference was 'Cities at Play’ with a program that explored how leisure, play and community meet innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. It included streams ranging from sports and physical activity to future planning and sustainability with PLA advising “as an industry, we're committed to sharing these learnings, driving innovation, and tackling current challenges that impact our cities.”

Image: Paul Jane (left) receives the Frank Stuart Distinguished Service Award from current PLA President Kristin Davies at the 2024 PLA National Award of Excellence.

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