WIRADJURI GARDEN WINS GOLD!
A collaboration between community, local businesses, and local and state government has come away as the clear winner in an award ceremony held virtually on Friday 26 November 2021. The Wiradjuri Gardens Dubbo, took out gold in The Landscape Association Commercial Construction category for projects between $750k and $1.5M.
Dubbo Regional Council’s (DRC) Recreation and Open Space Manager, Ian McAlister said the project is a worthy winner of such a respected award. “The Wiradjuri Garden was a great collaborative project to be a part of and has resulted in a wonderful award - winning asset for the entire community. The space is more than just a tourist attraction, it is spiritually and culturally significant area for our whole community. I’d like to congratulate everyone who was involved,” said Mr McAlister.
The previously unused portion of land in East Dubbo, adjacent to the Dubbo Botanic Gardens, now includes large spans of open grass, accessible path systems that represent the key three rivers of the area, two large sandstone yarning circles, native gardens with vegetation endemic to the area, shelters and picnic benches for gathering, a large fire pit, and a 50 metre rainbow serpent focal piece. The Gardens were officially opened in June 2021 with a traditional smoking ceremony and local Wiradjuri dancers to celebrate.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said he’s delighted this significant Dubbo project has been recognised.
“This space now feels really inviting and I’m hoping local groups along with many visitors, take the time and the opportunity to enjoy what is now an award-winning space, highlighting and celebrating our region’s rich Indigenous history,” Mr Saunders said.
“It was also great to see Indigenous kids involved in the project via LeaderLife.”
Dubbo Landscaping’s Behn Monley said he was humbled to win such a big award for the largest project his company has worked on to date, “As members of The Landscape Association (TLA) it has been a goal of ours to submit an award application for the annual awards. The Excellence Awards celebrate the highest standards and achievement in landscape construction, design and maintenance, both in the residential and commercial sectors. To win the gold for the largest job we have ever worked on is an incredible achievement for our whole team and for those who worked with us throughout the project.
“ I’d like to thank Dubbo Regional Council for their support of our local business, it’s been a great experience, topped off with the big win!” said Mr Monley.
Last Edited: 17 Jul 2023