Civic forecourt project wins award of excellence
The City of Stirling’s Administration Centre forecourt project received the 2026 Civic Landscape Award of Excellence at the recent Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) WA Awards and will now progress to the national awards.
The ALIA Awards celebrate projects, places and practitioners transforming Australia’s landscapes, cities, and communities.
The award submission recognised our Administration Centre forecourt's transformation into a more welcoming, accessible, culturally meaningful and people-focused space, featuring:
- New trees and shrubs with mostly local native species such as tuart trees and melaleuca groves with and water-wise gardens
- The Yarning Circle Koora, Yeyi, Boordawan Bidi (Past, Present, Future Path) featuring the works of Nyoongar artists the late Meeyakba Shane Pickett (1957-2010), Peter Farmer Senior and Kylie Graham
- New programmable LED uplighting to illuminate the 10m steel sculpture Lina by Tony Jones in a range of colours, as well as bespoke fibre-optic lighting in the Yarning Circle
- Improved signage and accessible pathways making it safer and easier to navigate
- Visitor parking relocation to prioritise pedestrian movement and encourage greater use of the forecourt
- Bike racks supporting active transport
- New seating, benches and power outlets creating opportunities for community events and activations
- Repurposed concrete elements incorporated into seating and landscape features, reducing waste and supporting sustainability outcomes.
In September 2022, Council endorsed the development of a concept plan for the forecourt, including improvements to landscaping, lighting and access to provide a cooler and more inviting space for community use.
The community launch of Christmas in Stirling, including the first Christmas light installation to be displayed at the newly refreshed Administration Centre forecourt, was the first major activation of the new civic space in late 2025.
