Awards and recognition
2025/26
Fagan Park Children's Forest
Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) National Award
Fagan Park Children’s Forest was successful to be awarded the Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) National Award for a Playspace valued Under $500K category.
The first stage of the Children’s Forest project was completed and formally opened in April 2024. The project represents the first in NSW designed specifically to foster an ongoing sense of connection and responsible stewardship of nature for children and provide an educational model showcasing the value of trees.
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Landscape Architecture Award
Fagan Park Children’s Forest has also been awarded a Landscape Architecture Award at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards in the Playspace category.
Kidsafe Australia National Playspace Design Award
Fagan Park Children’s Forest was also named the national winner in the Public Playspaces – up to $500K category by Kidsafe Australia. These awards highlight excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in playspace design, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and the integration of sustainable resources.
Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) NSW/ACT Award
The project was awarded the Playspace Under $500K category in Parks and Leisure Australia's 2025 NSW/ACT Awards of Excellence. This latest announcement confirms the project has received last month the Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) National Award for a Playspace valued Under $500K category.
The Children’s Forest was a collaboration between Council’s Landscape Architecture team and local resident and Landscape Architect / Playspace Consultant Fiona Robbé.
The citation by Parks and Leisure Australia reads:
“The Fagan Park Children’s Forest is a shining example of how small spaces can deliver big impact. With over 50 new trees and interactive pods, this nature-based playspace invites children to explore biodiversity, sustainability and the wonder of trees through play and discovery.
Aligned with Hornsby’s Urban Forest Strategy and Play Plan, it nurtures physical, cognitive and emotional development while planting seeds of environmental awareness in future generations.
View the media release
Hawkesbury–Nepean River System CMP
NSW Coastal Conference – Local Government Award
This award recognises an unprecedented six‑year collaboration between Central Coast, Hawkesbury City, The Hills Shire, Hornsby Shire, Ku‑ring‑gai, and Northern Beaches councils. Together, our close‑knit “family of council representatives” transcended traditional government boundaries to deliver a unified, whole‑of‑estuary approach to coastal management by sharing resources, knowledge, and responsibility to tackle the river system’s complex challenges for the benefit of our communities and the river itself. Hornsby Shire Council initiated the CMP and served as the lead council, managing grants, coordinating the program, and liaising with our partners to keep the vision aligned and momentum strong.
Salt Pan Reserve, Brooklyn
Australian Institute of Horticulture – Green Space Award
Salt Pan Reserve has been transformed from a degraded salt pan into a thriving, biodiverse landscape through a decade of restoration led by Hornsby Council’s Environment Branch and embraced by Bushcare volunteers, Council nursery volunteers, residents, and students at Brooklyn Public School. The reserve now blends nature, heritage and community, with features such as the amphitheatre constructed from repurposed sandstone slabs donated by Transport for NSW. This award honours the collective effort that made Salt Pan Reserve a model of community‑led environmental renewal.
Blue Gum High Forest (BGHF) Campaign
Greater Sydney Regional Landcare & Bushcare Awards 2025 – Community Partnerships Award (Joint Winner)
Coordinated by Council and supported by partners across our suburbs, the BGHF campaign established five new Bushcare sites in Castle Hill, Hornsby, Normanhurst, Wahroonga and Pennant Hills; recruited 23 new regular volunteers into nine existing Bushcare groups; expanded contract bush regeneration works at Council‑managed sites in Hornsby and Cherrybrook; and delivered community plantings along disturbed edges in five suburbs. Equally important, the campaign sparked a significant rise in awareness and appreciation of the BGHF’s ecological value, conservation status and the threats it faces, bringing more residents into the Hornsby Bushcare program. This joint win celebrates Council officers, Bushcare coordinators and contractors, community groups, volunteers and residents who stand together to protect a critically endangered ecosystem.
New-Bub Bushcare
LGNSW Environment Symposium & Awards 2025 – Natural Environment Protection & Enhancement (On‑Ground Works) Division C & Overall Winner
New‑Bub Bushcare is a Hornsby‑born initiative that enables new parents to volunteer in Bushcare while Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students provide on‑site babysitting support. The program delivers environmental outcomes, fosters social inclusion, reduces isolation, and grows Bushcare participation—a practical, welcoming model now inspiring other councils. This dual win reflects Hornsby’s commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing.
NSW Overall Sustainable Cities Winner
Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities Awards 2025
This top honour recognises a whole‑of‑community commitment to a sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban future. Lead Assessor Peter Clark noted, Hornsby exemplifies sustainability through diverse initiatives, genuine community connections and forward‑thinking strategies. Alongside the overall win, we were Highly Commended for Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation – Wisemans Ferry Community Resilience Plan, Community Spirit & Inclusion – New‑Bub Bushcare, and Waste Avoidance – Second Hand Markets; and we were Finalists in Communication & Engagement – #SayHighForest and Liveable Cities – Hawkins Hall Community Centre Upgrade.
View the media release
