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A community-led series of placemaking initiatives at a neighbourhood centre, a game changing level of transparency in infrastructure policy, and the transformation of underused public space into a vibrant hive of activity have been recognised at the first ever Place Innovation Awards.

From 31 nominations, 3 winners were announced during the annual WA Local Government Association (WALGA) Local Futures Convention.

Congratulations to the winners for their innovative, collaborative approaches to placemaking in WA:

Outstanding Achievement category: City of Kwinana, Wellard Village 7 Day Makeover

• The Wellard Village 7 Day Makeover (7DM) empowered the community to generate ideas, and then design, budget, and implement several placemaking projects to develop a healthy, safe, and vibrant centre, in just seven days.
• The project incorporated a youth-led element, allowing local young people to plan and deliver their own projects.
• The City of Kwinana, Wellard Village People Town Team, RAC and the Wellard community collaboratively delivered the project, facilitated by Creative Communities International.

Metropolitan Perth and Peel category: City of Mandurah, Community Initiated Infrastructure Policy

• The Community Initiated Infrastructure Policy encourages safe, suitable, quality, and timely public infrastructure construction and maintenance that is financially, socially, and environmentally responsible.
• It also aims to build the knowledge and leadership of community groups whilst minimising current and future risk to all stakeholders.
• In its first year, the policy has been successfully embedded into internal processes, and has supported greater transparency and collaboration in community place-based decision making.

Regional Western Australia category: Shire of Pingelly — Pingelly Pocket/Gnalla Wangkiny Park

• The Pingelly Pocket/Gnalla Wangkiny Park project has transformed the dead space between 2 underused buildings on Pingelly's main street.
• A previously fenced off space has been opened and now features a yarning circle, fire pit, stage for performances, community chalkboards and sheltered area creating a welcoming and inclusive public space.
• The project was a collaboration with the local community, local Aboriginal Elders, the Pingelly Aboriginal Progress Association, RAC, the Pingelly Art and Craft Group and the Shire of Pingelly.

The Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) supported non-profit organisation Town Team Movement to administer the awards.

DLGSC has also funded Town Team Movement to deliver free placemaking training for all elected members and local government staff in Western Australia.

Through placemaking, local governments work holistically with local business, urban planners, residents, and local organisations to create positive change and vibrant spaces and help to develop a strong sense of community and belonging.