Forget the credit crunch, US elections, State Government foibles. Spring is here and we are in the lead up to the busiest time on the AILA calendar.

Over the next few months we have a series of workshops, lunches, our AGM, talks and of course the NSW State Awards (entries due 29th September). Click here for details

The build up will culminate with our Christmas party and Award Presentation night at Cockatoo Island - an un-missable event particularly for those who have not yet visited the island at night.

AILA is in the process of building an enthusiastic team, all of which expands what we can deliver and promote. In particular the Events Committee and Awards Committee have been working on a range of initiatives which include plans for the 2009 Talks Series, participation in Sydney Design 2009 and Sydney Architecture Festival coming up on October 6th amongst others.

We are building our profile at a state level through alliances such as UDAL (Urban Design Alliance) and our state events are now listed on D-Hub, the Powerhouse Museum's Design Register.

In the coming year, 2009, we are interested in promoting our profession through articles, installations events, and initiatives that we have not thought of -  but you may have?

If you are keen to be involved in the Events Committee - keen to let loose some energy, please contact the State Manager, Christina Bunbury  email.

Events Committee :  James Grant (Chair) , Sacha Coles, Paul Melrose, Chris Houghton, Roger Jasprizza, Roxanna Vlack, Elke Haege, David Martin, Shah Alford,  Christina Bunbury, Robbie Cunningham, Eve Valensise,  Kate Sutton

Awards Committee :  Chris Houghton (Chair), Paul Melrose, James Grant, Roger Jasprizza, Elke Haege, Gabrielle Moore

2008 Awards Jury :

Design :
Julie Marler – Chair, Phillips Marler; Mike Horne - Turf Design; Stephen Merchant - City of Sydney; Jim Osborne – Material Landscape Architecture; Helen Lochhead – Asst. Govt. Architect; Deb Matthews – Scenic Landscape Architecture ACT; Tony Caro – Tony Caro Architecture

Planning :
Prof. Helen Armstrong -Chair, QUT; Tom Jones - Woollahra Council; Philip Thalis - Hill Thalis Architecture & Urban Projects; Craig Bagley - Sydney Olympic Park Authority; Prof. Robert Freestone - UNSW FBE Town Planning

Land Management :
Oriana Senese – Chair,  NPWS; Marianna Preston – Centennial Parklands; Katrina Simon – UNSW FBE            

Research and Communication:
Suellen Fitzgerald – Chair + Sydney Greenspace Award - Dept. of Planning; Warwick Mayne-Wilson – Mayne-Wilson Landscape Architects; Judy Fakes – School of Horticulture TAFE NSW

• LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT WORKSHOP

Thursday October 23

Workshop : Street Trees in Residential Communities : Does Size Matter?

Sponsored by: Landcom, Alpine Nurseries, Marsupial Landscape Management

Speakers : Ingrid Mather JMD Design; Sarah Renwick Material Landscape Architecture  Sally Driscoll Landcom  Craig Rich Alpine Nurseries  David McKinley Marsupial

Venue: Second Ponds Creek, Rouse Hill Town Centre, Time 10.00 – 2.00pm

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• LAND AND ENVIRONMENT COURT UPDATE

Do you have any experiences in the Land and Environment Court you wish to share?

Are there any issues you would like AILA to advocate in the Land and Environment Court on behalf of the profession?

• AWARDS/CHRISTMAS PARTY

With the last quarter of 2008 under way we can cast our eyes forward to the Awards/Christmas Party to be held Thursday 4 December 2008 at Cockatoo Island. Invitations are on their way.

The Venue – Cockatoo Island
AILA NSW Group in collaboration with the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT) have secured one of Cockatoo Islands historic buildings as the venue for the evening offering fabulous harbour views from this unique setting.

Transport
AILA has arranged two free ferries depart Circular Quay at 5:30pm and 6pm with a stop to collect passengers at Milsons Point before arriving at Cockatoo Island. Return ferries will be provided at the end of the evening.

For those lucky enough to have access to a boat, we are investigating if moarings are available for the evening. If you are interested please let us know,contact the State Manager, Christina Bunbury  email.

Camping

After the Awards/Christmas Party SHFT offers the opportunity to stay overnight and watch the sunrise over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. SHFT have camp sites available on Cockatoo Island for $45 for 4 persons or full packages including tent, 2 sleeping mats, 2 chairs, 1 lantern for $75 for 4 persons (a refundable $100 deposit is required for the package) click here

A free return public ferry is available in the morning click here