Friends and Colleagues,

This is by far my favourite time of year. The sunlight is brighter, the rain intensifies for a bit, the days are longer, and the wildlife emerges. I peered out into my backyard in the Adelaide Hills last weekend and found a koala with its baby staring back at me, from one of the big Eucs. Amazing. I just hope the snakes and spiders stay put for a bit longer…

October also means the International Festival of Landscape Architecture: Not In My Backyard is fast approaching, with almost all tickets sold. There are limited tickets left, so get online and make your arrangements.

Voting is now underway for the new AILA Board, and I ask that all members consider all the candidates and vote accordingly. Your vote is very important for the future of AILA.

You would have received an email with instructions and a message from me last week outlining how to vote. If you have misplaced or need further information on how to vote, please email National Office at [email protected] and it will be reissued. You have until 15 September, 5pm AEST to vote. If you don’t have access to email, please contact the National Office. It is critical we all vote to ensure we have the very best Board moving forward!

I have been extremely humbled and proud to have been be an AILA Director since 2013, and as your President over the past year. Leading the Board has been a great experience personally, however I have chosen not to renominate for the next Board. I have had the amazing opportunity to oversee the greatest reform of the organisation, resetting AILA’s purpose, and refocusing AILA as a member-led organisation. My sincerest thanks for all your support to make this happen.

To have 14 candidates is, in many ways, a great signpost of the interest and passion of members to make AILA even better. My hearty congratulations and best wishes to all have nominated, including my colleagues on the current Board – Sara, Angus and Ashley.

Your support has been paramount to our success, and through this lens, it has been a privilege and honour to represent the profession.

Lastly, and on a very sombre note, it is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Fellow and founding Director of AILA, Glenn Wilson. Glenn passed away in Benalla and will be remembered for his contribution to a flourishing profession, his extensive writing and teaching at the University of Canberra. In our 50th year, Glenn will be remembered as an important leader, contributor, AILA champion and exemplary landscape architect. On behalf of the AILA Board and all members, we pass our sincerest condolences onto Glenn’s family.

Daniel Bennett AILA
National President
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects