A new partnership between World Urban Parks and Parks and Leisure Australia will strengthen international connections, expand knowledge exchange and bring Australian expertise closer to the global parks and public space community.
World Urban Parks (WUP) and Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant step forward in their shared commitment to advancing parks, recreation and public spaces through global collaboration.
Under the agreement, PLA will become an organisational member of World Urban Parks, connecting Australia’s parks and leisure sector more closely with an international network of professionals, organisations and leaders working to shape better parks and public spaces around the world.
The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration across professional development, leadership, global events, knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practice.
It will also strengthen Australia’s participation within World Urban Parks, with a position on the WUP Board reserved for a PLA representative.
World Urban Parks Chair Mark Bowater said the agreement reflects the organisation’s commitment to building meaningful connections across regions and creating stronger pathways for knowledge and expertise to move across borders.
“World Urban Parks is committed to building strong connections between parks and recreation professionals across the globe and creating opportunities to share knowledge, experience and innovation,”
Mr Bowater said.
“We are delighted to formalise this partnership with Parks and Leisure Australia and to welcome the opportunity for closer collaboration with Australia’s leading industry association for parks, recreation and leisure professionals.
“Australia has much to contribute to the global parks and public space conversation, and we look forward to creating opportunities to share the knowledge and expertise of PLA members with our international community.
“At the same time, this partnership will help connect Australian professionals with global colleagues, perspectives and experiences as we work together to advance excellence in parks, recreation and public spaces.”
From regional expertise to global exchange
The agreement will open new opportunities for collaboration between WUP and PLA across international and regional events, professional learning and global forums.
PLA representatives will have opportunities to participate in the World Urban Parks Asia-Pacific Regional Committee and topic-based international committees, contributing Australian perspectives and experience to the organisation’s growing global body of knowledge.
Australian professionals will also be able to engage with World Urban Parks programs, webinars and learning initiatives, as well as contribute to international events through speaking opportunities and the sharing of sector expertise.
The partnership also creates opportunities to highlight Australian excellence through the World Urban Parks Awards Program, bringing parks, projects, organisations and professionals from Australia to a global audience.
WUP and PLA will additionally explore opportunities to collaborate on future global and regional events, including potential international events in Australia where the strategic priorities of both organisations align.
Parks and Leisure Australia National President Kristin Davies said the agreement would create a stronger platform for two-way exchange between Australia and the wider international parks and leisure community.
“As Australia’s national peak body, PLA is proud to lead and represent our industry while connecting our members to the ideas, expertise and opportunities shaping parks and leisure globally,” Mrs Davies said.
“This MOU formalises our valued relationship with World Urban Parks and creates a stronger platform for two-way exchange. It will enable our members to learn from international leaders, contribute Australian expertise and innovation, and have a stronger voice in global conversations about parks, recreation and public spaces.”
Stronger connections, shared knowledge
At the heart of the partnership is a shared belief in the value of international collaboration.
By bringing together the global network of World Urban Parks and the expertise of Parks and Leisure Australia, the agreement creates new opportunities for professionals to exchange ideas, learn from different contexts and contribute knowledge that can strengthen parks and public spaces across regions.
The MOU has been established for an initial two-year period, with both organisations committed to reviewing new opportunities for collaboration and identifying ways to create ongoing value for their members and the wider parks, recreation and public space sector.
About World Urban Parks
World Urban Parks is an international member-based organisation dedicated to strengthening parks, urban nature and public spaces worldwide.
Through its global network, WUP connects professionals, organisations and associations across regions, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional learning and international collaboration.
The organisation promotes innovation and excellence in urban park and open space management, supports research and good practice, and brings the global parks community together to share expertise, experience and ideas.
About Parks and Leisure Australia
Parks and Leisure Australia is the leading industry association for parks and leisure professionals in Australia and the national peak body for the people behind the places.
PLA supports its members and the industry through training, professional development, research, advocacy and a range of products and services.
Through its work, PLA supports opportunities that strengthen communities through the social, environmental, economic and physical wellbeing benefits of good use of leisure time.
Media enquiries
World Urban Parks
Cynthia Hernández
Communication
marketing@worldurbanparks.org
Parks and Leisure Australia
Anand Pillay
Chief Executive Officer
ceo@parksleisure.com.au
