City of Port Phillip programs, projects and services have been nominated for a wide range of awards in 2025-26, recognising the creativity, care and innovation behind work being delivered for our community.
Winner: Urban Forest Strategy – Engagement Institute Core Values Award
The City of Port Phillip’s Urban Forest Strategy 2024-2040 is an ambitious but achievable long-term plan to create a greener, liveable and climate-resilient city.
The 2025 Engagement Institute Core Values Award, Environmental Sustainability category recognises a project that demonstrates strong community engagement while delivering measurable environmental outcomes. It highlights leadership, collaboration and innovation in embedding sustainability practices that create lasting benefits for the community and environment.
Finalist: Electric Vehicle Kerbside Charging Project – MAVLab Award for Innovation
To address the lack of EV charging options for residents without off-street parking, Council partnered with local innovator Kerb Charge to trial a first-of-its-kind solution in Australia: kerbside EV chargers powered from private homes but installed on Council-managed land.
The 2025 MAVLab Award for Innovation in the Climate Resilience and Adaptation category recognises initiatives that demonstrate innovative approaches to strengthening community resilience to climate change. It celebrates practical, scalable solutions that enhance adaptation outcomes through collaboration, forward-thinking design and measurable impact.
Finalist: Port Phillip EcoCentre – LG Pro Awards for Excellence
The $6.7M redevelopment of the Port Phillip EcoCentre is a unique, purpose-built facility that achieves a 6 Star Green Star building rating
The LG Pro Awards for Excellence in the Community Assets and Infrastructure Projects category recognises outstanding local government projects that deliver high-quality, community-focused infrastructure within a mid-range budget. It highlights excellence in planning, design and delivery, with strong outcomes in functionality, sustainability and community benefit.
Finalist: Shaping Balaclava Together – LG Pro Integrated Planning Awards
The Balaclava Community Forum in May 2025, brought more than 120 residents, community organisations, businesses and visitors together to connect, discover local initiatives, and share their feedback on Council-led projects.
The LG Pro Integrated Planning Awards, Community and Integrated Planning category, recognise exemplary local government initiatives that embed integrated, evidence-based planning to achieve strong community outcomes. The award highlights collaborative approaches that align strategic priorities, enhance liveability and deliver long-term benefits for communities.
Finalist: JL Murphy Reserve Synthetic Pitch Project – VicSport Award
Council delivered a significant upgrade to JL Murphy Reserve, the municipality’s largest Council managed sporting precinct, by transforming the existing natural turf soccer pitch (Pitch 3) into the first synthetic sports ground.
The Local Government Initiative category of the VicSport Award recognises outstanding local government programs that increase participation in sport and active recreation. It highlights initiatives that deliver inclusive, accessible opportunities and strengthen community wellbeing through effective partnerships and engagement.
Honourable Mention: St Kilda Festival – National Awards for Local Government
St Kilda Festival 2026 is Australia’s largest free music festival and a flagship cultural event delivered by the City of Port Phillip. Held across two days in February, the Festival attracted 360,000 attendees across the weekend, reaffirming its role as a major cultural gathering that brings communities together through accessible, high-quality arts experiences in public space.
The Arts and Culture category of the 2026 National Awards for Local Government recognises initiatives that strengthen cultural identity, creativity and community connection through arts and cultural programs. It highlights projects that demonstrate innovation, inclusivity and lasting social and economic benefits for local communities.
Award nominations are an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and community contributions that help make our city more liveable, connected and resilient.
Council is still awaiting the outcome of a further six award nominations.
