The Master Landscapers of South Australia (MLSA) proudly hosted its annual Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner at the stunning SkyCity Ballroom in November, 2024. The event brought together over 370 guests to honour the exceptional achievements of South Australia’s landscaping industry.
The evening featured a keynote address by The Honourable Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills, who announced a landmark development for the industry—the transition of the Certificate III in Landscape Construction from a traineeship to an apprenticeship.
This milestone, achieved after years of dedicated advocacy, marks a significant step forward for the sector.
MLSA President, Clint Adams, highlighted the importance of this development, stating: “The definition change recently approved by the South Australian Government and the South Australian Skills Commission has a real impact on our members, not only financial but also reputational benefits across the state. It’s the result of many hours of hard work from our board and sub-committee, outgoing CEO, Amanda Grocock, interim CEO, Miriam Whitford, and staff of the MLSA, as well as focus from the office of Commissioner Baker and Blair Boyer MP, without whose help we couldn’t have achieved what we had set out to achieve. ‘This is an example of the work the Association undertakes and why it exists. The board and I are extremely proud to be able to share this news.”
Special awards
Among the honours were special awards such as the Frank Ugody Memorial Award for industry dedication, the Craig Norman Memorial Award for best supplier, Rising Star of the Year, and Trainee of the Year.
In total, 14 outstanding South Australian individuals and businesses were recognised across 23 awards celebrating excellence in landscape design, construction, and maintenance.
Showcase and recognition
The Awards of Excellence Gala served as a celebration of craftsmanship, skill, and creativity in design, construction and maintenance, in both commercial and residential landscaping projects. It also provided a valuable networking platform for industry professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Beyond showcasing artistic talent, the awards recognised the hard work and dedication of the individuals and teams driving South Australia’s landscaping industry forward.
The MLSA extends its gratitude to all who joined in celebrating excellence, innovation, and dedication in the landscaping industry at the MLSA Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner. Thank you for being part of an evening of
honour, inspiration, and camaraderie.
2024 MLSA award winners
Judges’ Choice Award: Hills Classic Gardens
Trainee of the Year: Daniel Dolman/Akers of Lawn
Frank Ugody Memorial Award: John Zwar
Craig Norman Memorial Award: ARO College
Rising Star Award: DLM – Daldry Landscape Maintenance
Best Use of Green-Life: Hedgehog Gardens and Caroline Dawes Gardens
Commercial Landscape Construction – under $200,000: Adelaide Innovative Landscaping
Commercial landscape construction – $200,000-$500,000: Adelaide Innovative Landscaping
Commercial Landscape Construction – Exceeding $1,000,000: LCS Landscapes
Commercial Landscape Maintenance: LCS Landscapes
Commercial Landscape Design: Climbing Tree Creations
Residential Landscape Design – under $70,000: Hills Classic Gardens
Residential Landscape Construction – under $70,000: Hills Classic Gardens
Residential Landscape Design – $70,000-$150,000: Hills Classic Gardens
Residential Landscape Construction – $70,000 – $150,000: Hills Classic Gardens
Residential Landscape Design – $150,000-$250,000: Wax Design
Residential Landscape Construction – $150,000-$250,000: Adelaide Landscape Construction
Residential Landscape Construction – Exceeding $250,000: Hills Classic Gardens
Residential Landscape Design – Exceeding $250,000: Hills Classic Gardens
Residential Landscape Maintenance: Shane McMahon Gardens
Most Environmentally Sensitive Project: LCS Landscapes
Individual Landscape Feature: The Great Outdawes Landscaping
For more information about the MLSA Awards of Excellence, or the association, log on to landscapesa.com.au.