Published on Friday, 26 June 2026 at 9:27:17 AM
The Town of Victoria Park has been recognised as a leader in inclusive design, winning the Most Accessible Communities Award at the 2026 WALGA Local Government Awards.
The honour recognises the Elizabeth Baillie Precinct Redevelopment Project, which has transformed a heritage-listed site in East Victoria Park into one of the State's leading destinations for recreation, play and community connection.
The project includes the adaptive reuse of Elizabeth Baillie House, now operating as Baillie Hill, and the recently completed $8.1 million redevelopment of the surrounding Elizabeth Baillie Park.
Mayor Karen Vernon said the Award reflected the Town’s commitment to creating places where everyone feels welcome, included and connected.
“The Elizabeth Baillie Redevelopment Project is the jewel in the crown of Victoria Park’s community facilities and shows what can be achieved when accessibility is built into a project from the very beginning,” Mayor Vernon said.
“This recognition belongs to the many people and organisations who helped shape the project, particularly local residents, members of our Access and Inclusion Advisory Group, students from Carson Street School, the Autism Association of Western Australia and our project partner Blackoak Capital Ventures.
“We worked closely with the people who would use the space, and their feedback helped ensure the finished precinct meets the needs of the community.”
A standout feature of the redevelopment is the Mildred Creak Playground, a sensory-rich play space designed with the Autism Association of Western Australia to support neurodiverse children and their families.
The precinct also includes the Town’s first fully accessible Changing Places facility, giving people with high support needs access to specialised amenities that support comfort, dignity and independence.
Mayor Vernon said the project would have lasting benefits for the community with the precinct already proving extremely popular with local families, children and visitors.
“This Award recognises our commitment to removing barriers and creating a place where more people can connect, play and enjoy a great day out,” she said.
The project was delivered with support from the Federal Government, Lotterywest, Autism Association of Western Australia and Blackoak Capital Ventures.
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