Last week I attended the National Awards Ceremony in Darwin. The night itself was very successful with the program running very smoothly. This was combined with some fascinating post ceremony entertainment. From a remarkable drummer and didgeridoo combination to carnival performers and a speed painter. The night was beautifully accented by the indigenous artist Janet Golder Kngwarreye who transformed a SMEG fridge into the most remarkable art work. Whoever ends up owning this will be the big winner of the night.

So how did SA architecture fair in the Awards? Congratulations to the Sustainable Industries Education Centre, Tonsley – MPH Architects + Architectus in association, who won a National Architecture Award in the Interior Architecture Category. Congratulations also to Woods Bagot who followed this up with a National Commendation for the SAHMRI.

There were some remarkable projects presented. A highlight was the use of clients and building users in testimonial videos which were used throughout the program, creating a very human-centric element to the night.

Next year will see our current State President, Steve Grieve as a National Awards Jury member which will be welcomed by the local members.

– Richard Hosking, State Manager