Griffith City Council has taken out the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Engineering Excellence Awards for its innovative delivery of the Safer Cities: Her Way project.

Funded by Transport for NSW, the initiative aimed to improve perceptions of safety in public spaces around key transport hubs, with a focus on enhancing accessibility and comfort for women, girls and gender-diverse individuals.

Council’s Urban Design Team engaged more than 150 community members through co-design sessions, walkshops, and artist-led workshops to shape the project’s vision and outcomes.

The local engagement informed the delivery of several key works, including:

• Two new footbridges across Canal Street with improved landscaping, lighting, and connectivity;
• An upgraded community garden and park at Don Best Park, featuring new shelter, BBQ, and open space for residents of surrounding medium-density housing;
• Two smart bus shelters on Yambil Street and Banna Avenue;
• Nine large-scale public artworks throughout the precinct;
• Wayfinding signage

Griffith City Council was commended for its end-to-end delivery model, managing community consultation internally and engaging local contractors for all infrastructure and construction works.

Griffith Mayor, Doug Curran said he was proud that Council had been acknowledged for its efforts.

“The recognition from IPWEA highlights the success of our collaborative approach with our community,” said Mayor Curran.

“This project has transformed our CBD into a more inclusive, safe and vibrant place. I really want to once again thank all Council staff, community organisations, schools and community members that were involved in the project. It has improved the quality of our City,” he said.