The Board of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) has made one of the most difficult decisions in the organisation’s history, resolving to reduce its workforce to a core team and implement an urgent plan to ensure solvency and continued operation.

As outlined at the October 2025 Annual General Meeting, the Board appointed a new Chief Executive Officer and outsourced accounting functions after determining that AILA’s operating model and financial management had deteriorated to a level requiring decisive intervention. Over the past four weeks, newly appointed CEO Grant Galvin, together with accounting partners Right Source, has undertaken a comprehensive reconstruction and review of AILA’s financial position.

That review confirmed the severity of the organisation’s financial challenges. Over the past 13 years, AILA has recorded a profit in only five years, with two of those surpluses attributable to additional government support during the COVID-19 period. Equity has steadily declined, resulting in an operating loss of $290,465 last year and negative equity of $377,985. While AILA remains solvent at present, forecasts indicate that without immediate change this would no longer be the case by approximately February 2026.

The Board has also been advised that the forecast loss for the current financial year is close to $500,000. In response, the CEO presented two options for consideration:

1. Enter voluntary administration, which would result in the cessation of AILA, including all registration, accreditation, and member functions; or

2. Take immediate and significant cost-cutting action to preserve solvency, protect employees’ statutory entitlements, and provide the time and capacity needed to rebuild a sustainable operating model.

The Board unanimously determined that the second option is the only viable path forward. Over the next two months, the Board will develop a new operating model aimed at securing AILA’s long-term sustainability and strengthening its advocacy role, while maintaining essential services such as university accreditation and registration.

Impact on Staff

CEO Grant Galvin will continue to lead a reduced team of four staff members during the rebuilding phase. The organisation has commenced consultation with affected employees and is approaching this process with respect and compassion, recognising the significant contributions staff have made to AILA over time.

Impact on Members

AILA’s future model will focus on a unified national approach, grounded in the organisation’s Constitution, with centralised strategic decision-making by the Board and strong regional input through Board committees and working groups.

Due to current financial constraints, the annual awards program, festival, and chapter events will be temporarily suspended, effective immediately. These activities will be reintroduced strategically as financial stability is restored.

AILA’s professional standards, assessment programs, accreditation cycles, and graduate pathways will continue as scheduled. These core functions are protected through dedicated personnel, established governance frameworks, and advisory mechanisms to ensure continuity for members, universities, and industry partners.

Next Steps

Further details on the revised operating model, including the roles of Board committees and chapters, will be provided directly to chapter committees. Online meetings between chapter committees and the Board will also be scheduled to support collaboration during this transition period.

The Board remains confident that AILA can rebuild within a sustainable operating framework and, over time, grow its team in a way that best serves members and the profession.

Commitment to Members

Members remain central to AILA’s purpose. The Board has committed to transparent communication throughout the rebuilding process. AILA President Heath Gledhill will provide monthly updates, alongside the CEO, outlining progress, rationale, timelines, and opportunities for member involvement.

The Board thanks members for their ongoing support as AILA undertakes these necessary changes to secure its future.