Cobar Shire Council was honoured with the President’s Award at the Australian Institute of Architects’ (AIA) 2026 Regional Architecture Awards last week.
The very best in regional architecture were honoured at the AIA’s gala celebration on Friday in Coffs Harbour with the winners offering a compelling snapshot of the ever-evolving built environment across regional New South Wales.
DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design, who Cobar Shire Council has worked with closely on a number of projects in Cobar, also collected an Educational Architecture award on Friday for their work at Cobar’s Early Learning Centre.
NSW Chapter President, Elizabeth Carpenter FRAIA, said this year’s awarded projects “reflect a profession championing work that is innovative, contextually grounded, and deeply connected to place”.
Ms Carpenter singled out Cobar Shire Council for her President’s Award for Services to Regional Architecture.
“Cobar Shire Council has demonstrated the value of a long-term, community-focused and ambitious capital works program that supports community gathering and celebration, participation in sport and work, town identity and pride, early childhood experiences, tourism, and arts and culture,” Ms Carpenter said.
“Across successive projects, Council has consistently pursued high-quality design and construction outcomes, recognising that each investment contributes to a broader vision for a thriving and resilient community.
“From targeted upgrades to new civic and community buildings, these projects show how strategic use of public funds can deliver lasting impact,” she said.
Ms Carpenter said the buildings delivered by Council set a benchmark for architectural quality in remote towns.
“Through sustained partnerships with DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design, a consistent consultant team, and David Payne Builders of Dubbo, Cobar Shire Council has demonstrated leadership in procuring and championing good architecture in regional NSW,” Ms Carpenter concluded.
