The end of winter marked the conclusion of an outstanding aquatic awards season for Hydrilla, culminating in the 2026 SPASA Awards of Excellence Gala, held on 19 August at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Following incredible success at the South Australian and Western Australian state awards in June/July, Hydrilla entered the national awards with three projects recognised across multiple categories.

At the South Australian awards, our two nominated projects secured an impressive four State Gold Awards, while our Western Australian award entry received a further two State Gold Awards. These achievements saw all three projects progress to the national stage, where they stood alongside some of the most impressive aquatic facilities, projects and industry professionals from across Australia and New Zealand.

The result was an exceptional night for Hydrilla, with three National Gold Awards across two projects, recognising the technical expertise, collaboration and commitment to quality demonstrated by our teams across both South Australia and Western Australia.

National Gold Winner – Community Project

Cummins & District War Memorial Swimming Pool Redevelopment, South Australia

Serving the Cummins community since 1961, the swimming pool is much more than an aquatic facility. For generations, it has provided an important place for recreation, swimming education, community connection and regional events.

Rather than replacing this valued community asset, the redevelopment focused on giving the existing facility a new lease on life. Significant renewal works were undertaken to address ageing infrastructure, improve accessibility and safety, modernise key aquatic systems and strengthen the long-term operational performance of the facility.

The project included structural remediation, upgrades to plant and aquatic systems, and accessibility improvements including a new pool entry ramp and removal of the existing raised pool edging. Together, these works have helped extend the life of the facility while creating a safer, more inclusive and reliable aquatic environment for the community.

National Gold Winner – Commercial Project of the year and Commercial Pool & Spa (Aquatic) over $1,000,000

Mungala Resort, Ken’s Bore Western Australia

Hydrilla was incredibly proud to receive two National Gold Awards for the Olympic-sized swimming pool delivered at Mungala Resort, Ken’s Bore part of the Mineral Resources Onslow Iron Ore Project in Western Australia.

Delivered within a complex and remote mining environment, the project required careful planning, specialist aquatic knowledge and extensive coordination to overcome the logistical and environmental challenges associated with construction in regional Western Australia.

The Olympic-sized pool combines robust engineering and advanced water-treatment infrastructure with a high-quality, resort-style aquatic environment. Designed to withstand demanding conditions while providing a welcoming recreational space, the facility demonstrates how technical performance, durability and user experience can be successfully integrated within large-scale remote developments.

National Finalists

In addition to the three National Gold Awards received by Mungala Resort and the Cummins & District War Memorial Swimming Pool Redevelopment, Hydrilla was proud to be recognised as a national finalist across additional categories:

• National Specialty Project of the Year – Cummins & District War Memorial Swimming Pool Redevelopment
• Commercial Project of the Year – South Australian Sports Institute (SASI)
• Commercial Pool or Spa (Aquatic) over $1,000,000 – South Australian Sports Institute (SASI)

These awards represent much more than the finished facilities. Behind every project are months — and often years — of planning, design, problem-solving, coordination, construction and commissioning, supported by our employees, clients, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors and project partners.

To have that work recognised alongside some of the best swimming pool and spa builders and aquatic projects across Australia and New Zealand is an outstanding achievement for Hydrilla and our team.

We are extremely proud of what our teams have achieved and grateful to everyone who contributed to these projects.

National Awards Results

South Australian Awards Results

Western Australian Awards Results

View our history of achievement here