Source: Government of Western Australia
The City of Wanneroo’s $18 million Dordaak Kepup Library and Youth Innovation Hub has been recognised with three major honours at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) WA Excellence Awards, announced on Friday 13 March 2026.
The landmark Landsdale community facility, which opened in December 2025, was named the Best Public Works Project over $5 million and also took out the Excellence in Innovation and Best of the Best Project categories/GK Watters Local Government Engineering Excellence Award.
Dordaak Kepup – which means Place of Living Waters – features a modern library with youth focused facilities including a gaming zone, recording and podcasting studios, a demonstration kitchen and dedicated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) activity areas.
The winning did not stop there, with the Hester Avenue and Connolly Drive roundabout safety upgrade winning the Best Public Works Project (under $2 million) and Excellence in Road Safety awards.
The Yellagonga Bird Viewing Structure and Path at Lake Joondalup Park was also a finalist in the Best Public Works Project ($2 million-$5 million) category, while Aaron MacNish, Manager Fleet Services, was named Emerging Young Leader for his leadership and innovation.
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said the City’s success at the IPWEA awards was fitting recognition of some the great infrastructure work being undertaken across the City.
“A sincere thank you to all the dedicated staff who contributed to these achievements. These awards reflect not only the exceptional work behind these projects, but also the commitment and professionalism shown every day across the entire City of Wanneroo team,” she said.
“Our community benefits from the passion and expertise of so many people working and successes like this are only possible because of the collective effort of the whole organisation.”
Background
The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) is a professional organisation providing member services and advocacy for those involved in delivering public works and engineering services to the community.