(Community Recognition Statement, 4 June 2024, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I wish to put on record the achievements of Philip Thalis, awarded the 2024 Australian Institute of Architects' highest honour, its Gold Medal. This award recognises Philip's distinguished and outstanding service designing or executing buildings and urban infrastructure. He won the original visionary international design competition for Barangaroo, which was discarded to benefit private interests. It is telling that Philip spoke out about this betrayal and his company found itself unsuccessful for government tenders when he called this out. His integrity and passion for our city stand proudly.

Philip is the founding principal of Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects and a former City of Sydney Councillor (2016-2021). He's been a long time advocate for a city that is liveable and gives priority to the people living in, working in and playing in it, including public space, public facilities and green open space. Philip worked on the Sydney Olympic Village for Sydney's 'Green Games' and made a very significant contribution to the City of Sydney's long term plan Sustainable Sydney 2030. I congratulate Philip on this formal recognition of his contribution to making Sydney a great place to live.