Asset Data Collection at Childcare Centres – City of Port Phillip
The City of Port Phillip planned to tender the maintenance of outdoor play spaces across its childcare centres but lacked a clear understanding of the type, quantity and condition of its outdoor assets. This uncertainty would have resulted in tenderers inflating prices to account for risk and incomplete information. Xyst delivered an asset data capture […]
Scot Hedge
I am a highly experienced manager with over 25 years’ operating within environmental, recreational and operational services, in both the public and private sectors. My experience includes management of strategic and operational planning and projects, development and implementation of capital works programs, environmental management of construction activities, and delivery of maintenance programs for public open […]
Tom Nicholls
My background and passion is in horticulture and open space design. I have had over 15 years’ experience in landscape design and construction, from being a landscape apprentice to small business operator. With these tools I have furthered my education in sustainable landscape design and project management, adding to my desire to design and build […]
Yardstick Trails User Survey
Yarra Ranges Council asked Xyst to carry out a targeted intercept survey of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and the Yarra Valley Trail. For the survey we used the Yardstick Trail User Survey developed specifically for Yarra Ranges in 2019, and suitable for use on any trail. The survey includes a set of questions […]
Yardstick Parks User Survey
Yarra Ranges Council asked Xyst to carry out a Yardstick parks user survey on fifteen of its parks and reserves. The intercept survey includes around 40 questions, some of which were optional additions to the standard survey content. The survey took place in November 2025 and involved collection of 180 intercept surveys to collect data […]
Kindergarten Play Space Design Guidelines
Xyst developed a comprehensive Kindergarten Play Space Design Guidelines document for outdoor play spaces, at the licensed facilities, under the administration of Melton City Council.
Olivia Conroy
Olivia is an outdoors enthusiast who is passionate about using geographical thinking to tackle issues relating to equity, sustainability, and resilience. Prior to joining Xyst, Olivia worked as an Outdoor Guide, before transitioning to a career in Local Government, and then Open Space planning consulting. Olivia has experience in developing and implementing community engagement plans, […]
Bi-Annual Service Contract Compliance and Performance Review
A bi-annual compliance and quality performance audit was conducted for the City’s 2 major service contracts for Open Space Maintenance and Amenity Tree Maintenance. The audit process included a forensic review of monthly contractor reports, previous audits, and past performance evaluations. Field inspections were also undertaken by Xyst Consultants to assess the quality and effectiveness […]
Development of Open Space Services Specification
The City of Port Phillip had sought to engage a suitably qualified and experienced consultant to assist in reviewing, developing, and producing detailed service contract specifications for a public tender. The tender was for the ongoing maintenance of open spaces across the municipality. Despite tight turnaround times, the Xyst team successfully delivered the documentation, leveraging […]
Cemeteries Network Masterplan
The Masterplan focused on the potential expansion of interments and the range of interment types across the three cemeteries: Bowen, Proserpine, and Collinsville. Xyst developed modern service options within the Masterplan’s framework and outlined layouts for each cemetery, taking into account plot types, arrangement, land management, access, shade, wayfinding, and ecological upgrades to create a […]
Cemetery Strategy 2025
Xyst developed a strategy to address the following three key elements: Legacy – assessing the Legacy of existing cemeteries, including their historical and cultural significance, community expectations and preservation needs as well as minimising operational costs and a strategy for making information available/visible; The Now – evaluating current infrastructure, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This […]
Cemeteries Masterplan
Xyst conducted a review of interment trends, to predict the percentage of interments within the region’s cemeteries. This will support the development of options to inform the strategic and network framework Masterplan, and to guide the future expansion, development, and management of the Port Pirie regions’ cemeteries. This will provide high-quality spaces that; cater for […]
Aquatic Services Review
Xyst undertook an Aquatic Services review for the Broken Hill City Council. This involved engaging with council staff, elected members, user groups and the community to learn about what the Broken Hill Regional Aquatic Centre meant to them and what they would like to see happen there in the future. The review recommended the best […]
Play Value Assessments
Xyst completed a comprehensive assessment of over 200 playgrounds and skate facilities to evaluate their overall play value. As part of this project, we developed a set of agreed service levels to guide the appropriate scale and type of development for each playground category. These service levels helped define key elements, such as: • Target […]
Contract Specifications
Tree Management and Maintenance Xyst was engaged to assist Council in preparing their Tree Management and Maintenance Specifications. Following the unexpected withdrawal of the initially engaged Consultant, Xyst stepped in to ensure the project stayed on track. Within a tight timeframe of just three weeks, we successfully prepared and delivered comprehensive tender documentation. Our swift […]