Three of the award categories celebrate professional achievement. The Planner of the Year Award recognizes a planner who provides visionary leadership, the Young Planner of the Year Award recognizes outstanding contribution or achievement by a young planner, and the Planning Champion Award recognizes a non-planner involved in promoting good planning or the planning profession to the public.
Planner of the Year
Award: Sharon Harwood RPIA (fellow) (QLD)
Jury comment: The judges commended Dr Harwood’s on her outstanding leadership and contribution in the area of Indigenous peoples’ rights and interest in planning systems was impressive both from an academic and industry perspective.
Young Planner of the Year
Award: Rukshan Henry de Silva RPIA (NSW)
Jury comment: The judges commented on the Mr de Silva’s strong contribution to improving processes and striving for innovation within the NSW Department of Planning and Environment as well as his commitment to capacity building and advocacy.
Commendation: Matthew Leman PIA (Assoc.) (QLD)
Planning Champion
Award: Geoff Roberts, deputy chief commissioner, economic commissioner, chief coordinator, Western Parland City (NSW)
Jury comment: The judges lauded Mr Roberts for his role in mentoring and education and his involvement in achieving a vision for Western Sydney through his work with the Greater Sydney Commission.
Commendation: Josh Byrne (WA)