About the Award
The PIA NSW Women in Planning Network (WiPN) under the auspices of PIA, is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr Helen Proudfoot Women In Planning Award.
The award is distinct from the NSW PIA Awards for Planning Excellence and provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the important contribution of women planners in shaping the planning profession and the urban and regional environment of NSW.
Dr. Helen Proudfoot was a visionary in the field, known for her unwavering commitment to advancing planning policy and practice. Through her dedication to understanding and celebrating "place," she worked across disciplines to develop integrated, place-based plans for Metropolitan Sydney. Naming this award in her honour not only acknowledges her legacy but also seeks to address the historical under-recognition of women’s contributions to planning in NSW and the broader profession.
The award will be presented to a female planner who has made an outstanding impact on the planning profession and on planning outcomes in urban and/or regional NSW during 2025. The award recipient will be announced at an in-person event in Sydney in March 2026 (more details will be shared closer to the date).
The award recipient will receive:
- 1 year PIA Membership
- Ticket to 2026 NSW State Conference
- Professional Development Bursary
- Interview article in New Planner
The WiPN Committee encourages all eligible planners to consider nominating themselves or a deserving colleague whose work embodies the spirit of dedication, innovation, and inclusivity that Dr. Proudfoot championed. This award not only celebrates individual achievement but also highlights the vital role of women in shaping the future of planning in NSW. We look forward to honouring the remarkable contributions of women in our profession and continuing to inspire the next generation of female planners.
Important Dates:
Nominations Open: Thursday 30 October 2025
Nominations Close: Friday 6 February 2025
Awards Event Date: Tuesday 3 March 2026
