Explore the outstanding women who have taken home their respective State or Territory’s Women in Planning Awards in previous years.
A warm congratulations to our 2026 Women in Planning Award co-winners! We thank them for their outstanding contributions to planning and for championing women in the profession. This recognition is a testament to their leadership, dedication and lasting impact on the NSW planning sector. Cinnamon Dunsford is a mentor and highly experienced community engagement practitioner. Cinnamon's passions are regional NSW and community-led planning initiatives, using her in-depth planning knowledge to bring about positive change. At the Women in Planning Awards, Cinnamon reflected on her childhood and the early signs that planning was already shaping her world. She thanked her mum, recalling the simple moment she asked what a cul-de-sac was - a question that quietly opened the door to a lifelong passion for town planning.
Mel Krzus RPIA is a Director at GYDE Consulting. Over the past 16 years, Mel has emerged as a solutions-oriented planner, who consistently strives to achieve positive and innovative outcomes for clients. Mel reflected that her proudest achievements extend beyond her career, to deeply personal milestones - including becoming a mother. She spoke about the importance of balance, and the belief that women shouldn’t have to choose between professional success and personal fulfilment - that it is possible, and powerful, to have both.
Alanna Ryan Alison Weir RPIA Dr Nicole McNamara Lauren Turner MPIA Adiba Islam PIA (Assoc.) Stella Agagiotis MPIA
PIA NSW is proud to announce the 2025 Dr Helen Proudfoot Women in Planning Award winner - Esra Calim! Esra brings over 20 years of experience in the planning field, marked by her dedication, innovation, and passion for advancing inclusive planning. Her work exemplifies leadership, mentorship, and the empowerment of women. Esra's exceptional planning skills, significant impact on recent projects, and advocacy for women in the profession are truly remarkable.
2025 Nominees
Alejandra Rojas RPIA (Fellow) Gisella Velasco Kylie Coe Lisa Wrightson RPIA Penny Smith RPIA Rebecca Lockhart MPIA Yihang Zou PIA (Assoc.)
Sarah Reilly is the Founder and Managing Director of Cred Consulting, a socially focused planning and engagement consultancy in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with 20 years’ experience specialising in community-led planning, particularly in social infrastructure and public open space planning.
She leads her award-winning team, overseeing major projects and community activations, and is actively involved in industry committees and training sessions on social infrastructure planning. Sarah advocates for equitable and resilient communities, ensuring people have equal opportunities for happy, healthy, and resilient lives.
Congratulations Sarah!
2024 Nominees
Dr Nancy Marshall MPIA Elle Davidson MPIA Elle Dunne Emily Wickham Melissa Neighbour MPIA Monica Gibson MPIA (Fellow) Sarah Reilly MPIA (Fellow) Sue Francies RPIA (Fellow)
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