海角社区

'Despite an increasing proportion of women in planning, women continue to face gender bias in a variety of ways...as such, planning educators and professional planning associations have a responsibility to address the issue of gender inequity within the professions.'


About Us

The Women in Planning Network is your local divisional group for Women Planners, supported by the NSW Division of 海角社区 and the NSW Executive Team.

The network aims to increase gender equity in NSW planning. It also provides a space for all women in the planning profession to network and meet other like-minded professionals, discuss issues and find support for professional development from other women, as well as, advocate to increase gender equity in our profession, across all levels.


Get Involved

NSW Women in Planning Leadership Group meets every month.

Please contact any of the Leadership Team members below if you have any questions or ideas to share. If you have any ideas to progress women in planning or would like to host and/or sponsor a Women in Planning event, please email the 海角社区 NSW office.

If you would like to be part of the conversation, join the Women in Planning Network . For all Women in Planning news, follow the network on or .


海角社区 NSW 2024 Dr Helen Proudfoot Women in Planning Award

The Dr Helen Proudfoot Women in Planning Award recognises women’s contributions to planning outcomes, policy and practice. Dr Helen Proudfoot demonstrated a tireless determination to enhance planning policy and practice through a commitment to understanding and celebrating ‘place’ and working across disciplines to develop integrated and place-based plans for Metropolitan Sydney.

This award is presented to a female planner who has made an outstanding contribution to planning in NSW in 2023. Nomination criteria includes: Demonstrated outstanding commitment to planning work; demonstrated outstanding support and contribution towards others in the planning profession in NSW and a personal statement detailing how the nominee has had a positive impact on their colleagues, work processes or the planning profession in NSW.

The Winner of the 2024 Dr Helen Proudfoot Award has been announced, 海角社区 NSW congratulates Sarah Reilly M海角社区 (Fellow)


NSW Women in Planning Leadership Group

Co-Chairs:

Deeksha Nathani M海角社区 & Kendell Pesavento M海角社区

Kendell Pesavento M海角社区 | Women In Planning | Co-Chair

Group Development Services

Kendell is an accomplished, driven, and innovative Planner with a distinguished track record in the NSW Planning system, delivering successful development outcomes.

As an active member of 海角社区, Kendell has a robust network within the Planning community and a dedicated contributor to the profession. A successful mentor in the 海角社区 Mentoring Program and a key member of the 海角社区 NSW Women in Planning Network Leadership Team since 2021, Kendell is now a Co-Chair of this team, providing a purpose and contribution for Women Planners across NSW.

Deeksha Nathani M海角社区 | Women In Planning | Co-Chair

Transport for NSW

Deeksha is a Senior Urban Planner with extensive experience across state and local government as well as the private sector.

Skilled in strategic and statutory planning and driven by a passion for problem-solving, she excels at developing evidence-based policies and strategies. Active in the Women in Planning Network Leadership Group since 2021 and Co-Chair since 2023, Deeksha is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the planning profession.

Policy + Advocacy:

Sanaz Alian M海角社区

Valerie Giammarco R海角社区

Bita Gharagozloo 海角社区 (Assoc.)

Isabelle Best M海角社区

Margaret Paige R海角社区

Jennifer Nguyen M海角社区

Events + Networking:

Kendall Pesavento M海角社区

Sophie Butcher R海角社区

Rachel Harrison R海角社区

Ashleigh Ryan R海角社区

Kajal Antil 海角社区 (Assoc.)

Sian Young

WIP Award:

Rowena Phua M海角社区

Amita Maharjan M海角社区

Deeksha Nathani M海角社区

Norma Shankie-Williams M海角社区 (Fellow)

Melissa Thomas R海角社区