Celebrating excellence: Reflecting on the PIA Outstanding Women in Planning awards

Sally Smith PSM, Rebecca Thomas, and Helen Dyer at the Outstanding Women in Planning Awards (photo credit: Planning Institute Australia)

From Craig Holden, Chair, State Planning Commission

I had the privilege of attending the recent Planning Institute Australia SA awards for Outstanding Women in Planning. The awards were a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women in the field, and it was a pleasure to share the room with so many dedicated planning professionals – many of whom I call friends and colleagues.

Anna Deller-Coombs took home the 2025 South Australian Outstanding Woman in Planning Award in recognition of her efforts to bolster the role of women in her workplace and her commitment to creating lasting change for women at her organisation.

Rebecca McAulay, Cherie Gill, and Anna Deller-Coombs (photo credit: Planning Institute Australia)

And Emily Nankivell received a commendation for her dedication to planning and the exceptional role model that she is to other women in the industry. Congratulations to both talented professionals!

Rebecca McAulay, Cherie Gill, and Emily Nankivell (photo credit: Planning Institute Australia)

As we know, good planning is essential for the sustainable development and growth of South Australia. It ensures that our cities and towns are well-designed, functional, and resilient. Effective planning balances the needs of the community, the environment, and the economy, creating spaces that are liveable, vibrant, and inclusive.

Reflecting on the awards, including the winners past and present, I am reminded of how fortunate we are here in SA to have so many skilled women who contribute to good planning in our state; women who bring their own unique perspective and experience to the profession, working together to address the complex challenges of urban and regional planning and development.

I count myself lucky to have known and worked with many of these women over the years, and today I’d like to take a moment to celebrate just a few of their achievements.

One such remarkable woman is Helen Dyer, whose leadership has shaped planning policy and practice in South Australia.

Our host for the awards morning, Helen was the former Chair of the State Planning Commission and co-founder of planning consultancy Holmes Dyer Pty Ltd. Helen has had a distinguished career spanning over 30 years and her extensive experience and expertise in strategy, governance, town planning, and stakeholder management have made her a respected figure in the industry. Currently serving as a Commissioner on the Environment, Resources and Development Court, Helen continues to influence the planning landscape with her visionary approach.

Helen’s work has not only advanced the field of planning but also inspired many women to pursue careers in this vital profession.

Rebecca Thomas has also made significant contributions to the planning sector with her leadership and dedication.

Rebecca is the Presiding Member of SA’s State Commission Assessment Panel and is a driving force in the planning sector. Rebecca's ability to lead complex projects and her dedication to sustainable and inclusive planning have earned her a well-deserved place among the top professionals in the field.

In 2022, Rebecca was awarded the inaugural Outstanding Woman in Planning Award from the Planning Institute of Australia (SA Branch). Rebecca’s expertise spans the areas of planning, strategy, property, stakeholder liaison and negotiation, policy development, CPTED advice, organisational governance and community engagement. Her leadership has set a benchmark for excellence in planning.

Another leading influential figure in the planning profession is Sally Smith PSM, Deputy Chief Executive of the Department for Housing and Urban Development, whose strategic vision and leadership have led to remarkable contributions to the planning profession. Sally’s commitment to enhancing the planning process and driving positive change has been celebrated by her peers.

Sally was instrumental in the development and implementation of PlanSA, South Australia's nation-leading electronic planning system. In 2023, PlanSA won in PIA’s Technology and Digital Innovation category for its fully digital planning system, making South Australia the only state with a single comprehensive planning scheme that incorporates an online policy library, spatial mapping, online lodgement, and development application processing system.

Sally's leadership in driving the continuous improvement of PlanSA and the development of new online tools has been pivotal in creating a better way for planning in South Australia. Her collaborative and user-centric approach has made planning information and processes more accessible and efficient.

In 2024, Sally was honoured with a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in urban and regional planning across South Australia.

Finally, last year's winner of the Outstanding Woman in Planning Award, Cherie Gill, has also played a crucial role in future planning for South Australia. Cherie is the Manager, Greater Adelaide Regional Planning at Planning and Land Use Services (PLUS) within the Department for Housing and Urban Development. Cherie’s work ethic, can-do attitude, and collaborative skills make her an invaluable member of the PLUS team.

Cherie has been pivotal in ensuring that SA’s statewide strategic planning remains on track, thanks to her involvement in the development of the new Greater Adelaide Regional Plan and accompanying regional plans across SA.

Recognising women in planning

My hope is that by celebrating the achievements of women like Anna, Emily, Helen, Rebecca, Sally, and Cherie, we can highlight the importance of their work and inspire more women to pursue careers in planning.

Their accomplishments serve as a powerful example of what women achieve when they lead and innovate, helping to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for planning as a profession.

May we see many more women use their skills to lead good planning – and in turn, shape our urban landscapes, preserve our natural heritage, and promote economic prosperity to meet the needs of all South Australians.