Sophie Henshaw is an Assistant Director in the Climate Risk and Innovation team at the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). She’s worked on the Climate Risk and Opportunities Management Program (CROMP) since joining the department over two years ago and supported the delivery of the Commonwealth’s National Climate Risk Assessment. Sophie brings experience from international development and the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 response. She’s passionate about making climate risk management more accessible across the public service and strengthening engagement with local government.

Nilmini Leybourn is an Assistant Director in the Climate Risk and Innovation team at the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). She is a climate risk and resilience specialist with over 20 years of experience across Australian Federal, State and local government, and international environmental organisations. She specialises in climate adaptation, resilience planning, governance, and climate risk management. Nilmini is known for helping organisations translate climate science into practical and implementable strategies. She has worked extensively with executives, boards, and stakeholders to support informed decision-making and sustainable outcomes.

Nicole Bennetts RPIA is the National Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Planning Institute of Australia, she leads national advocacy efforts that influence how governments and industry respond to key challenges including housing, infrastructure and productivity.

She shapes policy positions, engages decision-makers and ensures the voice of the planning profession is heard at the highest levels. Nicole is known for translating complex planning issues into clear, practical insights that inform public debate and support better decisions. Her work spans federal advocacy, media engagement and cross-sector collaboration, helping position planning as a critical lever for Australia’s future.

Before joining PIA, Nicole worked for more than 15 years’ experience as a registered planner across government, private practice and the not-for-profit sector, bringing both strategic insight and real-world understanding. Her expertise includes integrated city-making, precinct planning, and transport and land use integration.She is a strong advocate for planning as a driver of better outcomes for communities, shaping how people live, move and belong.