Explore the outstanding women who have taken home their respective State or Territory’s Women in Planning Awards in previous years.
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The judging panel are thrilled to announce this year’s winner exemplifies the spirit of an emerging leader - someone whose professionalism, initiative and people‑centered approach helps elevate her teams and is shaping the future of the planning profession. Stepping confidently into acting senior roles, she is known for her calm judgement, collaborative mindset and ability to deliver high‑quality outcomes even under pressure.
She is a generous mentor to early career planners, a trusted colleague across disciplines, and a leader who brings empathy, integrity and positivity to every challenge. Her contribution extends well beyond her workplace through her thoughtful leadership on the PIA Emerging Planners Committee and her advocacy for diverse young people to see themselves in planning. An achiever in every sense—driven, inclusive, and deeply committed to strengthening the profession for those who follow. Her influence is already significant, and her trajectory marks her as one of the sector’s most promising future leaders.
This award is possible thanks to the kindness of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage – the 2025 Achiever Award sponsor.
With over 30 years of urban planning experience, Sam has been with TBB since 1992, contributing to the company’s evolution ever since. After starting as a planner, she became a Director in 2010, and in 2023, she made history as the first female Managing Director. Her long-serving career reflects her dedication and passion for advancing the planning industry and fostering meaningful, positive change.
Whether it’s delivering outstanding outcomes for clients, inspiring and supporting her colleagues to achieve success, or advocating for a more progressive planning approach and workplace culture, Sam brings a rare combination of empathy, passion, and care to everything she does. She is proud to lead an organisation that has no gender pay gap, and successfully translated the company’s gender equity aspirations to action. This makes Sam not just an exceptional leader but also someone who leaves a positive, lasting impact.
This award is possible thanks to the kindness of the Shape Urban – the 2025 Leadership Award sponsor.
Karsen is a passionate, long-servicing public servant and engaged leader in the industry and community. Positively contributing to good built form and supporting local communities is what drew Karsen to a career in planning and has kept her engaged since. The judges acknowledged that Karsen has a track record for achieving exceptional development outcomes due to her collaborative approach, strategic thinking, and honest communication. Her primary focus is to think and act as an enabler, rather than a traditional local government regulator. She’s has led the delivery of several best-practice projects including WA’s first Small Business Fast-Track stream and ‘Green Track’ initiative which seeks promote environmentally sustainable design in residential developments. Karsen is an advocate for sound local planning and promoting positive change, a valued mentor in the Inner-City Mentoring Program, and the President of the Local Government Planning’s Association. This award is possible thanks to the kindness of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage – the 2025 Achiever Award sponsor.
The judges noted that Cath’s contributions to the planning profession have been significant, particularly in advocating for women’s rights and inclusivity. She has played a monumental role in advocating for women in the planning profession on both local and national levels. She has been a trailblazer, introducing paid parental leave at Hatch before it was legislated. This initiative not only supported women in their personal lives but also set a precedent for other organisations to follow. Cath’s commitment to equality extends beyond policy changes. She has continuously promoted and advocated for the learning of both sexes, providing equal opportunities for all within the workplace. This has been achieved through mentorship and the facilitation of external courses and learning, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow and develop in their roles. This award is possible thanks to the kindness of the Shape Urban – the 2024 Leadership Award sponsor.