Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the notion of regenerative urbanism in Australia - through the lens of emerging planners. This special event is co-hosted with the Emerging Planners of the NSW Planning Institute of Australia – a group of passionate and diverse early career professionals who work across the public and private sectors and academia. The event will be followed by a reception and curated regenerative urbanism photography exhibition and award.
Chair
Natalie Lawrie, PIA (Assoc.) NSW Emerging Planners Co-Convenor(s)
Panel
Colin Finn, Urban futurist
Aaron Petersen, A/Senior Infrastructure Planning Officer at DPHI and 2025 Australian Young Planner of the Year
Akshaisankar Sabu, Urban Designer at DesignInc Sydney
Lucy Band, Practitioner in Residence, Henry Halloran Urban and Regional Research Initiative
Colin Finn is an urban futurist based in Sydney focused on the intersection of design, climate change and the creation of great places for people. Founder of Blue Green Australia, he leads projects that combine ecological restoration, community engagement, and urban design to build climate resilience. With a PhD in urban ecology underway at the University of Sydney, Colin draws on Indigenous knowledge, historical cartography, and modern data to identify nature-based solutions like oyster reefs and wetland restoration for urban coastlines. His work, including the reimagining of Rushcutters Bay, blends science, policy, and storytelling to deliver regenerative outcomes that benefit place, people and planet.
Aaron Petersen - Recently awarded the Planning Institute of Australia's 2024 NSW Young Planner of the Year and 2025 Australian Young Planner of the Year, Aaron is an Acting Senior Infrastructure Planning Officer at the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). Aaron's work revolves around planning and funding for state infrastructure requirements across NSW to enable thriving, sustainable and productive communities. Aaron is also a Casual Academic at the University of New South Wales teaching strategic and infrastructure planning - encouraging the next generation of planners to strive for good outcomes and a better urban future.
Akshaisankar Sabu is an Urban Designer at DesignInc and a casual academic at the University of Sydney. With a background in architecture, urban design, and visual communication, his work spans transport infrastructure, public spaces, and master plans. His practice is grounded in research and guided by a commitment to place identity and community outcomes. Akshai contributes to journals and publications, sharing ideas on urban design, theory, and practice. His current focus is on Connecting with Country and co-design approaches, embedding cultural knowledge and collaboration to create more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
Lucy Band is an experienced planning and sustainability professional who has contributed to city shaping projects across Australia and the UK. Lucy was a 2024 Martin Payne Practitioner-in-Residence with the Henry Halloran Urban and Regional Research Initiative, focusing her research on embedding wellbeing outcomes in planning. Lucy is a University of Sydney alumni holding a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning and is currently working as an independent consultant with a focus on improved social outcomes in cities and communities.