CAREERS AT CONTOUR

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The Contour Community

Our Values

RESPECT


We bring curiosity and compassion into every interaction - with our clients, communities, and each other. At Contour, respect isn’t just a policy; it’s a practice, every day.
COLLABORATION


Great ideas don’t happen in silos. We work shoulder to shoulder - across disciplines, projects, and personalities - to turn shared vision into lasting outcomes.
CONNECTION


Contour is built on connection. Connection to place, to purpose, and to each other. We’re proud of our inclusive culture and strong social fabric. Whether it’s a team lunch, a morning tea, or a planning session in the field, we know we’re better when we vibe.
INTEGRITY


We’re guided by our principles, not convenience. Integrity means being honest, accountable, and brave enough to choose the right path - always.
GROWTH


We back progress - in people, in planning, in possibility. From mentoring future leaders to championing stretch projects, we celebrate growth in all its forms.

Our Culture

At Contour, culture is more than just a buzzword – it’s the heartbeat of our workplace. We’re proud of the sense of belonging we’ve built through connection, celebration, and contribution. Whether it’s a team lunch or a working group, there are plenty of ways to plug in, speak up and feel part of something.

Inclusive Environment

Everyone’s welcome, everyone’s heard

Office Rituals

Team events all year round — from morning teas to mid-year feasts, family days, comedy nights, Australian Open trips and more

Give Back Groups

Make an impact through committees like RAP, ESG and Mentoring

Team Traditions

Our values aren’t just posters on a wall — they show up in how we work, how we collaborate, and how we show up for each other.

Perks & Benefits

Our people are at the centre of everything we do. That’s why we offer real flexibility, meaningful professional development, and the little things (like pets in the office) that make a big difference. We invest in growth — yours, ours, and the communities we serve.

Flexibility &
Wellbeing

  • Hybrid + Flexible Work
  • Pet Friendly Office
  • Parental Leave for All

Recognition &
Support

  • Competitive Pay
  • People-first Leadership

Learning &
Development

  • Professional Memberships
  • Lunch & Learn Sessions
  • Graduate Pathways
  • Stretch Opportunities

Career
Progression

  • Structured Feedback
  • Diverse Project Exposure
  • Collaborative Office Culture

Meet the team

Contour began as a small team in 1991. Over time, the company expanded to the 30+ employees that we are today.

FIND OUT MORE

Current Vacancies

At this time, we don’t have any open positions available. However, we’re always on the lookout for passionate, driven individuals who share our vision and values. If you’re interested in joining our team and believe you have something unique to offer, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your interest and our recruitment team will be in touch. Stay connected with us through our LinkedIn page.

WANT TO JOIN THE TEAM?

What happens after I Submit?

Once you hit submit, your application lands directly with our team. We’ll take the time to review what you’ve shared and see how yourexperience and interests align with Contour.

You can expect to hear from us within a few business days, either by phone or email.

Linkedin

Sophie Malakellis

SENIOR TOWN PLANNER

Sophie Malakellis joined Contour in 2024 following four years in the private sector.

Sophie enjoys applying her detailed understanding of the Victorian planning system to permit applications, planning scheme amendments, and due diligence investigations, as well as assisting senior members of the Contour team in the preparation of expert evidence.

Sophie’s focus sectors include rural land use matters, tourism, retirement living, and mixed-use urban renewal projects in both metropolitan and regional settings. With strong ties to the Geelong region, Sophie brings specialised regional insight to her planning practice. Sophie is valued for her keen attention to detail and thorough, client-focused advice.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Urban Planning, The University of Melbourne, Fred Ledgar Prize in Urban Planning

Bachelor of Environments (Architecture), The University of Melbourne

CONTACT

E: smalakellis@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Nick Harries

TOWN PLANNER

Joining Contour in early 2023, Nick has quickly established himself as a valued member of the team.

Nick’s willingness to learn and great communication style has enabled him to deliver successful outcomes on a variety of planning projects across the mixed use, commercial, industrial and residential sectors.

QUALIFICATIONS

B Design (Urban Planning), VPELA

CONTACT

E: nharries@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Amy King

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Amy King joined Contour in 2024 and has been a practicing town planner since 2014.

Amy is an experienced senior town planner and people leader with over 15 years local government experience.

A specialist in major projects, Amy’s areas of expertise includes large scale industrial, commercial, residential and growth area projects.

Amy’s facilitative approach enables her to deliver good outcomes, making her an invaluable member of the Contour team.

QUALIFICATIONS

B Urban and Regional Planning (Hons)

CONTACT

E: aking@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Danielle Cousens

Danielle Cousens

ASSOCIATE

Danielle joined Contour in 2023 having worked as an urban planner in private consulting for over 10 years. Danielle has experience across a diverse range of sectors including planning, economic development, property, tourism, and design.

Delivering development outcomes across Australia for both public and private sector Clients has given her the depth of knowledge to work on a broad range of complex planning applications, and assist in the preparation of planning evidence for VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria. Danielle’s strategic mindset, adaptability and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the Contour team.

QUALIFICATIONS

M Tourism, MUP, B Environments (Landscape Architecture)

CONTACT

E: dcousens@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Jess Thomas

Jessica Thomas

ASSOCIATE

Jessica began her career as a town planner in 2015, recently transitioning from local government to the Contour team.  Bringing practical insights regarding the inner workings of the Council process, navigating feedback, the referrals process, and the political aspects of the permit application process, Jessica has a wealth of experience working on and assessing large scale residential, mixed-use and commercial projects. Jessica is well regarded for her detail-oriented and logical approach to her work.

QUALIFICATIONS

B Sci, MUP

CONTACT

E: jthomas@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Mel Crawley

Mel Crawley

CHIEF OF STAFF

Mel has over 25 years of experience as an elite executive administration professional in the Property industry. With a detailed understanding of core business functions and how they integrate, Mel’s appointment to Contour in 2024 as Chief of Staff sees her serve as a strategic advisor and operational coordinator.

Mel is adaptable with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, making her invaluable in supporting Contour to execute their strategic plans and vision.

QUALIFICATIONS

Dip Business, Accounting, Mini MBA (AIM)

CONTACT

E: mcrawley@contour.net.au LinkedIn

Mimi Nuciforo

Mimi Nuciforo

ASSOCIATE

Mimi joined Contour in 2023 having worked as a Town Planner in the public sector for 7 years, where she developed a sound knowledge of local government and the Victorian Planning System. Mimi has experience across a range of sectors and has successfully managed planning approvals for a broad range of land use and development outcomes in Melbourne. Mimi is highly motivated, collaborative and solution focused, bringing her detailed understanding of the Victorian Planning System and its intricacies to all projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

B Urban and Regional Planning (Hons)

CONTACT

E: mnuciforo@contour.net.au LinkedIn

Paul Vassilacos

ASSOCIATE

Paul joined Contour in 2017 as a student and has been a practicing town planner at Contour ever since.

Paul has a detailed understand of the Victorian Planning System and has experience across a broad range of land use and development outcomes in Melbourne.

Paul’s humble and approachable personality coupled with his calm and considered approach enables him to provide thorough solution-based advice to some of our biggest clients, making him an invaluable member of the Contour team.

QUALIFICATIONS

B Urban and Regional Planning (Hons)

CONTACT

E: pvassilacos@contour.net.au LinkedIn

Benita Bunting

TOWN PLANNER

Benita joined Contour in 2022 from a background in architecture, small business, event management and community engagement. Bringing pro-active problem solving and versatile communication skills to the Contour team, Benita is a keen collaborator developing expertise across the planning process.

Benita is a creative thinker with a considerate approach, underpinned by a passion for the design of sustainable development and experience managing competing stakeholder interests.

QUALIFICATIONS

B Architecture, M Architecture, MUP

CONTACT

E: bbunting@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Felicity Karakiklas

SENIOR PLANNER

Felicity joined Contour Consultants as a student planner while completing her Master’s degree in Urban Planning at the University of Melbourne. Having previously completed a Bachelor of Design, Felicity’s interest and appreciation for architecture and planning were piqued early on.

Since joining the Contour team, Felicity has embraced every opportunity to learn, and further expand her skillsets. Known for her hard work, diligence and attention to detail, Felicity has delved into the complexities of the planning landscape and has experience at every stage of the planning process from small residential extensions to more complex commercial, industrial and retail projects.

Highly organised Felicity plays an active role in both the Contour community and greater industry. Felicity’s commitment to the VPELA Young Professional Group highlights her influence within the industry.

QUALIFICATIONS

B Design, MUP

CONTACT

E: felicity@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Jack O’Neill

ASSOCIATE

Jack specialises in a broad range of town planning expertise across retail, hospitality, mixed-use and significant public realm projects. He has experience across both the public and private sectors as a practicing town planner. Jack brings an open and highly assured personality to the successful navigation of the town planning process from start to finish and specialises in breaking down complex matters to map out bespoke solutions for our clients across a range of projects. He also assists the team with the preparation of expert evidence and providing strategic consultancy regarding matters before VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria.

QUALIFICATIONS

B Urban and Regional Planning (Hons)

CONTACT

E: joneill@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Tom Lawless

TOWN PLANNER

Tom joined Contour as a student in 2022, and has been practicing as a Town Planner for the team since then.

Tom has experience across a range of sectors including education facilities, public realm works and industrial projects. Tom has assisted the wider team on a range of commercial, mixed-use and residential projects within inner-city Melbourne and wider Victoria.

Since joining Contour, Tom’s enthusiastic approach to planning has enabled him to help deliver successful outcomes throughout the multiple stages of the planning process. His personable approach to planning and focus on nurturing relationships across the industry, has made him an invaluable member of the Contour team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Design

CONTACT

E: tlawless@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Lucy Kolomanski

ASSOCIATE

Lucy has been practicing as a town planner since joining Contour in 2008.  She has particular expertise in large institutional, commercial, extractive industry and master-planned development projects.  She brings a thorough and strategic approach to her projects and is highly skilled at coordinating large multi-disciplinary teams. 

QUALIFICATIONS

B Planning and Design (Property & Construction), BUPD

CONTACT

E: lkolomanski@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Konrad Bruhn

ASSOCIATE

Konrad joined Contour in 2023 and has been a practicing town planner since 2016. Before joining Contour, Konrad spent two years at a private planning and development management consultancy following 6 years as a planner in local government.

Konrad’s diverse experience makes him a versatile planner capable of managing commercial, residential and industrial projects for a broad spectrum of clients in urban, rural and greenfield contexts.

Konrad’s tenacious approach and passion for solving problems has established him as a valued member of the organisation.

QUALIFICATIONS

B Urban and Regional Planning (Hons)

CONTACT

E: kbruhn@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Michael Churilov

ASSOCIATE

Michael Churilov joined Contour in 2024 and has been a practicing town planner since 2016. Working within the local government sector, Michael has managed various major projects throughout metropolitan Melbourne and has experience in advocacy and dispute resolution in his previous role as planning appeals coordinator. Michael is currently completing his Juris Doctor and has an avid interest in due diligence, expert evidence and compensation claims.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Urban Regional Planning (Honours)

CONTACT

E: mchurilov@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Danielle Di Petro

ASSOCIATE

Danielle has been a practicing town planner since joining Contour in 2011.

Danielle’s attention to detail, clear understanding of the planning and development process, and swift ability to resolve issues have made her a valuable contributor to the Contour team, working on vast range of proposals and due diligence advice including residential, mixed use and commercial projects of all scales.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Social Science (Planning & Environment), B Business (Property)

CONTACT

E: danielle@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Felicity O’Sullivan

ASSOCIATE

Felicity is an accomplished town planner with 19 years of experience in local government and private practice.  

She brings a measured and balanced approach to her work, including the preparation of town planning applications, expert evidence statements, and due diligence assessments which have made her a respected professional across the industry and an important contributor to the Contour team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Social Science (Planning) (Hons)

CONTACT

E: fosullivan@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Chris Cawkwell

Chris Cawkwell

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Chris, a practicing town planner since 2002, brings a wealth of experience from both Victoria and New South Wales, spanning the public and private sectors. Chris has a rich background that includes living and studying in the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This exposure has provided firsthand insight into diverse built environments, cultivating a strong ability to think innovatively.

Chris’s expertise encompasses all stages of the development process—from initial site identification and due diligence to procurement assistance, strategic advice, and coordination of large multidisciplinary teams to navigate complex planning approvals and scheme amendments.

QUALIFICATIONS

BA (Hons) Town and Country, Planning, MTP – Master of Town, Planning MUD – Master of Urban Design, VPELA

CONTACT

E: ccawkwell@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Michael Henderson

DIRECTOR

Michael joined Contour in 2018 and has been working as a town planner in both the private and public sectors since 2008; holding senior positions at a number of government organisations.

Michael brings enthusiasm and leadership qualities, together with his detailed understanding of Victoria’s planning system and its intricacies, to a wide cross-section of development projects. His expertise includes advice during site acquisition and project design, management of applications and negotiating successful approval outcomes with planning authorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

B App Sci (Planning) (Hons), Grad Dip Property, Dip Leadership & Management, VPELA

CONTACT

E: mhenderson@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Nerelie Pugh

Nerelie Pugh

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Nerelie joined Contour in 2000 having worked within both local government and private practice since 1995.

Nerelie’s systematic and thorough approach to planning has made her an invaluable asset to the Contour team, preparing planning applications for large-scale projects including the Alphington Paper Mill redevelopment. She also assists in the preparation of planning evidence for Tribunal hearings.

QUALIFICATIONS

B App Sci (Planning)

CONTACT

E: npugh@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Michael Allsopp

Michael Allsopp

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

As COO, Michael’s experience in organisational development, change management, systems improvement, matched with his wider property industry experience, allows him to bridge the gap between the technical and commercial to seamlessly optimise service delivery for both our clients and team growth.

A strategic thinker with invaluable experience spanning land development, transaction management, advisory and operations, Michael’s multifaceted approach to business success is underpinned by both internal and client-facing roles in professional services firms.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Geomatic Engineering (Hons),
Global Executive MBA

CONTACT

E: mallsopp@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Sophie Jordan

Sophie Jordan

DIRECTOR

Sophie Jordan has been practicing as a qualified urban planner for over 25 years, working in both the local government sector and private practice before joining Contour in 2022.

Sophie has particular expertise in special use residential projects, mixed use developments and has worked extensively in the aged care and retirement sector, as well as several social housing and student accommodation developments across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Planning and Design (Hons)

CONTACT

E: sjordan@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Marco Negri

Marco Negri

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Marco worked in local government and in senior managerial roles for over 15 years before joining Contour in 2002.

Marco is a renowned expert witness at tribunal and panel hearings and spends the majority of his time in court.

His areas of expertise span a number of sectors including, among many others, complex compensation cases. Renowned for his level head and respected, measured opinion, Marco is one of the most requested expert witnesses at VCAT.

QUALIFICATIONS

B App Sci (Planning), Grad Dip (Planning and Design), MPIA

CONTACT

E: mnegri@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Lisa Stubbs

DIRECTOR

Lisa joined Contour in 2003 and was appointed as a Director in 2016. Lisa specialises in providing strategic and statutory advice for a diverse range of planning matters to the firm’s clients across complex commercial, industrial, retail and institutional projects.

Lisa’s expertise in complex projects such as schools, hospitals and industrial precincts has seen her work across some of Victoria’s most significant developments. Her results-driven approach means she leads large project teams to drive exceptional outcomes across projects including schools, shopping centres and medical precincts, and will go the extra mile to ensure complex applications can be approved.

QUALIFICATIONS

BUPD (Hons), VPELA

CONTACT

E: lstubbs@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Tim McBride-Burgess

Tim McBride- Burgess

DIRECTOR

Tim’s expertise and strategic mindset allow him to primarily focus on large scale inner city commercial and residential projects. His ability to manage large project teams and successfully navigate complex planning proposals has gained him a reputation as one of the resounding talents of the industry.

His balanced approach to planning means that he is a valued and in-demand expert witness at VCAT and well-respected amongst the legal fraternity.

Tim is a current member of the Board of the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA).

QUALIFICATIONS

B App Sci (Planning), B Soc Sci (Environment), VPELA

CONTACT

E: tburgess@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Simon Gilbertson

DIRECTOR

Simon joined Contour in 2013 following five years practicing in the private sector.

Simon’s confident and energetic approach to tackling complex and contentious large-scale developments, including precincts within Melbourne’s Docklands, has seen him achieve outstanding planning outcomes for his clients. His personable yet methodical approach means he is well-respected in the legal fraternity and development community for his sharp advice and attention to detail.

QUALIFICATIONS

BUPD, VPELA

CONTACT

E: sgilbertson@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Melinda Catlow

Melinda Catlow

DIRECTOR

Melinda has over 30 years of experience having joined Contour in 1995, after first working in local government in both statutory and strategic planning.

Melinda’s expertise lies in her ability to deliver successful planning outcomes for complex projects, including large institutional and master-planned developments.

Her extensive experience, together with her reliability and perseverance, has seen her become invaluable to developers who require responsive planning advice and creative solutions to achieve the desired goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

BTRP, PIA

CONTACT

E: mcatlow@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Shem Curry

DIRECTOR

Shem joined Contour in 2017 and has been working as a town planner in both the private and public sectors since 2008.

Shem is intent on facilitating great planning outcomes and this is evident from the list of successful projects which have been delivered following his involvement. Shem’s experience in both urban and greenfield development is a unique planning combination and one which has gifted him with the knowledge and flexibility to deal with a broad range of planning applications.

With his natural strategic thinking Shem will map out a project strategy to place the proposal in the best position to obtain approval, while his ‘cool under pressure’ approach allows quick adaption or evolution of the strategy if required through the progression of the project.

QUALIFICATIONS

B App Sci (Planning), VPELA

CONTACT

E: scurry@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Vaughan Connor

DIRECTOR

Vaughan has been a practicing town planner since 1989 and a director at Contour since 2003.

Vaughan’s expertise sees him primarily working with large institutional and private developer clients, driving outcomes for significant major mixed use projects and retail development.

Known for his strategic approach to projects and negotiating skills, Vaughan uses his outstanding knowledge of policy and statutory frameworks to deliver the best outcome for his clients. Vaughan’s passion for his chosen profession is palpable and his clients appreciate his approach to driving their planning approval requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

BTP, MPIA

CONTACT

E: vconnor@contour.net.au

John Haysey

DIRECTOR

John provides expert planning advice to a wide variety of the firm’s blue chip clients, covering a broad range of land use and development outcomes throughout the State. He is also an experienced witness at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Planning Panel hearings.

His experience includes successfully managing complex planning approvals for key central city and inner urban renewal precincts, including Lendlease’s Melbourne Quarter (Batman’s Hill) and Victoria Harbour projects, as well as diverse portfolio of residential, retail, commercial, industrial, educational and hospitality related proposals.

QUALIFICATIONS

BUPD, VPELA

CONTACT

E: jhaysey@contour.net.au
LinkedIn

Patrick Brennan

DIRECTOR

Patrick has been a practicing town planner since 2005, with experience in the public and private sectors across Australia and the UK.

Patrick’s confident, composed and well-considered approach to planning has made him highly respected within the industry by private sector clients, government authorities and the legal fraternity.

QUALIFICATIONS

B App Sci (Planning) (Hons), VPELA

CONTACT

E: pbrennan@contour.net.au
LinkedIn