Contour works across on a number of major infrastructure projects, including rail infrastructure, landfill sites, concrete batching plants and recycling facilities as well as sports and community facility projects for semi-government and corporate clients.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
ASSOCIATE
Danielle has been practicing a 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
LinkedIn
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
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