Rocky planner heading to national finals

Published on 08 May 2018

A Rockhampton Regional Council employee is heading to Perth tomorrow to compete in Planning Institute Australia’s (PIA) National Awards for Planning Excellence.

Thomas Gardiner, 27, who is a Senior Planning Officer, was named as Queensland’s Young Planner of the Year back in November. When awarding Gardiner with that accolade, the PIA said he had achieved a lot in his short career and advised other planners to see him as an example of the rich diversity of professional and personal experiences that regional employment could provide.

Planning Committee Chair Councillor Ellen Smith said it was a fantastic accomplishment.

“To be named the best young planner in the entire state of Queensland is something Tom should be very proud of.

“I could not be more pleased that he will be representing not only the state but also Rockhampton Region at the upcoming national awards.

“We wish him the very best of luck and, whatever happens, are delighted at his successes to date,” Cr Smith said.

Rockhampton Regional Council CEO Evan Pardon said it was an indicator of just how rewarding working for Council can be.

“I am delighted that we have been able to provide Tom with an environment rich with opportunities and support, allowing him to really challenge himself.

“I would say he has reached his potential but as this is a Young Planner award, I am sure we will see a lot more from him in the months and years ahead,” Mr Pardon said.

A PIA National Award is the highest accolade for urban and regional planners in Australia. The awards program has provided Australian planning professionals with a platform to celebrate their great work towards making our country one of the most liveable in the world. The awards recognise not only best practice and innovation, but the personal drive and dedication that is often required of planners to overcome adversity and secure the best outcomes for a place or community.

Nominees for the National Awards are the winners of our preceding State and Territory level awards programs. They represent the cream of the planning crop, bringing together the best projects, teams and individuals in our profession and showcasing the inspiring things that can be achieved across the many areas of planning. It is fitting, then, that the winners of this two-tiered process are recognised at the biggest and most prestigious event in the Australian planning calendar – PIA’s National Planning Congress.

The awards will take place at 6pm (AWST) on Wednesday 9 May 2018.

PIA blurb on presenting Thomas Gardiner with the 2017 Robert Swider Memorial Award for Queensland Young Planner of the Year:

Planners of all ages, but especially those beginning their careers, would be well advised to look to Thomas Gardiner as an example of the rich diversity of professional and personal experiences that regional employment can provide. Thomas has already achieved highly in his time in the profession and will undoubtedly achieve much more to the benefit of all. He has had a significant impact on those that he has met and worked with, and he embodies what a truly exciting professional planner can be.