Ask anyone in the JOC office and they’ll tell you what a stand-up guy and brilliant strategic planner our Senior Planner, Samuel Austin (or just Sam to us) is. Well, now he has an impressive accolade to prove it.
We’re thrilled to announce that late last year, Sam, was awarded the highly coveted “NSW Young Planner of the Year 2022” by the Planning Institute Australia. This recognition acknowledges Samuel’s exceptional contributions to the urban planning field and sets him apart as a leader among young professionals in the industry.
Since joining JOC in 2020, Sam has gone from strength to strength taking on high-profile local and state projects including Night Time Economy Strategies, Place Plan’s, and Resilience projects, that have made a significant impact to our industry. The successful delivery of these projects, whilst building strong partnerships and positively impacting communities along the way, demonstrates his exceptional leadership skills and strategic thinking.
Sam’s commitment to the industry extends beyond his professional work at JOC. He is a dedicated volunteer for several industry groups, including the NSW Young Planners at the Planning Institute of Australia and the Night Time Industry Association. His passion for being the voice of young professionals in the industry is helping to shape the future of the field.
In addition to his volunteer work, Sam has also demonstrated his dedication to personal and professional growth through his part-time study at the University of Newcastle for a Graduate Certificate in Project Management. This further education has further enhanced his skills and knowledge, making him a valuable asset to JOC Consulting and our clients. Anyone who has received one of his epic project plans can attest.
Sam also mentors the student planners within the JOC Consulting team, offering guidance and support to further their industry knowledge and professional development. The passion and care he brings to this role demonstrate his commitment to helping the next generation of planners succeed.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed, and Sam has now been nominated for the Australian Young Planner of the Year award by the Planning Institute of Australia in May 2023. We at JOC Consulting are confident that he will continue to make significant contributions to the urban planning field and make us proud.
To find out more information about Sam’s award, see the following links to the Planning Institute of Australia below:
