About us

About us

About us

Urban Mentors Collective

At Urban Mentors Collective, we connect professionals involved in community building with highly experienced mentors—practitioners who’ve spent decades working in the field. 

Whether you are transitioning to the next stage of your career, facing a challenging project or work environment, or even looking to wind down at the end of your professional career, our mentors are here to share practical insights and support your professional and personal development.

At Urban Mentors Collective, we connect professionals involved in community building with highly experienced mentors—practitioners who’ve spent decades working in the field. 

Whether you are transitioning to the next stage of your career, facing a challenging project or work environment, or even looking to wind down at the end of your professional career, our mentors are here to share practical insights and support your professional and personal development.

At Urban Mentors Collective, we connect professionals involved in community building with highly experienced mentors—practitioners who’ve spent decades working in the field. 

Whether you are transitioning to the next stage of your career, facing a challenging project or work environment, or even looking to wind down at the end of your professional career, our mentors are here to share practical insights and support your professional and personal development.

0+

0+

Years of Experience

Senior-level insight grounded in decades of practice.

0+

0+

Years of Experience

Senior-level insight grounded in decades of practice.

0+

0+

Years of Experience

Senior-level insight grounded in decades of practice.

0+

0+

Mentees Supported

Real-world guidance provided across diverse planning challenges.

0+

0+

Mentees Supported

Real-world guidance provided across diverse planning challenges.

0+

0+

Mentees Supported

Real-world guidance provided across diverse planning challenges.

0

0

States & Territories Covered

The collective experience of our mentors ranges right across Australia (and beyond!)

0

0

States & Territories Covered

The collective experience of our mentors ranges right across Australia (and beyond!)

0

0

States & Territories Covered

The collective experience of our mentors ranges right across Australia (and beyond!)

0+

0+

Expert Mentors

From many states in Australia, and each with more than 30 years experience and some closing in on 50 years!

0+

0+

Expert Mentors

From many states in Australia, and each with more than 30 years experience and some closing in on 50 years!

0+

0+

Expert Mentors

From many states in Australia, and each with more than 30 years experience and some closing in on 50 years!

0%

0%

Satisfaction Rate

As is evident from the testimonials, mentees to date would recommend the experience.

0%

0%

Satisfaction Rate

As is evident from the testimonials, mentees to date would recommend the experience.

0%

0%

Satisfaction Rate

As is evident from the testimonials, mentees to date would recommend the experience.

Services

Services

Services

What We Offer

1:1 Mentoring with a senior planning professional

1:1 Mentoring with a senior planning professional

Mentoring may include:

  • Career navigation and development pathways

  • Helping build useful skills (e.g. in communication, advocacy, people and time management and leadership)

  • Understanding processes and culture in the public and private sectors

  • Advice on stakeholder management and project delivery

  • Reflective discussion on ethical or strategic dilemmas

Mentoring may include:

  • Career navigation and development pathways

  • Helping build useful skills (e.g. in communication, advocacy, people and time management and leadership)

  • Understanding processes and culture in the public and private sectors

  • Advice on stakeholder management and project delivery

  • Reflective discussion on ethical or strategic dilemmas

Guidance tailored to your career stage, workplace context, or project challenges

Guidance tailored to your career stage, workplace context, or project challenges

Flexible arrangements based on your needs and location

Flexible arrangements based on your needs and location

We are also open to bringing together more than one of our mentors to lead workshops or other forums that help organisations and their people.

We are also open to bringing together more than one of our mentors to lead workshops or other forums that help organisations and their people.

Experts

Experts

Experts

About Our Mentors

Our mentors are all senior planning professionals with many decades of experience across public and private sectors. Collectively, they bring:

Hundreds of years of practical insight

Hundreds of years of practical insight

Hundreds of years of practical insight

Leadership experience across major planning organisations

Leadership experience across major planning organisations

Leadership experience across major planning organisations

Contributions to significant policies, precincts and reforms

Contributions to significant policies, precincts and reforms

Contributions to significant policies, precincts and reforms

They understand the real-world context of your work—because they’ve been there.

Perfect for

Perfect for

Perfect for

Who It's For

Anyone involved in shaping the future of our communities

Anyone involved in shaping the future of our communities

People moving from doing to managing, from managing to leading and from leading to leaving

People moving from doing to managing, from managing to leading and from leading to leaving

People in government seeking practical guidance

People in government seeking practical guidance

Practitioners leading or advising on complex projects

Practitioners leading or advising on complex projects

Anyone who would benefit from a sounding board with deep industry insight

Anyone who would benefit from a sounding board with deep industry insight

Testimonials

Testimonials

Testimonials

Hear from our clients

Hear from many who have worked with our mentors in many different contexts

  • Greg is uniquely qualified to provide independent and individually tailored coaching advice to planners and other professionals of all ages and experience levels.

    Stephen Patey, Sunshine Coast Council

  • Greg is a natural and seasoned mentor - he affably and authentically shares his experience and observations and, through conversation, encourages reflection and insight as a foundation for personal growth.

    David Corkill, City of Moreton Bay

  • Stephen is an extremely well respected innovative and creative urban expert that is visionary but practical.  His knowledge and experience would be a valuable asset to cities preparing for the future. 

    Felicity Anne Lewis, Past National President, Australian Local Government Association & former Mayor of Marion

  • I have known and worked with Liza for over twenty years. Liza is an effective and empathetic leader who sets clear vision, leads and supports her teams with great care and nurtures strong and ethical culture.

    Jennifer Roughan, Rough Plan

  • Liza’s impact on some of the major planning projects that I have been involved in has been crucial – we simply could not have achieved the outcomes without her involvement.

    Chris Adam, Consultant partner for multiple LGIPs and Growth Management Strategies

  • Stephen is a powerhouse presenter who can hold an audience on the edge of their seats with his fascinating insights into the world of tomorrow. His content is as entertaining as it is informative, it authentically challenge’s prevailing wisdom and invites us all to consider the reality of the velocity of change occurring around us.

    Fairlie Delbridge, Chair, Real Estate Institute of South Australia

  • Nicola has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.

    Matthew Cripps, Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside Council

  • Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals.

    Naomi Beck, Associate Niche Planning Studio

  • (Kathy Mitchell AM) Your life long service to the planning profession deserves loud applause for your enormous contribution. You are a leader with insight and empathy and a highly respected mentor to hundreds of women.

    Noeline Duff, PSM

  • Kathy has been hugely influential in the development of planning in Victoria over her time as Chief Panel Member. One of her greatest strengths has been her strategic vision and appreciation of the political environment.

    Nick Wimbush, Former Deputy Chief Panel Member

  • Dy is an empathetic and inspiring leader in the planning profession, internationally recognised for her unwavering commitment to sustainable development. She brings a rare blend of strategic insight and clear communication, pairing a bold vision for the future with a grounded, pragmatic understanding of the challenges ahead.

    Nicole Bennetts RPIA, State Manager

  • Dy’s approachable demeanour, clear communication, passion for evidence-based planning and knowledge-sharing inspired me and our teams to excel. She consistently provided insightful guidance and fostered professional growth.

    Kelli Adair, Head of Property, Boral

  • We had the pleasure of hearing from Ludo about design-led cities and places at our ANZ Leadership Forum. His passion, intellect and experience is truly world class. He is a pioneer, an inspiration and an urbanist that we can all learn from as we work together to shape our places and cities of the future.

    Kate Hartness, Director at Societe First.

  • Ludo is an inspiring leader and champion of urban design initiatives to help create one of the world’s most liveable cities. With his drive and vision, he played a pivotal role in Auckland’s commendation in 2016 for the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. He is an inspiring speaker and his advice is sought after as a global authority on urban design.

    Dr Roger Blakeley, Former Chief Planner at Auckland Council

  • Ludo is an inspiring leader and champion of urban design initiatives to help create one of the world’s most liveable cities. With his drive and vision, he played a pivotal role in Auckland’s commendation in 2016 for the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. He is an inspiring speaker and his advice is sought after as a global authority on urban design.

    Dr Roger Blakeley, Former Chief Planner at Auckland Council

  • We had the pleasure of hearing from Ludo about design-led cities and places at our ANZ Leadership Forum. His passion, intellect and experience is truly world class. He is a pioneer, an inspiration and an urbanist that we can all learn from as we work together to shape our places and cities of the future.

    Kate Hartness, Director at Societe First.

  • Dy’s approachable demeanour, clear communication, passion for evidence-based planning and knowledge-sharing inspired me and our teams to excel. She consistently provided insightful guidance and fostered professional growth.

    Kelli Adair, Head of Property, Boral

  • Dy is an empathetic and inspiring leader in the planning profession, internationally recognised for her unwavering commitment to sustainable development. She brings a rare blend of strategic insight and clear communication, pairing a bold vision for the future with a grounded, pragmatic understanding of the challenges ahead.

    Nicole Bennetts RPIA, State Manager

  • Kathy has been hugely influential in the development of planning in Victoria over her time as Chief Panel Member. One of her greatest strengths has been her strategic vision and appreciation of the political environment.

    Nick Wimbush, Former Deputy Chief Panel Member

  • Greg is uniquely qualified to provide independent and individually tailored coaching advice to planners and other professionals of all ages and experience levels.

    Stephen Patey, Sunshine Coast Council

  • Greg is a natural and seasoned mentor - he affably and authentically shares his experience and observations and, through conversation, encourages reflection and insight as a foundation for personal growth.

    David Corkill, City of Moreton Bay

  • Stephen is an extremely well respected innovative and creative urban expert that is visionary but practical.  His knowledge and experience would be a valuable asset to cities preparing for the future. 

    Felicity Anne Lewis, Past National President, Australian Local Government Association & former Mayor of Marion

  • I have known and worked with Liza for over twenty years. Liza is an effective and empathetic leader who sets clear vision, leads and supports her teams with great care and nurtures strong and ethical culture.

    Jennifer Roughan, Rough Plan

  • Liza’s impact on some of the major planning projects that I have been involved in has been crucial – we simply could not have achieved the outcomes without her involvement.

    Chris Adam, Consultant partner for multiple LGIPs and Growth Management Strategies

  • Stephen is a powerhouse presenter who can hold an audience on the edge of their seats with his fascinating insights into the world of tomorrow. His content is as entertaining as it is informative, it authentically challenge’s prevailing wisdom and invites us all to consider the reality of the velocity of change occurring around us.

    Fairlie Delbridge, Chair, Real Estate Institute of South Australia

  • Nicola has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.

    Matthew Cripps, Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside Council

  • Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals.

    Naomi Beck, Associate Niche Planning Studio

  • (Kathy Mitchell AM) Your life long service to the planning profession deserves loud applause for your enormous contribution. You are a leader with insight and empathy and a highly respected mentor to hundreds of women.

    Noeline Duff, PSM

  • Greg is uniquely qualified to provide independent and individually tailored coaching advice to planners and other professionals of all ages and experience levels.

    Stephen Patey, Sunshine Coast Council

  • Greg is a natural and seasoned mentor - he affably and authentically shares his experience and observations and, through conversation, encourages reflection and insight as a foundation for personal growth.

    David Corkill, City of Moreton Bay

  • Stephen is an extremely well respected innovative and creative urban expert that is visionary but practical.  His knowledge and experience would be a valuable asset to cities preparing for the future. 

    Felicity Anne Lewis, Past National President, Australian Local Government Association & former Mayor of Marion

  • I have known and worked with Liza for over twenty years. Liza is an effective and empathetic leader who sets clear vision, leads and supports her teams with great care and nurtures strong and ethical culture.

    Jennifer Roughan, Rough Plan

  • Liza’s impact on some of the major planning projects that I have been involved in has been crucial – we simply could not have achieved the outcomes without her involvement.

    Chris Adam, Consultant partner for multiple LGIPs and Growth Management Strategies

  • Stephen is a powerhouse presenter who can hold an audience on the edge of their seats with his fascinating insights into the world of tomorrow. His content is as entertaining as it is informative, it authentically challenge’s prevailing wisdom and invites us all to consider the reality of the velocity of change occurring around us.

    Fairlie Delbridge, Chair, Real Estate Institute of South Australia

  • Nicola has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.

    Matthew Cripps, Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside Council

  • Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals.

    Naomi Beck, Associate Niche Planning Studio

  • (Kathy Mitchell AM) Your life long service to the planning profession deserves loud applause for your enormous contribution. You are a leader with insight and empathy and a highly respected mentor to hundreds of women.

    Noeline Duff, PSM

  • Kathy has been hugely influential in the development of planning in Victoria over her time as Chief Panel Member. One of her greatest strengths has been her strategic vision and appreciation of the political environment.

    Nick Wimbush, Former Deputy Chief Panel Member

  • Dy is an empathetic and inspiring leader in the planning profession, internationally recognised for her unwavering commitment to sustainable development. She brings a rare blend of strategic insight and clear communication, pairing a bold vision for the future with a grounded, pragmatic understanding of the challenges ahead.

    Nicole Bennetts RPIA, State Manager

  • Dy’s approachable demeanour, clear communication, passion for evidence-based planning and knowledge-sharing inspired me and our teams to excel. She consistently provided insightful guidance and fostered professional growth.

    Kelli Adair, Head of Property, Boral

  • We had the pleasure of hearing from Ludo about design-led cities and places at our ANZ Leadership Forum. His passion, intellect and experience is truly world class. He is a pioneer, an inspiration and an urbanist that we can all learn from as we work together to shape our places and cities of the future.

    Kate Hartness, Director at Societe First.

  • Ludo is an inspiring leader and champion of urban design initiatives to help create one of the world’s most liveable cities. With his drive and vision, he played a pivotal role in Auckland’s commendation in 2016 for the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. He is an inspiring speaker and his advice is sought after as a global authority on urban design.

    Dr Roger Blakeley, Former Chief Planner at Auckland Council

  • Ludo is an inspiring leader and champion of urban design initiatives to help create one of the world’s most liveable cities. With his drive and vision, he played a pivotal role in Auckland’s commendation in 2016 for the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. He is an inspiring speaker and his advice is sought after as a global authority on urban design.

    Dr Roger Blakeley, Former Chief Planner at Auckland Council

  • We had the pleasure of hearing from Ludo about design-led cities and places at our ANZ Leadership Forum. His passion, intellect and experience is truly world class. He is a pioneer, an inspiration and an urbanist that we can all learn from as we work together to shape our places and cities of the future.

    Kate Hartness, Director at Societe First.

  • Dy’s approachable demeanour, clear communication, passion for evidence-based planning and knowledge-sharing inspired me and our teams to excel. She consistently provided insightful guidance and fostered professional growth.

    Kelli Adair, Head of Property, Boral

  • Dy is an empathetic and inspiring leader in the planning profession, internationally recognised for her unwavering commitment to sustainable development. She brings a rare blend of strategic insight and clear communication, pairing a bold vision for the future with a grounded, pragmatic understanding of the challenges ahead.

    Nicole Bennetts RPIA, State Manager

  • Kathy has been hugely influential in the development of planning in Victoria over her time as Chief Panel Member. One of her greatest strengths has been her strategic vision and appreciation of the political environment.

    Nick Wimbush, Former Deputy Chief Panel Member

  • Greg is uniquely qualified to provide independent and individually tailored coaching advice to planners and other professionals of all ages and experience levels.

    Stephen Patey, Sunshine Coast Council

  • Greg is a natural and seasoned mentor - he affably and authentically shares his experience and observations and, through conversation, encourages reflection and insight as a foundation for personal growth.

    David Corkill, City of Moreton Bay

  • Stephen is an extremely well respected innovative and creative urban expert that is visionary but practical.  His knowledge and experience would be a valuable asset to cities preparing for the future. 

    Felicity Anne Lewis, Past National President, Australian Local Government Association & former Mayor of Marion

  • I have known and worked with Liza for over twenty years. Liza is an effective and empathetic leader who sets clear vision, leads and supports her teams with great care and nurtures strong and ethical culture.

    Jennifer Roughan, Rough Plan

  • Liza’s impact on some of the major planning projects that I have been involved in has been crucial – we simply could not have achieved the outcomes without her involvement.

    Chris Adam, Consultant partner for multiple LGIPs and Growth Management Strategies

  • Stephen is a powerhouse presenter who can hold an audience on the edge of their seats with his fascinating insights into the world of tomorrow. His content is as entertaining as it is informative, it authentically challenge’s prevailing wisdom and invites us all to consider the reality of the velocity of change occurring around us.

    Fairlie Delbridge, Chair, Real Estate Institute of South Australia

  • Nicola has mentored many of her staff of which a large portion have been women, many of whom have gone on to be very successful in their own rights. The investment in the development of planners, and in particular many women, by Ms Smith is part of the generosity to support others and the wider industry.

    Matthew Cripps, Director City Planning and Amenity at Bayside Council

  • Nicola has always been a strong advocate for women and young planners. She loves to pass on the support and wisdom she has received over her career and is always giving us the boost we need to achieve and surpass our career goals.

    Naomi Beck, Associate Niche Planning Studio

  • (Kathy Mitchell AM) Your life long service to the planning profession deserves loud applause for your enormous contribution. You are a leader with insight and empathy and a highly respected mentor to hundreds of women.

    Noeline Duff, PSM

First steps

First steps

First steps

How to Get Started

When we learn of your interest Greg Vann, who coordinates our Collective, will be in touch to make arrangements about your mentor and have them contact you for the first chat.

If you don’t have a preferred mentor, we can discuss which of our mentors are the best fit for your needs. 

When we learn of your interest Greg Vann, who coordinates our Collective, will be in touch to make arrangements about your mentor and have them contact you for the first chat.

If you don’t have a preferred mentor, we can discuss which of our mentors are the best fit for your needs. 

When we learn of your interest Greg Vann, who coordinates our Collective, will be in touch to make arrangements about your mentor and have them contact you for the first chat.

If you don’t have a preferred mentor, we can discuss which of our mentors are the best fit for your needs. 

We offer a free introductory conversation to explore whether this mentoring is the right fit.

We offer a free introductory conversation to explore whether this mentoring is the right fit.

We offer a free introductory conversation to explore whether this mentoring is the right fit.

There is no obligation to continue past this session.

Ongoing mentoring arrangements and fees can be discussed with the mentor if you both wish to continue.

There is no obligation to continue past this session.

Ongoing mentoring arrangements and fees can be discussed with the mentor if you both wish to continue.

There is no obligation to continue past this session.

Ongoing mentoring arrangements and fees can be discussed with the mentor if you both wish to continue.

Projects

Projects

Projects

What Inspires Us

Some things we’ve been involved in or that inspire us.

Contact

Contact

Contact

Get in touch

if you’d like to know more about us or want to connect with one of our mentors, please complete the short form below and we’ll be in touch soon to help.

Or feel free to call Greg on +61 0438 521 822

if you’d like to know more about us or want to connect with one of our mentors, please complete the short form below and we’ll be in touch soon to help.

Or feel free to call Greg on

+61 0438 521 822