Women planners with designs on improving urban environments

Tuesday November 8, 1994 Media release by Rosemary Cadden

The increasing number of women involved in urban planning is changing the face of our built environment - with designs that incorporate the needs of families and communities as a whole.

The strengths women have brought to the areas of planning and design will be highlighted during a major seminar in Adelaide on Tuesday, November 8 - World Town Planning Day.

Making a difference, which has attracted eminent women planners from all over Australia, will explore the diversity, breadth, style and resourcefulness of women involved in planning our communities.

"How will Australia be different in 10 years from now because we have heard and acted upon the voices of women?" is the question to be answered during the seminar's hypothetical.

Bettina Cass, Professor of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Sydney will deliver the Tom McKenna Memorial Lecture, who will look at the key importance of bridging the divisions between our public and private domains, the changes that have been won in this area and the benefits which are being felt.

The Colonel Light Award, recognising the work done "behind the scenes" in urban planning projects, will be announced at a Lord Mayor's reception.

The keynote speaker is Sophie Watson, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Sydney who will talk on "Celebrating the diversity of women's contribution to planning."

The seminar, an official Women's Suffrage Centenary event, was initiated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The World Town Planning Day program is supported by the Royal Australian Planning Institute, the City of Adelaide and the Planning Education Foundation.