A collective of brilliant minds and industry experts

Backed by some of Australia’s most significant planning projects – this leadership team is forging a brighter future for Australian communities, with a team of 55+ innovators and creators in tow.

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Meet Our People

  • Ben Hendriks
    Founder & Executive Chair

    Ben is the Founder and Executive Chair of Mecone, a leading Australian town planning and urban design consultancy with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

    With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Ben has built a reputation for providing valuable planning and design advice to clients in both the public and private sectors. His expertise covers a wide range of planning areas, including strategic planning, statutory planning, and urban design.

  • Adam Coburn
    Managing Director

    Adam Coburn has over 23  years of experience in planning, including development assessment, strategic planning, environmental impact assessment, and development advisory.

    He has worked on key site renewals and with government agencies at local and state levels. Adam has expertise in environmental impact assessment for projects in renewable energy, waste and resource recovery, health and education sectors. As Mecone’s Managing Director, he ensures high project standards are met and consulting services are delivered efficiently.

    E: acoburn@mecone.com.au

  • Greg Chemello
    Greg Chemello
    Advisory Board Member

    Greg brings extensive experience across state and local government, infrastructure, property and regulation. His roles have included senior positions in the Queensland Coordinator-General’s Office, State Planner for Queensland, General Manager of Economic Development Queensland, Administrator of Ipswich City Council, and CEO of Moreton Bay Regional Council. Greg currently chairs the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.

  • PETER DEVINE
    Peter Divine
    Advisory Board Member

    Peter is a former CEO of Manidis Roberts, which operated nationally before being acquired by RPS. He now works in venture capital as a Partner at Beachhead Venture Capital, investing in and advising early-stage technology companies, alongside advisory roles to professional services firms.

  • KATHY MITCHELL
    Kathy Mitchell AM
    Advisory Board Member

    Kathy brings deep expertise in strategic planning, governance and independent decision-making. She served for 20 years as Chief Panel Member of Planning Panels Victoria, leading major inquiries including the Suburban Rail Loop, Metro Tunnel and desalination projects. Kathy currently sits on the Advisory Board of Villawood Properties and the BaptistCare Affordable Housing Board, and was awarded Member of the Order of Australia for services to town planning.

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