Reflections on 2024
With 2024 almost behind us, our team took a moment to reflect on the year that was — the projects, places and people that made it memorable and the moments that made it shine.
_Michael McKeown
Director
For me, 2024 highlights have included helping newer members of our team get involved in some interesting urban renewal, strategic planning and public realm projects.
Working with councillors in communities like Gawler, Port Adelaide and West Torrens has also been rewarding. Nothing beats talking directly to the mayors and elected representatives about the future of their local places. We all learn a lot.
On a personal note, this year I ran a sub-three hour marathon. I don’t know if I could do it again… but I have entered a 100 kilometre race in 2025. If you know what that means, you’ll know what that means!
_Vicki White
Business Manager
As we near the end of another year (they go so quick!), it’s great to take a moment to pause and reflect. Looking back at the projects I was heavily involved in has once again including the preparation and submission (with the help of Jacob from Dsquared) of our data and Public Disclosure Statement for Jensen PLUS’ carbon neutral organisation certification by Climate Active, which was approved just a few months ago for the 2023 calendar year. This is a significant body of work but important in ensuring we remain accountable and true to our shared and organisational values.
This year we also hosted a celebration in our office to mark a significant milestone for Jensen PLUS. This year signifies 30 years of business for Jensen PLUS so it was great to see so many of our valued clients, colleagues and friends join us and I think everyone would agree it was a great night.
Both of the above have taken a lot of effort and time, but seeing the end results with our ongoing Carbon Certification and the successful 30 Year event makes it all worthwhile.
I’m looking forward to some quiet time over the Christmas/New Year break to binge watch Netflix and read some good books. Here’s to 2025 and seeing what it will have in store for myself and Jensen PLUS.
_Pat Iwanyshyn
Senior Urban Designer + Urban Planner
Returning to Adelaide from Melbourne this year has been an exciting move, which has been made even better by working on some great projects at Jensen PLUS.
I’ve really enjoyed working across various scales and locations throughout South Australia. From the Gawler Growth Framework, a long-term strategic plan for Gawler developed through extensive community and stakeholder engagement, to delivering social and affordable housing initiatives with SA Housing Trust.
A particularly unforgettable experience has been working with the towns and communities in the Northern Flinders Ranges (pictured above). Read more about this project here.
As this busy year comes to an end, I’m looking forward to the break and what 2025 will bring!
_Nina Phillips
Senior Landscape Architect
After starting with Jensen PLUS in September 2023, it’s been great to find my feet and establish myself as a valued part of a very welcoming and supportive team. There has been a number of exciting projects but one that stands out most is completing the Greening Port Pirie project. It was rewarding to to work closely with plant and seed specialists to ensure a site-specific outcome for the Phoenix Park wetland in particular.
On a personal note, a highlight was our family road trip to Port Lincoln. It is a truly beautiful place — and the mussels are amazing!
As a new year approaches, I am looking forward to the opportunity to be part of many more and a wider variety of projects at Jensen PLUS. I’m also looking forward to the construction of some of our landscape projects that were completed this year including Port Pirie and Hawthorn Stage 1. As I work to further enhance my professional knowledge and contributions, I’m excited to continue working closely with my mentor and complete my AILA registration.
_Brian Du
Landscape Architect
2024 has been a year filled with achievements and meaningful moments. A major professional milestone for me was the success of my AILA Registered Landscape Architect application, marking a significant step in my career. Another highlight was the completion of the detailed design phase for the Broken Hill Townsquare Redevelopment project, which has now entered the construction stage. I’m eagerly anticipating seeing it come to life next year.
On a personal note, a standout moment was when my daughter Mona was selected for Tennis Australia’s Super 10s National Camp. She’ll participate in this prestigious training program in Melbourne during the Australian Open in January, and we couldn’t be prouder of her achievement.
In 2025, I’m excited to see several projects come to fruition, including Greening Port Pirie, Broken Hill Townsquare Redevelopment and Activating Hawthorn’s Hidden Gem, as they transform into vibrant public spaces embraced by their communities.
_Natalia Gonzalez
Landscape Architect
2024 has been an incredible year, marked by both professional and personal milestones.
Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of leading impactful projects that allowed me to apply the project management knowledge gained during my MBA studies, which I completed last year.
The Regenerating the Alice Town Centre project stood out as a community-centred initiative, focusing on concept designs to enhance central Alice Springs for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Additionally, I successfully completed my role as superintendent for the vibrant and ecologically responsive reserve at Northwest Quarter, Angle Park. With the landscapes now maturing after a season of growth, this project emphasises sustainability by incorporating resilient endemic plant species around stormwater basins, promoting water retention, weed suppression, and biodiversity.
Personally, the highlight of my year has been welcoming my beautiful daughter Teresa in August. Becoming a mother has been transformative, filling my life with immense joy and purpose. As I dedicate half of this year to her care during maternity leave, I’m also eagerly anticipating my return to work next year, feeling reenergised and ready to embrace new professional challenges with excitement and determination.
