We are proud to share that Sky Planning Director Melissa Neighbour has been elevated to Registered Planner (RPIA) by the Planning Institute of Australia, effective 21 May 2026.
Registered Planner is the highest individual accreditation grade conferred by PIA — Australia's peak professional body for town planners. Elevation to this grade recognises that a planner has met advanced standards of professional practice, education, and ethical conduct throughout their career.
"We are pleased to advise you that you have successfully completed all of the requirements to elevate to Registered Planner." — Planning Institute of Australia
What does RPIA mean?
The post-nominal RPIA (Registered Planner, Planning Institute of Australia) is the benchmark credential for senior planning professionals in Australia. It confirms that a planner has demonstrated advanced expertise, maintained ongoing professional development, and upheld the PIA Code of Ethics throughout their career.
For Sky Planning's clients, this accreditation is an assurance of quality — when you engage our team, you're working with planners at the top of the profession.
About Melissa
Melissa Neighbour is the Director and Founder of Sky Planning, with over 20 years of experience across development, strata, community engagement and strategic advisory work in NSW. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Planning (Hons), a Diploma in Project Management, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She is a former lecturer at the University of Sydney and a recipient of the Top 100 Women in Construction 2026 award.