MEnvPl, BA (Human Geography & Demography), MPIA, MEIANZ, MSIMNA

Liesl Codrington is the Director of Vaere Social. Liesl is a widely recognised leader in social sustainability, with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, social impact assessments, social infrastructure assessments and community needs analysis. Her expertise also extends to social research, where she excels in analysing data to uncover and understand community dynamics, identify trends, and drive informed strategic decisions.

Throughout her career, Liesl has led high-impact projects across New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. Her extensive sector experience spans infrastructure, property, renewable energy, transport, water, health, and education, and her portfolio includes landmark developments such as the Snowy Mountains and Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precincts, Ginninderry, and Harbourside, along with numerous social impact assessments for schools, hospitals, and mixed-use property developments.

As an active and skilled social researcher, Liesl has an exceptional talent for distilling and communicating complex data, uncovering insights that drive policy and planning. Her current research focuses on the experiences of neurodivergent people in public spaces, an area where she is making significant contributions to inclusive planning.

Liesl is a values-driven leader with a deep commitment to creating inclusive places that meet the needs of underrepresented groups. She advocates for the voices of neurodivergent individuals, youth, older adults, women, and marginalised communities, ensuring their perspectives shape planning and development processes.

Known for her warm, authentic leadership style, Liesl’s people-first approach and dedication to delivering high-quality outcomes have earned her a reputation as a trusted leader in the field. She believes that well-designed spaces can transform lives by enhancing community wellbeing.

Outside of work, Liesl enjoys hiking Canberra’s scenic trails, lifting weights in the gym, reading, cooking healthy recipes, and spending time with family and friends. As an active Parkrun director and regular trail runner, she proudly celebrates the Cnberra’s natural beauty, ease of transport, open spaces, vibrant café culture, and exceptional work-life balance.