Damian Chapelle
Managing Director & Town Planner
Bachelor of Town Planning (University of NSW)
Damian is a town planner and managing partner of Newton Denny Chapelle with over 30 years experience. He is skilled in statutory and strategic planning with a focus on the facilitation and strategic planning of major projects. His extensive experience and involvement in the development industry has contributed to significant projects across northern NSW involving health care, residential, mixed use, industrial, commercial, retail, aged care and education sectors. The depth of his engagement with Local and State Government decision makers, ensures Newton Denny Chapelle’s developments receive the highest level of consideration through the assessment process.
Damian is a respected member of the community and is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Lismore.
Adrian Zakaras
Town Planner
Director, Bachelor Urban Regional Planning (University of New England)
Adrian has extensive experience coordinating the preparation of development applications across the North Coast. His experience includes all facets of strategic and statutory planning including the management of teams to prepare major development proposals, preparation of Statement of Environmental Effects, due diligence reports, Planning Proposal (rezonings). Adrian’s experience covers a wide range of projects in northern NSW in large and small scale residential, commercial, retail, subdivision and mixed use developments. He also has a depth of knowledge with respect to Part 5 applications relating to works on behalf of public authorities.
Adrian is an active member of his local community. He is a Life Member of Lennox Head Football Club, was President for 5 years and is still heavily involved in the operation of the club.
Josh Blackler
Civil Engineer, MIEAust NER
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Bachelor of Business (Management) (Hons)
Josh is a Civil Engineer and Partner at Newton Denny Chapelle. He is skilled in Engineering Supervision and Site-Superintendency, however can assist clients through design reviews, authority applications and compliance with authority standards across a wide range of Private and Local Government Areas in Northern NSW. Josh can help throughout your project from Preliminary Design Evaluations and Cost Indications, Construction Support, and through to subdivision and occupation certificates, and Final Construction Certification.
Karina Vikstrom
Town Planner
BTP (Hons) (University of NSW) RPIA
Karina has extensive experience coordinating the preparation of development applications across the North Coast. She also has a depth of knowledge with respect to strategic planning, from both her time working with Local Government and subsequently with the private sector. Karina has worked on a diverse range of planning projects, including the preparation of Development Applications for larger scale residential developments, mixed use projects, commercial & industrial developments and Planning Proposals to amend Local Environmental Plans (zones, lot sizes etc). She also has wide ranging experience in the preparation of Reviews of Environmental Factors (REFs) on behalf of Government Agencies.
Karina is a Registered Planner via the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), being the highest grade of membership at PIA.
Aaron Hoffman
Civil Engineer, NER
Bachelor of Engineering (University of Queensland)
Aaron is a Civil Engineer and Partner at Newton Denny Chapelle, with a strong focus on design and approval management for complex, multi-disciplinary projects (as well as simple ones). He has extensive experience navigating regulatory frameworks and coordinating design teams to ensure smooth progression from concept through to approval and delivery. Aaron is highly skilled in developing practical design strategies, managing stakeholder expectations, and securing timely approvals to keep projects on schedule and within budget. With excellent communication skills and a collaborative style, Aaron builds trusted relationships with clients, authorities, and contractors, ensuring every design meets technical, regulatory, and quality standards.
Richard South
Registered Surveyor NSW
Licensed Surveyor VIC
Bachelor of Geomatic Engineering (Hons)(University of Melbourne)
Richard brings nearly 20 years of varied surveying experience to the team. He began his career as a Surveyor’s Assistant while studying, progressing into leadership roles and ultimately achieving registration as a surveyor. Over the years, Richard has worked across Victoria, overseas, and now New South Wales, contributing to a wide range of surveying and land development projects—from small cadastral surveys to high-rise construction and everything in between.
Richard is passionate about helping clients and stakeholders achieve the best outcomes on all projects, drawing on his extensive technical knowledge and practical experience. Richard is committed to sharing his knowledge and experiences with the next generation of surveyors.
Danny O’Sullivan
Graduate Surveyor
Bachelor of Spatial Science (Hons)(University of Southern Queensland)
Danny is a Graduate Surveyor with a diverse professional background, including experience in both sport and facility management and spatial science & surveying. Danny began his surveying career with NDC in 2008 as a Surveyors Assistant and subsequently earned his Bachelor of Spatial Science from the University of Southern Queensland in 2014. He possesses a broad range of experience in construction and cadastral surveying. His work spans large-scale projects like the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment, as well as numerous large and small-scale rural & residential subdivisions and strata developments. He is committed to providing high-quality service, creating lasting client relationships, and building confidence in the NDC brand. Prior to his surveying career, Danny worked in the field of sports management and local government. He worked with SOCOG in preparation for the Sydney Olympic Games and followed this with a managerial role in local government coordinating sport and community facilities. Danny was born and raised in Lismore, has strong ties to the community and is heavily involved in baseball.
