Spatial Data Group

Leadership Team 01 / 01

Building partnerships to last.

Meet the trusted team dedicated to helping you build your best projects.

Craig Turner Managing Director View

Craig Turner

Managing Director

As the Managing Director of SDG, Craig is motivated to make a difference in people’s lives be it his, his team, clients, or in the community. He values integrity and accountability and is proud to lead a diverse company of great people much smarter than him. Being supported by an exceptional team enables him to continue to provide clients with the best solutions.

Recently awarded 2022 Professional Surveyor of the Year, Craig is actively involved in the surveying industry.  A current board member and past president on Consulting Surveyors NSW and Current President of Consulting Surveyors National. He is involved in a number of industry committees and forums, presents at business workshops, and also speaks at various conferences and seminars throughout Australia on the business side of surveying.

Craig is most proud of the friendly service-orientated culture at SDG, including our pro bono work and community support.

Michael Trifiro Partner & Registered Surveyor View

Michael Trifiro

Partner & Registered Surveyor

Passionate about both the company and the industry, Michael is a valued member of the SDG team. His attention to detail and ability to develop ideas and solutions sees Michael challenge the status quo and engage in the most advanced of projects.

The variety of work combined with opportunities to solve problems and develop ideas motivates Michael in his work with SDG.

As Chair of the Cumberland Group of Surveyors, Michael extends his involvement in the industry outside of his position at SDG, which has seen him achieve a number of awards one of which being the 2017 Young Professional of the Year at the NSW Excellence in Surveying and Spatial Information (EISSI) Awards.

Outside of his dedication to the industry, Michael enjoys spending time outdoors and relaxing with his family on their farm at Jindabyne.

Phillip Dowling Partner & Operations Manager View

Phillip Dowling

Partner & Operations Manager

Phillip is proud to have been involved with SDG from the very beginning. Seeing, and being part of, the success and growth of the company has been an exciting experience for Phillip.

He is most proud of his work on a 44 Storey Residential Tower in Sydney, and the development of Oran Park High School, along with the extension of the primary school. Phillip has a great ability to see the big picture and facilitate last minute requests.

In his spare time, Phillip enjoys mountain biking and cricket. He values humility and loyalty, and is motivated by his ability to help others improve their skills in the industry, making Phillip an essential part of the SDG team.

Vicki Colombage Partner & Registered Surveyor View

Vicki Colombage

Partner & Registered Surveyor

Motivated by the satisfaction of completing a large project and the possibility of facing new challenges and learning everyday, Vicki effectively manages both projects and people at SDG.

What she likes most about SDG is the small company mentality, where every individual is valued and there is strong support for professional and personal growth. Vicki values accountability, quality work, and combined efficiency and effectiveness.

She has a seat on the Board of Surveying & Spatial Information (BOSSI) and is involved in various BOSSI committees. In her spare time Vicki enjoys getting outside, kayaking, hiking and swimming. She is most proud of having worked on SDG's larger projects including an 11 lot stratum subdivision in Burwood, and a 3 stage greenfield subdivision at The Ponds.

Matt Plowman Partner & Registered Surveyor View

Matt Plowman

Partner & Registered Surveyor

A focused and committed member of the SDG surveying team, with a strong background in the surveying of multi-unit developments, Matt enjoys the challenge of getting the job done and building client relationships.

He is involved in the industry as a member of the Institute of Surveyors NSW & Consulting Surveyors National. 

Away from work, Matt is kept busy with family, being on the organising committee of his son’s annual school fete and other extracurricular activities and is a member of New Haven Farm Home at Freeman’s Reach. When not in Sydney, Matt can be found exploring the outback off the main roads with his wife and son in their 4WD & camper.

Sandy Richardson Senior Registered Surveyor View

Sandy Richardson

Senior Registered Surveyor

The enjoyment of being part of a company that provides surveying solutions and services of the highest standards resulting in satisfied clients, motivates Sandy to perform to the best of his abilities for SDG.

Proud to be part of a team with a first-class culture, Sandy values integrity, loyalty, reliability and accountability. His ability to relate well to others, combined with strong attention to detail and a drive to complete jobs to the highest standard, makes Sandy a valuable asset to the SDG team.

The opportunity to project manage one of the company’s biggest clients, ALAND, as well as the development of LandXML procedures are two of the achievements Sandy is most proud of and he appreciates the opportunity to continue developing his professional experience and expertise every day.

He spends most of his personal life enjoying activities with his young family, and when given the opportunity, pursuing one of his favourite outdoor or sporting activities.