Olly Arkins Appointed Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney
Sydney is gaining a new voice in its civic leadership. Olly Arkins, a dynamic figure with deep roots in the city, has been unanimously elected as the deputy lord mayor for the City of Sydney, marking a significant moment for transgender representation in Australia’s most populous urban area.
Arkins’ appointment comes two years after she was elected to the City of Sydney Council, and it places her in a unique position as the first openly trans deputy mayor of Australia.
Her campaign for Council was built on a deeply personal understanding of Sydney—it was a place of both incredible vibrancy and considerable frustration. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Arkins reflected on the city’s duality, acknowledging the challenges of high rents, strict policing policies, and historical lockout laws.
Her vision for the city is clear and optimistic: “I’m ready to get to work on making Sydney a city that’s easy and enjoyable to live in, and one people around the world are desperate to visit.”
This commitment to making Sydney a truly welcoming and accessible place is reflected in her history of advocacy. As a lifelong Sydneysider, Arkins has consistently championed causes that enrich the city fabric, including supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, investing in affordable housing, and backing major cultural events like Yabun and Mardi Gras.
Beyond local advocacy, Arkins has made a name for herself in the world of music and festival reform. Previously, she served as the chief executive officer of the Australian Festival Association (AFA) for five impactful years. During this time, she successfully led a major push to rewrite the Music Festivals Act in New South Wales, achieving significant reforms that were passed by the state parliament.
Her work on festival legislation went further, involving advocating for increased funding through the federal government, securing dedicated support for events, and establishing drug-checking services at music festivals across both New South Wales and Victoria. She also successfully renegotiated licensing schemes to ensure fairer terms for the industry.
Today, Arkins continues her commitment to community and culture, serving as deputy chair of the cultural, creative, and nightlife committee and co-chair of the creative and nightlife advisory panel, alongside her roles in local government New South Wales.
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