Olly Arkins is Sydney’s first trans Deputy Lord Mayor

Sydney has a new Deputy Lord Mayor! Councillor Olly Arkins is the first trans woman to be appointed to the second-highest position on the City of Sydney Council, marking a historic win for the Sydney LGBTIQA+ community. 

Cr. Arkins has a track record of delivering more affordable housing, improving and diversifying nightlife, and fighting privatisation of council services.

Since being elected to the City of Sydney Council in 2024, she has placed particular emphasis on initiatives that support renters, young people, and a more inclusive, diverse Sydney. 

This includes her advocacy for Special Entertainment Precincts to improve nightlife, improved and modernised council services such as an app to pay for parking, and the building of new affordable housing in Waterloo. 

 

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A post shared by Olly Arkins (@ollyforsydney)

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Congratulations to Councillor Olly Arkins

The Deputy Lord Mayor is elected annually by her peers on the city council. They serve as a second-in-command to the Lord Mayor (currently Clover Moore).

Councillor Arkins will assist with mayoral functions and may temporarily take over the office if the Lord Mayor is incapable. 

Since 2024, Cr. Arkins has also delivered a new LGBTIQA+ services hub in King’s Cross, and extended opening hours at libraries during exam times for students. 

She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Cultural, Creative and Nightlife Committee. As well as Co-Chair of the Creative and Nightlife Advisory Panel and a board member of Local Government NSW.

The Inner City Legal Centre congratulated Cr. Arkins on her new position, emphasising the historic nature of her appointment as Deputy Lord Mayor. 

 

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Councillor Arkins ran for council because she believes that Sydney can deliver the basic council services for residents, while fostering a creative, welcoming and social environment.

She hopes to place the culture of our First Nations people at the forefront and centre of policy, as we take our place as a global city.