Olly Arkins Unanimously Elected As Deputy Lord Mayor Of Sydney

First-term Labor Councillor, Olly Arkins, has been unanimously elected as the Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, making her the first openly trans person elected to the City of Sydney.

Despite Arkins’ election marking a tremendous victory for the LGBTQ+ community, the Councillor has made clear that her commitment is to Sydney, and her election will be a win for all who call the vibrant city home.

“I ran for Council because I have lived in Sydney at its best; fun, welcoming, diverse and affordable,” said Arkins. “I have also lived it at its worst; lockout laws, eye-watering rents and policing policies that attempted to put music festivals out of business.

“I know what it takes to get the balance right. Delivering quality council services for our residents, while continuing to progress as the creative, welcoming and social place we all know we can be. “

According to Arkins, her four major priorities as Deputy Lord Mayor will be affordable housing; for Council services to be delivered in-house by City staff, rather than for-profit contractors; the fruition of Special Entertainment Precincts; and finding a permanent home for fbi radio, an independent, not-for-profit community radio station supporting emerging artists in Sydney.

“We can take our place as a global city, while deeply respecting our history — particularly that of First Nations people, whose culture should be at the forefront of how we set policy,” said Arkins.

“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.”

About Olly Arkins

Arkins was born in Sydney and trained as a nurse at Notre Dame in Darlinghurst, whilst working as a swim instructor at the City’s Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre. She has over a decade of experience working in cultural policy and advocacy in the music industry, festivals, and government. 

Since her election to Council in 2024, Arkins has been noted for introducing Special Entertainment Precincts, extending library opening hours during exam seasons, and investing more in affordable housing. 

Arkins also spearheaded the City of Sydney’s new sourcing framework, which will require staff to better justify the $1 billion in council services being outsourced this term. She also initiated the City’s creative and nightlife concierge, a front-door service for creatives and nightlife businesses in need of support and for people to pay for parking via an app. 

Arkins is Deputy Chair of the Cultural, Creative and Nightlife Committee, and Co-Chair of the Creative and Nightlife Advisory Panel. She has served as a board member of Local Government NSW since 2025.