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.
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.
Source: Olly Arkins is Sydney’s first trans Deputy Lord Mayor