The committee provides advice to the Board and management of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority on the Parklands.

Committee members will each bring different skills and experiences to the group. We are seeking a diverse group of people and a range of expertise. The committee members will provide feedback on the Parklands Plan of Management, as well as advising on a range of issues that affect how SOPA manages and cares for the parklands.

Committee input will be sought on conservation activities, heritage management and activation, playgrounds, community facilities, policies on licensing and permits and other issues and programs that affect the way people use and enjoy the parklands.

There are 430 hectares of public parkland in Sydney Olympic Park. Bicentennial Park, Blaxland Riverside Park, Wentworth Common, Newington Armory and the Newington Nature Reserve are all part of our Parklands.

SOPA is seeking local community members who have a connection to the Parklands to provide input on behalf of the community. We are aiming for a committee that represents the diversity of the local community, with reference to age, gender, cultural background, residential dwelling and tenure type, disability status and household composition. At least one member must live within 10km of Sydney Olympic Park.

We are also seeking individual members with the following skills, knowledge and experience to provide expert perspectives:

• Urban parklands planning and design
• Active Recreation and Leisure
• Cultural and Nature tourism
• Environmental management
• Education and sustainability programs
• Heritage management and activation
• Connections and access to local community & lifestyle
• Representation of local First Nations peoples
• Sustainable operating models for public spaces

A member of the SOPA Board will chair the committee. The City of Parramatta and Greater Sydney Parklands will also each have a representative on the committee.

As well as seeking a diverse mix of people with the skills outlined above, SOPA will assess candidates against the following criteria:

• Sound knowledge of Sydney Olympic Park's Parklands (including Blaxland Riverside Park, Bicentennial Park, Wentworth Common etc) and Sydney Olympic Park in general
• Able to communicate effectively
• Able to seek and express the views of other community members/users through their existing connections, employment, or membership of local entities

We are seeking candidates via a application process open from 24 June – 15 July 2024.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in the week beginning 29 July 2024.

SOPA must consult with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and the Minister for the Environment before candidates are appointed by the SOPA Board.

We are planning for the committee to meet for the first time in September 2024. The committee will meet at least every three months, with meeting dates and times set in consultation with the committee members.

No. The committee positions are volunteer roles.