THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 14 December 2023
New appointees to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
The Albanese Labor Government has today announced several new appointments to join the board that protects some of the most iconic places around Sydney Harbour.
The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is responsible for conserving and managing nine sites around the Harbour, visited by over 2 million people each year. After a decade of neglect by the previous government, many of these sites are in a dangerous state of disrepair, putting their environmental and heritage values at risk.
The Minister for the Environment and Water has appointed Professor Tim Entwisle as Chair of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (Harbour Trust). Professor Entwisle is a highly respected scientist with experience in environmental and heritage conservation, including his most recent role as the Head of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Two new members will join Professor Entwisle on the new look board. Ms Ann Sherry AO and Ms Alexandra O’Mara both bring extensive expertise and experience to the Trust.
Ms Sherry has served as an active philanthropist and adviser, who held the role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia for a decade.
Ms O’Mara was nominated by the NSW Government and brings over 20 years’ experience leading projects across areas including infrastructure, sustainability, and natural resource management.
Alongside the recent appointment of Mr Terry Bailey as Harbour Trust member earlier in November, the newly appointed members bring capabilities in leadership, communication and community engagement, conservation, land planning and management, military history, and tourism.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon Tanya Plibersek:
“Sydney Harbour tells the story of our city and our nation, of 20,000 years of First Nations connection and culture, of migration, and of how Sydney has grown and developed.
“After a decade of neglect by the previous government, we must continue to conserve and manage these iconic sites for generations to come. It’s a critical time for the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, and I’m pleased to appoint a range of people who have the experience, leadership and vision to understand the community, understand the challenges, and help ensure these iconic sites can be enjoyed and protected.
“I thank Acting Chair, Ms Alison Page, for her work in the role since July 2023 and commitment to heritage conservation, protection, and celebration of Australia’s Sydney Harbour."
Biographies:
Professor Tim Entwisle
Professor Entwisle has worked in botanic gardens at Kew (London), Sydney, and most recently as the Head of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Professor Entwisle is an experienced committee and board member and chair and has recently been involved in chairing panels and forums discussing the use of open space. He brings capabilities in environmental and heritage conservation and interpretation, land planning and management, business, financial and asset management, tourism, and marketing.
Ms Ann Sherry AO
Ms Ann Sherry AO is current Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology and one of Australia's leading business executives with a career that spans government, banking and cruise tourism. She has a passion for improving opportunities and removing barriers for women in STEM and sport and supporting opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
Ms Sherry is an Adviser, the former Chairman and was Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia for a decade. Carnival Australia is the largest cruise ship operator in the Australia/Pacific region. She has also held several other executive and non-executive positions at significant corporations and public sector bodies.
Ms Alexandra O’Mara
Ms Alexandra O’Mara has over 20 years of experience leading strategy development, execution, and delivery of results in different spheres of the public and private sectors, providing strategic advice as the Director and Founder of Sustainable Solutions Advisory Pty Ltd which focuses on sustainability, impact, engagement, and leadership. Ms O’Mara is the Chief Advisor to the Urban Transformation Research Centre of Western Sydney University and was a Deputy Secretary in the NSW Government for over five years.
Ms O’Mara’s appointment followed a recommendation from the NSW Government.
Mr Terry Bailey
Terry is the Executive Dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering at the University of Tasmania and a former Executive Director of the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. He has 35 years’ experience working in the environment and heritage fields. Between 2004 and 2010, Terry prepared world heritage nominations for the Australian Government, including the Ningaloo Coast, the Australian Convict Sites and the Sydney Opera House. Terry is an expert advisor in world heritage to the Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland governments.
Terry has gained a thorough understanding of planning legislation and policies through executive leadership roles in the New South Wales and Australian governments – his most recent public sector appointment being Chief Executive of the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage.
Mr Bailey’s appointment followed a recommendation from the NSW Government.
ENDS
