Who We Are

Friends of Sydney Harbour believes that the Harbour is arguably the most beautiful public space in the world. And as our late patron, Ian Kiernan, AO declared, “The harbour belongs to everyone.”

Friends of Sydney Harbour was formed in 2012 from public meetings which called on the NSW government to reject a proposal for a “floating heliport” to be moored in the harbour. A subsequent independent report commissioned by the government found damming evidence of inadequate planning, processes and outcome, with scant regard for due procedures, departmental review nor community concerns for safety, noise, and a complete lack of consultative processes. The “floating heliport” was rejected, and new regulatory standards reviewed and adopted by all relevant public authorities.

Since 2012 Friends of Sydney Harbour has been an important voice for the harbour, and an advocate for several community groups concerned with inappropriate development, overcrowding, pollution, water safety. See full list under Projects & Achievements.

We have always have been, and remain an independent, non-political, community based, not for profit group.

David Morris - Deputy Chair

David Morris spent fifty years in the advertising industry, as a copywriter, Creative Director and CEO. He founded two successful ad agencies, and with his partners, twice won Agency of the Year. He wrote the Code of Ethics for the Advertising Federation of Australia. David holds a MA in Creative Writing from UTS, and now writes novels. He was a founding member of FoSH in 2012.

“I believe that "the world’s most beautiful public space" will need to be increasingly defended against inappropriate development.”

Mark Gaudin - Secretary / Treasurer

With over 30 years aviation experience, Mark currently works as a Sydney based EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Rescue helicopter pilot. He is a lifelong water sports enthusiast. Combining a career in rescue services and holding degrees in biological science and psychology, Mark is committed to serving the community with a special interest in safety and the protection of Sydney Harbour and environment.

"Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s great assets which can and should be shared by everyone in a safe and harmonious manner.”

Prof. Robyn Bushell - Committee Member

Professor Robyn Bushell holds a PhD from The University of Sydney, and is a Professor at Western Sydney University. She works in heritage, tourism policy and planning, mostly in SE Asia, collaborating with many UN agencies – such as UNESCO, the World Health Organisation; the World Bank; various aid and national agencies, aligning development with community wellbeing. Robyn has served as a Ministerial appointment on State and Federal boards of management and advisory committees in Australia for national parks and World Heritage sites. She has experience in strategic planning and grant writing.

"As a person who works at the interface of heritage management, tourism planning and community development I appreciate the many challenges in ensuring Sydney harbour remains the wonderful and accessible place it is. This requires very careful and responsible stewardship and advocacy".

David Pescud OAM - Committee Member

David Pescud’s career started in engineering, however he quickly found himself in the Feed and Grain industry, and then Transport. In 1990 he sold his business and dived into his passion: building several boats. In 1994 he founded the NFP organisation Sailors with disABILITIES (now Making Waves Foundation) which today has offices in three states, operating on the Australian eastern seaboard.

"Having been a sailor on Sydney Harbour for the last 30 plus years, I believe it is our responsibility to protect and ensure accessibility for all to the beauty of this iconic precinct with its unique natural assets now and for future generations.”

Lachlan Bollen - Committee Member

Lachlan’s career began in environmental science and grew into senior advisory roles guiding complex, high‑risk environmental and marine programs across Australia and the Asia‑Pacific. Over more than 17 years he has managed diverse technical teams, shaped environmental strategy, and supported major infrastructure and energy developments in sensitive and challenging settings. Known for clear judgement, practical problem‑solving and strong regulatory engagement, he brings deep field experience from alpine, desert, jungle, offshore and marine environments. Today he applies this background to initiatives that aim to protect and enhance Sydney Harbour and its surrounding natural landscapes.

"Sydney Harbour is the greatest example of an urban estuarine environment. A place that carries a responsibility to lead the world in urban marine stewardship while balancing the pressures of a modern city."

Elisa Chan - Sub Committee Member

Elisa has recently moved back to Sydney and is actively donating her time as a sub-committee member.

Mark Buchanan - Committee Member

Mark Buchanan grew up in country NSW and has been in Sydney working as a disputes lawyer for over 40 years. He first saw the Harbour when he was 8 years old. He remembers the thrill of being battered by huge waves on the Manly ferry.

“Like many others, I still marvel at the Harbour’s incomparable beauty. And like so many others, I am keen to see it protected and preserved for future generations."

John Molyneux - Patron

“We were galvanised into community action by the NSW government’s failure to listen to Sydneysider’s concerns.”

Kristen Lock - President / Chair

Kristen Lock has more than 30 years’ experience spanning the public, private, academic, community and political sectors. She holds degrees in Public Health and Nursing, and has also studied International Studies. Her career is unusually broad, ranging from nursing in remote Aboriginal communities to director roles in agricultural commodity trading and property development companies. More recently, Kristen has led strategic initiatives and campaigns focused on strengthening community participation and engagement in our democracy across all levels of Australian government.

"Sydney Harbour and all its waterways are among our most treasured shared assets. We cannot take their unique natural beauty and accessibility for granted - we need a bold, long-term vision that will enrich and sustain them for our great-grandchildren and for generations beyond."

Get in Touch

We welcome your inquiries and feedback. Connect with us to support the preservation of Sydney Harbour's beauty and enjoyment for all.

Contact

info@friendsofsydneyharbour.org.au

© 2024. All rights reserved.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the foreshore lands, waters and sky, the Borogegal, Birrabirrigal, Cammeraygal, Dharug, Gadigal, Gayamagal, Wallumedegal and Wangal, Peoples. Highly significant to the Traditional Custodians, the creation story Boora Birra describes how the great eel spirit created the water courses known today as Sydney Harbour. It is also significant as the place of first contact between the Traditional custodians and non-aboriginal people.

Thank you Sarah Malone for your photography contribution.