Protecting Sydney Harbour Together

Friends of Sydney Harbour Inc. is a dedicated community activist group advocating for the preservation and enjoyment of Sydney Harbour, ensuring its beauty and amenity for current and future generations.

Sydney Opera House, Australia
Sydney Opera House, Australia
Our Mission
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We strive to be a voice for Sydney Harbour, promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship to safeguard this iconic natural treasure for everyone who cherishes its beauty.

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.” DM

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.” MG

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". RB

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.” DP

Kathrina Doran - Committee Member

Kathrina Doran is a seasoned leader in business. As CXO she has successfully driven strategic initiatives, developed wining cultures and fostered innovation and operational excellence. Kathrina is passionately committed to community engagement; as President of The Mosman Rowers, and long-term member of FoSH, where she advocates proactively on behalf of both the environment and community. Kathrina graduated as a pharmacist from University of Dublin, Trinity College, and has an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management.

"The breathtaking Harbour was the key reason we fell in love with Sydney and decided to make it our home. I believe we have a social responsibility to ensure our native asset is protected, not only for our generation but for the next generations to love, share and appreciate.” KD

Will Manning - Committee Member

William Manning has spent over 20 years working on and around Sydney harbour, building a deep connection to its waterways and community. His background in diving, marine construction, and boat building, has earned him a trusted reputation with his slipway and shipwright workshop. A lifelong competitive sailor, Will has raced everything from dinghies to ocean-going yachts, and is an active member of several sailing clubs.

"I am a strong advocate for mooring reform, responsible disposal of end-of-life fiberglass vessels. And I believe we need policies to manage vessel wash, particularly the impact of mechanical wash from ferries on harbour infrastructure." WM

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." MB

John Molyneux - Patron

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

Rodney Northam

"I have had a connection to Sydney’s Harbour and waterways throughout my life; rowing at school and on to the 1964 Olympics, later making a career sailing in my father’s wake, and now on the harbour aboard my Halvorsen motor boat."

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.

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