Sydney Opera House is accepting expressions of interest for a First Nations heritage expert to join its Conservation Council.
The ten-member Conservation Council – established in 1996 – provides specialist conservation and heritage advice to the Opera House Trust. The prescribed advice is guided by the Opera House’s Conservation Management Plan, Utzon Design Principles, Heritage Action Plan and other relevant principles. The council also monitors implementation of heritage and conservation matters, including policies, plans and heritage values.
According to the position advertisement, the council’s organisational strategy for 2024–2026 highlights an objective that “First Nations voices and culture play a vital role in shaping the opera house and its future – being at the forefront of the continuation of the cultural care, truth telling and storytelling about this place.”
Sydney Opera House acting CEO Kya Blondin said the council “is committed to First Nations voices and culture being central to our [the Sydney Opera House’s] identity and future.”
To be eligible for the position, candidates must have experience in First Nations heritage management and conservation, demonstrated knowledge of NSW and Commonwealth heritage frameworks, and a proven track record of providing advice on a similar committee or panel.
The council has a maximum of 10 members, consisting of an Opera House trustee, who is chair of the council; three members of the Opera House executive team; a representative of NSW government heritage; a representative of NSW government planning; the NSW Government Architect or their nominee; an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person with suitable experience in First Nations heritage or conservation issues; and other specialists with recognised expertise in some or all of the following areas: architecture, heritage and conservation, design, engineering or performing arts.
The membership term is three years, with extensions for further terms at the discretion of the Sydney Opera House Trust. The council holds at least three formal meetings per year, however members may be asked to attend additional sessions to review time-sensitive matters.
A typical council meeting may cover planning and heritage approvals, Design Advisory Panel activities, Conservation Management implementation, interpretation strategies, collections management, building and maintenance projects, as well as precinct events and activations.
The expression of interest portal closes on 6 January 2025. To find out more, visit the NSW government website.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
